When staying at home is the desire, Integrated Care Consultants  can recommend the choices of services and assure that you are accessing the most appropriate support to obtain the most desirable outcome.

Integrated Care Consultants will help you understand the differences between:

• Home Health
• In home Care
  • Non- Medical agencies for homemaking and companionship services
  • Medical services agencies for medication administration and RN supervised care
  • Private caregivers
• Medicaid In-home care services
  • Client employed home care workers
  • Oregon Project Independence
• Respite care services
  • Adult day care
  • 24 hours live in support
  • Community living respite stay
• Transportation services

Repeated falls are the most frequent cause of injury for those over 65 and a primary reason for moving from the home to a more assisted living arrangement or need to obtaining in-home support services. There are precautions that you can take to prevent falls,  minimize injury and stay
safer at home.

Have you talked with your doctor or primary care provider (PCP) about falls?

• Be aware of potential side effects of medications you are taking.
• Notify your primary care provider if you notice dizziness or any loss of balance.
• Medication dosage or drug choice can be adjusted to minimize this risk.
• Keep your PCP informed of any changes you make in over the counter supplements and any new exercise programs you start.
  

Is your home as safe as it can be?

• Floors should be free of  throw rugs that can create a trip factors. If loose rugs are necessary, secure them in place with double sided tape or non skid sheets.
• Keep electric cords out o walk ways.
• Avoid piling magazines, newspapers and other clutter in walkways or on stairs.
• Arrange furniture to minimize any trip risk.
• Use a bench in the shower or tub.
• Grab bars can be installed in the bathroom to aid with stability during bathing and grooming.
• Consider a raised toilet seat if transferring onto the toilet is difficult.
• Keep walkways well let.
• A bedside lamp in easy reach will make getting out of bed at night safer.
• Keep a flashlight by your bed for power outage emergencies.
• Use nightlights to light areas of night time use.
  

Do you have the most appropriate ambulation and mobility assistance devices?

• Use your cane or walker as you have been instructed.
• Keep the wheel chair in good repair. Brakes may need to be adjusted to hold securely. Rips of tears in plastic upholstery can cause skin tears.

Are you moving and exercising to maintain your balance,  flexibility and strength?

• Walking is one of the best exercises.
• Wear well fitting shoes with non skid soles.
  • Discard shoes that cause blisters or irritate bunions and callouses
  • Cotton socks are preferable.
  • Slippers should have non skid soles
  • Lace up shoes give better support than slip-ons.
  • Velcro style closures are preferable if tying shoes are a challenge.
  • Women should wear lower heeled shoes when possible.
• Water exercise can be very effective and easier on arthritic joints.
• Dancing, tai chi and yoga promote flexibility.
• Consult your primary care provider before starting a program that increases your daily activity level.

Have you had your living environment and your activity level evaluated?

• Your primary care provider may be able to refer you to a physical therapist or occupational therapy to have your home safety reviewed and your mobility and transfers(walking and getting in and out of the chair) evaluated.
  
• Medicare Part B may be able to provide some durable medical equipment (DME) such as grab bars, tab benches, or walker as well as therapy/exercises to improve your mobility.