Fall protectors – fall out mats, bathroom mats, hip protectors

For some larger people, where mobility and balance are a problem, the danger of injury resulting from a slip or a fall can be a major concern. However, a number of actions can be taken to remove or reduce the occurrence of falling (e.g. grab rails, walking sticks, mobility scooters etc). Even so, these are not always options in certain situations, e.g. the home bathroom.

Accepting the fact that anyone can slip and fall, one way of significantly reducing injury is to use impact absorbing materials. These protective mats and pads can be applied directly to hard surfaces, or worn against venerable parts of the body within clothing.

Where falls and injuries take place

Within the home there are three areas where accidents connected with falling tend to happen.

The first is the stairs where a stairlift can be used and soft carpets and good handrails can be fitted as preventative measures.

The second is the bathroom where a mix of smooth surfaces combined with water spillage can lead to hard and slippery floors.

The third is the bedroom, and specifically falls from the bed onto the floor beneath.

Impact absorbing matting

In the case of the second and third locations referred to above, impact absorbing mats and bedside fall-out mats can be used to soften any falls. In some cases extra thick bariatric matting is available, however if it is not then the thickest heavy duty impact absorbing matting will be the preferred option.

Within the bathroom special none slip impact absorbing materials can provide better footing and grip (even when wet) and soften any impact if someone does fall on them. These padded bath mats can be positioned next to baths, showers or washbasins and, when combined with grab rails, can make any bathroom a much safer environment. Additionally, these mats repel water and continue to offer a secure footing even after spills and splashes. They can easily be wiped clean.

Falling out of a bed can easily result in injury and bedside mats called fall out mats can cushion any falls and reduce or prevent injury. These mats need not look out of place or be unattractive and they can always be removed and stored during the daytime if necessary.

Body protectors

The alternative to using impact absorbing matting against hard surfaces is to wear body protectors, the most popular of which is the hip protector.

The advantage of wearing fall protective padding is that you take these items of protective clothing with you wherever you go. This means that they are of value in every environment in which you find yourself and they are discreet enough not to be noticed beneath normal clothing.

Further information about hip protectors can be found at this hip protector page. Similar protectors for the elbows and knees are also available.

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