The 6 Stages of Accessibility: Preventive

Labor Day 2013 started off like any other holiday: quiet and relaxed with a small list of to-dos and plans to barbecue and enjoy the afternoon. Little did I know that the day would end with a broken femur and a lot of pain and suffering. What started out as a normal, laid-back day ended with a bit of tragedy without ever leaving my house. Preventable falls—this is not an uncommon plight for many.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that injuries caused by trips and falls are climbing at an enormous rate. In 2014, the number of deaths from trips and falls almost equaled the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. The fact is, many of these trips and falls are caused by preventable circumstances.

To reduce the probability of such injuries and potential deaths, some basic precautions can be taken in and out of the home.

Eliminate Hidden Hazards

TRIPS. Many trips and falls are caused by small, preventable items in the home that are, in most cases, simply overlooked. A thorough walk through the home may reveal such items. Throw rugs can be a cause for a trip or fall because many removable rugs can easily slide on a hard surface, or can ball up and create a trip hazard. Electrical cords that are strung across a walking path, or that run along the wall unsecured, can also create a hazard. Eliminating these few items can significantly reduce the number of fall and trip hazards in a home.

FALLS. Two common places for falls are in the bathroom and the bedroom. Bathroom falls can occur in several different areas: tub or shower (tripping and falling), getting on and off the toilet, drying off or dressing. Bedroom falls often occur while getting in and out of bed, dressing or reaching for something in a closet or dresser drawer.

Having sufficient grasping surfaces in the bathroom can aid in preventing falls. There are products available that can add a handsome design element, as well as help to prevent falls in the bathroom. Check out some of the innovative bathroom aids from Innovative Home Living and Grabcessories. In the bedroom, having sufficient support next to the bed can also help to dramatically reduce falls. A firm, stable surface for sitting while dressing is also vital.

Evaluate the Entire Home

Too often, even an awareness of the potential for trips and falls, as well as preparation for aging at home, is incomplete because of an inability to identify all of the common hazards. Even after getting various certifications such as the CEAC, CAPS or the NAHB Aging in Place, the inability to remember everything that needs to be evaluated causes items to be missed in a home evaluation. Worksheets or checklists can often help to completely evaluate a home; however, technology has entered into this realm and is a sure way to make sure you do not miss anything during an evaluation.

The Live At Home Pro app from AHIA can walk you through a complete evaluation. The app, designed for dealers and caregivers, gives a room-by-room approach that helps to identify all areas so you do not miss any potential obstacles or hazards. Check out the website at www.liveathomepro.com.

Establish External Risks

Many trips and falls are caused by external areas of egress in and out of the home. Even in the nicest of weather conditions, the threshold and stairs of house can pose tripping hazards—coming or going—and may cause a fall. Products designed to reduce the trips on steps can very much assist in eliminating falls in a home. HandiTreads is a simple, inexpensive easy-to-install non-trip surface that does not require replacement that similar traction tape may require. Check out this simple product at handitreads.com. Having a sufficient handrail, sturdy steps and a nonslip welcome mat in front of the door will reduce trip and fall potential as well.

Expect the Expected

As baby boomers age, few like to truly admit that they are getting older and are starting to lose mobility. Studies show, however, that though aging can increase the risk of trips and falls, these occurrences can affect anyone at any age and ability. Data from the CDC shows the age distribution of trips and falls.

Recognizing the potential for trips and falls even from seemingly able-bodied people shows the increased need to develop a safe approach to the prevention of these incidents.

Offering a holistic approach to these topics can expand your business offering to individuals who are not in need of medical equipment. Many HME providers restrict their product offering to individuals who are in need of medical equipment post-life-altering incident. Expanding your product base and offerings to include preventive products can help grow your business today, and increase your business in the future.

Consider offering a trip-and-fall awareness class at local senior centers, farmers markets and other community events. These educational offerings will increase awareness and draw individuals into your store. With an increased population of baby boomers, the market has never been so well positioned to develop a segment of your business that reaches able-bodied individuals, preventing many life-altering injuries caused from trips and falls.

This article is the first in a six-part aging-in-place case study series. Each segment will focus on a particular aspect of aging-in-place. Read other articles in this series here.