Page 12 - Boca ViewPointe - November '20

Page 12, Viewpointe November 2020
Is Your Home

Safe From Falls Residents Are Registered on

By Joseph Gillespie, MSPT; Deana Hicks PTA www.bocapointe.com. Are You?

It is known that the If you have never registered on the Community web site Residents Only page and click on the “User
most common cause of falls Association web site, call Access Control for our Profile” link.
occur in our homes where “Community Code,” then go to www.bocapointe.com. Once you are a registered user, to log onto the web
we are most comfortable. A Click on the “Not registered yet?” link right under the site, you simply go to www.bocapointe.com and you will
fall can happen as easily as log in box. find the User name and Password boxes in the top right
tripping on a rug which can If you think you are registered, but just can’t hand corner. Fill in your information, then click on the
result in a fracture, ending remember your User Name and Password, click on the small blue forward arrow. The log in is “case sensitive.”
up in the ER and leading “Forgot your password?” link and it will be mailed to If you are a smartphone user, we now have a mobile
to decreased quality of the email address you used when you registered. version of the web site for your use that even includes
life, losing independence Want to update your email address or add your a Comment Form. Let us know what you think and
and possible disability. We mobile number to receive text messages? Go to the give us your suggestions for improvements. 
all know someone who has fallen in their home or has it
happened to you personally??
More than 1 in 3 people of age 65 or older fall, leading to
injury. Simple home improvements can keep you and your
loved ones safe from this. Here are a few tips:
1) Clean up clutter!! Make sure walking paths are clear.
Keep stacks of stuff out of the way such as papers, clothes
and shoes. KEEP AREAS NEAT AND TIDY!
2) Remove throw rugs, repair flooring that might be
damaged and arrange furniture so navigation can be easy with
clear paths throughout all rooms of the home. Also remove
all chairs that have wheel casters on them!!
3) Install grab bars and handrails. Handrails should be
installed by stairs and grab bars by toilets and showers/bath
tubs. Non skid mats can be placed on the shower/tub floors
and shower chairs can be placed inside the shower. Be sure
to clean up any water on tiled floors, as this creates a very
slippery surface and is often the cause of major slips and
falls.
4) Avoid wearing loose clothing. Loose clothing can be
comfortable, however can also get caught on items which
can result in imbalance and falls.
5) Light up rooms. Inadequate lighting can be a hazard. A
well lit area with brighter lights can be less hazardous. Install
brighter lights and/or night lights in areas such as stairways,
hallways and bathrooms.
6) Live in a 1 level home. Stairs can cause falls especially
without handrails for people with decrease strength, balance,
endurance and over mobility. If stairs are unavoidable or
you cannot move from your present home, you can consider
installing the “Easy Climber Chair Lift’ that is a motor chair
lift that can be installed to allow seated transport up and down
the stairs.
7) Take your time!!! Go slow and be aware of your
surroundings. We are comfortable in our own homes which
can be a false sense of security.
There are many uncontrollable factors which can lead to
falls such as changes in aging, decreased eyesight, decreased
hearing, decreased reflexes and neuropathy.
These changes can affect our balance, strength, endurance
and over mobility. Fall related problems do arise as we
age and prevention is the key. Decrease your risk of falls
by eating healthy, staying physically fit and practicing
balance exercises. Physical Therapy can be a major factor
in improving your balance. With a good program you can
decrease your risk of falling by improving coordination and
improving your confidence.
Once a fall has occurred your fear of falling increases so
clean up your house and get on a good balance program. We
at the Physical Therapy department can help you get started
today.

Joseph E Gillespie, MSPT and Deana Hicks, PTA are
licensed Physical Therapists providing therapy in the Athletic
Center at Boca Pointe.
Members and non-members are welcome. Medicare and
private insurances are accepted. 

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