Keeping Seniors Safe at Home
The decision to move an elderly parent from an independent living arrangement to a nursing or retirement home is never easy. The question of when or if this move should occur is a stressful one, often put off until an accident or fall makes the decision for you. Keeping seniors safe in their own homes to delay or avoid long term care facility placement is what every family wants. A home safety assessment by a registered physiotherapist with extensive experience in the geriatric field will help with this goal.
A home safety assessment by a qualified physiotherapist addresses a number of factors including:
- Environmental changes (moving furniture, throw rugs, railings)
- Mobility equipment needs (walkers)
- Bathroom safety (grab bars, raised toilet seats, bath seats)
- Balance, gait, general strength & fitness
- Prescription of a conditioning exercise program
- Providing links to community resources (PSW help, ‘day away’, swim programs)
- Recommendations regarding personal alarms
Maximum Physiotherapy Services offers home safety assessments in Collingwood and the surrounding area. Phone 444-3600, or check out www.maximumphysiotherapy.com
