A History of Fall Prevention at Skil-Care, By Steve Warhaftig,
Founder of Skil-Care Corporation

Skil-Care Corporation was incorporated in 1978 and at that time, the primary devices available for fall and safety were “Posey” restraints. Skil-Care canvased many nursing homes and hospitals nationally and was convinced that a comprehensive line of fall safety products was necessary. We developed numerous products in this category and refined them with the assistance of several nurses and therapists. At that time, non-restrictive belts, fall mats, slide guard cushions, roll control bolsters, soft top trays with non-restrictive fasteners, leg supports, reclining back rests and several other fall safety products didn’t exist. Over several years, these products were developed and improved upon to this day.

 

Fall History

According to the CDC, each year millions of older people 65 years and older fall either at home, outside or in a hospital or nursing home, mostly during late evening and nigh time. Interestingly, falling once doubles the chance of falling a second time. Internationally, 600,000 falls worldwide result in deaths. About 50% of nursing home residents suffer a fall at least once annually, with more than 25% suffering physical injuries or even death. Geriatric falls are a frequent problem in hospitals. Fear of falling increases the probability of falling and reduces both physical and social activities. Although obvious, it is known that there is an increased fall probability among those older than 70. Maybe not-so-surprisingly, a higher body mass is associated with protection against geriatric falls and subsequent injury or death.

Other fall facts

Falls among adults 65+ caused 36,000 deaths in 2020 making it the leading cause of injury death for the geriatric group. Also stated by the CDC is that in 2020, emergency departments recorded 3 million visits which ended up costing over $50 billion (about $150 per person in the US) annually. Of this cost, 75% was paid by Medicare and Medicaid.

 

Leading causes of falls

  • Age
  • Balance and/or walking problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Medication overdose
  • Poor lighting
  • Footwear and foot issues
  • Home hazards especially in the shower
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • History of falling
  • Visual impairment
  • Pain

 

How to Reduce Falls

Two of the main ways to reduce falls is to provide proper exercise and to develop specific products that are associated with fall prevention or fall protection. Skil-Care Corporation has participated in both categories of products. To improve fall-safety, the following should be considered.

  • Participate in activities that improve balance and strength in the legs
  • Have your eyes checked twice a year
  • Keep the home safe by keeping the floors clutter free, adding grab bars in the bathroom, having handrails on the stairs, and keeping the environment well lit
  • Wear suitable footwear
  • If fall-prone or gait-impaired, utilize a corrective aid
  • Utilize assistive seating devices
  • Ask for assistance from a loved one or caretaker if nervous about performing a certain activity that might result in a fall

 

Fall Prevention Exercise

It has been determined that balance and strength exercises can reduce falling risk. To improve leg and muscle strength, sitting and standing a repetitive number of times is effective. There are also numerous leg peddlers, bands and machines that aid in the strengthening of the legs. Since balance is a major factor in falling, the use of balance devices should be considered. The boards movements will stimulate the balance system in our inner ear and will also stimulate the receptors for adjusting our body to external surroundings. The boards can be used by the individual or if needed with the assistance of a caregiver to hold them up. To quote the UK NIHR, exercise is the most effective way of preventing falls in people 70 and older.

 

Fall Prevention and Safety Products Developed by Skil-Care Corp

Ambulatory safety and fall prevention

  • Balance boards
  • Gait belts with and without handles (walking assistance)
  • Transfer slings
  • Hip Ease for hip fall-protection

 

Bed Safety and fall prevention

  • Fall mats
  • Bed belts and restraints
  • Bed Alarms
  • Bed rail pads
  • Roll-controlled bolsters
  • Bed wedges
  • Transfer slings

 

Wheelchair safety and fall prevention

  • Wheelchair alarms
  • Specialized cushions
  • Trays and bolsters
  • Leg supports
  • Reclining Back
  • Restraints
  • Non-restrictive belts and vests

 

Proper posture in a wheelchair has a significant health effect and if not proper, could lead to muscular disorder and falls. Slouching forward could lead to respiratory and digestive problems, poor circulation, ulcer formation and falls. Skil-Care Corporation has contributed by providing products that help the patient sit back, keep their head straight and forward, and keep the elbows and knees at 90 degrees. A failure to do the above could be a precursor to the patient falling out of the wheelchair.