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What is one way friends, family, or pets in the home can create unintentional fall hazards?
Accidently leaving items in the floor, being in your blind spot, bumping into you
If you are using a walker or wheelchair, what is one way you can transfer food or water from the kitchen to the table?
Using an attachment to your walker or wheelchair (tray/cup holder) to carry the plate and/or cup/bottle for you. Use closed containers to reduce potential spills
what should be in the bathtub to prevent a fall?
Name two fall hazards you might encounter while moving from the car to the pharmacy.
Getting out of the car without losing balance or tripping, walking in and out of the pharmacy door while managing equipment, difficulty going over doorway thresholds, inclement weather outside
What is an assistive device that can help with mobility?
Wheelchair, walker, cane, rollator, power chair/scooter
What is a piece of adaptive equipment that can help with getting dressed?
Dressing stick, sock aide, reacher
What can you use to put out a grease fire?
A metal lid, cookie sheet, baking soda, or a Class B fire extinguisher, fire blanket
Name a fall hazard in the bathroom.
Slipping in the tub/shower, stepping over a bathtub ledge, reaching down to pick up a dropped item, slick surface outside the tub/shower
When entering a community building with your wheelchair or walker, what should you look for to make it easier to get inside?
Ramp, elevator access, power assisted doors
True or False: Placing your feet far in front of you can help you stand up easier.
False; you are more likely to be unstable resulting in difficulty getting up or accidently falling.
Name two fall risks you could encounter in the living areas of your home.
Reaching down to pick something up and losing balance, tripping over a rug, bumping into something, slipping on an item in the floor
When opening the oven, where should you stand with your wheelchair or walker?
Stand to the side of the oven
What is a piece of equipment that can help with getting bathed?
tub transfer bench, shower chair, long handled sponge, handheld shower head, grab bars
What is an outdoor hazard that might be present during the current season?
Snow/ice, flooding, slick surfaces, downed limbs or trees, extreme heat or hot surfaces
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?
Shift your weight or reposition often (ever hour); reduce the number of layers (clothing + bedding); apply barrier creams and pressure injury prevention devices as recommended; Keep the skin clean and dry
When you go home after being in the hospital, you may get tired more easily. What are two ways you can preserve energy during the day?
Pacing, prioritizing, planning, positioning
Identify two areas in the kitchen that may be unsafe.
Stovetop/oven, refrigerator (reaching), tall cabinet (reaching)
Where is the best place to store your medication?
Where it will not be accidently spilled down a drain or get wet. Where it is most convenient to retrieve and/or remind you to take it.
What are two alternative modes of transportation you could use if you are unable to drive yourself to an appointment or event?
Public transportation (MATA bus), family or friend to drive you, paid driver (Uber, Lift, taxi)
Is it okay to pull up from your walker to stand?
No; the walker is not secured to the ground or surface for you to pull against. You should push up from the surface you are seated and then reach for the walker to balance.
What plans could you put in place in the event of an emergency while you are home?
Lifeline/ life alert, keeping a phone nearby, use of cameras, arranging check-ins
What is one way you could reorganize your kitchen to make it more accessible?
Remove rugs, put items on counters or lower cabinets/drawers for increased accessibility, move tables/chairs/stools for clearer paths
If you feel unsure while taking a bath or shower while alone, what is something you can do as a precaution while you bathe?
Remain seated or attempt to safely sit, use equipment or materials to prevent slipping, retrieve and arrange all supplies needed beforehand, ask for supervision or physical assistance
When going up stairs or a curb, which foot should you go up with first? Which foot should come down first?
Up with the leg that is stronger. Theres more pressure and weight on that foot going up and against gravity.
Down with the leg that's weaker. Going down gravity assists and theres not as much strain on the weaker leg.
If you drop something on the floor, how can you pick it up safely while sitting in the wheelchair?
Lock the wheelchair brakes before you move in the wheelchair; use a device such as a reacher to prevent turning over the wheelchair; ask someone to pick the item up for you.