Since january 1st of this year, people over 65 years old had a fall in Europe, sometimes with serious consequences.
Since january 1st of this year, people over 65 years old had a fall in Europe, sometimes with serious consequences.
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The kitchen is a particularly dangerous location for numerous reasons. Our attention is caught by the activity under way (cooking a meal, following a recipe, burn risks, etc.), we mainly move about in very small steps, turn around and hold heavy objects; the floor can be humid or greasy, etc.
Generally speaking, however, a practical and functional kitchen is a safe one.
>> Remove floor cloths and other mats from the floor,
>> Place the objects you use on a day-to-day basis within hand reach so as not to have to raise your arms (can put you off balance) or bend down (light-headedness, risks for your back, puts a strain an your knees);
>> Put objects together: for instance, putting the coffee or tea near the coffee machine or kettle, and those last two items near the water supply is more practical in the morning if you want to avoid holding heavy loads and prevent burn risks.
>> Place heavy objects level with your elbows (e.g. stewpans) and certainly not too high or too low!
- A table on casters: it can be a solution to move plates and dishes between the kitchen and the dining room. However, it must not be diverted from its original use: do not support yourself on it to walk. Also verify that the floor lends itself to it (no difference in level, floor covering is in good condition)
- A daily or weekly medication organiser;
The prevention of falls also requires taking the appropriate medication at the right time: overmedication is to be avoided at all costs, as is forgetting to take an essential part of your medication treatment.
>> A medication organiser can help you take your medication at the right time: this very practical technical aid is highly recommended when you take a certain number of medications at different times in the day.
The model should be easy to use, both in terms of manipulation (in accordance with your level of dexterity) and comprehension (good illustrations and boxes that correspond to your treatment needs).
For treatments that need to be taken at precise times (e.g. Parkinson treatment), medication organisers with alarm signals are advised.
