HELP! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up: More than a commercial phrase – it can be deadly

Hello everyone!

Can I just say, “Wow?” That’s my reaction to the number of you who popped into our last Keeping It REAL Caregiving update talking about DIY – Do It Yourself hacks for the caregiver.

Courtesy – Getty Images/Credit:ProfessionalStudioImages

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

A handful of DIY caregiving hacks that saved our household and might help yours

This makes me happy, because it tells me that sharing little nuggets of information is valuable.**

I love that we can help each other in these small ways!

Turns out, many of the ‘hacks’ can help prevent falls, which are more common that you might realize and can have devastating impacts.

Catch me I’m falling

Courtesy: National Council on Aging

Did you know?

One in four Americans age 65+ falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. With or without injury, falls have a significant impact on a person’s life.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls have also resulted in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 850,000 hospitalizations and more than 29,000 deaths. ~ National Council on Aging

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is coming up in September. But, this is a topic that really, as caregivers, we have to pay attention to every single day of the year.

Ironically, this post comes as a close friend of mine recently took a tumble. She is a strong and capable 80-something individual, but in a split second her reality changed.

What happened? She told me as she lifted her foot to go up a small ledge in her home, she didn’t bring her foot up quite as high as she thought. A simple miscalculation caused her to trip, and go down hard.

She busted up part of her leg, spent several days in the hospital, and is now working to regain her full strength and stability. Everyone in her circle is just relieved that she didn’t crack her hip!

So just how much do falls impact lives? Take a look at this information from the National Council on Aging.

I heard from a few folks about their personal hacks, and would like to share those with you now. Many go directly to the issue of preventing falls, but there are more.

Prescriptions

One reader shared how she simplified prescription refills. (comment shortened for clarity)

My husband is on multiple meds. I took them all to our pharmacy and they pre-fill for one month for a $5 charge! Each dose is in a sealed consecutive envelope.

His over-the-counter meds are included. When he needs prescription refills they contact his doctor. All I have to do is pick up the box once a month. This has helped me so much. I strongly recommend that anyone try to work this out with your pharmacy.

Another KIRC reader shared that they take care of their mother. He submitted some of his home-grown solutions along with pictures!

I must say, the ‘hacks’ are creative, easy, and could probably be adapted for almost any home.

Movement and motion

Q: “Julia In a previous post you asked about DIY ideas around the house while caregiving. I like helping. It seems as though that first fall is so very detrimental.”

A: Yes! Thank you for sharing your solutions!

DIY caregiving hacks

An additional door lock to secure the front door and prevent mom from unlocking the lower lock and wandering off.

2. Carpet savers in the bedroom along with adhesive strips in the event of accidental bathroom issues.

3. Adhesive strips for the bathroom tile, eliminating area rugs and trip hazards.

4. Jingle bells on the walker to hear where mom is. She has a habit of walking in on me unannounced.

5. Cup holder for her walker, for that portable hydration.

This is GREAT stuff folks!

If you have other techniques which have been beneficial for you and your loved one, let us hear from you – and KIRC is happy to share with others.

Jump into the discussion or feel free to email [email protected]

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**KIRC is not a medical service, provider, or legal advisor. Consult your doctor, attorney or other licensed professionals for specific guidance on health-related concerns

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Until next time~

Julia