With the holidays upon us, it’s that time of year, gift giving. As a fall prevention and mobility expert, I’m often asked by family caregivers about safety gifts for elders; especially for those with impaired balance. A typical line of questioning goes something like this:

‘My mother’s (or father’s) balance is  so-so; you know one day it’s OK and the next it might not be OK.’ ‘What can I give her (or him) for the holidays to make their life a little bit more safer? ‘Can you help me?’

There are many elders living with ‘so-so’ balance, which can best be described as being somewhere between having good balance (and not needing any equipment to support balance) and poor balance (requiring balance support 24-7).

Typically, individuals get by without any balance support at all. But occasionally, their balance is off. Any number of things may trigger poor balance; exacerbation of an underlying chronic health problem (such as diabetes, arthritis, etc. going awry), the onset of a sudden illness, (flu, pneumonias, infection, etc.), sometimes even mood swings can upset balance. On those days when balance is less than good, individuals could benefit from some support.  In future blogs, I’ll have more to say about the causes of balance problems and how to best maintain balance (including safety technology/specific exercises), but for now my holiday safety gift list includes the following:

Rollators: A 4-Wheeled Walker with Style

Walkers are often recommended to support elders with balance problems.  A wheeled walker allows an individual to ambulate by pushing or rolling the walker forward and is easier to use than the standard “pick-up” walker (i.e., those without wheels). The advantage of having wheels is that the elder doesn’t have to lift the walker during ambulation; they simply roll the walker along the ground.

A rollator is a walker with four wheels, the front two wheels typically are on swivel casters for easy maneuverability. Rollators offer important advantages over standard walkers.

Rollators are equipped with hand braking systems (i.e., caliper brakes, much like a ten-speed bicycle) to prevent the walker from rolling away from the elder. The user squeezes the hand brakes to lock the wheels in place, or release them to continue walking. For those individuals with arthritis or other ailments that make hand brakes difficult to use, some rollators are equipped with automatic braking systems, which prevents the rollator from suddenly rolling away.

Most rollators have foldable, padded seats and back rests built into them. In this way, if an elder gets tired while walking, they can fold the seat down and rest on it. This feature is especially beneficial for those individuals with arthritis whose legs may give way after walking a distance, and in those individuals with underlying heart disease who tire easily and need to frequently stop and rest while walking.

Rollators offer balance stability and maneuverability on uneven ground surfaces (such as thick carpets, sidewalks, gravel walkways, etc.). The rollator’s wheels are designed to turn, pivot and maneuver in a way that standard walkers can't, which makes it much easier to get around. Rollators with smaller wheels are aimed at indoor use; while rollators with bigger wheels are ideal for outdoor use.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, rollators are aesthetically more appealing than conventional walking aids; thereby, improving the elder’s acceptance and compliance. Rollators come in various sizes, shapes, designs, and styles to meet individual needs.

Transfer Pole 

Elders may not always experience balance problems when walking, but instead exhibit poor balance while  attempting to get up from bed, chairs, toilets or in/out of bathtubs. A transfer pole (also known as a floor-to-ceiling pole) is designed to help elders with their balance and confidence while performing seated transfers (the elder grasps onto the pole when seated and pulls themselves up to a standing position when getting up).

How does it work?

The transfer pole extends from the floor to the ceiling and mounts using tension (it’s basically a vertical pole that is adjusted via a screw mechanism at the floor at the pole's base without the use of any tools. The pole’s height adjusts from 7' 8.25"-8'2.5"). The transfer pole is easy to remove or relocate for use in strategic locations where extra support is needed. 

Silver Sneakers Program

Among the lifestyle behaviors that have negative effects on one’s balance, being sedentary is near the top of the list. The good news is that a regular program of exercise enables the body to keep good balance.  To be effective, exercise programs need to be fun and tailored to each individual’s level.

Silver Sneakers  is a fun, energizing program that helps elders take greater control of their health (and balance) by encouraging physical activity. The Silver Sneakers Fitness Program is designed specifically for Medicare beneficiaries. The program concentrates on improving strength and flexibility so daily living activities become easier. Silver Sneakers has participating locations nationwide (visit www.silversneakers.com to find a Silver Sneakers location).

What does the Silver Sneakers Program offer?

Exercise options for elders at all levels of fitness.

Strength/ balance training.

One-on-one guidance from trainers qualified to work with elders.

Fitness equipment, treadmills and free weights; access to amenities like a swimming pool or indoor walking track.

Engages elders; helps keep them motivated to improve their health and well-being.

Offers a non-intimidating environment; elders can meet new people who share their health goals, participate in social activities and receive health education.

When it comes to picking the perfect presents for older loved ones, what truly makes the best gifts are those that enable them to maintain a great quality of life and to live as independently as possible.

Happy holidays!

Click here to read articles by Dr. Rein Tideiksaar on Fall Prevention.

Rein Tideiksaar Ph.D., PA-C (or Dr Rein as he is commonly referred to) is the president of FallPrevent, LLC, Blackwood, NJ, a consulting company that provides educational, legal and marketing services related to fall prevention in the elderly. Dr Tideiksaar is a gerontologist (health care professional who specializes in working with elderly patients) and a geriatric physician's assistant. He has been active in the area of fall prevention for over 30 years, and has directed numerous research projects on falls and has developed fall prevention programs in the community, assisted living, home care, acute care hospital, and nursing facility setting. To learn more, check out the Dr’s professional profile on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dr-rein/6/759/592 If you have any questions about preventing falls, please feel free to e-mail Dr. Tideiksaar at drrein@verizon.net

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