Written by Mike Price, OT
Falls are a major source of injury, especially for those over the age of 65. Fall prevention products can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious injury.
“Every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury among older Americans,” according to the CDC.
The National Hospital Discharge Survey reports that more than 90 percent of hip fractures are due to falls, and only 25 percent of people with these fractures will make a full recovery. The rest will become dependent on canes or walkers and may need admission to a nursing home, while 20 percent will die within one year of the fall.
Due to this high incidence, and because the number of aging baby boomers is increasing, it is important to find efficacious ways to reduce the risk of falls. This product review covers the top 5 products that may help reduce this risk.
 | 5) Tri-Fold Bedside Fall Mat View Product |
 | 4) Posey Fall Management Socks View Product |
 | 3) Fall Prevention Monitor View Product |
 | 2) Guardian Toilet Safety Frame by Medline View Product |
Despite preventive planning, sometimes a loved one falls out of bed. The Drive Tri-Fold Bedside Fall Mat provides that extra bit of protection by cushioning the floor next to the bed just in case. The Tri-fold Mat ranks number 5 in our product review.
Even when we explain the importance of calling for help if they need to get up, those with dementia or confusion may get up out of bed without assistance. This can happen to those who otherwise are clear thinking in the daytime but are less so at night.
This Tri-fold Mat is filled with high-density foam and is covered with a blue waterproof vinyl cover for easy cleaning and disinfecting. The mat folds in three sections for easy moving and storage and has a non-skid bottom to reduce chances of it slipping around.
This mat is particularly handy because it can easily be moved to any location the loved one is sleeping on, such as the sofa or recliner chair, and on either side of the bed.
The Tri-fold mat measures 72 x 30 x 2 inches so is long enough to extend the entire length of a bed. It offers a one-year warranty.
Customers report that the Tri-fold Mat helped cushion falls of loved ones who got out of bed without calling them first. They liked that the mat was long enough to match the length of the bed. Users found it easy to set up, and then fold to put out of the way in the daytime.
One son pushed his mother’s bed against the wall and placed the mat on the open side to protect her.
Some users felt the foam was adequate while a couple of others would have preferred thicker foam. Another like that the vinyl cover was easy to clean.
The only complaints were from two users who thought that the anti-skid bottom treatment did not work well on wood floor. Other customers had used their mats on top of carpet.
Shoes are the safest foot protection items but inside the house, people often like to just wear socks. These Posey Fall Management Socks do double duty in both comfort and safety. They rank number 4 on our review of top fall prevention products.
The Posey socks keep the wearer’s feet cozy and warm while providing some traction against slippery surfaces when the user is walking. They can be worn while the wearer is sleeping so even if they can get out of bed independently, they are less likely to have a slipping event walking on the floor.
The Posey socks are made out of soft terry cloth and have latex-free, non-skid treads embossed on both sides of the socks so the wearer is protected regardless of which side ends up under their foot.
They have a large mesh top band so are comfortable for those with larger width ankles or calves.
Posey socks are available in five colors and can be purchased either in groups of six pairs or fifty pairs. The regular size fits up to a man’s size 13 and the large size goes up to a size 14. The socks also come in pediatric sizes so they are equally great for kids.
Customers found the Posey Fall Management Socks to be comfortable and warm. They voiced that they thought the Posey brand of non-skid socks were the best.
Some customers had simple needs of just wanting something non-skid to wear around the house. Others had issues with edema and swelling in their legs and feet and needed socks that could accommodate their oversized ankles and calves. They expressed appreciation that they could pull the socks all the way up and the stretchy top would stay up on their legs.
A number of customers bought the socks for elderly loved ones and the wearers reported that they felt more secure walking around in them, particularly on wood floors.
A couple of people complained that the socks shrunk when washed which means it is probably best to wash them in cold water.
We cannot always keep an eye on our loved ones, but the Safe-T-Mate Fall Prevention Monitor certainly can. This safety alarm alerts us if the wearer moves too far away from the alarm monitor, or falls out of the bed or chair. The Safe-T-Mate ranks number 3 in our product review because it is such a simple way to help keep loved ones safe.
To use the Safe-T-Mate, clip the stainless steel adjustable length cord to the wearer’s clothes and make sure the magnetic disk is inside the battery operated alarm monitor. If the wearer falls or moves away from the Safe-T-Mate more than the length of the cord, the magnetic disk is pulled out of the monitor and a 95db alarm alerts you to check on your loved one.
The nylon cord adjusts to a length of 18 – 35 inches and should be attached with a little slack to your loved one’s clothes. A 9V battery is included with the alarm monitor and a low battery warning LED light lets you know if the battery needs to be changed. The circuitry in the alarm is wired to reduce power consumption to prolong battery life but it is recommended you check or change the battery monthly.
Once the magnetic disk is replaced, the alarm is reset, and there is a soft silicon partial sleeve which protects the alarm from being dropped
The Safe-T-Mate Fall Prevention Monitor is 3/4 inch thick, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 2-3/4 inches long. It weighs 8 ounces.
If needed, replacement magnets and cords are also available.
Customers report the Safe-T-Mate gave them great peace of mind, especially at night. One woman said her husband sleepwalks and was due to have surgery the next day so was not to eat or drink anything over night. Because of the Safe-T-Mate, he woke her several times that night so she was able to stop him from getting up.
Another customer used the Safe-T-Mate to keep his father-in-law from getting up without seeking assistance. He commented that they could not hang the monitor from their sofa with the handle so they pinned the monitor with a safety pin.
