Fall Prevention: Simple Home Safety Tips for Seniors

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Falling is the number one cause of injuries among seniors, and many of these accidents happen at home. This is a scary thought, but the good news is the majority of these falls are preventable if the right measures are taken.  

Dangerous falls can lead to potentially life-altering injuries, but becoming aware of your living environment and making the necessary changes can dramatically reduce the chances of having an accident at home. 

Seniors will feel a lot safer when they:

  1. Install non-skid bath mats

Self-adhesive slip-resistant strips are also very effective and should be placed in tubs and showers to prevent falls in the bathroom.

  1. Install solid handrails on all stairs

Going up and down stairs can be very dangerous, but placing solid handrails on both sides will provide seniors with stability and allow them to climb stairs a lot more easily.

  1. Make sure the home is well-lit

Darkness can lead to falls, and seniors need to be able to see their surroundings. Proper lighting throughout the home is a must, as this will make it easier for seniors to navigate through their space, and they will be able to detect potential tripping hazards.

  1. Make sure rugs are slip-proof

Getting your foot caught in a rug is very common, and this is even more problematic for seniors who cannot catch their fall. All rugs in the home should be slip-proof, and taping them to the floor is highly recommended.

  1. Remove items that are easy to trip over

They must be removed, whether it’s an ottoman in the middle of the room, electrical cords or a pile of books. Clutter is a significant concern due to the potential trip hazard and subsequent injuries. A senior whose structural integrity and bone health may already be compromised could be at high risk for serious injury due to slips, trips and falls. Removing unnecessary clutter will establish a clean environment that is far less accident-prone.

  1. Install safety grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet

Seniors may have difficulty lowering themselves onto the toilet, but a grab bar will provide support. They will be able to lower and lift themselves with the help of this tool, and installing one in the shower is also highly recommended. This bar will prevent seniors from slipping and falling on the wet surface. 

  1. Install anti-slip safety treads on all stairs

This consideration applies to stairs on the interior and exterior of the house. Treads should be placed on all stairs to provide seniors with a better grip.  

  1. Make any necessary repairs

Loose floorboards, for example, should be repaired immediately, and any other components that can cause accidents should be dealt with immediately. 

These simple yet effective steps will positively impact daily routines and reduce the likelihood of a serious fall for seniors.

Conclusion

Are you in pain as a result of a fall? Our team here at Apex Physiotherapy & Chiropractic can provide relief through the various treatments we offer. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help you move comfortably again after an accident. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Can Orthotics Help with Sciatic Pain?

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Custom orthotics can help alleviate lower back pain, and if you suffer from sciatica, this is an effective device you can consider. Custom orthotics provide foot support and are designed to cushion your heel, toes and foot. You will experience relief from discomfort and pain caused by sciatica, a symptom of any common lower back problems. 

Those who suffer from sciatica will feel numbness, weakness, tingling or pain that will start in the lower back and travel through the buttock to the large sciatic nerve that runs down the back of your leg.

How Orthotics Can Help with Sciatica

Lower back pain falls into two categories; chronic lower back pain, which is any ache or pain that lasts longer than three months and acute lower back pain, which refers to pain that starts after an event like lifting a heavy object. Custom orthotics can help both categories and is known to significantly improve pain and discomfort. 

With sciatica specifically, custom orthotics can help by:

Controlling Foot Movements

Your orthotic device can be used to control motions of your foot that may be transferred up the leg and to the lower back. Excessive movement of your foot beyond its range of motion can transfer into rotational movement of the leg. This rotation will then transfer up to your knee and lead to pain, or it can pass through the knee up to the hip and cause the muscles in your lower back to work overtime to stabilize. Custom foot orthotics can be used in these cases to control the movements of your foot and reduce the cascading effect up your leg to your lower back. 

Reducing Impact on Joints

An orthotic device can also be used to reduce impact forces while you walk. When the joints in your foot have reduced ranges of movement, the force of your heel striking the ground can be transferred through your foot and up your leg to your hip and lower back, and this problem is more common with individuals who have high arches and a rigid foot structure. Your custom orthotic will provide cushioning and distribute the pressure beneath your feet evenly, reducing some of the impact forces associated with walking. 

Custom orthotics are designed to the individual needs of the person and their feet. They are specific to your feet; every factor will be considered to ensure your orthotics can help with your sciatica. Custom orthotics can be adjusted or modified if your needs change to ensure your continual, optimal comfort in your day-to-day activity.

Conclusion

Are you ready to say goodbye to sciatic pain? Custom foot orthotics may be the answer, and our team here at Apex Physiotherapy & Chiropractic can provide you with more information. We will discuss all of the benefits custom orthotics provide, and you can contact us any time to schedule an appointment!

5 Ways to Prevent Falls at Home and Elsewhere

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Fall prevention is very important because an accident can happen at any time, and a fall can result in serious, sometimes even life-threatening, injuries. 

The following tips will help you prevent falls and stay safe:

  1. Stay As Healthy As Possible

Practicing good self-care is one of the best ways to avoid falling, which means you must stay active and well-nourished. You must also take good care of your feet and eyes and understand how certain medical conditions and prescription medications impact the risk of falls. This knowledge will allow you to apply the best prevention strategies tailored to your condition and lifestyle.

  1. Do Not Be Afraid to Use Assistive Devices

Many people do not use assistive tools because they think it’s a sign of weakness, but putting your pride aside will allow you to remain safe. Assistive devices and corrective lenses will allow you to remain independent and feel safe because you will avoid slip and fall hazards. You will feel steadier on your feet as these devices provide balance and stability assistance.

  1. Turn on the Lights

You are far more likely to bump into things when you can’t see where you’re going in your own home, potentially tripping over items in your path during evening hours. A well-lit home is a lot safer as it will lower the risk of falls, and you can easily navigate through your home. Add lighting to your hallways and stairwells to see where you’re going and ensure nothing is in your way. 

  1. Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

Magazines, cords, ottomans and loose carpeting can all cause dangerous falls, and you need to eliminate such hazards from your home. Remove these items and create clear paths to prevent slips and falls, and do your best to ensure your home is organized with ample walking space. You shouldn’t have to walk around furniture or piles of books, and your floors should be clean and clear.

  1. Make the Necessary Changes

Whether it’s loose floorboards or the installation of stair grips, some fall-prevention improvements will require extensive effort, but these projects are worth your time. Installing handrails in bathrooms is a smart idea, as is installing non-skid flooring. Stairways should have sturdy banisters, and anything that seems even remotely dangerous should be fixed. 

Taking a few precautions will minimize your risk of falling, and your home will be a safe and risk-free environment. Falling can affect your independence and health, which is why you need to take all of the necessary steps to avoid accidents from occurring.

Conclusion

Are you experiencing pain and discomfort as a result of a fall? Whether you fell at home or elsewhere, physio and chiropractic care can help, and the experts at Apex Physiotherapy & Chiropractic can help provide relief. We will find the source of your pain and provide compassionate, comprehensive treatment. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!