Fall prevention is important in caring for senior citizens, especially for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, studies show that no single solution or program is effective for preventing falls, but rather solutions must be tailored to the specific needs of the person. We offer an array of fall prevention items that you can use with your loved one who has Alzheimer’s.

It is important for your loved one to be as active as they can and not be too restrained. Restraints may be necessary in some cases, but studies show restraints often do not help and can even cause more harm than good. For people with Alzheimer’s, it is important to keep their environments simple and consistent and positively encourage them to be safe.

Use visual reminders of unsafe areas

Posey Stop Sign Door Banner

For instance, a bright red stop sign placed over entrances to unsafe areas can be a simple solution. The Posey Stop Sign Door Banner functions both as a familiar stop sign and a light physical barrier to a restricted area. Studies show that people with Alzheimer’s respond well to high contrast objects, which give them strong visual cues.

Walking with no shoes can be risky

Posey Fall Management Non Slip Socks

The Posey Fall Management Non Slip Socks are bright socks with gripper treads printed on the top and bottom. This could be the solution for you, particularly if your loved one tends to wander without remembering to put on their shoes.

Alarms help you keep an eye out

Safe-T-Mate Personal Safety Alarm

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s uses a wheelchair, the Safe-T-Mate Personal Safety Alarm is a simple switch mechanism that will sound an alarm to let you know your loved one is getting out of their chair. Your loved one will not be forcefully restrained, but the alarm will let you know to come make sure they transfer or stand safely.

Use a gait belt to give balance

Economy Gait Belt

Speaking of transfers, gait belts, such as our Economy Gait Belt, will help you bring your loved one to a standing position and assist with balance.

Protect against fall-related fractures

Posey Hipsters III

Unfortunately, falls occur sometimes no matter how much we try to prevent them, especially for those at high risk for falling. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. The Posey Hipsters fit on like underwear and feature impact-absorbing pads on the outer hip areas. This means that if your loved one does fall, they will be more protected from critical fractures like hip fractures.

Falls can be a serious problem, and solutions can range from simple to complex. Relying on multiple prevention strategies is often important. We encourage you to consider these solutions and others recommended by healthcare professionals.