4.6
Google Rating
Welcome to another edition of Therapy Corner.

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Therapy Corner. March 14th thru the 20th is Patient Safety Awareness Week, so I thought I would use this month’s edition to address some potential safety risks. As I have mentioned before, as a therapist I am in the fall prevention business. One thing I encounter frequently that increases fall risk is improper use of assistive devices.

What is an assistive device? They are walkers, canes, or any other devices that assist you in mobility or daily living. These devices have to be properly adjusted to the correct height to fit each individual user. An improperly fitted device can be more of a hazard than a help. A second hazard to be aware of is changes in walking surfaces. Often the areas where walking surfaces change from one type of surface to another will have height differences which can be tripping hazards. Always be aware of your surrounding environment, and take extra precaution with these flooring surface changes. The same amount of caution should be paid to doors as the thresholds are typically raised, and can be tripping hazards as well.

Lastly, as a therapist, I typically recommend no throw rugs on the floors. These are a major fall hazard as the edges can easily be tripped over, or can potentially slip from under your feet. If you have questions about your living environment and potential risks, please feel free to contact the therapy department, and we will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Also, if you are physically having difficulty negotiating some of the obstacles mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to contact your therapy department, and we can help you overcome these obstacles.

Well, that is all I have for this month. Remember, stay active and keep moving to stay healthy. Until next time,

Your Restore Therapy Family,
Ryan Parden, PTA