Homecare www.homecare-products.co.uk is the first comprehensive online shop for people who want to enjoy living life to the full in their own homes as they grow older.   We have teamed up with Homecare to give away a Voice Alert Alarm and Sensor Mat package worth £37.95 to two readers.   Both the alarm and the mat can actively prevent falls around the home and give confidence to those who are frail.

Homecare’s Occupational Therapist, Suzy Turner, looks at what can be done to prevent falling:

Falls prevention has become a hot topic, and not surprisingly, when more than 30% of people aged 65 or older fall each year.  What is more, two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months, and the risk, which increases with age, is greater for women than for men.*
  
The Department of Health states that “falls are a major cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in older people aged over 75 in the UK”

Whilst surgeons are skilled in repairing fractures and members of the rehabilitation team can improve muscle strength and boost endurance levels, building one’s confidence to get back into the bath or take a walk is more difficult.  We must acknowledge that there are both physical and psychological factors involved with a fall.   Frequently it is the psychological factors like fear of falling again and lost confidence that seriously holds older people back from enjoying an independent life at home.

As we know prevention is better than cure so here are some helpful tips to keep you fit and well.

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of positively influencing our health.   Exercise improves balance, strength, mobility and general well-being. Keep yourself fit and active whether that is going out for a walk, or keeping on top of the household chores.

Some medications can make falls more likely to happen, consult your GP for further information.
Get rid of environmental hazards within the home e.g. trailing wires and loose rugs                                                                                    
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Hip protectors can reduce the risk of serious injury if you do fall. 
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Keep your home and garden well lit. If you have glasses wear them and attend regular eye checks if possible.
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Ensure meals have plentiful supplies of calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones.
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Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration and constipation.
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Sloppy fitting shoes or slippers can increase the risk of falls. As we get older our feet become smaller. It’s a good idea to get your feet re-measured and treat yourself to some new shoes.

There is a great range of helpful products that can help to minimize falls around the house, or when you are out and about available from Homecare (www.homecare-products.co.uk), including the items you can win by entering this competition:  The Voice Alert Alarm can divert a person away from danger and alert a carer when an individual has fallen or is likely to fall.  Functions include four different alarm tones and the ability to record your own message or instructions in a voice familiar to the patient.  The Sensor Mat is used in conjunction with the Voice Alert Alarm and works when pressure comes on or off it when placed on the floor, by a bed or at the foot of the stairs.

Some of the excellent aids that have been developed are not available in high street mobility shops where items can often be old-fashioned and over-priced.   Homecare, from care specialists The Consortium, is an easy to use online shop and mail order service with hundreds of good products to help older people stay independent in their own homes.  The knowledgeable and friendly Customer Service team, based in the Wiltshire office, can help with orders or queries. 

Visit www.homecare-products.co.uk  or phone 0843 224 1200 for ordering, expert advice or to request a catalogue.

*Sources:  BJM (British Medical Journal) and Colorado State University.