Home Safety Checklist
Walkways
- Are all walkways clear of clutter, like shoes or loose items?
- Are pathways wide enough for easy movement?
Floors
- Are all floors dry and free of spills
- Are non-slip mats in place in the bathroom and the kitchen?
Bathroom
- Are safety rails placed where they are easily accessible
- Are toilet seat risers installed and checked regularly
- Are shower chairs/sliding bath bench installed and used regularly when bathing
Lighting
- Is the lighting bright enough in all areas?
- Are nightlights installed in hallways and bedrooms?
- Are light switches easily accessible?
Staircases
- Are sturdy handrails installed on both sides of the stairs?
- Are steps marked with contrasting tape?
- Do you need a stairlift for easy transfer?
Remember Prevention Matters
Mentioning fall prevention will typically conjure the image of wall-mounted grab bars. One of the most common forms of fall prevention, wall-mounted grab bars are excellent tools when used properly. Such grab bars do have their limitations, however. Traditional grab bars attach to and protrude from a wall, which leaves the middle of a room open with little to no support. Reaching for a grab bar that is attached to a wall and out of reach may even contribute to a loss of balance.
If you feel the limitations of traditional grab bars, the Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar with its unique tension-mounting design may be a more effective strategy of fall prevention. With just the twist of a wrench, tension is formed between the floor and ceiling which holds the Security Pole in place. So rather than being limited to a place against the wall, the Security Pole can be installed in the middle of the room where support is needed the most.
While grab bars are commonly thought of as bathroom safety solutions, the Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar has been used world-wide in every room of the home. Because the possible uses for the unique transfer pole are endless, we’re here to discuss some of our favorite ways the Security Pole can be used for home fall prevention.
Place it in between the toilet and bathtub
The most dangerous falls occur in the bathroom thanks to hard surfaces and wet floors. Difficult tasks, such as standing from the toilet and stepping over the bathtub wall also contribute to the possibility of falling in the bathroom. The Security Pole can be used effectively in the bathroom to perform such tasks and mitigate these falls.
The most common setup for a bathroom includes narrow quarters with a vanity and toilet aligned to one wall and the bathtub at the end of the room. In such a bathroom, wall-mounted grab bars would be needed in the tub, along the toilet, and across from the toilet.
The Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar can be positioned between the toilet and the bathtub to be used for both purposes. And because the curved grab bar can rotate 360 degrees, it can be used to help someone up and out of the bathtub and then swiveled around to be used to get on and off the toilet.
Position the pole at your bedside
Bed rails are most commonly used to prevent falls out of bed, but what if you just need some assistance getting in and out of bed and don’t want to be constrained by a bed rail? The Security Pole can be placed next to a bed and used to raise yourself up while lying down or to stand up from a lower-set bed. The pole is a highly effective tool for transferring from bed to a walker, rollator, or wheelchair and helps to maintain balance while transitioning to a bedside commode during the night.
We partner with some wonderful Home Care Providers who will help supply you with the care you need in taking care of your loved one.
