What is one way friends, family, or pets in the home can create unintentional fall hazards?
If you are using a walker or wheelchair, what is one way you can transfer food or water from the kitchen to the table?
Walker tray, lap tray, or ask for help!
What should be in the bathtub to prevent a fall?
Tub bench, grab bars, non-slip shower mat, handheld shower head
Name two fall hazards you might encounter while moving from the car to the pharmacy.
Curbs, moving cars, weather related hazards (rain/puddles, snow/ice, leaves)
What is an assistive device that can help with mobility?
rolling walker, rollator, cane, wheelchair (manual vs power), hemi walker
What is a piece of adaptive equipment that can help with getting dressed?
Reacher, sock aide, dressing stick, long handled shoe horn, button aide, etc.
What can you use to put out a grease fire?
Fire extinguisher (K), smother with a pan, baking soda, salt
NO FLOUR!!!!! It burns.
Name a fall hazard in the bathroom.
Water on the floor, bath rugs, clutter (towels, clothing, etc), soap on the ground, poor lighting at night (need a nightlight!)
When entering a community building with your wheelchair or walker, what should you look for to make it easier to get inside?
Automatic doors, ramped entrance
Describe the steps of getting out of a recliner.
Lower footrest, scoot forward until feet are on the floor underneath you and shoulder width apart, push up through both arms, grab adaptive device once in standing (i.e. walker)
Name two fall risks you could encounter in the living areas of your home?
When opening the oven, where should you stand with your walker or wheelchair?
To the side, never in front :)
What is a piece of adaptive equipment that can help with getting bathed?
What is an outdoor hazard that might be present during the current season?
Spring - rain/puddles, lightning
Summer - heat (can cause heat stroke)
Fall - leaves
Winter - snow/ice
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?
Pressure reliefs (leaning to each side or forward for at least 30 seconds each side for manual wheelchair users & tilt-in-space for power wheelchair users)
or.... Stand up!
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?
4 P's of Energy Conservation! (pacing, prioritizing, planning, positioning)
Identify two areas in the kitchen that may be unsafe.
Sink (water spills), Stove/oven (fire risk)
Where is the best place to store your medication?
Anywhere NOT in the bathroom! (moisture affects medication efficacy)
Use a medication organizer or a locked box if you have children.
What are two alternative modes of transportation you could use if you are unable to drive yourself to an appointment or event?
- Family member or friends
- Medical transportation ($$$)
Is it okay to pull up from your walker to stand?
What plans could you put in place in the event of an emergency while you are home?
Lifeline/life alert, keeping a phone nearby, alexa or google home devices, smart watch, cameras
What is one way you could reorganize your kitchen to make it more accessible?
- Place commonly used items on the lower shelves (heavy items at safe height for lifting)
- Place appliances on the counter
- Clear pathways and no rugs (declutter)
If you feel unsure while taking a bath or shower while alone, what is something you can do as a precaution while you bathe?
Take a sponge bath, remain seated, or ASK FOR HELP!
When going up stairs or a curb, which foot should you go up with first? Which foot should come down first?
Up with the good (unaffected), down with the bad (affected)
If you drop something on the floor, how can you pick it up safely while sitting in the wheelchair?
Make sure your brakes are locked and lean to the side OR use a reacher.
NEVER lean forward, you may fall out of your chair!