FALL FACTS
The best type of footwear to prevent falls (should be worn inside and outside the house).
sneakers, low heel, nonslip, light weight, good support (guess one)
Occupational therapy is the same as Physical Therapy
False, OT focuses on participating in meaningful daily activities, while PT focuses on improving a patient's physical function
The most common place that people fall in their home
Bathroom
These are offered to residents here at The Pillars to make the process of bringing groceries or heavy items from the front entrance to your front door easier
Grocery Cart
An activity you should do at least 2x per week to promote healthy aging
Exercise (balance/strength training)
When preparing to stand, should you push up from the chair or pull yourself up from your walker?
Push yourself up from the chair
Proper use of a cane involves holding the cane on the opposite side of the weaker or affected limb and using it to redistribute weight and improve balance.
True
The most common place that people fall in the community
Parking Lots/Parking Curbs
Name a piece of adaptive equipment that can be used in the bathroom to prevent falls.
shower chair, grab bars, raised toilet seat, reacher, non-slip mats, commode, etc.
What are some things you can do to ensure you are getting enough sleep each night?
Have a consistent night-time routine, avoid napping in the evening, avoid caffeine in the evening, limit fluid intake in the evening to avoid getting up at night, engage in exercise regularly, etc.
How can you improve your balance?
Regularly engage in balance exercises, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, focus on using proper form when completing tasks, go slow and be aware of how you are feeling before taking your first steps
Chairs with wheels contribute to a greater fall risk
True, the chair can go rolling behind you, causing you to miss the chair when sitting
If you have a weaker leg and are using the stairs should you go up with the stronger or weaker leg first?
Up with the good (stronger leg), down with the "bad" (weaker leg).
When going up, your stronger leg is better equipped to push your body weight up the stairs, while the weaker leg can follow and provide support.
When going down, leading with your weaker leg allows you to use your stronger leg to control your descent and absorb the impact.
Name a piece of adaptive equipment that could be used to pick something up off the floor or to take clothes out of the washer?
A reacher/grabber
You need this to be able to see obstacles and maintain your balance and should have it checked at least annually
Vision
Name 2 environmental hazards
high bed height, slippery floor, unsecured rugs, clutter, inadequate lighting, lack of grab bars, lack of railings
Falls are a normal part of aging
False, falls are due to internal factors (poor vision, hearing, balance) and external factors (cluttered entryway, poor lighting, not using your walker, etc)
The most common time of day that people fall
The evening (fatigue, urinary frequency)
Adding this piece of equipment to the walls in your bathroom (near the tub and shower) will help prevent falls
Grab Bars
A thin/movable comfortable type of flooring that could cause you to fall. You should not walk over them if you have trouble walking or use an assistive device.
Throw rugs
What are the four "P's" or principles to energy conservation?
Plan, Pace, Position, Prioritize
Using furniture to help steady you can improve your gait
False, use your walker or cane! if you find yourself reaching for furniture and do not have an assistive device, talk to your doctor or PT/OT
Where should the handles of the walker align while you stand with your arms at your sides?
Wrist level
You may need this piece of equipment if you find yourself "furniture walking"
Assistive Device (cane, walker, walking stick, etc.)
Part of the body that can effect the vestibular system/balance that should be checked at least once a year.
Ear/Hearing