Home care agency professionals have heard the story many times. The specifics change a bit, but the message is often similar and goes something like, “My father was such an athlete prior to his physical decline! Did you know he once raced cars?” And while it’s tough to hear a formerly active person can no longer pursue his passions, caregiver company representatives relish the opportunity to propose potential solutions.
The truth is many non-ambulatory folks leave their homes daily to enjoy outdoor activities. But special tools and caregiver services might be necessary to ensure their safety. Here are 5 considerations for families and patients grappling with health conditions that limit mobility.
1) Non-Ambulatory Folks Often Live Full Lives – Most of us have heard of the late Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s most well-known and respected wheelchair-user celebrities. But there are many other examples of non-ambulatory people—famous and otherwise—who live very fulfilling and active lives. Ade Adepitan, for example, is a prominent British actor and wheelchair basketball player. And one of America’s most beloved presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt, led the country to victory during WWII while sitting in his wheelchair!
While all circumstances are different, and levels of disability vary, the point is many people continue living their lives despite mobility challenges. A 90-year-old bedbound grandfather may have no intention of shooting hoops or running for president. But that doesn’t mean he can’t safely leave his home for a cup of coffee on the Santa Monica Pier.
2) Outdoor Activity Improves Both Physical and Mental Well-Being – Staying active is critical to the physical and mental well-being of all people. And suffering a physical disability doesn’t change human nature. Even those who are bedbound or wheelchair-users benefit from outdoor activity, sunshine, and mental stimulation.
As people age, their need for stimulation and adventure may decline. But families shouldn’t assume older loved ones are content watching television all day. “Grandma” may not voice her desire to go to the store or view birds in the park, but she’ll likely welcome the opportunity if presented in a safe and non-threatening manner. And scientific research suggests she’ll be happier and healthier afterward!
3) Cultural Centers, Parks, Restaurants, and Businesses Accommodate Disabilities – Gone are the days when people with disabilities couldn’t participate in community life. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that folks in wheelchairs can also enjoy museums, parks, and private businesses. And for aging Americans, many public and private organizations provide “senior discounts” and specially allocated days.
“Dad” may not be able to race cars anymore, but maybe he’ll enjoy the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. And while grocery store delivery is a real convenience, perhaps “Mom” would like to do in-person shopping and curate her own ingredients for that special recipe. Sometimes it’s the little things that really improve quality of life for those who spend much of their day indoors!
4) Tools and Technology Help to Ensure Safe Activity for the Non-Ambulatory – All of the above sentiments are fine. But many readers will note that good intentions are meaningless unless activities for the mobility-challenged can be conducted safely and practically. Fortunately, there are effective tools available to aid patients and families.
When it comes to transitioning non-ambulatory people, there are two main concerns. The first is the safety of the patient. And the second is the safety of the care provider. Therefore, tools that assist in safe “transitions” are a top priority. These include hoyer lifts, gait belts, and other medical equipment that ensure safe transitions from bed to chair, chair to standing, etc.
5) Trained Caregivers are Critical to Success – In addition to technological tools, today’s non-ambulatory population can greatly benefit from highly-trained caregivers. While family can serve in this function, more and more are leveraging the services of home care agencies such as BrightStar Care of Marina del Rey.
For those who do select a professional caregiver provider, it’s important to ensure they are equipped to accommodate the unique needs of non-ambulatory patients. Well-matched companies will only utilize experienced aides with specialized training that includes the use of afore-mentioned tools (hoyer lifts, etc.) and fall-prevention techniques. They will also only consider caregivers who have prior experience assisting the mobility-challenged and ensure the workers are comfortable with the expectations.
Conclusion - At the end of the day, it’s easy for anyone who faces a drastic reduction in physical mobility capabilities to feel discouraged and settle into a home-based lifestyle. And it’s also natural for family members to assume their loved one will now spend the majority of time in bed or sitting in a chair watching television. But fortunately, mobility-challenged people have many options these days. And the right combination of technology and caregiver services can help anyone leave the home for improved health and better quality of life!
