Do you have an aging parent? If so, you know that there are new challenges that they face on a daily basis. With everything from mobility to getting to and from doctors appointments, they may be in need of some assistance with their daily living tasks.
No child wants to send their adult parent into a nursing home or an assisted living unit without exhausting all of the possibilities of keeping them safe at home. Because there are many upgrades and assistive devices that can help those with limited mobility, there is no reason why your loved one can’t thrive in the comfort of their own home safely.
Dealing with Mobility Issues
Does your parent have issues with limited mobility? Maybe they currently use a cane or walker, but they are having difficulty getting around. If so, it may be time to upgrade to some durable medical equipment that can really help them with getting around both inside and outside the home. Power chairs or power scooters are one such option. They can assist individuals who have trouble with their balance or are prone to falling. The first step is to contact your parent’s doctor to set up a complete evaluation. From there, the doctor will recommend any form of physical therapy along with what type of durable medical equipment would be beneficial. This can be anything ranging from:
- Over-the-bed table
- Shower chair
- Hoyer lift assist
- Bedside commode
- Lift chair
- Elevator like one from Easy Climber
Any of these items can greatly improve your elderly parent’s quality of life and help prolong their life at home, rather than in an assisted care facility. In many cases, some of these items are covered partially or completely by private insurance companies.
Utilizing a Medical Alert System
When it comes to having to leave your parent alone during the day or at night, it can be scary to think what could happen should they fall or need help. While a major fall, especially one that results in an injury can be an indicator your parent needs more one-on-one care and attention. An option could be implementing something like a medical alert system in your loved ones home, to give you both the peace of mind you need. There are different types and models of alert systems. One of the main features of most systems is that there is a central hub that connects to the patient’s alert button or bracelet. It can detect if the button has been activated or of your loved one has fallen. From there, it will ring back and try to make contact with the patient. It was also alert EMS if needed as well. This saves time and puts your loved one in the right hands as quickly as possible. You can set it up so that you are alerted right away as well.
Obtaining Home Health Aide Services
Keeping your loved one safe and secure at home starts with getting the right medical care every day. Maybe due to physical limitations, your parent is unable to get to doctors appointments on a regular basis? If this is the case, you may wish to look into home health aide services. Home health agencies offer multi-faceted care such as skilled nursing services, social work assessments, and daily hygiene care.
Home health aide agencies work toward giving you the tools you need and the assistance with meeting ADLs or aids to daily living. This includes:
- Personal grooming and bathing
- Taking medications
- Preparing meals and assistance with eating
- Laundry and light housekeeping
- Getting up out of a bed or chair
The team will create a plan of care and come up with the best solution for how often they will visit and what goals can be accomplished.
Making the Home Handicap Accessible
When it comes to being safe at home, making sure someone with limited mobility can maneuver through their home is vital. This starts with installing a wheelchair ramp to help eliminate the hassle of stairs and steps. Railings installed throughout the home can provide additional support when trying to get to point A to point B. A raised toilet seat can also assist with getting on and off of the toilet.
Keeping your loved one at home is your number one goal. Reaching out and finding more resources will make that goal that much more attainable.