Fitting the Equipment with the Client

Mobility is essential to independence in late adulthood. Recent SilverAssist data show that over 40% of prospective senior living community residents use mobility aids, like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. While mobility challenges can impact the ability to perform other activities of daily living and life tasks, senior living communities help bridge that gap. Here, well discuss SilverAssists findings on the mobility needs of prospective senior living residents. We also offer insight on leveraging this data in your community to help families see how senior living community services meet their needs and preserve residents self-reliance and independence.A January to May 2024 SilverAssist survey collected responses from over 25,000 individuals online who were actively looking for senior living solutions for themselves or a family member. Survey respondents were interested in a range of senior living options, including assisted living, independent living, nursing homes, and memory care. The data showed that, depending on the type of community, one-third to two-thirds of all potential residents need mobility support in some way. Incorporating these findings into conversations with potential residents can offer tangible data showing that senior living communities not only know what older adults need but that they meet those needs in a way that helps protect residents self-reliance and independence. What help do prospective senior living residents need?Over 25,000 survey responses showed an interest in care, from independent living to nursing home care. Almost 60% of survey respondents looking for assisted living used mobility aids, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. About one-third of respondents interested in independent living used these mobility aids, and almost half of people interested in memory care used them. The data on those searching for nursing homes told a slightly different but equally important story: While 40% of potential nursing home residents used mobility aids, an additional 13% of the respondents were bedridden. This data helps convey the level of need that nursing home residents typically have and also gives us an indication of communicating with potential residents, which we will discuss next.Type of community soughtNumber of respondentsPercentage who used a cane, walker, or wheelchairAssisted living8,50559% used mobility aids; an additional 1.7% were bedriddenIndependent living8,20930% used mobility aids; an additional 0.13% were bedriddenNursing home4,99940% used mobility aids; an additional 13% were bedriddenMemory care3,35047% used mobility aids; an additional 2.6% were bedriddenResults of January 2024 through May 2024 SilverAssist survey of prospective senior care residents need for assistance with mobility.How the community helps the prospective residentThis dataset shows that senior living communities can help prospective residents in two important ways. Next, lets explore these impacts and how community professionals can leverage this information to drive facility occupancy.Seniors are among peers with similar needs in the community At least one in three residents interested in a senior living community uses a mobility aid. This means that a group of four residents having dinner together in the facility dining room will likely have more than one person with similar mobility needs. In other words, no resident is alone in their needs; they are among peers going through similar situations.Communities can leverage this data to show that prospective residents are not alone in needing help with certain activities of daily living. In fact, theyre likely to become friendly with other residents who need similar or more services than they do. Its no wonder that senior living facilities are referred to as communities: They are home to a group of peers who are all at various stages of the senior experience. Camaraderie and connection can go a long way, and delivering that somewhat esoteric notion with tangible data can help drive home the message that the new resident will not be alone in their needs.Community services meet residents needs, preserving their independenceThe goal of senior living community services is to bridge the gap between what residents need to do on a daily basis and what they can do independently. In other words, the services meet each resident at their ability level and empower them to be as independent as possible. With this in mind, communities can use the mobility needs data to demonstrate how their services preserve the independence of their residents with various needs. Knowing the needs of those considering becoming residents can inform the direction of the conversation before it even starts. Safety measures exist not only to keep residents from getting hurt but also to empower them to engage in activities they like with comfort and success. With 59% of potential assisted living residents using mobility aids, pointing out these seemingly obvious safety features in ways that amplify their accessibility to independence can help potential residents see the opportunities in a community: Wheelchair-accessible doors that lead to outdoor courtyards, multiple elevator locations, and push-button emergency bells in every residence are just some of the common safety features that support residents abilities to do what they want to do when they want to do it.When talking with a prospective independent living resident, highlighting features such as pull cords in the bathrooms or flat room transition strips on the floor could accentuate the built-in features that support someones fall prevention efforts. Independent living candidates may not need extra services, but knowing about your communitys thoughtful built-in safety features could go a long way in sparking their interest in becoming a resident.Ambulating, or walking around, is one of the cornerstones of activities of daily living. For example, bathing becomes more challenging when walking to the bathroom or moving around in the shower requires the help of a device. When almost half of potential memory care residents have mobility challenges, proactively discussing mobility supports and safety measures will preemptively answer families questions about ADA-accessible bathrooms and showers. Memory care communities often highlight their safety features that prevent wandering, which is a crucial and unique element of memory care services, but its also important to highlight practical safety features to demonstrate how residents with mobility challenges can perform everyday tasks safely.Senior care mobility support meets many residents challengesWhen community professionals consider the array of facility services and features, the cutting-edge, evidence-based programming and service offerings often stand out to potential residents and their families. The built-in mobility support that senior care communities provide is integral to health, wellness, and the preservation of resident independence whether the support is a service offering or a thoughtful safety feature in the building.Its important that seniors and their families remember the seemingly small tasks and personal care activities individuals must do every day, even when they have mobility challenges. Including the discussion of how your community supports residents mobility challenges will likely answer questions the touring family has yet to think of. Discussing how you support your residents mobility is essential, as its also a discussion of how you protect and preserve your residents self-reliance and independence.

As our loved ones age, ensuring their safety and well-being becomes a top priority. For many seniors, the desire to age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes is strong. However, as homes age with them, they may pose various risks and challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore foolproof strategies to make your home safe for seniors, enhancing their independence and well-being.Understanding the Importance of Senior SafetyAging comes with its own set of challenges, including decreased mobility, vision impairments, and other health concerns. It's essential to create a safe living environment that addresses these challenges and minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries. By prioritizing senior safety, we can help our loved ones maintain their independence and quality of life.Introducing Aging in PlaceAging in Place is a concept that emphasizes the ability for seniors to remain in their own homes as they age, rather than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. This approach allows seniors to maintain their sense of independence and familiarity with their surroundings, promoting overall well-being and happiness.Identifying Home HazardsBefore implementing safety measures, it's crucial to identify potential hazards in the home. Common hazards for seniors include slippery floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and inaccessible bathrooms. By conducting a thorough home safety assessment, we can pinpoint areas that require attention and make necessary modifications to improve safety.Essential Home ModificationsOnce hazards have been identified, it's time to implement modifications to enhance senior safety. These modifications may include:Installing grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs to prevent fallsAdding non-slip flooring and mats in high-traffic areasImproving lighting throughout the home to reduce the risk of trips and fallsInstalling handrails and ramps for easier mobilityLowering countertops and cabinets to make them more accessibleUpgrading bathroom fixtures to include features such as walk-in showers and raised toiletsBy making these modifications, we can create a safer and more accessible living environment for seniors, allowing them to navigate their homes with confidence and ease.Leveraging Technology for SafetyIn addition to physical modifications, technology can also play a crucial role in enhancing senior safety. Smart home devices such as motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and medical alert systems can provide added security and peace of mind for both seniors and their caregivers. These technologies can help monitor for potential emergencies, provide assistance in case of falls or accidents, and allow for remote monitoring of the home.TruBlues Senior Safe SolutionsAt TruBlue, we understand the importance of senior safety and independence. That's why we offer a range of services specifically designed to make homes safer and more accessible for seniors. From home assessments and modifications to ongoing maintenance and support, we're here to help seniors age in place with confidence and peace of mind.Taking Action for Senior SafetyEnsuring senior safety in the home requires careful planning, assessment, and implementation of foolproof strategies. By identifying hazards, making necessary modifications, leveraging technology, and partnering with trusted experts like TruBlue, we can create a safe and supportive environment that allows seniors to age in place with dignity and independence. With the right approach and support, we can make our homes safer and more comfortable for our aging loved ones, ensuring their well-being and happiness for years to come.

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 MedicareBut 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 MeasuresFalls 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 ModificationsAging 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 SystemsMeet 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 AidsPersonal 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 DevicesMobility 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.ConclusionThe 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.