5 Essential Safety Upgrades Covered by Medicare for Senior Homes
TRUBLUE OF ALLY
For more information about the author, click to view their website: TruBlue Home Service Ally
Jun 18, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Ensuring the safety and well-being of senior citizens is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. As we age, the familiarity and comfort of our homes become increasingly vital, but they must also evolve to meet changing needs.
Home safety is a paramount concern for seniors, and fortunately, Medicare steps in to offer essential support. In this article, we will delve into the world of safety upgrades for senior homes, with a particular focus on the five essential upgrades that are covered by Medicare. These upgrades are not just about physical modifications; they are about enhancing the quality of life and independence of our elderly loved ones.
Durable Medical Equipment: Defined by Medicare
But before we dive into the specifics, let's first understand the crucial role of Medicare in ensuring that seniors have access to essential medical equipment that can significantly enhance their quality of life.
Medicare has Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage for devices and supplies prescribed by a healthcare professional to aid in medical conditions or injuries. Medicare defines DME as equipment that serves a medical purpose, is designed to withstand repeated use, and can be appropriately used in the house.
The scope of DME is broad, covering a wide range of items that can make a substantial difference in the daily lives of seniors. The was established to ensure that seniors have access to the tools they need to manage their health conditions and maintain their independence while aging in place.
If you need this Medicare coverage explained further, here are some examples:
1. Fall Prevention Measures
Falls among seniors are a pressing concern, as they can result in serious injuries and complications. Imagine an elderly individual named Susan, who lives alone in her home. She has difficulty maintaining her balance and is at risk of falling, especially in the bathroom. One morning, while attempting to step into her bathtub, she loses her balance and falls, suffering a hip fracture. This fall leads to a hospitalization and a prolonged period of recovery.
In this scenario, installing grab bars and handrails in Susan's bathroom could have prevented the fall. These safety features provide stability and support, allowing her to navigate slippery surfaces safely. By having grab bars in place, Susan could have steadied herself, avoiding the life-altering injury caused by the fall.
In the United States, falls constitute the primary cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among elderly individuals. In fact, one out of every four seniors falls each year, with some suffering from fractures, head injuries, or long-term disabilities as a result.
To address this critical issue, Medicare offers coverage for essential fall prevention measures, such as grab bars and handrails. These safety features are backed by research demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls. According to a study published in The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 75.8% of seniors with grab bars at home are more likely to get their balance and bearing faster when doing tasks.
2. Home Modifications
Aging in place is a common goal for many seniors who prefer to stay in their current residences and communities, but making necessary home modifications can be a game-changer. To support this choice, Medicare covers certain home modifications like wheelchair ramps and doorway modifications.
Consider an elderly couple, John and Mary, who have lived in their home for decades. They are determined to age in place. However, both have mobility issues and rely on wheelchairs for movement. Their home's narrow doorways and high entry steps make it challenging for them to move freely within the house. This limits their independence and comfort.
Medicare-covered home modifications such as wheelchair ramps and wider doorways could greatly improve John and Mary's quality of life. The installation of ramps would grant them easier access to and from their home, eliminating the obstacles posed by steps. Widening the doorways would allow their wheelchairs to pass through comfortably, enabling them to move around their house with greater ease, and reducing the risk of accidents within the home.
3. Medical Alert Systems
Meet Robert, an 80-year-old widower who lives alone. One evening, he experiences severe chest pain, indicating a possible heart attack. With no one nearby to help, Robert's situation becomes dire as he struggles to reach the phone to call for assistance.
In this scenario, a Medicare-covered medical alert system could have been a lifesaver for Robert. With a push of a button, he could have immediately summoned emergency help, ensuring a faster response and potentially reducing the severity of his heart attack.
Medical alert systems offer peace of mind, especially for seniors living independently, as they provide quick access to assistance during emergencies. These are lifelines for seniors living independently, as they are more likely to receive prompt medical attention during emergencies, leading to better health outcomes.
Medicare coverage extends to specific medical alert systems prescribed by healthcare professionals. These devices are equipped with fall detection technology and are linked to emergency response teams, ensuring that seniors receive immediate assistance when needed.
