Person Centred Response
All of us have different needs and respond to both the environment and other people around us in different ways. It is critical that any decision to change the environment or use technology follows a person-centred assessment, where the perspectives, needs and choices of the person with dementia are understood and respected.
What works for some people does not always work for others. It is important to continue to provide ongoing evaluation to ensure that any technology or strategies used for supporting independence and safety in the home, remains meaningful to the person and match their needs and abilities.
Warning Signs
Indicators that a person is falling or at risk of falling include when the person:
- Has bruising and abrasions from walking into furniture;
- Grabs onto backs of chairs and furniture or uses fittings (door handles, light switches) as they move about their home;
- Has difficulty moving from sitting to standing or from standing to sitting;
- Has difficulty managing a change in floor height (one step or multiple steps);
- Has to reach above chest height to obtain items that are in everyday use;
- Complains of dizziness when standing or turning their head;
- Forgets to use walking aids and equipment;
- Stops or falters at changes in flooring, eg linoleum, or tiles, to carpet, or where there is a pattern on the floor.