Firstly, it is important to note that the first thing anyone can do the ensure they are maintaining their mobility and safety around the house is to encourage walking when suitable and appropriate. After that there are several environmental and personal factors to look out for in the house which may be making it a higher risk for falls to occur.

Here are 10 ways to reduce the risk of falling when engaging in your normal everyday activities:

1. Staying mentally active – it has been shown that cognition plays a key role in balance and risk of falling.
2. Check you vision and hearing – ensuring our visual and vestibular (balance) systems are checked up on regularly will help to reduce the risk of falls.
3. Environmental concerns – Review the household and make note of position of items which may prove to be a falls risk. These can include carpets, rugs, clutter, leads, poorly positioned furniture, seating etc.
4. Assistive technology – falls alarm, sensors, bed alarms etc – there are several companies (both private and non-profit), who sell or provide falls alarms kits, sensors and alarms to ensure there is precautions taken to help reduce the risk of falls AND to be prepared in the case of someone falling.
5. Footwear – ensuring you have well fitted shoes/slippers with good grip is vital to help reduce the risk of slipping/falling/
6. Toileting – to ensure maximum safety when toileting there is a variety of toileting aids which may suit. These include stationary or mobile commode, raised toilet seat, toilet frame, toilet seat and frame combined, grab rails etc.
7. Dressing – there are number of dressing aids which will help you to dress independently while reducing the risk of falling while in the process.
8. Mobility – discussing your mobility with your local OT and/or physio can play a big part in reducing the risk of falls. The OT and Physio can liaise with you to decide whether you might require a walking stick, walking frame, rollator, tri-walker, wheelchair, or other mobility device. The OT and physio have knowledge on how to assess mobility safely and effectively and will work with equipment providers to get you the right piece of equipment for you.
9. Seating – ensuring you are in a well fitted seat is vital in reducing the risk of falls (as well as a range of other benefits – postural management, digestion, respiratory system etc). Having a seat at the right height and/or having a rise and recliner will help make transfers on and off the chair safely.
10. Lighting – ensuring there is sufficient lighting to and from the rooms when they are going to be accessed. An example of this would be to ensure there is a night light, or easily accessible light when walking to the bathroom at night-time.

As always, if you are unsure or would like some guidance – why not contact your local OT and ask for an assessment to take place. Following the assessment, they will assist you so that you are taking the necessary precautions and will also provide you with the most relevant advice and information for your own individual and unique situation.

Hoists may be used with people who have limited mobility while also helping to support any carer(s) in reducing the risk of injuries due to patient moving and handling.

Prior to using a hoist, it is recommended to have an assessment completed by a relevant professional – this may include an interaction with a variety of parties including an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nursing, carer, family members and the person themselves.

Types of hoists.

Prescribing a hoist depends on a number of factors, including the client/patients mobility level, the environment layout and the needs/requirements of the carer. Some of the main hoists available on the Irish marketplace include the following.

1. Ceiling hoists

Ceiling hoists run along fixes tracks along the ceiling. These have less flexibility than other hoists. However, these are seen to be less impactful on the carer involved, while also being more appropriate for longer distances – once set up in the room/area. Ceiling hoists have some additional considerations when purchasing including

• The structural integrity of the ceiling
• What areas in the room is the hoist required in.
• Costs – ceiling track hoists
• Recyclability – when considering any piece of equipment, being aware of its recyclability may be part of your consideration. Generally, ceiling track hoists are used in one specific room/area in the house. Due to this ceiling tracks are usually not recycled once It is no longer in use

2. Portable hoists

Portable hoists come in a few different options. Sometimes referred to as gantry hoists, these hoists allow for use in rooms where there is limited floor space and is a less arduous set up process when compared to a ceiling track hoist.

The Bedhead hoist is one type of portable hoist which allows for easy set-up, demonstration, and use. Besides requiring limited floor space, another benefit it the recyclability of the product – which can also be folded up and wheeled away on a base. The bedhead hoist can be demonstrated in a person’s house if this is required.

3. Mobile hoists.

These offer the most flexibility in the range of hoists. It allows for use in multiple rooms, however, is usually only suitable over small distances. The main considerations with a mobile hoist are.

• Floor space for it use when needed.
• Manoeuvring around furniture and fitting in around chairs, toilets, showers, beds etc. for ease of use.
• Floor material – smooth floors allow for easier manoeuvrability.
• Storage – when not in use

For more information on the type of hoist which is most suitable for you, or the person you care for, contact your local occupational therapist.