One customer stated she had tried a bed pad alarm that alarms if the person leaves the bed, but they found that it alarmed too easily from excessive movement. She was pleased that this type of magnetic alarm did not have that problem.
Grab bars are crucial appliances that reduce the risk of falls. They can be installed by the toilet, shower, bathtub, or any location where support is needed. The Chrome Plated Knurled Grab Bars made by Medline ranks number 2 in our product review.
These Chrome Plated Knurled Grab bars are made out of steel and have a knurled textured surface for a sure grip. They come in a set of three and can be ordered in sizes that meet your needs: 12, 16, 18, 24, or 32 inches. Their diameter is about 1-1/4 inches so one’s hand fits nicely around the bar.
Grab bars work well in tight bathrooms to provide support without taking up space. We installed two into the walls next to my father’s toilet and one right outside the shower. Once they were in place, my father realized how helpful they were to have them even though he had resisted us installing them.
The flanges that secure the ends of the bars lay against the wall at any angle and are secured with three screws (included). The bars support up to 250 pounds of weight.
The flanges are about 3 inches in diameter and the bars stand about 2 ½ inches (outside measurement) away from the wall. They are also ADA compliant as the inside distance to the wall is 1½ inches.
The Knurled Grab bars come with screws, but depending on your installation, you may want to use longer ones or anchors if you are unable to find a stud for your installation. If installing into tile, relief holes will be needed, which is best done by a professional so not to damage the tile.
Customers commented that the bars were very sturdy and the textured surface made gripping them easier. Some users installed them vertically and some horizontally. People purchased different length bars depending on their needs and most reported they were very pleased with their purchase, especially the price.
While most people used the bars in their bathrooms, a couple had used them in places such as a loft to climb up in their garage, and by their kitchen door to make it down two tall garage steps.
Most people installed them into studs in their wall, but a few who had used anchor supports still felt the bars were securely fastened.
Anyone who was elderly parents or had installed them for someone elderly voiced relief at knowing they were there to help. One person said her parents “love, love, love” their Medline Knurled Grab Bars.
A couple of people claimed their bars or screws had rusted, but they were in the minority.
The Guardian Toilet Safety Frame is an easy-to-install, important product that helps prevent falls that occur from rising or sitting down to use the toilet. This fall prevention frame ranks number 1 in our product review.
What makes the Guardian Toilet Safety Frame special is that it comes as two separate rail supports that are securely bolted directly to the place the toilet seat screws into the toilet. No handyman is needed.
To install, remove the toilet seat bolts, fit the rail bracket under the toilet seat hinges, and re-place the bolts. Then you can slide in each side rail and lock in place. If desired, you can also only install one side rail, which can be helpful if the toilet has a sidewall that you want to install a grab bar vertically instead.
Since the side rails attach to the toilet seat mounting, the Safety Frame works with an elongated, elevated or a standard toilet. The frame does not interfere with lifting the toilet seat itself, and the frame legs lift up to clean under them.
The armrests are covered with closed cell foam for a sure grip. The aluminum frame height is adjustable between 26 -31 inches and the width is adjustable between 18-24 inches.
To adjust, slide the rails into the desired position and secure with the snap-in buttons. The rails are only stable in the forward locked position.
If both frame arms are used, 250 pounds can be supported. The Guardian® Toilet Safety Frame also highlights a limited lifetime warranty.
Customers young and old reported how well the Guardian Toilet Safety Frame met their needs. One user who needed a hip replacement called it a “lifesaver”. The Safety Frame was easy for most everyone to install, although a few stated no directions came in their box.
One customer appreciated that the rails could be adjusted to be closer or farther away from sides of the toilet. Others used it combined with a riser toilet seat and did not have any trouble with the installation.
Larger sized users voiced that the frame felt stable to use. Another customer of a handicapped child said it gave her son a feeling of more independence since he could use the bathroom without help.
While most customers commented that they felt the Safety Frame was stable and sturdy, a few felt it might not be stable enough for the elderly. A couple of customers were disappointed when they tried to return the product and could not.
Products that go around one’s bathroom are not returnable due to hygienic safety reasons, so accurate measurements of your space are required.
Injury prevention is an important priority, particularly as people age and become less aware of their surroundings. While there are a number of diverse and efficacious fall prevention products available, our number one choice is the Guardian Toilet Safety Frame.
The Guardian Toilet Safety Frame takes minutes to install and does not require special tools or costly professional installation services. Anyone who has unsteadiness, regardless of age, can benefit from this product. Most styles of toilets accommodate the frame. Installation can be combined with attaching a wall grab bar on the wall side of the toilet with the frame on the other side, if additional support is needed.
Chrome Knurled Grab Bars are the 2nd best fall prevention product. Due to their textured surface, they are easy to feel one has a secure grip.
Our 3rd fall prevention product is the Safe-T-Mate Fall Prevention Monitor. This clever alert device uses a simple magnet disk that pulls out of the monitor when your loved one moves too far, alerting you with a loud alarm. It can be used when the wearer is in bed or seated in a chair.
Posey Fall Management Socks rank as our 4th fall prevention product. They provide increased security to loved ones when walking around on potentially slippery surfaces. Since they come in a variety of sizes, wearers of many ages can benefit.
The Tri-Fold Bedside Mat is our final and 5th fall prevention product. While intended to put next to a bed as your loved one sleeps, it can also be laid down next to the sofa or recliner just in case someone rises without being fully awake, to cushion a potential fall.
Want to learn even more? Find dozens of videos featuring products and caregiver tips like these at Rehabmart’s YouTube channel!
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Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
