It seems like everyone has heard a cautionary tale of someone who had a fall and ended up in a precarious situation while waiting for help. That’s exactly what happened to Ron Williams of Sturgis, Michigan—but he was incredibly lucky to have an unlikely hero… his cat, Fluffy! Michigan—but he was incredibly lucky to have an unlikely hero… his cat, Fluffy! When Ron fell in his bathroom, he was able to have his cat retrieve his phone from the bathroom counter. He was on the floor for 16 hours, but his story had a lucky but happy ending. Watch the video or read the article.
Not everyone who experiences a fall will be so fortunate. So, what can you do to prepare and protect yourself in case it happens to you?
Planning Ahead for A Fall
- Keep your medical alert device with you when you are up and about. This may seem obvious, but people get into habits, if you are used to charging your medical alert device while in the shower, maybe switch that up and charge it while watching TV instead. Or, perhaps move the charging station into the bathroom so that you can access the device in the event of an emergency.
- Use a voice-activated device. Have a smart phone? Ask for help! Did you know that if you have an iphone, Siri can call 911 for you? Amazon Alexa devices, Google Nest, Apple HomePod, voice-activated devices are continuously evolving, adding services to allow you to control your home from a device or even your phone. Most offer intercom capabilities to communicate easily room-to-room within your home as well as make a call to your contacts or emergency services.
- Remove swinging doors. Some things seem mundane—until they become a problem. A door that swings into a room is one of them. In tight spaces like bathrooms, if someone falls inside with the door closed, opening it can be a real challenge. If possible, consider replacing swinging doors with alternatives like a barn door, pocket door, bi-fold, or even a curtain.
- Create a safe space. Removing tripping hazards such as unsecured rugs, clutter, and loose cords. Improve lighting by using brighter bulbs, adding nightlights in hallways and bathrooms, and ensuring stairways are well-lit. Installing handrails on both sides of staircases and grab bars in bathrooms—near the toilet, shower, and bathtub—can provide extra stability.
At Allied Financial Services, we know that navigating care management solutions can be overwhelming. That's why we created TransitionReady—a program designed to help individuals and families smoothly manage the complexities of care transitions with financial awareness and practical guidance. Let us help you prepare for the future with confidence. Reach out today to learn more about how TransitionReady can make a difference for you and your loved ones.