How to Assist Seniors Who Have a Mobility Problem

As the aging process takes it toll, it is likely that seniors will fall prey to certain diseases or illness’s that effect their mobility. Diseases such as Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, etc. can have adverse effects on mobility of patients and their general emotional wellbeing. When routine mobility is substantially reduced, the suffering patient will likely begin to struggle with prolonged depression. It is the responsibility of their family, caregivers and loved ones to research options and facilitate alternative solutions to assist the ailing patient.

Assisting Seniors Facing Mobility Issues: The aging process can diminish a maturing senior’s mobility. In addition, the seniors physical strength can begin to deteriorate leading to their susceptibility of further escalation in the primary disease and other ailments. These adversities snatch the charm of a seniors quality of life. Moreover, patients are not always comfortable when they become dependent on their wards.

One of the possible solutions is caring for seniors in your home. You can also keep your aging parents in a rehabilitation center or assisted living facility. However this option does not allow you to monitor the activities that happen in remote locations. Seniors are more likely to recover faster when they are in the care of friends and family surroundings them. They are also more likely to gain confidence resulting in a greater sense of independence and happiness living with family.

Infusing Sense of Independence: When the mobility issues are positively addressed, the patient starts feeling a sense of independence. Medical science, technology and product innovations has lead to many new and effective mobility equipment enhancements. These days there are far more products and alternative solutions to contribute to living a quality life with disabilities then the past.

In Houston like many major cities, there are a large number of medical specialty stores and contractors to assist in developing solutions for each patients disability. You can also come across various kinds of home care equipment for seniors in Houston. Although it is most effective to contact a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to a make a thorough assessment of the patients environment, which is the required first step providing a solution for the patient.

Observe the Condition of Patient by OT: A licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) will examine the day to day activities and task of the disabled patient. They will evaluate bathroom and kitchen task and the existing conditions that would inhibit the seniors effective use of these essential needs. They will also evaluate the potential access barriers of the existing home like shower curbs and doorways that will not allow crutches or a wheel chair to pass through. At the conclusion of the evaluation analysis of the patients living environment and his or her mobility issues, the OT will provide the caregivers with the recommendations for home modifications and relevant equipment.

Hiring a Certified Aging in Place Contractor: The home modifications normally require a remodeling specialist. The National Home Builders Association NHBA recommends that caregivers hire a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) to perform the specialty home modifications. A CAPS remodeling specialist has been trained and certified in the modification and restoration for special disabilities and the universal design building standards that make allowances for mobility and accessibility within the home.

Modification Impact on the Home: Let’s use the example of the patient requiring the need of crutches or a wheelchair. The patient should be able to access the bathroom as a matter of routine. The wheel chair must be able to pass through the doorway first. If the bathroom door is not wide enough the wheelchair will not pass through the opening. Once in the bathroom the wheelchair must be able to maneuver around to allow the patient to access the toilet. This requires more space then is typically provided in a standard water closet. Then the patient would need the supporting grab bar devices to transfer themselves between toilet and wheelchair. All these modifications are required just to use the bathroom, not to mention the modifications required for entering or exiting the home.

This past example presents the complexity of the issues associated with modifications required to appropriately appoint the living environment of a person with mobility challenges. If you are a senior, it is wise to look ahead if you plan on remaining in your home (Aging in Place) for an extended period of time. Planning and preparing should incorporate universal design home modifications into a updating or a remodeling of your residence prior to an unwanted event dictating the timing. Universal design features can be introduced into your home during a planned remodeling project without experiencing a severe disruption that a urgent need remodeling causes.

If this a topic that you would like to know more about we recommend you feel free to contact us at 713-819-1814 .