Bathroom Safety
Something you can install on the shower walls to help prevent falls
Grab bars
What can you do to prevent tripping over items around the house?
Declutter the floor, remove items from walkway
What can be used to help pick up items dropped on the floor?
Handheld reacher/grabber
True or False: All walkers are appropriate for everyone no matter their height or weight?
False: Your physical therapist is trained to adjust the height of your device, based on your height.
What should you do to prevent falling when reaching for items from the top shelf?
Move them to a lower surface, keep your walker nearby
What can be placed over top of the toilet seat to assist in standing/sitting?
Raised toilet seat or commode placed over toilet
What should you do with rugs around the house to prevent tripping?
Remove all rugs or use rug grip strips
What can be used to help put your socks on if you cannot reach your feet?
Sock aid
True or False: When returning to sitting, your walker shoulder be left away from you to allow plenty of room around your sitting area
False: You should keep your walker with you until seated and once seated, push your walker within arms distance to the side of you.
What can you use to manage your medications
Pill planner
Set a specific day for replacing medications
Have a friend or family member help with managing medicines if needed
What can you do to conserve energy while showering?
What can you do to help with vision around the house?
Turn on the lights
What can be used to help wash hard to reach areas when bathing?
Long handled sponge
True or False: When using a rollator, if you get too tired you can sit on the seat and push yourself where you need to go
False: You shoulder never push yourself or allow someone else to push you when seated on a rollator.
True or false: Aging can lead to decreased muscle strength and balance issues
True
What can be used in the bathtub/shower to decrease fall risk?
Use a bench or shower chair
Install grab bars
What should you do if you become dizzy while walking in your home?
Find the nearest seat to sit down in. If there is nowhere to sit nearby, lean back against nearest wall for support.
What can be used to help putting shoes on?
Shoe horn, elastic shoe laces, slip on shoes
What should you do if you are seated in a wheelchair and want to stand up?
Lock your wheelchair brakes
Scoot to edge of chair
Use wheelchair arm rests to stand up
What shoes should you wear to help prevent falls?
Choose well-fitting, non-slip shoes to improve stability!
What can be used to assist with rinsing when in the bath/shower?
Handheld shower wand
What number do you call in case of an emergency such as a fire?
911
What can be used if you have difficulty buttoning your shirts?
Button hook, or wear a pullover shirt
True or false: You should put both hands on walker prior to standing up from wheelchair
False - this can cause it to tip forward
True or False: When transferring with a sliding board, make sure you are transferring to a height lower/even to the surface you are transferring from.
True: For optimal sliding board transfers, the surface you are transferring to, should be even with or slightly lower than the surface you are transferring from.