As people age, many have a desire to maintain their independence and continue living in their homes. While doing so offers several benefits, older adults and their loved ones also may have concerns about safety.
Aging in place is the term for opting to live in one’s own home in older age versus choosing an assisted living or long-term care facility. Doing so is possible for many people through outfitting homes with the necessary equipment, creating a network of support, and taking the proper precautions.
“Our home medical equipment specialists work with each customer to understand their individual mobility needs and challenges in the home,” says Randy Lutz, Manager of Home Medical Equipment Operations for ThedaCare At Home. “They ask questions about the home situation and work with the customer and family to identify the right products and equipment.”
Explore equipment that can enhance independence and mobility.
Scooters and Power Wheelchairs
For many older adults, getting around can be difficult and even painful. This can lead to social isolation and a decrease in quality of life. Mobility scooters and power wheelchairs can provide a new level of independence and freedom.
People who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time are at a higher risk of falls and injuries. Mobility scooters can provide stability and support. A scooter can also help people navigate uneven terrain, steep inclines, and other obstacles.
With a mobility scooter, older adults can also remain more active and engaged in their communities. A scooter can make it easier to visit friends and family, participate in social activities, and attend community events. This can boost mood and improve mental health.
Stair Lifts
Stair lifts can make homes safer and more accessible for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. They can help not just older individuals, but also people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses that make it difficult to climb stairs.
Benefits include:
- Increased mobility and safety: Avoid the risks and challenges of climbing stairs, which may include slips, falls, and muscle strain.
- Cost-effectiveness: They’re less expensive than elevators and require less maintenance.
- Ease of installation: It’s easy to install a stair lift, and they can be fitted to almost any staircase.
Lift Chairs
A lift chair is a piece of medical equipment that looks like a standard reclining chair. These chairs can help people with limited mobility by making it easier to sit or stand. Lift chairs are powered by a remote control that can move the chair into multiple positions, from upright to reclined.
Lift chairs can:
- Provide safety and stability: For those with limited mobility, the risk of injury can increase when going from a sitting position to standing and vice versa. A lift chair can provide stability and reduce the risk of injury.
- Allow for independence: A lift chair can eliminate the need to rely on others and give people more confidence. More independence in the home allows people to age at home safely and can improve their quality of life.
- Reduce edema: Lift chairs allow people to elevate their legs and sit in comfortable positions that can help reduce edema and swelling.
- Alleviate joint pain: People with arthritis and joint pain may benefit from a lift chair. The positions a lift chair offers can help reduce joint strain.
Bathroom Safety
Bathroom safety products can benefit people with limited mobility as well as their caregivers. Having the proper equipment in place can reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Consider these additions:
- Grab bars: Easy-to-install grab bars can go anywhere in the bathroom. These could include the toilet, sink, and shower — anywhere a person may need extra support and stability.
- Raised toilet seat: A raised toilet seat provides extra safety and support when sitting on the toilet and standing up, as well as improving comfort.
- Bathmat: A bathmat makes the shower less slippery, which reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
- Handheld shower head: A handheld model can allow a person to shower while seated and provide extra flexibility.
- Bath chairs: The extra stability of a chair can enhance safety while bathing.
Having the proper equipment can give people the gift of independence and the ability to stay in their homes longer. It’s a worthwhile investment, and ThedaCare At Home is here to help.
“Our highly trained team members not only assess for the right products but also measure, fit, and train on the proper use of the equipment to help keep individuals safe and in their home,” Lutz says.
From April 15 through May 31, 2024, save on scooters, stair lifts, lift chairs, and bathroom safety products through ThedaCare At Home.