4. Personal Care Aids
Personal care aids are instrumental in enhancing seniors' daily lives, promoting independence, and reducing the risk of accidents. Picture Eleanor, an 85-year-old woman who values her independence. She struggles with balance and mobility, particularly in the bathroom. One morning, while attempting to shower, she slips and falls, resulting in a fractured wrist.
Medicare-covered personal care aids like shower chairs could have prevented Eleanor's fall and the subsequent injury. A shower chair provides a stable seating option, reducing the risk of slips and falls. For seniors like Eleanor, these aids enhance safety and enable them to maintain their personal hygiene with confidence.
Consequently, commodes or portable toilets that can be placed bedside offer convenience and safety, especially for seniors with mobility challenges. Research in the journal Gerontology found that commodes not only reduce the risk of falls during nighttime bathroom visits but also improve overall sleep quality for seniors.
5. Mobility Devices
Mobility devices are vital for seniors with limited movement, helping them maintain independence. Wheelchairs, whether manual or power, play a significant role in the lives of many seniors.
Take a look at William, a 75-year-old retired teacher who enjoys taking leisurely strolls around his neighborhood. However, arthritis has made it increasingly difficult for him to walk for extended periods. This has led to a decline in his physical activity and overall well-being.
Medicare-covered mobility devices such as walkers could significantly benefit William. This tool provides stability and support, enabling seniors to move around safely. Walkers not only reduce the risk of falls but also enhance seniors' confidence and sense of security, allowing them to stay active and engaged.
Conclusion
The importance of safety upgrades for senior homes cannot be overstated. Medicare's coverage for these essential upgrades is rooted in research and data demonstrating their effectiveness in improving the safety, well-being, and quality of life of senior citizens. By taking advantage of these safety measures, seniors and their families can make informed choices that contribute to a safer and more comfortable living environment during their golden years.
Remember that eligibility and coverage may vary based on individual circumstances and medical necessity. Seniors and their healthcare providers should work together to determine the most appropriate safety upgrades and services.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.trublueally.com/north-pittsburgh/blog/5-Essential-Safety-Upgrades-Covered-by-Medicare-for-Senior-Homes
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Six Morning Exercises for Seniors
We all know that exercise is important for our bodies to stay healthy and happy, especially as we age. However, finding a good exercise routine that is gentle enough for seniors, but keeps your body healthy and moving, can be a real challenge. Below are six morning exercises for seniors that are easy to mix into your morning routine. Regular exercise and stretching can improve range of motion, stability, and all around mental health.Why Exercise For Older Adults is ImportantExercising helps to slow the progression of many diseases and can even slow the aging process. Studies have shown that older adults, those age 55+, who have been active for most of their lives actually have the similar aerobic fitness of people 30 years younger than them.For older adults who have not been able to stay active their whole life, its not too late to start. Starting now will help not just in the long-term, but there are also plenty of short-term benefits to exercises for seniors.Exercise is essential in managing many long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or back or joint pain. For example, exercise can help improve high blood pressure and can lower your risk of heart disease progression.Daily Exercises for SeniorsThis exercise routine is meant to be versatile and flexible. Do the exercises that feel the best for you and your unique needs. As you make the routine your own, be sure to start slowly and stop if there is any bad pain.Make sure you have a clear space with plenty of room to move your arms and legs. A chair, water bottle, and towel may also be helpful to have close to you.Also, always start with some nice stretches to get you going.Sit to StandThe sit-to-stand exercise is among one of the best exercises for seniors. It strengthens your lower body and can improve general mobility, and helps make standing up from a chair easier. Eventually, as your strength improves, the goal is to do the sit-to-stand exercise without using your hands.It is normal to feel mild stretching, pulling, tightness, or discomfort as you do this exercise, but you should stop right away if you feel pain.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair. Your knees should be bent and your feet should be flat on the floor and shoulder-width apart. Place your hands lightly on each side of the seat. Keep your back and neck as straight as possible, with your chest slightly forward. Breathe in slowly. Lean forward and slightly shift your weight to the front of your feet. Breathe out as you slowly stand up. Try to use as little support from your hands as possible. Stand and pause for a full breath in and out. Breathe in as you sit down slowly. Tighten your core and abdominal muscles to control your lowering as much as possible. Breathe out slowly. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Knee ExtensionsKnee extension exercises are used to strengthen thigh muscles. These are big muscles in our body and improving thigh muscle strength can improve mobility, reduce knee injury risk, and rehabilitate knee injuries.How to do the exercise: Sitting up tall with your shoulders back and down. Lifting one leg up, extending at the knee. Hold briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing the muscles at the front of the thigh before lowering your leg back down. Ensure the movement is slow and controlled. Alternate legs, ensuring full knee extension (leg completely straight). Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Core twistsCores twists are a fantastic exercise that not only improve the strength of your trunk muscles, including back and ad muscle, but they also help with twisting mobility.How to do the exercise: Grab a medicine ball (or similar object). Sit comfortably in the chair toward the edge of the seat for extra room. Keep the core (abs and lumbar) tight. Stick the chest out. Both hands should be in front of the body gripping the sides of the medicine ball, with elbows bent. Lift the ball a couple inches off the lap then rotate the upper body to the right, keeping the ball in front of the body. Rotate to the middle of the body then rotate to the left, finish by rotating back to the middle. Each rep is one full rotation. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Seated Shoulder PressThis exercise will help to increase strength and mobility of the shoulders. Please be cautious with this exercise if you have any shoulder contraindications, and/or consult with your physician.How to do this exercise: Choose a pair of low weight dumbbells or do without weights. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep your core tight. Start with both elbows spread to the sides of the body and align them under the shoulders. Stick the chest out. Face the body straight, palms forward, gripping the dumbbells. Extend the arms up, reaching above the head until theyre fully extended (or get to a range that feels most comfortable). Dont touch the hands together and keep both arms parallel to each other. Once the arms extension limit has been reached, slowly bring the hands down to the starting position, keeping the elbows spread. Dont tuck the elbows toward the middle of the body, extend them out till the top of the back feels a pinching sensation (not hurting) at the shoulder blades. Seated Knee LiftsKnee lifts exercise and strengthen the hip flexors, and quads. Each is an important muscle for sitting and standing.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair, keeping the back straight and holding the sides for support if needed. Avoid leaning back. Slowly lift the right knee slowly towards your chest, then back to the beginning position with control. Repeat the motion using the left leg. Alternate the legs. Remember to keep your back straight and avoid leaning back to gain new heights. Seated Chest PressThe seated chest press will exercise your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps.How to do the exercise:This exercise can be done with a resistance band, dumbells or with no weight all. Choose the option that best meets your fitness level. Place the resistance band/weights/or empty fists at a point on the chair where its directly behind the back just under where the shoulder blades would be. Ensure that the resistance band isnt able to move on the back of the chair; moving it during the exercise can result in injury or target the wrong muscle groups. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep the core muscles tight. Stick your chest out. Keep both palms down, elbows bent and parallel to the shoulders. Both hands should be positioned just outside of shoulder width. Push the resistance band forward until the arms are fully extended in front of the body (dont touch hands together). Slowly reverse the movement back to starting position. Some General TipsRemember, starting a new exercise routine will take some practice and getting used to. Dont get discouraged if you cant do an exercise or can only do a few repetitions.Here are few things that are normal when starting a new exercise regimen. Its normal to: feel tired when starting an exercise routine. have muscle soreness that lasts a few days. As you get stronger, you may not feel muscle soreness. Here are some tips that can help make your new exercise journey easier: Use smooth, steady movements. Do not hold your breath during strength exercises. This can cause unsafe changes in your blood pressure. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Most importantly, Always consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program.Keeping Seniors in Their Homes, Its What We Do.At Senior LIFE, we focus on taking care of the whole person so that they can maintain their independence for as long as possible. We offer various types of therapy for members. Depending on members individual care plans, they may receive any or all of the therapies we offer. Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech/Language Therapy Recreational Therapy We are committed to keeping members independent as long as possible. There are no limits on rehabilitation or the amount of therapy services a member can receive.Our care offerings dont stop at therapies. We also offer all the medical and supportive services our members need. These services can include physicians and specialists, nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal and home care, medications, meals and nutritional counseling, eye, dental and foot care, durable medical equipment and other medically necessary services.The LIFE Program is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that provides complete medical care and supportive services for persons 55 years and older so that they can remain living in their home. The LIFE Program is an alternative to nursing and personal care homes. https://seniorlifepa.com/aboutTo learn more about the LIFE Program, or to see if its the right fit for you and your loved ones, contact us today! https://seniorlifepa.com/contact