Buying a lightweight aluminum rollator can offer a range of benefits for individuals who may need mobility assistance. Here are some advantages of choosing a lightweight aluminum rollator:

1. Portability: Aluminum is a lightweight material, making the rollator easier to lift and maneuver compared to heavier materials like steel.

2. Easy Transportation: Due to its light weight, it’s easier to transport in a car or store when not in use.

3. Sturdy and Durable: Despite being lightweight, aluminum is a strong and durable material, ensuring the rollator can support the user effectively.

4. Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, which means it’s less likely to rust over time, especially if it’s used outdoors or in damp environments.

5. Adjustable Height: Many aluminum rollators come with adjustable handle heights, allowing for a customized fit to suit the user’s comfort and needs.

6. Maneuverability: Lightweight rollators are generally easier to maneuver, making it simpler for the user to navigate through tight spaces or crowded areas.

7. Folding Mechanism: Many lightweight aluminum rollators come with a foldable design, which makes them easy to store and transport, especially for travel purposes.

8. Comfort: Many models come with padded seats and backrests for added comfort when the user needs to take a break.

9. Additional Features: Some lightweight aluminum rollators may come with extra features like storage pouches, trays, or cup holders for added convenience.

10. Safety Features: These rollators often come equipped with handbrakes or locking mechanisms to provide stability and prevent accidents.

11. Support and Stability: The rollator provides a stable and supportive aid for individuals who may have difficulty walking or maintaining balance on their own.

12. Independence: Using a rollator can promote a sense of independence and self-reliance for individuals who may otherwise struggle with mobility.

13. Improved Quality of Life: Having a lightweight aluminum rollator can enhance a person’s ability to move around, participate in activities, and socialize, leading to an improved quality of life.

Remember to consider factors like the specific features, weight capacity, and overall design of the rollator when making a purchase decision to ensure it meets the individual’s unique needs and preferences. It’s also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or mobility specialist for personalised advice.

The Lightweight Aluminium Rollator from Beechfield Healthcare pretty much ticks all of the boxes above and it is worth considering.

A riser recliner, also known as a lift chair, is a type of chair that can be adjusted to support the user in a variety of positions. Some of the key benefits of a riser recliner include:

1. Improved comfort: Riser recliners are designed to provide maximum comfort and support, with features such as padded cushions, adjustable lumbar support, and built-in heat and massage functions.

2. Increased mobility: Riser recliners can make it easier for people with mobility issues to get in and out of a seated position, as well as move around more easily.

3. Better posture: The adjustable backrest and footrest of a riser recliner can help users maintain good posture, reducing the risk of aches and pains.

4. Enhanced relaxation: The reclining and lifting functions of a riser recliner allow users to find the perfect position for relaxing and unwinding.

5. Increased independence: For individuals who have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional chair, a riser recliner can provide greater independence and reduce the need for assistance from others.

Check out the Beechfield Healthcare range of Riser Recliners.

Did you know that hospitals are one of the largest employers of occupational therapists (OTs). Acute care is a category which entails the treatment of sudden, serious injury and illness. Typically, OTs work with people in an acute setting who have experienced an incident ranging from strokes, acute mental health issues, to falls, or a road traffic collision – to name a few.

From a therapeutic standpoint, it is the priority of the OT to work as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in stabilising the patient, enabling early mobilisation, engage in therapeutic activities and create discharge plans. The multi-disciplinary team may incorporate a range of other health care professionals – including nurses, speech and language therapists, physiotherapist, social workers, doctors, therapy assistants, etc.

Some common responsibilities of an OT in an acute setting may include:

• Assessing any requirement from a positioning perspective – this may include splinting, using positioning aids, education on position in profiling beds and cushion or mattress prescription.
• Conducting cognitive assessments to determine if a person is ready to engage in therapeutic activities and to help to determine current level of functioning.
• Assessing a client’s mobility – this may require prescription of a wheelchair. Furthermore, the OT may liaise with a physiotherapist if a walking aid is required.
• Education of the client and their family around mobility, self-care activities, leisure activities, productive activities and any goals set out during therapy.
• Setting therapy goals with the client in a collaborative way.
• Discharge planning – this may include meetings with family members and other health care professionals to help determine the next steps. This may include a discharge home, an onward referral to a sub-acute or step-down unit, a referral to community teams or any other relevant organisations or support groups.
• Daily living -finally, it is the responsibility of the OT to ensure the person can meet all the activities of daily living either independently or with the help of a carer or family member.

