Consider the various tools you make use of each day – your phone, hairbrush, toothbrush – simple items, but ones you cannot envision living without. For scores of seniors, there are basic adaptive devices available that may mean the difference between living at home and facing a move to assisted living. Yet nearly 50% of seniors living at home are not utilizing these beneficial tools – despite the fact that prices are minimal.
A newly released National Health and Aging Trends study estimated the ability of older adults to accomplish tasks such as rising unassisted from a seated position and walking, and discovered that a large number of the participants could benefit from assistive devices.
Not just that, but elderly falls due to them not using simple assistive devices resulted in increased hospitalizations, serious injury, and disability which could easily have been prevented. In fact, once these devices were made available to older adults, based on research, disability rates for older adults fell by 50 percent, combined with a decrease in pain levels and an increase in the ability to perform activities of daily living independently.
According to study author Dr. Kenneth Lam, “It’s a technical problem which, unlike so much of aging, is actually solvable. In the hospital, I can order an M.R.I. and charge the system thousands of dollars. But down the road, that won’t help patients not fall. What happens when they get home?”
A program at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore is looking to change this by introducing inexpensive assistive tools to older adults. Through a few in-home visits with a nurse, repair specialist and occupational therapist, needs are identified and resolved. That may mean removing fall hazards, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or adding a raised toilet seat or shower chair. Small changes such as these can make an enormous difference in a senior’s capacity to safely and independently manage activities of daily living.
At Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, we’re pleased to offer in-home evaluations to recommend improvements to the home environment that enhance safety and help older adults remain independent and in control. Providing home care to La Grange and the surrounding area, we are able to also help improve senior’s safety, comfort, and independence through services such as:
- Offering accompanied transportation for medical appointments, errands, and fun outings
- Preparing nutritious meals and ensuring adequate hydration for seniors
- Providing help and support as necessary with personal care needs for safe bathing/showering, getting dressed, etc.
- Maintaining an organized and tidy home
- And much more
To schedule your assessment today, reach out to us online or call us at 630-323-4665.