National PACE Month 2023 Where You Belong
National PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place in the month of September. This month-long event aims to raise awareness about the PACE program and the important role it plays in enhancing the lives of elderly individuals. Senior LIFE is a provider of the PACE program, called LIFE in Pennsylvania. The innovative model of care allows seniors with long-term care needs to remain living in their community for as long as possible, as independently as possible. More than 95 percent of PACE participants live outside of a nursing home.The COVID-19 public health emergency taught everyone the value of community and the feeling of belonging. Loneliness and isolation have long been been issues for our seniors. This year, during National PACE Month, we celebrate the connections and communities that LIFE/PACE organizations can foster. This years theme is PACE: Where you Belong.Understanding the PACE ProgramThe LIFE/PACE program is a comprehensive, community-based healthcare model for elderly adults who need long-term care services. It provides a range of medical and social services to seniors, helping them live independently in their own homes and communities. LIFE is designed to provide personalized and coordinated care that takes into account the unique needs of each individual.The Goals of National PACE MonthNational PACE Month serves several important goals: Raising Awareness: The month-long celebration aims to increase public awareness about the existence and benefits of the PACE program. Many seniors and their families may not be familiar with this valuable resource, and National PACE Month seeks to change that. Highlighting Success Stories: It provides an opportunity to showcase the success stories of PACE participants and the positive impact the program has on their lives. Sharing these stories helps inspire others to explore the possibilities offered by the PACE program. Advocacy and Education: National PACE Month also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and information sharing. It encourages discussions and exchanges about best practices, innovations, and policies related to senior care and the PACE program. Getting InvolvedAnyone can get involved in National PACE Month and help promote its goals. Here are a few ways to participate: Spread the Word: Share information about the PACE program with friends, family, and your community. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and share success stories. Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and webinars organized by PACE programs or community organizations. Learn more about the program and the services it offers. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a PACE program or a local senior center. Your skills, time, and companionship can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors. Advocate: Contact your local representatives and policymakers to advocate for the expansion and enhancement of the PACE program. Support legislation that promotes access to comprehensive care for elderly individuals. Senior LIFE and National PACE MonthSenior LIFE will recognize PACE Month with a special week long celebration held at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Center. The special week recognizes the efforts, volunteerism, and extraordinary talents of the Senior LIFE staff and members.This years event will be held September 5th September 8th at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers.The annual week-long event will be filled with activities and events that will engage Senior LIFE with the local community. Past years have featured events such as scavenger hunts, wheel chair races, and carnival days.All activities will take part at the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. At the center, members of the LIFE Program can see their Primary Care Physicians and participate in rehabilitation programs.LIFE is a team-based model of care based on the idea of effectively and efficiently treating patients with multiple chronic conditions outside of the hospital setting. The LIFE Program takes a comprehensive approach to care management: providers, homecare coordinators, transportation drivers, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, recreational therapists, and others, who evaluate LIFE members and develop an individualized plan of care. Medical and supportive service services are provided with the intention of putting preventive support in place that sets seniors up to remain living in their homes long term, all at no cost to seniors on Medicaid who live in the community.National PACE Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the PACE program and its impact on the lives of seniors. By coming together as a community, we can celebrate the successes, advocate for improvements, and ensure that the PACE program continues to provide exceptional care and support to our elderly population. Lets make National PACE Month 2023 a time of gratitude, recognition, and a catalyst for positive change in senior care. To find out more about the LIFE Program, or to see if you qualify for the program, please contact us today!
Boost Your Health with 500 Steps
As we age, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important. One way to do this is by walking more. In fact, research suggests that taking just 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health.Health Benefits of WalkingWalking is a low-impact form of exercise that can have numerous health benefits, especially for older adults. It can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, walking can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.The Benefits of 500 Extra StepsTaking just 500 extra steps per day may not seem like much, but it can have a significant impact on senior health. Research suggests that taking an extra 500 steps per day can lead to a decrease in the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and increased energy levels.A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that for people ages 70 and older who walked an additional 500 steps per day, or an additional quarter mile of walking, experienced a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. Also, compared to adults who took less than 2,000 steps per day, adults who took about 4,500 steps per day had a 77% lower observed risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event.Strategies for Walking MoreTaking an extra 500 steps per day may sound like a daunting task, but there are many strategies that can help seniors achieve this goal. Here are a few tips: Take multiple short walks throughout the day: This can help add up to 500 extra steps without requiring a lot of time commitment. Use a pedometer or fitness tracker: Tracking steps can help seniors stay motivated and monitor their progress. Find a walking partner: Walking with a friend or family member can make it more enjoyable and provide social interaction. Set achievable goals: Start small and gradually increase the number of steps taken each day. Choose scenic routes: Walking in a park or nature trail can make it more enjoyable and provide additional health benefits. In conclusion, taking 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health, and its an achievable goal for most people. Walking can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic conditions, and improve mental health and overall well-being. By incorporating walking into their daily routine, seniors can help maintain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life.Senior LIFE can help you with your goalsAt Senior LIFE, our goals align with the goals of many seniors to stay in the comfort of their homes, and out of a nursing home. We work with seniors and their caregivers to help seniors maintain independence by providing medical and supportive services including physician and nursing services, medication management, in-home care, and so more more! For a full list of services, please visit us online at: Senior LIFE ServicesSenior LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) is state and federally funded Medicare and Medicaid Program that provides long-term care for seniors, 55 years of age or older, so that they can remain living at home and out of a nursing facility.Senior LIFE Services are provided at NO COST to those on Medicaid who live in the community.To speak with a Senior LIFE representative about the program, and to learn if you or a family member may be eligible, please contact us via our website or email us at info@SeniorLIFEPA.com
Local Services By This Author
TruBlue Home Service Ally
Home Maintenance & Handyman Services 1508 Woodland Ave, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, 15044TruBlue Home Service Ally offers a comprehensive range of home services to help busy adults and seniors age in place comfortably and safely.Handyman and Home Repair ServicesWe provide a wide variety of handyman and home repair services to maintain the interior and exterior of your home. Our team of professional, background-checked, bonded, and insured Tru-Pro Technicians can handle a growing list of handyman projects and tasks from your to-do list.This includes services such as:Minor home repairs and maintenanceSeasonal work like yard cleanup, gutter cleaning, and snow removalSenior home safety modifications to improve accessibility and reduce fall risksTruBlue's handyman services allow you to cross items off your home maintenance checklist without having to worry about finding reliable, skilled workers. Our technicians are committed to providing high-quality work and an exceptional customer experience every time.Senior Home ModificationsAs more seniors choose to age in place, the need for home modifications to improve safety and accessibility is increasing. We specialize in senior home safety assessments and modifications to help older adults remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Our certified Senior Home Safety Specialists will conduct a thorough assessment of your home, identify potential hazards, and develop a customized plan to make the necessary modifications. This may include installing grab bars, widening doorways, adding ramps, improving lighting, and other changes to reduce fall risks and increase mobility. We then handle the installation of these modifications, providing you with peace of mind that your home is safe and comfortable as you age. Our ongoing maintenance services can also help ensure these modifications continue to function properly over time.Ongoing Home Maintenance PlansFor busy adults and seniors who want to maintain their homes without the hassle, TruBlue offers comprehensive home maintenance plans. These plans are designed to take the worry out of home upkeep, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.Our maintenance services include:Handyman projects and to-do list choresPreventative home maintenance programsSeasonal work like yard cleanup and gutter cleaningEmergency repairsOur team of Tru-Pro Technicians will handle all of these tasks on a regular schedule, ensuring your home remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing your home is in excellent hands, without the stress of having to coordinate and oversee the work yourself.We offer both bundled and unbundled maintenance services, allowing you to choose the level of support that best fits your needs and budget. Whether you need help with occasional tasks or a full-service solution, TruBlue has you covered!Commitment to Quality and SafetyAt the core of TruBlue's service offering is a commitment to quality and safety. All of our Tru-Pro Technicians are background-checked, bonded, and insured, giving you the confidence that your home is in capable and trustworthy hands. TruBlue requires their franchisees to complete the Senior Home Safety Certification program through Age Safe America. Our technicians are trained and equipped to properly assess homes for safety hazards and make the necessary modifications to help seniors age in place. Additionally, we are licensed, bonded, and insured, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for our customers. We strive to deliver an unequivocal customer experience with every interaction, prioritizing professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.By providing affordable, trustworthy home maintenance and modification services, we help seniors age in place safely and comfortably. Give us a call today!