Worrying about an elderly parent or relative falling is one of the biggest concerns for families. While basic measures like clearing clutter and ensuring good lighting are crucial, changes in mobility often mean looking into reliable mobility aids and specialist home adaptations for the elderly.
These safety measures provide reassurance for families and also give the older person confidence, helping retain a sense of security and independence.
Karen Togher, Staff Trainer at the Bright Care Training Academy, says that specialist equipment is a core part of safe care:
“Preventing falls at home is absolutely critical to maintaining an older adult’s independence and safety. That’s why we equip our care team to identify and address fall risks from day one, so they are always confident, fully capable, and prepared to provide safe, person-centred care. All our staff are fully trained on the mobility aids and home adaptations available and how to use them safely.”
Karen says that simple, well-placed aids can transform high-risk zones, like the bathroom, from dangerous to manageable:
- Securing the bathroom: the bathroom is where slips are most likely. Grab bars should be installed securely in the shower or next to the bath, and near the toilet, to provide stable points of leverage when moving. A shower chair or a raised toilet seat can dramatically help reduce strain and instability when moving from sitting to standing.
- Stair safety: if your loved one is still using stairs, sturdy handrails must be installed on both sides and steps kept clear of items.
- Supportive walking aids: whether it’s a standard cane, a quad cane, or a wheeled frame, the key to safe use is ensuring the aid has been properly assessed for their individual height and needs. Using an incorrect or poorly adjusted aid can increase the risk of a fall.
- Lighting: install nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and especially the bathroom, so your loved one has a clear, illuminated path if they get up at night. Check that switches and lamps are easily accessible.
Professional home adaptations and safety standards
Sometimes, mobility needs require more significant home adaptations for the elderly or the use of specialised equipment that goes beyond simple aids. These items require a professional assessment, often from an occupational therapist, to ensure they are the correct fit and are installed safely.
When professional support is required for moving or transferring a person, specialised equipment like hoists or profile beds may be introduced. When this happens, professional care providers like Bright Care adhere to strict standards to guarantee safe use of equipment:
- Lifting equipment (hoists and slings): any complex lifting equipment must comply with LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations). This means the equipment must be subject to rigorous inspection and servicing every six months to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.
- General equipment (electric beds and rails): general mobility aids and equipment, such as electric beds or bed rails, must comply with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations). This equipment requires servicing every 12 months.
Karen stresses that while equipment and aids are vital, consistent monitoring of your loved one’s health is also hugely important to keeping a loved one safe.
What If you need more support?
If you find yourself struggling to manage your loved one’s needs, or if you are worried about their safety even with aids, it may be time to consider professional support. Key signs of decline that indicate the need for outside help include an increase in fall frequency, significant changes in mobility, or difficulty managing complex medication schedules. Professional, tailored in-home care offers consistent support and peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care provides award winning, in-home care and companionship for people in later life. We focus on building meaningful relationships with our clients and are there to offer practical home help services and emotional support. They can help with grocery shopping, food preparation and cooking delicious, healthy meals. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families across the South East of England and Scotland.
