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With the weather to take a turn for the worse this week, everyone, especially the elderly, needs to take extra care. The consequences of a fall are far more serious for the elderly and that’s why they need to take precautions and mind themselves in the bad weather.

Whether it’s the slippy footpath or something hidden by the ice or snow, there is no way of predicting a fall and it can happen suddenly. Sometimes being prepared for the worst can be the only way to prevent these trips and falls. Some of these precautions are things you can do for yourself and others are things you can do around your home.

Personal safety

• In icy weather and conditions, wear sensible, flat shoes with non-slip soles. If you really need to go outside, try to limit the walking you will be doing. (It is so important for elderly people to wear well-fitting shoes every day, not just during the bad weather!)
• Have your eyes tested regularly. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling and your eyesight changes as you get older.
• Check any medication you are on as some medication may make you feel drowsy and increase your chances of falling, due to blurred vision, feeling light headed and jelly legs.
• Consider investing in a personal alarm and wear it when you go outdoors, alerting friends and family if you fall.
• Don’t take a short cut, these routes are usually used less by the public and can be more slippy and dangerous.
• Take small slow steps and consider using a walking aid or a walking stick.
• Drink plenty of warm drinks, eat plenty of hot meals and wear extra layers of clothing keeping you warm and giving you more energy to keep active.
• Make sure you visit you GP even if you just have a minor trip to make sure you are healthy and well.

Fall prevention in your home

• Leave a low energy, high output light on when it’s dark, making your vision clearer and giving your home a sense of security.
• Always use a non-slip mat in the shower and bath.
• When moving or carrying any electrical goods make sure that the cords or wires don’t trail on the ground when you walk.
• Have your furniture arranged in a way that makes it easy for you to move around the house without bumping into anything and making you fall.
• Make sure that there are no rugs, magazines, newspapers or anything on the floor that will make you slip or fall over.
• If you do need a rug, make sure to have non-slip tape on the back of it.
• Have side rails installed either side of the stairs, in the bath, the shower and in the kitchen.
• Have a sturdy, non-moving stool that you can rely on to stand on when you need to get things that are at a height or an awkward handle.

Here at Beechfield Healthcare we stock a wide range of walking sticks, walking aids, hand rails and much more to help you feel safe and secure around your home.

According to the HSE one of the most important steps in maintaining good health as we age is to exercise for 30 mins, 3-5 days a week. This exercise does not need to be strenuous but it is recommended that you get your heart beating a little faster and your lungs breathing a little deeper.

Activities can range from everyday tasks such as working in the garden, washing the car, walking the dog or even strolling around the shops.

Regular exercise in the elderly has shown brilliant health benefits. Such as:

• Improved blood pressure
• Improved sleeping pattern
• Improved muscle function
• Improved short term memory
• Decreased heart disease
• Decreased depression
• Decreased risk of falling
• Decreased risk of colon, breast, prostate, rectal cancer and dementia.
• Decreased diabetes

Exercise that is suited to you:

One excellent form of exercise for older adults is cycling. Just 30 mins of cycling 3-5 days a week can help improve muscle function and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

 We understand that not everybody feels confident cycling on busy roads. They may be feeling unfit and want to exercise effectively without having to spend lots of money on heavy machinery. Here at Beechfield Healthcare we have just the solution for you!

Now you can exercise from your chair!

One of our best-selling exercising products is our Deluxe Pedal Exerciser. It is ideal for users with limited mobility allowing low impact exercise that's easy on the joints and allows the blood to flow easily throughout the upper and lower body.

Improving flexibility and strength, this pedal exerciser is an excellent way for those who are unable to exercise in the standing position but still want to exercise.

With its wide leg spread, rubber non-marking feet and wrap around adjustable foot straps this pedal exerciser is ideal for use, while sat in your chair or even wheelchair.

The resistance can be adjusted to ensure a good workout for all fitness levels. It has a built in digital screen to show you how many calories you’ve burned and what distance you’ve cycled.

