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• <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">Here is the information I received from Tammy, on of the OTs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">&#160;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">OTs commonly make home visits to do assessments and suggest modifications if necessary, especially those working in the community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">&#160;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">You guys are on the right track with adding handrails and getting rid of rugs since those present a great risk for tripping and falling. Some other possible bathroom equipment may include bath benches and shower mats. <span>&#160;</span>I would also recommend rearranging frequently used items to the main floor to minimize the need for Mary to climb up and down the stairs. <span>&#160;</span>E.g., have her bedroom and/or install a bathroom on the first floor.<span>&#160; </span>Since the stairs seem to present a greater risk for future falls, having some visual cues from the environment may also be advisable. <span>&#160;</span>E.g., put coloured markers against the height of each step. <span>&#160;</span>To enhance safety when getting up from her bed or chair, a standing pole could be set in place for her to hold onto and assist with standing.<span>&#160; </span>Flooring in the home should also be made level (no raised decks), if it isnt already.<span>&#160; </span>Lighting in the home should also be assessed since inadequate lighting reduces visibility, thus contributing to the risk of falls.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">&#160;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">For her fractured wrist, there are many adaptive equipment that can be prescribed for Mary to use until she recovers.<span>&#160; </span>An OT may introduce these to Mary to practice with and see which works best for her. <span>&#160;</span>For the issues that you described, there are adapted hooks to pull zippers or large ringed zipper toggles for easier pulling.<span>&#160; </span>There are tools with rubber straps to wrap around jar lids for firmer grip or, instead of using jars, perhaps Mary can use plastic tupperware with easy-to-open lids.<span>&#160; </span>Certain cutting boards are also adapted with a device (i.e. pegs) to hold the food down so that you can chop with just one hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">&#160;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">Im not exactly sure when these issues should be addressed but I think it would likely be while Mary is in rehab, just before discharge and then continue to assess after she returns home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">&#160;</p>

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