Intrinsic Factors
Lower extremity (leg)______ is an intrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is lower extremity weakness? Walking and other physical activities that you enjoy like gardening can help safely condition your endurance.
Throw ____ and loose carpets are extrinsic factors for fall risks.
What are throw rugs? Clearing a pathway for walking is essential!
Occupational therapists can help you prevent ___.
What are falls? OTs can help you alter many factors in your home and lifestyle to lessen the risk of falls.
Never stand on a _____ or similar items to get to something you can't reach. Ask for help when needed.
What is a chair? You could also use a reacher for some items.
What are the 3 P's of energy __________?
What is energy conservation? The 3 P's are
Pace
Plan
Prioritize
Fear of ________ is an intrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is fear of falling? Fear of falling can lead to reduced involvement in activities which can increase lower extremity weakness and decrease endurance.
Lighting ____ is an extrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is lighting glare? Lighting glare can distort things and hide items that you would usually know are right there.
OTs review the ____ environment for hazards.
What is OTs review the home environment for hazards?
Do not use towel ____, sink edges, etc for support as they could become detached from the wall.
What are towel bars? An OT can recommend railings in locations that are appropriate for you as well as non slip strips or rubber mats in the bathroom.
_______ yourself will help you to have enough energy to complete an activity.
What is pacing yourself? You can break an activity into smaller parts and have some parts ready from the night before like preparing a meal in a slow cooker to wake up to.
Side effects of __________ are an intrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is the side effects of medications? It is important to know the side effects of medications and manage any symptoms by letting your primary care physician and occupational therapist know.
Household ___ can be an extrinsic factor for fall risks.
What are household pets? Be aware of when your pet is in the room and walk slowly to avoid tripping over your pet.
OTs evaluate the individual for limitations that contribute to ____.
What are falls? If a client is showing any of the intrinsic factors like fear of falling, an OT can help address that.
Use a night_____ in the bedroom or bathroom.
What is a nightlight? Being able to see your environment when you need to get up in the middle of the night can help prevent falls.
Developing a ____ will help you accomplish all of the activities you do on a daily or weekly basis.
What is a plan? Planning can mean collecting all of the items you need before a task like cleaning. Planning can incorporate the use of AE which an OT can recommend to you. Ask for help with activities that make you fatigued.
Impaired ______ is an intrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is impaired balance? It is important to engage in light exercise that improves balance and to use any DME while walking that has been prescribed to you.
A house full of ______ can be an extrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is a house full of clutter? Decluttering and ensuring a clear walkway is essential!
Occupational therapists train clients and their ______ as well as any interdisciplinary team involved on how to lessen their risk of falls.
What are families? Training the client's family or caregivers helps keep the client accountable and lessen the risk of falls.
Immediately wipe ___ off of the floor and install nonslip rubber bath mats.
What are spills? Even a small amount of liquid can cause a fall.
Being able to _____ which tasks are the most important to get done will help conserve energy.
What is being able to prioritize? Some things need to get done, and some things can wait. Ask yourself:
What do I need to do today? What do I want to do?
What can be put off until another day?
What can I ask someone else to do for me?
_______ impairment is an intrinsic factor for fall risks.
What is sensory impairment? It is important to be aware of your surroundings and wear non-slip shoes whenever possible.
Unstable or non existent _______ when walking up/ down stairs can be an extrinsic factor for fall risks.
What are unstable or non existent handrails? Fell for the sturdiness of a handrail before applying your weight onto it. Have handrails applied at home if you don't have one especially by stairs.
Occupational therapists help prevent falls on a large scale by speaking at _____ centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
What are senior centers? Share what you've learned today with your family and friends to help them prevent falls as well.
Stay _____ to maintain strength, endurance and balance.
What is stay active? Keep engaging in meaningful activities as appropriate and engage in light exercise like walking.
Top _____ conserving tips
What are top energy conserving tips?
Don't hold your breath during any task.
Avoid pulling, lifting, bending, reach, twisting when possible.
Push or slide heavy items rather than lifting them when possible.
Bend with knees not at your waist.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.