Brain damage leads to impaired cognitive, motor and balance functions, which exposes patients to higher safety risks. The implementation of effective safety measures, whether in a family environment or outside, is essential to safeguard the life and health of persons with brain damage and to facilitate the rehabilitation process.
At home, a comprehensive safety assessment and rehabilitation of the living environment is the first step. Grounds should be kept dry and clean to avoid water stains or a build-up of miscellaneous items, and smoothing bricks or cushions could be laid to prevent patients from slipping. In the bathrooms, slurry-proof tub mats, hand-lifts, strong hand-lifts by the toilet and shower areas are installed to facilitate the rise and transfer of patients. For patients with reduced mobility, a shower chair may be used to reduce the likelihood of falling while standing.
The choice and placement of furniture should also be noted. The use of sharp edges of furniture is avoided and, if there are angles, the impact protection angles can be used for packaging. Sofas and chairs should be well supported and stable, be highly moderate, and allow patients to sit and rise. Placement of commonly used items in a location that is easily accessible to the patient, and reduction of overstretching or bending of the patient to prevent fall. At the same time, it ensures unhindered access to the home, removes unnecessary barriers, such as electrical wires, small furniture, etc., and leaves enough room for patients to move.
Kitchen is a more potentially dangerous area. In the case of persons with brain damage, individual access to the kitchen should be restricted as far as possible. If the patient has some self-care capacity, he/she can use the kitchen with escorts and ensure that dangerous items such as knives and hot pots are placed in places that the patient cannot access. When the stove is used, the gas or power supply is shut down in time to avoid fire or burns. Installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and regular check of their functioning to ensure timely warning in case of danger.
The safety of the bedroom cannot be ignored. The level of the bed should be appropriate, usually with the patient sitting next to the bed, and his/her feet being smooth. The bedside can contain a fence to prevent the patient from falling from sleeping. The use of soft and comfortable mattresses and sheets to avoid the loss of sleep quality or physical discomfort caused by uncomfort in the bed. At night, proper lighting is maintained in the bedroom, such as the use of nightlights to facilitate the patient ‘ s view of the road at night and reduce the risk of falling.
In the personal care of patients, care should be taken to prevent burns and freezing. The temperature of the water heater is adjusted to the appropriate temperature, generally not exceeding 45°C, and the temperature of the water is tested by hand before the patient takes a bath to ensure that the temperature is appropriate. In cold weather, patients are provided with clothing that is warm enough to protect them from freezing injuries, especially in the hands, feet and head.
Adequate safety protection is also required for patients with brain damage to travel. When accompanying a patient, choose safe, flat and barrier-free routes and places, such as barrier-free access to the park and the mall. Avoid heavy traffic and crowded areas and reduce the occurrence of accidental collisions. If a patient uses a wheelchair, it is necessary to ensure that the wheelchair is in good performance, that the brakes are sensitive and that the integrity of tyre pressure and wheelchair parts is regularly checked.
Be particularly careful when travelling by transport. If the patient is in a car, the seat belt should be fastened to ensure that it is in the right place and does not cause discomfort or oppression. In the case of patients with severe medical conditions and with reduced mobility, special car seats or stretchers may be required to ensure their safety during transport. Up and down the stairs, there is a need for people to support the patient and to follow the principle of “slow step by step” to ensure that the patient’s feet are stabilized and that he/she does not slip or fall.
In addition, persons with brain damage may have cognitive impairments and be vulnerable to loss. (b) The wearing of an identification bracelet or necklace for the patient, with information on the patient ‘ s name, home address, telephone contact and medical condition, so that the patient can be detected and contacted in a timely manner in case of loss. Families can also place a card with the same information in the patient ‘ s clothing pocket. At the same time, day-to-day supervision of patients is being strengthened to prevent them from going out alone and, if there is a need to do so, to be accompanied.
The safety and protection of persons with brain damage is a systematic and detailed project that requires the collective attention and efforts of their families, caregivers and all sectors of society. The implementation of the above-mentioned safety and security measures will minimize the risks that patients may encounter in their daily lives and in their out-of-home activities, create a safe and comfortable environment for persons with brain damage and help them to move steadily on the path to rehabilitation.
Cerebrovascular disease