If you’re seeking Santa Monica area caregiver services for yourself, a loved one or friend, be sure to contact BrightStar Care of Marina del Rey for a free nurse consultation today!
The truth is many non-ambulatory folks leave their homes daily to enjoy outdoor activities. But special tools and caregiver services might be necessary to ensure their safety. Here are 5 considerations for families and patients grappling with health conditions that limit mobility.
1) Non-Ambulatory Folks Often Live Full Lives – Most of us have heard of the late Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s most well-known and respected wheelchair-user celebrities. But there are many other examples of non-ambulatory people—famous and otherwise—who live very fulfilling and active lives. Ade Adepitan, for example, is a prominent British actor and wheelchair basketball player. And one of America’s most beloved presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt, led the country to victory during WWII while sitting in his wheelchair!
While all circumstances are different, and levels of disability vary, the point is many people continue living their lives despite mobility challenges. A 90-year-old bedbound grandfather may have no intention of shooting hoops or running for president. But that doesn’t mean he can’t safely leave his home for a cup of coffee on the Santa Monica Pier.
2) Outdoor Activity Improves Both Physical and Mental Well-Being – Staying active is critical to the physical and mental well-being of all people. And suffering a physical disability doesn’t change human nature. Even those who are bedbound or wheelchair-users benefit from outdoor activity, sunshine, and mental stimulation.
As people age, their need for stimulation and adventure may decline. But families shouldn’t assume older loved ones are content watching television all day. “Grandma” may not voice her desire to go to the store or view birds in the park, but she’ll likely welcome the opportunity if presented in a safe and non-threatening manner. And scientific research suggests she’ll be happier and healthier afterward!
3) Cultural Centers, Parks, Restaurants, and Businesses Accommodate Disabilities – Gone are the days when people with disabilities couldn’t participate in community life. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that folks in wheelchairs can also enjoy museums, parks, and private businesses. And for aging Americans, many public and private organizations provide “senior discounts” and specially allocated days.
“Dad” may not be able to race cars anymore, but maybe he’ll enjoy the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. And while grocery store delivery is a real convenience, perhaps “Mom” would like to do in-person shopping and curate her own ingredients for that special recipe. Sometimes it’s the little things that really improve quality of life for those who spend much of their day indoors!
4) Tools and Technology Help to Ensure Safe Activity for the Non-Ambulatory – All of the above sentiments are fine. But many readers will note that good intentions are meaningless unless activities for the mobility-challenged can be conducted safely and practically. Fortunately, there are effective tools available to aid patients and families.
When it comes to transitioning non-ambulatory people, there are two main concerns. The first is the safety of the patient. And the second is the safety of the care provider. Therefore, tools that assist in safe “transitions” are a top priority. These include hoyer lifts, gait belts, and other medical equipment that ensure safe transitions from bed to chair, chair to standing, etc.
5) Trained Caregivers are Critical to Success – In addition to technological tools, today’s non-ambulatory population can greatly benefit from highly-trained caregivers. While family can serve in this function, more and more are leveraging the services of home care agencies such as BrightStar Care of Marina del Rey.
For those who do select a professional caregiver provider, it’s important to ensure they are equipped to accommodate the unique needs of non-ambulatory patients. Well-matched companies will only utilize experienced aides with specialized training that includes the use of afore-mentioned tools (hoyer lifts, etc.) and fall-prevention techniques. They will also only consider caregivers who have prior experience assisting the mobility-challenged and ensure the workers are comfortable with the expectations.
Conclusion - At the end of the day, it’s easy for anyone who faces a drastic reduction in physical mobility capabilities to feel discouraged and settle into a home-based lifestyle. And it’s also natural for family members to assume their loved one will now spend the majority of time in bed or sitting in a chair watching television. But fortunately, mobility-challenged people have many options these days. And the right combination of technology and caregiver services can help anyone leave the home for improved health and better quality of life!
If you’re seeking Santa Monica area caregiver services for yourself, a loved one or friend, be sure to contact BrightStar Care of Marina del Rey for a free nurse consultation today!