As you can see, OTs provide vital support in a variety of settings, particularly acute care. From cognitive assessments to prescribing equipment and setting therapy goals – OTs will help work towards the best outcome.

For many people, bathing is an important aspect of their lives. Bathing is known to be an important contributor to self-care, bathing also helps with mental and emotional health, helps soothes muscles and joints, not to mention general hygiene. For these reasons baths can play an important role in a person’s life. As we get older or go through a period of injury, we may find it difficult in accessing or being able to use the bath.

Key question for many is: how I can continue to be able to use my bath?

There are a number of ways an Occupational Therapist can help you to enjoy the benefits of the bath in your home:

1. Adapting the activity – showing you how to get in/out of the bath by changing the activity.

2. Alternatives – goes through alternatives – showering, bed baths etc.

3. Adapting the environment – this may take place in building works, but can also include a range of equipment which may help the person to enjoy a nice relaxing bath.

There are several pieces of equipment that can assist with independent use of the bath. These include:

• Bath Lifts: Bath lifts are devices that lower individuals into the bath and raise them back up. They typically have a seat and a backrest and are powered by a battery. Some models may also have a reclining function and can swivel for easier transfer.
• Bath Boards: Bath boards are boards that span the width of the bath and provide a platform to sit on while bathing. They typically have a non-slip surface and may have handles for added support.
• Bath Seats: Bath seats are similar to bath boards but are designed to be used with the individual’s feet inside the bath. They can be helpful for individuals who need more support while bathing.
• Grab Bars/Rails: Grab bars/rails are handles that are mounted to the wall of the bath and provide support and stability for the individual while entering, exiting, or moving around in the bath.

 Consulting with an Occupational Therapist can be beneficial when considering equipment options for independent use of the bath because they are trained to assess an individual’s abilities, needs, and limitations related to performing daily living activities. They can also evaluate the individual’s bathroom environment and recommend equipment that is best suited to the individual’s specific needs and living situation.

Additionally, an Occupational Therapist can provide guidance on how to use the equipment safely and effectively, as well as provide training on any necessary techniques or strategies to maintain independence in the bath.

To start, Occupational Therapists (OTs) are skilled in the prescribing and trialling of wheelchair options that will meet your needs both in the short term and long term. Just as important, knowing how to use a wheelchair is critical and OTs are also skilled in providing wheelchair skills training.

Wheelchair options may include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as power add-on options such as the Click and Go lite for manual wheelchairs.

The wheelchair assessment process

Your OT will complete a comprehensive assessment with you focusing on two key aspects: your mobility and wheelchair needs. Such is the extensive range of wheelchairs available; your OT may recommend wheelchair trials during the initial assessment or during follow-up appointments.

Once the ideal wheelchair is identified, your OT will ensure that the wheelchair is configured to suit your body frame. Wheelchair configuration can define a user’s activity level. There are many variables involved in the proper configuration of a manual wheelchair, including seat width and depth, back recline angle, position of the wheels, depth and height of the armrests, height and angle of footrest and tension adjustable backrests. Additionally, OTs will consider aspects such as transfers to and from your wheelchair, pressure care issues, accessibility around the house and community access.

In tandem, your OT will schedule wheelchair skills training. This usually involves approximately three sessions in your home environment and in your local community.

How can you help your OT with the initial assessment?

Your OT will be able to compile a comprehensive report if they have access to your medical records. The more information you can make available, the more detailed the OTs report will be.

If this is your first time considering the use of a wheelchair, then the more medical information you can share with your OT, the better. Also, run though a list of all the places where you’ll be using your wheelchair. This list will be a critical information to help the OT prepare a shortlist of wheelchairs for you to consider.

If you already are a wheelchair user, then provide your OT with as much detail about your current wheelchair as possible. Perhaps, you have an alternative in mind, and this will guide the OT in compiling their recommendations.

The American Occupational Therapy Association state the people with and ID have ‘’limited cognitive capacities and adaptive behaviours.” Occupational therapists work to help people perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) effectively and with the aim to help promote confidence, self-esteem, self-concept, overall happiness and often independence. As with any other patient population, occupational therapists help play an important role in aiming to promote meaningful engagement in a range of activities in a person-centred manner. Often this can involve engaging with the person themselves, their families, schooling/education systems, workplaces, government and councils and carers.

