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What is one way friends, family, or pets in the home can create unintentional fall hazards?
Pets jumping or getting under foot, not picking things up off the floor, creating clutter...
Prior to standing, what are some safety strategies you can implement to avoid a fall?
What should be in the bathtub to prevent a fall?
Grab bars and tub transfer bench
Name two fall hazards you might encounter while moving from the car to the pharmacy.
Floor mats, curbs, cracks in sidewalks
What is an assistive device that can help with mobility?
Front wheel walker, 4 wheel walker, quad cane, single point cane
What is a piece of adaptive equipment that can help with getting dressed?
Dressing stick, sock aid, reacher, zipper pull
Pursed lip breathing, drink water, pump your legs
Name a fall hazard in the bathroom.
Water, throw rugs, towels, clothes
When entering a community building with your wheelchair or walker, what should you look for to make it easier to get inside?
Automatic door opener, ramp, railings
True or false: placing your feet far in front of you can help you stand up easier.
False. You should position your feet closer to your body for a more stable base of support when standing.
Name two fall risks you could encounter in the living areas of your home?
Cords, throw rugs, clutter
Standing up too fast may cause what?
Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, nausea
Orthostatic Hypotension
What is a piece of adaptive equipment that can help with getting bathed?
Long handled sponge, shower chair, grab bars, hand held shower head.
What is an outdoor hazard that might be present during the current season?
Heat, burns on skin if a fall happens on the cement or road, falling at a pool, dehydration, monsoon season
Sitting for a long period of time can put you at risk for skin breakdown or pressure injuries. What can you do to reduce the pressure from sitting?
Changing position in chair (leaning forward, chair pushups), standing, walking
When you go home after being in the hospital, you may get tired more easily. What are two ways you can preserve your energy during the day?
Hint: Pacing, prioritizing, planning, positioning
Create a schedule, make time for rest breaks, implement energy conservation techniques, etc.
What muscle group is responsible for standing up from a chair
Quadriceps, gluteus maximus, core muscles
Where is the best place to store your medication?
In a cool dark space. The heat and moisture in the bathroom can cause the medication to break down.
What are two alternative modes of transportation you could use if you are unable to drive yourself to an appointment or event?
Uber/Lyft, bus, light rail, taxi, medical transport, friend/family or neighbor
Is it okay to pull up from your walker to stand?
No. It is always better to push from the surface you are standing from.
What plans could you put in place in the event of an emergency while you are home?
Lifeline/life alert, keeping a phone nearby
Describe the steps to perform a proper sit to stand or transfer - Bonus points for demonstration!
Position yourself, scan the environment, ensure W/C brakes are locked, forward weight shift, walker within base of support, establish balance
If you feel unsure while taking a bath or shower while alone, what is something you can do as a precaution while you bathe?
Have a shower chair/bench, sit down prior to turning water on, remain seated for 2-3 minutes prior to standing, have towel nearby to dry off prior to standing
When going up stairs or a curb, which foot should you go up with first? Which foot should come down first?
Good foot goes first when going up the stairs, Weak leg goes first when going down the stairs
If you drop something on the floor, how can you pick it up safely while sitting in the wheelchair?
Use reacher or make sure that your wheels are turned forward.