Fall Prevention Awareness Month: Essential Orthotic Services and Equipment for Safety

Each year, one in four older adults —some fourteen million people — experience falls, which are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people aged 65 and over.

September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month, and with the wet and occasionally snowy fall and winter months just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to ensure you or your loved ones are kept safe both in and out of the home. While falls are increasingly likely as one ages, orthotic services and products can help to minimize the risk. In this post, we’ll outline some of the key strategies and products that can help support mobility and balance.

Essential Orthotic Equipment to Prevent Falls

At UMES, our medical equipment store is stocked with ready-to-go orthotic products that can quickly and effectively reduce the risk of falls among the older population and those with balance and mobility issues.

Braces

Braces offer a simple yet effective way to provide your body with an extra dose of stability and strength, which helps to decrease fall risk. Brace products are available for the knees, back, and the ankle and foot (AFOs).

Walkers

Walkers provide additional support when walking, making them an invaluable asset to older people who are slightly unsteady on their feet. At UMES, we offer a variety of different walkers, including:

  • Standard Walker: Lightweight and sturdy, a four-legged walker offers balance and stability to those with mobility concerns.
  • Rollators: Similar to a walker, rollators also feature a seat, wheels, and a handbrake. They’re easier to push and support more flexible movement, and are recommended for people who have mobility issues, yet still have some strength and balance.

Canes & Crutches

UMES offers single-point and quad canes. Single-point canes, which have a single tip, are ideal for people with mild mobility issues who just require a little extra help and support. Quad canes have four tips and are recommended for adults with more pronounced mobility concerns. We also provide crutches for people who have temporarily reduced mobility due to injury.

Expert Orthotic Services From Unified Medical Equipment Solutions

At Unified Medical Equipment Solutions, our commitment to preventing falls goes beyond providing orthotic products. We also provide a full suite of expert orthotic services that can support mobility and balance. Our team of professionals is on hand to assess your mobility issues, help you select the correct walking aid, and provide ongoing maintenance and advice to keep you or your loved one safe on their feet.

Contact Us Today

Fall Prevention Awareness Month provides an ideal opportunity to get in contact with a specialized orthotic company and make sure that you or your loved ones are kept as safe as possible during the winter months. The right products combined with expert orthotic advice can significantly reduce the risk of falls. To learn more about the orthotic products in our medical equipment store or to book an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have convenient, easy-to-reach locations in Bentonville, Jacksonville, Jonesboro, and Newport.