A first aid kit in a home for the aged and elderly won’t help with the mobility of the elderly clients. True, you need them for any type of mobility accident in the facility. However, it’s much better to prevent any sort of accident at all. Mobility is one of the challenges caregivers face in caring for older patients. If only it were possible to have a bed that allows eating, defecating, exercise and bathing. But life isn’t easy. The elderly still needs to get up from their bed and resume assisted ADLs (activities of daily living).
Safer Mobility is the Key
An aged care facility is not a hospice, though one might mistake it for the latter. Aged care often works to help the elderly to maintain an optimum level of ADLs. This can be done with or without assistance.
For example, getting out of the bed would sometimes require two attendants especially if the client is larger. That might work if there is an ample number of staff in one institution. But the truth is, some home care facilities have a ratio of one nurse/attendant to 10 or more patients.
Furthermore, too much assistance can lead to muscle atrophy as the elderly will get used to being lifted and assisted. It’s best to allow a modicum amount of effort and mobility and it can be good for their heart. However, this doesn’t mean they should be unassisted. The keys to an optimal life in a home care facility are training, therapy, and rehabilitation. With the use of mobility devices like a wheelchair, the elderly can maintain activities for a longer period until such a time they’ll need another facility for a specific one on one care.
Health Care Devices for Mobility
The following are acceptable equipment that can be used to improve the mobility of elderly clients.
Canes
Canes are the most common movement apparatus associated with older clients. These are the types of canes that can be used by aged clients.
Single-point canes (with curved/tourist/crook handle)
- Multi-point canes (three-point and quad canes)
- Fritz handle canes
- T-handle canes
- Offset canes
Crutches
These are longer mobility devices that provide more support.
- Forearm support crutches
- Shoulder crutches
Wheelchairs
A common mobility device used by the elderly and disabled clients.
- Wheelchair
- Reclining wheelchair
- Portables wheelchair
Walkers
Provides a stable base of four legs with 2 or all legs with wheels.
- Quad walker
- Two-wheel walker with trigger (brakes)
- Rolling walker with trigger (4 wheels with brakes)
Where to Buy Mobility Devices in the Philippines?
Home care can be tough especially with the high costs of mobility devices. Find the best devices for your aging family member with Philippine Medical Supplies. They have a catalog of health care devices that you can view online via their website. They take orders and deliver your items anywhere in the Philippines. Visit their website and get the best health care devices now.
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