Deck the Halls, Don't Contribute to Falls As you get ready to break out your facility's Christmas tree, take a second to review your decorating plans and ensure they won’t contribute to resident falls. According to the CDC, around 1,800 nursing home residents die from fall-related injuries every year.1 Ask yourself the following questions as you deck your halls: "Could our residents trip over these decorations or have trouble maneuvering around them with a walker or cane?" "Am I adding any decorations to our banisters or hand rails that would make it difficult for residents to get a firm grip?" "Are our light cords tucked away from areas where residents walk? If the cords must cross hallways, are they secured with duct tape?" "Am I keeping my eyes open for any decorations that have fallen to the ground, creating a fall risk?" "Do I have a trash can near where we are opening presents so that we can quickly dispose of paper and bows before residents trip over them?" "Do our throw rugs have non-slip backings?" "Do any of our decorations have flashing or pulsing lights on them that could cause residents to become disoriented and fall?" You should also stress the importance of safe decorating to your staff. Every year, about 6,000 people find themselves in the emergency room being treated for falls sustained while decorating.2 The majority of these falls came while people were on ladders, roofs, furniture (including step stools), stairs and porches. Professional Medical can help you develop a comprehensive fall prevention strategy. To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager or give us a call at (800) 648-5190. Reference 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls in Nursing Homes. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/nursing.html. Accessed November 20, 2013. 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Study: Fall-Related Injuries During the Holiday Season, United States, 2000-2003. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/fs041210.htm. Accessed November 20, 2013.

Study: Singing Show Tunes Can Help Combat Dementia It might be time to break out your Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. A new study has found that singing along to show tunes can help combat dementia. During the four-month study, the participants, who had dementia, were divided into two groups. The first group sang along with classic show tunes during three 50-minute sessions per week. The second group just listened to the songs.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that the singing group's performance on cognitive tests had improved. The listening group did not show improvement. The researchers said that the results indicate that singing is an effective form of therapy for those with moderate to severe dementia. The type of music sung is important, the researchers added. Familiar songs, such as show tunes, might activate the brain by sparking memories. To learn more, click here.

Buy 10 FlatMats, get one free! Use promo code #FMATB10G1 at checkout. The FlatMat strikes the perfect balance between stability and impact absorption. The unique design incorporates a stable ultra-low profile with beveled edges to reduce the likelihood of tripping. Additional features: 24" x 70" x 0.7" Unique slide-resistant bottom material helps keep the mat in place Heavy-duty non-slip top surface protects foam for extended life Antibacterial to resist mold, mildew, stains and odors 16 CFR 1630 fire complaint

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