Unicare unlocks the power of Falls Prevention with Brightwater
Many people believe falls are a natural part of getting older, but let’s challenge that assumption. Research shows that falls aren’t an inevitable part of aging. In fact, there are many things that occupational therapists (OTs) and other allied healthcare professionals can do to reduce the likeliness of falls, and even to prevent them. In an aged care home, having the right equipment and the right training is essential in making sure that residents are well cared for. That’s why we were so excited to pay a visit to our friends at Brightwater Inglewood to give a presentation on the use of assistive technology for fall prevention.
Brightwater Falls Prevention Workshop
Wednesday, 4 April 2024
Brightwater Inglewood
We recently visited Brightwater Inglewood to take part in their annual Falls Month campaign. Every April, this exceptional aged care home places emphasis on falls education and prevention strategies. Our star clinical trainers, Annette Dumble and Ilissa Liew, had the pleasure of running an engaging and informative presentation for the staff at Brightwater. The result? A team equipped with a better clinical understanding of assistive technology for falls prevention.
Ilissa started the conversation by discussing the features and functions of electric profiling beds. These beds offer dynamic positioning capabilities like knee break, seat function, Trendelenburg, and reverse Trendelenburg, catering to the unique needs of each resident. The Xcel Floorline bed, for instance, is a multi-functional positioning bed that not only provides these beneficial features but also offers easy auto-leveling and floorline functionality. Ilissa talked about how the features of the Xcel Floorline bed can be used to prevent falls, encourage resident mobility and reduce manual handling.
Annette took the stage next, showcasing a diverse array of mobility aids, wheelchairs, walkers, and more. Out of the spotlight emerged our eye-catching Aura wheelchair. With its super lightweight design, weighing only 6.5kg when leg rests and wheels are removed, the Aura offers easy transportation and maneuvering for both users and attendants. Additionally, its swing-away footrests create more space when transferring the user in and out of the wheelchair, reducing trip hazards and enhancing freedom of movement.
Small Items, Big Impact
Annette also discussed the AutoSlide, a remarkable product made of smooth slide sheet material that assists users in sliding into and out of their car seats. Pair this with the Handy Bar, which provides a stable handle for support during vehicle entry and exit, to significantly improve user safety during car trips. With this combination, you can rest assured that your clients are protected against falls when getting in and out of a car.
There are plenty of small household aids that can greatly contribute to safety and stability in your falls prevention plan. For example, a reacher or grabber is a time-tested device that helps users pick up small objects. By extending their reach, it protects them from leaning or reaching too far out of their chairs. Another versatile tool is the dressing stick, which assists individuals in various parts of dressing. It protects against falls by eliminating the need to bend down while putting on shoes or pulling up trouser waistbands. Likewise, a sock and stocking aid helps users to get ready in the morning without having to bend or stretch too far.
After the presentations, the OTs had plenty of time to chat with our clinical experts. Together, they gained a greater understanding of how assistive technology can safeguard against falls and help users stay mobile, active, and safe!
Thank you
We extend our gratitude to the clinical staff at Brightwater Inglewood for their enthusiastic participation in this workshop. We hope you enjoyed exploring the world of falls prevention equipment with us.
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