Exercising with limited mobility

Another one of our best-selling exercising products is The Thera Trainer Tigo 510. It is a professional therapy device especially for wheelchair users and people with walking disability.

With the THERA-Trainer Tigo active (with muscle power), assistive or passive (with motor power) exercise is possible. This top of the range model comes with a large touch screen, leg and upper body exerciser wih leg, foot and tip up protection.

Although for some people a Walking Aid may initially represent dependence and disability, ironically, we find that once people begin to use one and experience an improved sense stability it actually offers even more independence and they have more freedom than before.   If you feel you need an extra support, don’t restrict yourself, get a Walking Aid and stay active.  Don’t miss out on catching-up with friends and family.   

Rollators

In general, Rollators, because of their wheels and agility, are best if you are able to walk, but need help with balance and stability, or fatigue easily. Most rollators also have a basket or storage bag so they can be used to carry a wallet, phone, keys or other items, and many have a built-in seat.  They are available in both 3 and 4 wheel versions and most are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Walkers

If you cannot bear weight on one or both legs (for example, after a hip replacement or other surgery) but are otherwise mobile enough not to require a wheelchair, a walker is generally the right choice.   We have a wide range of mobility walkers available from narrow to bariatric size and most come with adjustable legs to ensure that the Walker is the correct height for the user and is comfortable to use.

Walking Sticks & Canes

Our Walking Sticks range is functional, sturdy and stylish. Choose from a traditional style Stick or choose from our range of Foldable Walking Sticks that are available in a wide range of colours and patterns.  We also have a variety of handle types available depending on what type of grip you need.  We also stock a Quad Cane which adds extra stability to the traditional walking cane.

Crutches

Our Crutches are perfect for both long and short term disabilities. Our Drive Medical Knee Walker is becoming a popular alternative to crutches as it decreases the likelihood of falls and is more comfortable and effortless to use in comparison to traditional crutches.

Which Walking Aid is right for me?

As with all Walking Aids your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will recommend the right product based on your needs.  As always please contact us for advice 1890 989353. We’re here to help! 

As we get older, our cognitive abilities begin to diminish. Cognitive abilities are the mental skills we use to carry out daily tasks, be they household chores, carrying out tasks in public or pursuing hobbies. Cognitive abilities will gradually deteriorate as we age and this is quite often a normal part of ageing. However, cognitive deterioration can sometimes be symptoms of more serious mental conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Beechfield Healthcare has the following tips on how to be aware of cognitive ageing and the best way of staying safe under such conditions.

Assess the home environment

Cognitive decline can make certain activities in the home potentially dangerous. This includes carrying out household activities and using appliances and tools as the homeowner may experience memory loss or confusion during such tasks. The following pointers highlight some ways to make the home environment safer for someone with cognitive decline.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers visible 
  in the home so that they can be called in case of an emergency. These include numbers for doctors, caregivers, helplines and emergency services. A magnetic sticky pad or sign containing these numbers can be placed on a wall, fridge, mantle or kitchen cabinets.
• Adjust water temperatures 
  so that the homeowner doesn’t accidentally scald themselves with hot water taps, baths or showers. By placing a limit on water temperature, you can prevent painful accidents.
• Keep the home clutter free 
  so that the homeowner can move about freely and with as little risk as possible to their personal safety. Develop and plan a routine for household activities and adjust items in the house to meet these routines.
• Be careful with medications. 
  Leaving various medications around can be dangerous for someone suffering with memory problems. Keep a written schedule of medications, when they need to be used and when they are used to ensure correct dosage daily. When medication is not needed, keep it locked away in a drawer or medicine
  cabinet.
• Maintain independence and pursue hobbies. 
  Cognitive decline can be a serious, daily struggle or an occasional inconvenience. Either way, it is important to maintain independence. Finding a hobby, working on mental-based activities and socialising with others will sharpen the mind and improve emotional health.

Conclusion

If you are worried about your own cognitive abilities or those of a loved one, Beechfield Healthcare are here to help. Feel free to get in touch with us for advice.