Patients returning home from a stay at a rehab or the hospital may find they are not be able to perform daily tasks around the house as easily as they used to. They can face various challenges like:
Narrow doorways
Chairs are too low
Getting in and out of the tub or shower
Getting on and off the toilet
Climbing the stairs
Getting in and out of their home
Getting in and out of bed
Feeling stuck or isolated in various parts of the house
By identifying and modifying these issues before coming home, patients can have an easier and more successful transition.
Prevent Falls
Home modifications can play a crucial role in preventing falls among older adults. Simple changes such as installing grab bars in the bathrooms can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, installing handrails on staircases can also help prevent falls.
Increase Safety for Caregivers Simple modifications can greatly increase safety for caregivers by making the home more accessible and easier to navigate. Adding wheelchair ramps and threshold ramps can make it easier to move a patient or loved one from room to room, reducing the risk of injury for both the caregivers and patients alike.
Boosts Confidence
Being confident in the completion of simple tasks goes a long way! Many patients experience periods of sadness or depression when discharged home and their mental state can have a severe impact on the emotional capacity to do something physical.
Conserves Energy What were once seemingly simple tasks can be exhausting and draining for patients upon returning home. Modifications like toilet risers, couch canes, risers under chairs, shower chairs, hand held shower heads can help conserve energy and reduce fatigue. Check out the products we recommend at Live In Place, you can order them on Amazon.
Assessing for and installing home modifications prior to returning home gives your loved one the best chance at transitioning back into their daily routines with the confidence. Reach out to our office to schedule a modification assessment for yourself or a loved one!