Home care services are able to help prevent falls in the home, and now there are more new tools than ever before to assist caregivers and seniors with fall prevention. Have you heard of the new “magic carpet” that can immediately detect when someone has fallen and can help predict mobility problems? With 50 percent of hospital admissions in the over 65 age group tied to falls, technology is starting to pop up to help elders avoid debilitating tumbles. The Magic Carpet Recently demonstrated by University of Manchester scientists, the new carpet hosts plastic optical fibers and tiny sensors that can map, in real-time, walking patterns of anyone who steps on it. The signals can then be analyzed to identify gradual changes in walking behavior or a sudden incident such as a fall. The carpets are primarily for senior care homes or hospital wards, but could also be custom made for people’s homes. Professor Chris Todd from the University of Manchester said, “Falls are a really important problem for our aging society. More than a third of older people fall each year, and in nursing and residential homes it is much more common than that.” “Older people will benefit from exercises to improve balance and muscle strength in the legs. So being able to identify changes in people’s walking patterns and gait in the natural environment, such as in a corridor in a nursing home, could really help us identity problems earlier on.” Attend a Free Fall Prevention Home Care Clinic The magic carpet is still being tested, but in the meantime, there are many other ways families and caregivers can help prevent falls because falls are a serious risk for older adults. They are a leading cause of death and injury for those ages 65 and older. The injuries sustained in a fall or the fear of falling again can lead to limited mobility and the loss of independence for many seniors. To help prevent a fall, home care services like ComForcare often host free fall-prevention clinics that teach seniors and their caregivers how to make their homes safer and more accessible. The free fall prevention and home safety checks from ComForcare include: - Review of the client's medical history and medications - Assessment of gait and balance - Recommendations of resources to obtain home safety devices such as handrails and shower chairs - Suggestions to remove hazards and improve safety in each room of the home Trained Professional Home Care Nurses ComForcare home care providers are trained to safeguard your loved one from the risks of falling. This helps build confidence so that he or she can maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle at home. From moving items to prevent tripping, to providing assistance getting in or out of a chair or transferring to and from bed, ComForcare elderly care nurses are vigilant about protecting your loved one. What are some safety tips you have for older adults who are at risk of falling that can be implemented now? Join the discussion on our Facebook page! About ComForcare Home Care ComForcare is a premier provider of private-duty home care services to people of all ages with offices conveniently located nationwide. We can help make life easier for those coping with a chronic medical condition, recovering from an illness or injury, or dealing with the challenges of aging – in the comfort of their own homes. We offer elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving our services. Each ComForcare office is independently owned and operated. ComForcare Home Care 2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-745-9700 http://www.comforcare.com
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