I have a young lady patient who began developing multiple sclerosis and became blind. She cannot see anything, needs eye dog, and is using a cane. She asked for grab bars for the bathroom; These patients will fall, that's why we have grab bars. The order was written and submitted to her insurance plan. After 5 days of deliberation they denied it and replied to us, to please direct the patient to a superstore and get the bars. The point is, we deal with this all the time. If you are a loved one, they are $12, get them save the time, be proactive.
Falls are a major cause of injury and common in practice. After years of observation of patient behavior it almost becomes inevitable. Often times falls occur during the night as the patient attempt to make their way to the restroom. Both in the hospital and in the home we recommend the use of bedside commodes for patients with gait instability and or previous history of falls. If you know someone that is at risk, consider being proactive, often times it is cheaper and quicker by ordering it yourself. Rather than wait and keep the patient in risk order it and get it delivered. This one is as cost affordable as they come.
In keeping with fall prevention. Walkers are useful at providing stability and a feeling of security to the elderly or those prone to falls. Many encounters are spent advising patients of their risk for falls and injury including fractures and head and neck injuries and what can be done to at least reduce the risk as much as we can. Many patients don't like the idea of walkers or assist devices. It's an important discussion however, and again, if you know someone who is at risk, don't wait.
If you have a loved on or have COPD or Asthma or Emphysema you should absolutely have a nebulizer at home. It is a more effective delivery mechanism to the bronchioles of the lung than the handheld puffer. It provides a vapor that gets deeper into the lungs. Use this at home, should have one, this is just one example. The handheld is for portability, when you are out in the field.
