Statistics indicate falls account for 39% of all ACC claims, with 1 in 3 people over 65 injuring themselves in a fall every year, rising to 1 in 2 for people aged 80 or over. The frequency of falls increases with age and neurological conditions.

Factors contributing to falls can be intrinsic, like impaired balance, Parkinson's Disease, dementia, or postural hypotension; extrinsic, such as clutter, poor lighting, or inappropriate walking aids; and behavioural, including wearing poorly fitting shoes, reduced fluid intake, or decreased physical activity.

Lying on the floor for extended periods can lead to complications like pressure injuries, carpet burns, dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia, and even death.

Additionally, falls can cause post-fall syndrome, which includes confusion, dependence, loss of autonomy, immobility, and mental health issues like depression, further decreasing the ability to perform daily activities.

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping clients return to their daily activities, which provide meaning and purpose in their lives. Reviewing and recommending ways for individuals to quickly and safely get up from a fall is essential. This can be done through several methods:

- Instructing clients on how to get up using nearby furniture, family support, or health professionals if there are no significant injuries
- Caregivers or family members can use equipment to assist in lifting someone off the floor
- Calling emergency services when necessary
- Emergency services should be called for obvious injuries or conditions requiring medical intervention. The priority is to help the person get up and resume their activities

While individuals can be taught to safely get up, frequent fallers might benefit from equipment that offers a cost-effective alternative to emergency services.

When recommending equipment to help someone move from prone to sitting, consider these key features:

Accessibility:
The equipment should be compact for easy storage and manageable by one person.

Ease of use:
The equipment should be simple with clear instructions and visual cues to minimise the time spent on the floor.

Confidence and comfort:
The equipment should offer a supportive, cushioned seat, working reliably and quickly to instil confidence.

Inflatable lifting devices are designed to meet these key features. When inflated, they lift the individual into a raised seated position, ready to stand with or without assistance. This allows the person to rest, regain strength, and restore confidence before continuing with their activities. 

Explore our solutions to see how we can support your clients and help keep them safe. We offer a range of innovative devices designed to provide immediate assistance, minimise discomfort, and prevent further health complications. Our products ensure the safety and dignity for all.

Originally published by Winncare.