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What are Falls Alarms

What are Falls Alarms
What are Falls Alarms

Introduction
Fall alarms are a type of medical device that can help prevent falls in the home. They are designed to alert family or caregivers when someone has fallen, so they can respond quickly and provide assistance. Fall alarms are becoming increasingly popular, especially among older adults who may be at risk for falling due to conditions like arthritis or dementia.

Fall Alarm Technology
There are two main types of fall alarms:

Fall alarms that use motion sensors, known as G sensors, to detect if you've fallen and automatically call for help. These are usually worn around the neck or wrist, and can also be placed on beds or chairs.
Fall alarms that use pressure sensors to detect if you've fallen and automatically call for help. These are usually placed under mattresses or pillows, although some models can be attached directly to a person's body with adhesive strips (similarly to how bandages work).

Benefits of Fall Alarms
The benefits of fall alarms are:

• reduction of fall-related injuries
• improved safety and security
• improved quality of life
• Fall Alarm Installation and Maintenance

It is important that fall alarms are regularly tested so that they can be relied upon when needed most.

Types of Fall Alarms Available
There are three main types of fall alarms available:

Wearable fall alarms.
These are small, lightweight devices that you can wear around your neck or on a belt or wrist. They're easy to use and require little maintenance, but they may not be suitable for people who move around a lot during sleep except for the wrist worn devices such as the Assure 4G SOS Mobile watch.
Bedside fall alarms.
These are similar to wearable devices but are designed specifically for use at night time when someone is sleeping in bed; they're often attached directly onto the mattress or fitted under it so as not to disturb any other members of your household who might share the same room with you on an overnight basis.
Ceiling-mounted fall alarms.
These tend to be slightly larger than other types of alarms because they need extra space inside them so that wires can run from each sensor down through holes drilled into ceilings (or walls).

Pros and Cons of Fall Alarms
The advantages of fall alarms are:

• They are easy to use, and you do not need to remember anything.
• They can be used by people with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
• They have a high success rate at preventing falls in the home environment.

The disadvantages of fall alarms are:

• There is no evidence that they reduce hospital admissions or re-admissions for older people who have fallen at home, although this may be because it is difficult to collect data on these outcomes due to their low incidence rates (i.e., few falls lead to hospital admission).

Conclusion
Fall alarms are important. They can help to prevent accidents and reduce injury. It's important that you understand how fall alarms work, as well as the benefits they provide for you and your family.
These devices are designed to detect falls and alert you if someone has fallen down or become immobile for any reason. This allows them time to respond before serious injuries occur, giving them a better chance of recovery after an accident occurs.
Fall alarms should be set up correctly in order for them work effectively at preventing injury or death due to falls within homes or other locations where elderly people may be living independently without regular assistance from outside sources such as hospitals or nursing homes."

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Introduction

As you get older, it's important to stay safe at home. The risks of falling or becoming ill are greater for seniors than they were when we were younger. If you live alone and have little or no family nearby, this can be especially challenging. You may not realise how much help is available in your community until you start asking questions and talking with people who care about you.

Our WatchOvers blog will give an overview of the types of risks that elderly people face and why it's so important to keep them safe at home as they age.

Maintaining Home Safety

• Check for trip and fall hazards. Make sure that the home is well lit, and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Install assistive devices such as ramps, handrails and other devices to help people with mobility issues get around the house safely.
• Provide an SOS personal emergency alarm, do not wait until an accident happens as it could be too late.

Monitoring for Signs of Illness

• Watch for changes in behaviour.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or malnutrition.
• Check for signs of depression, which can be a sign that something is wrong with your loved one's health and they may not feel well enough to ask for help.

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

• Encourage elderly to maintain social relationships with family and friends.
• Help elderly stay in touch with family and friends by arranging visits or phone calls, especially if they live alone.
• Encourage the use of technology such as Skype, Facetime or similar services so that they can keep in touch with loved ones from a distance.

Adapting the Home Environment

• Make the home environment easier to navigate.
• Provide adaptive equipment and technology where required. Remember to review their needs on a regular basis.
• Create a safe and secure home environment.

Assistance with Grooming and Hygiene

• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
• Help with personal hygiene and grooming.
• Provide reminders to brush teeth and wash hands – personal alarms can provide these reminders

Managing Medications

• Create a medication schedule.
• Help with pill reminders – personal alarm devices can provide these reminders.
• Keep medications out of reach of children and pets, who may mistake them for sweets or food if they're not stored properly!

Encouraging Exercise and Activity

Encouraging elderly to engage in regular physical activity is an important part of keeping them safe at home. It can be difficult for older adults to find activities that they enjoy, but it's worth the effort. If you know of any family members who might be interested in helping out, ask them if they would like to join your loved one on their morning walk.

Conclusion

So how can you help your elderly loved ones stay safe at home?

• Be aware of the risks and take action to prevent them.
• Keep in mind that there are many resources available to help the elderly live independently, such as personal alarms for the elderly, home care services, adult day care centres and senior living communities.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with caring for an elderly loved one or would like more information about our SOS personal alarms, please got to www.watchovers.com

Caring for your Elderly Loved One

Caring for your Elderly Loved One
Caring for your Elderly Loved One

As people age, they require a higher level of care to maintain their physical and mental health. Caring for elderly people can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure they live a comfortable and happy life. In this blog post, we will discuss various ways to care for elderly people and provide them with the love and support they deserve.

1. Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of caring for elderly people is communication. It is important to talk to them regularly and ask how they are feeling. This can help you identify any health issues they may be experiencing and provide the necessary care.

2. Provide a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment for elderly people is crucial. This means ensuring that their living space is free of any hazards that could cause them to fall or injure themselves. Installing handrails, non-slip mats, and adequate lighting can help prevent accidents. Where needed provide a suitable personal fall alarm.

3. Encourage Exercise
Physical activity is important for people of all ages, including elderly people. Encourage them to exercise regularly, even if it's just a short walk or gentle stretching. Exercise can help maintain mobility, improve circulation, and boost mood.

4. Ensure Proper Nutrition
Elderly people may have specific dietary needs, and it is important to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Make sure they eat a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Also, monitor their water intake to prevent dehydration.

5. Assist with Daily Tasks
As people age, they may find it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or personal hygiene. Offering assistance with these tasks can help maintain their independence while ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

6. Provide Social Interaction
Elderly people often experience loneliness and isolation, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. Encourage social interaction, whether it's through regular visits, phone calls, or participation in community activities.

7. Help with Medications
Elderly people may require medication to manage chronic health conditions. Ensure they take their medication as prescribed and assist with refilling prescriptions when necessary.

8. Attend Doctor Appointments
Accompanying elderly people to doctor appointments can help ensure they receive proper medical care. You can help them remember important information discussed during the appointment and ask questions if they are unsure about anything.

9. Offer Emotional Support
Caring for elderly people can be emotionally challenging, and it is important to offer emotional support to both the elderly person and their caregivers. Providing a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, and providing respite care can all be helpful.

10. Consider Professional Caregiving Services
If caring for an elderly person becomes too challenging or time-consuming, consider professional caregiving services. A caregiver can provide additional support, including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation.

In conclusion, caring for elderly people requires patience, understanding, and compassion. By following these tips, you can provide the love and support necessary to ensure they live a happy and comfortable life.