Home sweet home
What about YOU?
That's a bad idea!
Mystery
AE&DME
100
These may have many hazards including high steps, a lack of hand support, difficult doors, or slippery surfaces.
What are Entrances?
100
What is one thing YOU should avoid when out in the community to prevent falls?
What is crowds? Being jostled by others can upset your balance. Don't get distracted! Be aware of crowded areas and try to avoid if possible.
100
When walking in small spaces, what should you avoid?
What is turning quickly? Turning around too fast can lead to a fall. Make sure to pace yourself and take your time and take small steps when turning to avoid losing your balance and falling
100
Lower level of this Vitamin are linked to lower muscle strength and more falls
What is Vitamin D? If you have low levels, supplements can help improve your muscle function and strength. Check with your doctor, and only take Vitamin D if you have low levels
100
You can use these at home or in the community to decrease fall risk
What is a grab bar? Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet.
200
High-risk room for injurious falls
What is the bathroom?
200
What should YOU do if a heavy item is JUST out of reach?
What is ask for help? If you are concerned that you cannot complete a task easily and safely, do not risk a fall by trying to do it. Make sure to ask others for help if you need it, Do NOT get up onto a step ladder!
200
You want to do laundry in the basement but no one is home to help you so you grab the basket and start walking down the steps. What is wrong in this scenario?
What is carrying? Carrying heavy items can put you off balance and not seeing your feet increases fall risk as well. Avoid carrying heavy loads of laundry or carrying laundry down the stairs. Some pts use duffel bags and thrown small loads of laundry down the step.
200
This type of exercise can decrease your fall risk
What is Tai Chi (Tai Chi helps prevent falls by improving balance and control. Tai Chi is a low impact exercise of slow, focused movements and controlled breathing)
200
This walking device cannot help if you don't use it!
What is all of them! If a health professional has advised that you use a walking device, make sure to keep it within your reach at all times. If you feel unsteady walking, talk to your doctor to find out what device, such as a cane or walker, is best for you
300
What is one hazard in your dining room?
What is a dining room chair? (Make sure the chair you are sitting in is sturdy. Try to avoid chairs that have wheels on the bottom, as they could slide out from underneath you. Always make sure the chair is directly behind you before sitting down.)
300
Can YOU watch too much TV?
What is yes! Low activity levels are linked to falls, and increasing your physical activity can reduce your chance of a fall and fall injury. Participating in exercise/leisure activities is an easy way to increase your physical activity
300
When getting up from bed what should you avoid?
What is change positions quickly? Don't go from lying to sitting to standing quickly. Orthostatic hypotension (feeling light-headed or dizzy when getting up too quickly) with uncontrolled hypertension increases your risk of a fall. If you do feel dizzy, stand up slowly, using a stable object for support before walking to allow your blood pressure to regulate
300
This eye condition can increase fall risk
What is cataracts ?Cataracts are very common as people age. They create blurry and hazy vision, making it difficult to see changes such as the edge of the curb on the sidewalk. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a safe way to improve your vision.
300
This device can help you get out of bed
What is a bed rail? If you cannot get out of a flat bed with NO rail when you are at Encompass, you might want to consider a getting a rail for home
400
How can you make your home safer for walker use?
What is clear pathways? Be sure to keep clear pathways in your home. Furniture, objects, and boxes can make it more difficult to move around and may cause a trip.
400
When working to decrease falls, is safer for YOU to wear shoes or go barefoot?
Safe shoes reduce your chance of a fall compared to going barefoot or wearing an unsafe shoe. Athletic and canvas sneakers are good choices. Other types of shoes may have slippery soles, no back, or not enough support.
400
The doorbell rings three times! What do you NOT do?
What is Rush? Rushing to door/phone or to finish a task makes it more likely that you will not see things that can lead to a trip, or you might turn too quickly. Give yourself extra time and remember to slow down!
400
How can this tool help you get dressed?
What is buttoning your clothing? (Button Hook)
400
How can this prevent a fall in the bathroom?
What is a tub bench? Tub benches aid in stepping over the edge of the tub and provide a seat while bathing. Shower chairs are smaller and best when there is no edge of the tub to step over.
500
What is one way pets in the home can create unintentional fall hazards?
What is jumping up, getting under foot when using a walker or food/water being a tripping hazard
500
What can change YOUr perception of the surroundings?
What is glasses? Wearing multi-focal glasses while walking can distort distances, making it difficult to find obstacles in your path. If you use reading or multi-focal glasses, take them off when walking. Be extra cautious when getting used to new glasses.
500
What in this person wearing that increases her fall risk?
What is long flowing clothing? (Optional: unsupportive sandals) Loose clothing can get caught on door handles, chairs, or underneath your feet
500
This body part is very important in preventing falls
What is your feet? It is important to take care of your feet. Foot problems such as pain, calluses, ulcers, and deformed nails all increase walking and balance difficulty. If you have foot problems, make sure to visit a foot doctor (podiatrist)
500
How can YakTrax prevent a fall?
YakTrax can be worn over your shoes if you must go outdoors when snow and ice are on the ground 