Studies show that 75% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Aging in place, as it’s often called, is in reach for many. Having the right resources and supports in place can help make it easier and safer.
“Needs and safety considerations change as we age,” says Amber Koontz, Manager of Durable Medical Equipment Operations for ThedaCare. “Our Home Medical Equipment teams within ThedaCare At Home can help you determine the products you need to keep you living safely and independently at home.”
In the spirit of encouraging safe and healthy home environments for older adults, Koontz shares recommendations and considerations for home safety and accessibility.
Bathrooms
“With wet slippery surfaces and sharp corners, bathrooms present many safety hazards for people with mobility issues,” Koontz says. “Even if you don’t have the ideal setup in your bathroom, we offer products that help make the space you do have safer.”
For example, a transfer bench allows you to sit and slide yourself into the shower area if you have a bathtub instead of a walk-in shower. A bench also allows you to shower while seated if necessary.
Other bathroom mobility aids include:
- 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 improved comfort.
- Bathmat: A bathmat makes the shower less slippery, which reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
- Handheld shower head: A handheld model allows you to shower while seated and provides extra flexibility.
Kitchens
“First and foremost, in the kitchen and in other rooms of the home, keep floors clear,” Koontz says. “That includes removing area rugs and clutter.”
If you get around your home with the help of a walker or rollator, cooking can become difficult. ThedaCare At Home offers trays that affix to your mobility device. These allow you to transport items from place to place for easier cooking and navigation in the kitchen.
“Whenever our teams work with people to choose home medical equipment, we take the opportunity to educate people and offer important reminders,” Koontz says. “In the case of kitchen and overall home safety, that includes reminding individuals to ensure their smoke detectors are functioning properly.”
Bedrooms
For the bedroom, ThedaCare At Home offers products designed to help people stay safe while sleeping and getting in and out of bed.
Bedrails can prevent falling out of bed. They also can help with getting into and out of bed. Similarly, bed canes attach to a bed and offer a handle that people can hold onto and keep themselves steady as they get into and out of bed.
Accessibility also can be an issue in bedrooms and other areas of the home. Reachers and grabbers can help people with mobility issues.
Living Rooms
Lift chairs can help people with limited mobility regain stability and confidence as they move from sitting to standing. Powered by a remote control that can move the chair into multiple positions, lift chairs look like a standard recliner and come in many styles.
Benefits of lift chairs can include:
- Safety and stability
- Increased independence
- Reduction of edema and swelling through elevation
- Alleviation of joint pain
Mobility
“Maintaining mobility is crucial to people’s mental and physical health,” Koontz says. “The right tools and supports can help keep people mobile while still staying safe.”
ThedaCare At Home offers a range of products to meet a variety of needs.
“From canes and walkers to wheelchairs to scooters and power chairs to stair lifts, we have options for everyone,” Koontz says.
Individualized Approach
Koontz stresses the importance of working with a team like ThedaCare At Home when selecting and purchasing home medical equipment. The personal touch makes all the difference.
“When you work with our caring teams, they’ll take a holistic assessment of your needs,” she says. “They’re not only selling you a product, they’re ensuring it meets your needs and that you know how to use it safely.”
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