Share: 

Prior to surgery, have a home safety assessment

February 6, 2019

If planning to have surgery, the patient may also want to consider having a pre-surgery home safety assessment.
 
These assessments are provided by Beebe Home Care Services in an effort to prepare a home following surgery. The assessments look for areas that could trigger a fall after surgery.
 
Falls are the leading cause of injury in older Americans. In 2014, falls accounted for 7 million injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
Areas that could trigger a fall include loose rugs, bathrooms without grab bars, laundry rooms, hallways with excess furniture and stairs without proper railings.

“Older adult falls are increasing and, sadly, often herald the end of independence,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Healthcare providers can make fall prevention a routine part of care in their practice, and older adults can take steps to protect themselves.”
 
“With more than 10,000 older Americans turning 65 each day, the number of fall-related injuries and deaths is expected to surge, resulting in cost increases unless preventive measures are taken,” said Frieden.
 
It is critical that seniors remain safe in and outside their homes, therefore, Beebe’s goal is to ensure a safe return home following surgery and hospitalization. This proactive approach strongly supports The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals. The assessments also minimize a patient’s anxiety and uncertainty following surgery.
 
In addition to home safety assessments, which can help prevent a fall after returning home from the hospital, Beebe home care providers may also help recovery after surgery by providing in-home medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, skilled nursing, social services and home health aides.

Home care services can make a big difference for loved ones. In addition to providing necessary medical care, having a home visit on a regular basis can help loved one continue to improve their health while providing a social outlet.

Beebe Home Care Services provides skilled care with a professional team of nurses, home health aides, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. The nurses provide a comprehensive assessment that identifies the need for possible wound care, pain management, medication management, tube feedings, or ostomy and drain care.
 
The team is also there to provide education on managing chronic diseases, including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and ways to deal with pneumonia complications, and new diagnoses, such as stroke, heart attack or open heart surgery.    
 
Beebe Home Care Services also works with tele-health providers who are available to talk to clients via a secure video connection. Daily reports and health monitoring can also be done remotely.
 
For more information or to set up a home safety assessment, call 302-934-5830 or go to www.beebehealthcare.org/home-care.

Maggie Kniele, PT, MBA, DPT, is manager of Rehab Services for Beebe Home Care Services. Beebe Home Care Services is recognized among the Top 500 HomeCare Elite, which recognizes the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. For more information on Beebe Home Care Services and the home safety assessments, go to www.beebehealthcare.org/ home-care.
 
 

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter