What to Do When Your Aging Parent’s Mobility is Limited

Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.

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.