Falls are some of the most common accidents that afflict our loved ones. There are a number of reasons for this. As the years go by, our bodies may be afflicted by medical conditions that make us more prone to falls. For example, many of our loved ones suffer from lack of balance, making it more likely that they will be the victims of falls. Eye problems, joint disorders and mobility issues all combine to make the situation worse. This is the reason why assisted living communities pay a lot of attention to safety features to reduce the likelihood of falls for their residents. Here are some of the ways assisted living in Lawrenceville, GA reduces the risk of falls for your loved ones.
Grab Bars
One way that assisted living communities reduce the incidence of falls is by installing grab bars in strategic places. Grab bars offer support for the residents in walkways, corridors and other places where loved ones may be prone to falls. Grab bars may also be installed in bathrooms where a majority of falls tend to take place. For example, when your loved ones are exiting from a shower, they are likely to slip and fall as their feet are going to be wet. Having a grab bar at the entrance of the shower cubicle helps to offer them the stability that they need.
Non-Slip Floors
Another common cause of slips and falls is slippery floors. This is the reason why most assisted living communities are going to have non-slip floors that are designed to minimize the risk of falls. These kinds of floors are found in places where the risk of falling is highest such as elevated places, rooms with a lot of moisture such as bathrooms and so on. Non-slip floors are often complemented with shoes that have maximum grip, ensuring that the chances of falls is even further reduced.
Proper Lighting
This is an often overlooked factor when it comes to minimizing falls. Many falls occur because residents of assisted living communities may be walking in areas without proper lighting. This is especially true for outdoor areas such as the garden and other parts of the compound. The lack of proper lighting is often made worse by the fact that many of these residents may be struggling with sight problems. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve. Many assisted living communities will have well-lit walkways. Such assisted living communities are also going to ensure that there are no obstacles in the hallways and pathways that may trip their residents.
Special Structures
In assisted living communities, the floor plans and the design of the apartments are specially designed to prevent falls. For example, shelves are never placed too high, which eliminates the need for residents to use ladders or other items to step on and reach items on the top shelves. This would expose them to the risk of falls. Another way assisted living communities minimize the risk of falls for their residents is by having wider door arches and eliminating any protrusions on the floor.