Depending on the person’s physical, cognitive, communication and sensory requirements, a range of interventions may be worked on with an occupational therapist. As part of any intervention the occupational therapist may also work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including GPs, nurses, care staff, physiotherapists, speech and language therapist, teachers, social workers, and dieticians to name but a few. Furthermore, an occupational therapist may work with the person in a variety of settings including their home, schools, day services or community settings, work, respite services or residential services.

According to Justice et al., (2021) – some key areas an occupational therapist may work with this population include.

• Sensory interventions
• Seating
• Equipment provision
• Adapting environments/ environmental recommendations
• Use of natural environment
• Education for the person, family, care staff etc.
• Adapting activities of daily living
• Adapting roles and routines
• Visual arousal monitoring tools

Throughout Ireland, occupational therapists work in network disability teams (NDTs), charities, schools, and community teams with this population. Private occupational therapists may also work with this population. If you are looking for any additional information on what benefits an occupational therapist may have when working with you or someone you know with an ID – contact your local OT and learn more about the services they offer.

The Bellavita bath lift was once described to me as being worth its weight in gold; that from a client who was able to rediscover the joys of being able to take a warm and luxurious bath. It’s true, the rejuvenating power of a relaxing bath should never be underestimated. For those with limited mobility, the prospect of enjoying a soothing soak might seem daunting. This is where the Bellavita bath lift comes to the rescue, offering a range of remarkable benefits that can greatly enhance the quality of life.

The Bellavita bath lift is designed to gently lower and raise an individual into and out of the bathtub, ensuring a safe and stress-free bathing experience. Here are some of the notable advantages:

1. Independence and Dignity: Maintaining one’s independence and dignity is crucial, especially for those with mobility challenges. The Bellavita bath lift empowers individuals to bathe on their own terms, eliminating the need for assistance and fostering a sense of self-reliance.

2. Reduced Risk of Accidents: Traditional bathtubs can pose a risk of slips and falls, particularly for people with limited mobility. The Bellavita bath lift significantly reduces this risk by offering a controlled and gradual descent into the water, and an effortless ascent afterward.

3. Muscle Relaxation: Warm water has therapeutic effects on muscles and joints. Bathing in a comfortable position provided by the Bellavita bath lift allows for better muscle relaxation, which can alleviate tension and contribute to overall pain relief.

4. Improved Circulation and Heart Health: Submerging oneself in warm water can enhance blood circulation and promote cardiovascular health. The gentle massage-like action of the water can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart function.

5. Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: Taking time for a bath is not just about physical relaxation; it’s also about mental rejuvenation. Bathing with the Bellavita bath lift encourages individuals to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, promoting mental clarity and reducing stress.

6. Hygiene Maintenance: Regular bathing is essential for personal hygiene. With the Bellavita bath lift, maintaining cleanliness becomes easier and more convenient, which contributes to improved overall health.

7. Customisable Experience: The Bellavita bath lift comes with adjustable features, allowing users to personalise their bathing experience. From water depth to recline angle, individuals can find the settings that suit their comfort and needs.

8. Ease of Installation and Use: The Bellavita bath lift is designed to be user-friendly, with simple installation and intuitive controls. It is versatile enough to be used in various types of bathtubs.

As you see from the above, the benefits of the Bellavita bath lift extend far beyond the physical act of bathing. They provide an avenue for individuals with limited mobility to enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic experience while promoting independence, safety, and well-being. Investing in a Bellavita bath lift is not only an investment in physical comfort but also in the overall quality of life. You can order a Bellavita bathlift on our partner website – Beechfield Healthcare.

If you are applying for a grant from a local authority you will be asked for an occupational therapist’s report with advice on how best to adapt your home to meet your needs.

The Occupational Therapist will organise a time that suits you to meet in your own home environment. The OT will then discuss your past medical history, social supports, previous therapy input, and also address any areas of concern you have. The assessment may involve you moving around and interacting with various aspects of your home and generally lasts an hour.  After checking your performance while doing these activities, the occupational therapist will be able to determine if you might benefit by using a technical aid, or by some modification in your environment to improve your level of safety or independence.

Depending on the results of your assessment it may be necessary to complete a follow-up assessment to look into areas of your cognitive function or specific tasks identified in the initial assessment.

The OT may suggest modifications such as the installation of grab rails in the toilet or house entrance, the installation of ramps, as well as major equipment and adaptations such as stair-lifts, bath-lifts, and wet-floor shower areas.