By: Amber Perez, Clinical Consultant and Amy Villars, VP of Clinical Safety
Are you or a loved one a Baby-Boomer? This generation of activism, social change and freedom led the charge in much of the social attitudes and freedoms we enjoy today. It is also the largest generation to retire and will be the largest number of elderly in United States history.
Already, the older Boomers retiring has impacted the nursing profession, we are experiencing the greatest shortage of nursing and cannot graduate enough new nurses to replace those retiring and soon to retire. Additionally, the United States does not have the hospital and nursing facility capacity to care for the impending number of elderly. We must find a way to care for the aging at home. Most impactfully, people want to stay in their home and cringe at the thought of spending their elderly years institutionalized.
As more assistive technology enters the market it has never been more affordable to modify your own home to ensure that you can safely stay. You must plan for yourself and start to make the changes before you need them. As you age, accommodations will help you remain mobile, safe, and comfortable in your home. The most common mobility limitations revolve around the bathroom and shower, bedroom, and stairs on multi-level homes.
Amy, nurse, and the VP of Clinical Safety with Inovi often consults with people looking to modify their home for safe aging. When asked about what is available to address specific issues with bathroom, bedroom, and stairs- Amy replied, “There really are a lot of options, we have seen that stepping into the bathtub and standing or having to sit down deep into a standard tub raise a lot of safety and mobility issues; addressing this will check a major box in home safety renovation”. Amy goes on to describe step-in tubs with a door that swings open and allows a person to step in and sit on an elevated seat.
Back, hip and knee issues may be the most common reason to consider this solution, however neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and even simple arthritis can cause issues with sitting and standing. Another option described include rails and shower chair installation in a standing shower. Toilet risers, grab rails and adjustable sinks may contribute to safety and stability as well.
Falls at home resulting in injury is the typical catalyst for moving outside the home for safety. Amy shared the array of rails that can be added to almost any room to provide safe stability while also encouraging mobility. Stair lifts are another affordable option to allow a person to stay in their home and neighborhood but ensure safety with climbing and descending stairs.
Amy shared that recently a client described caring for her elderly mother and when her mother does fall, it is often without injury as it has been a stumble on carpet. However, she had difficulty helping her up and was concerned she would have to admit her mother to a nursing facility. That is until Amy recommended the Razer, a small electric device that will help recover someone who has fallen, safely. It was what the client needed, and she was able to continue to care for her mother in her home.
For more information on all the home care renovation options, visit www.inovihealth.com