How to Use A Reacher for Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention

If you work with older adults, it is no secret that most falls can be prevented.  In order to keep your clients living in their homes or senior living communities, it is our job to help reduce a client’s falls risk.  Fall prevention requires a multifaceted approach. As PTs, we help to promote LE strengthening, facilitate dynamic standing balance and improve their overall physical performance.   The OT practitioner will assess the client’s environment and make appropriate modifications, educate caregivers on safe techniques, and assess the need for equipment.

Falling While Reaching

One of the most frequent causes of falls that we see is from trying to retrieve something that is out of reach.  An easy solution to this problem is to use a long handled reacher. We recommend all of our clients have a reacher, or multiple reachers, to place throughout their home.  Common places a reacher may be necessary is in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.  A reacher can also be used to help increase independence with dressing for client’s who may have difficulty reaching towards the floor to donn pants or undergarments.

Using a Reacher

When educating my clients on using a reacher properly, I like in make it a functional and interactive activity.  I do this by placing a bunch of different items on the floor (socks, towels, rings, etc) and have the client ambulate (or self propel wheelchair) throughout the room collecting each item with the reacher.  I may provide cues for sequencing, proper technique and body mechanics, and postural adjustments.

Be Proactive

Falls can be prevented! Make sure your client has a reacher and even more important, that they are using it!  We have so many more useful tips for fall prevention, keep following along and check out our other blog posts!

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