The primary concern for caretakers of mobility-impaired seniors employing wheelchairs, scooters, crutches or other support devices is in thinking through the physical accessibility challenges they routinely face in the home. As mobility issues arise, changes to the home environment are certain. Surveys have shown that nearly 80% of seniors over the age of 65 wish to live independently in their own homes. Therefore, those relatives that care for their mobility-impaired elders must strive to put a number of physical considerations into place at the home so their elders can enjoy mobility, comfort and convenience – without compromising safety.
An individual who makes use of a walker or crutches to stay mobile in the home requires a small amount of open space in order to maneuver without much trouble or effort. These cases rarely require structural mobility and accessibility changes to the premises. However, an elderly individual who relies on a wheelchair or scooter for part – if not all – of their mobility in and around the home, requires unrestricted clearance for moving, turning and controlled stopping. Changes are certain.
Any plan for impaired mobility in elder-care home environments should satisfy the following three requirements of basic accessibility: Autonomy, Functionality and Safety.
In regard to autonomy, there is a necessity in creating an environment that will allow for a mobile-impaired individual to be able to move about the house without assistance. The functionality aspect of the plan requires that any impaired person be able to make use of the full functionality of the home (bathrooms, kitchen, doorways, and walkways) as any fully-able individual might. Safety, in this respect, means that any additions or alterations to the home should not compromise safety or put a mobile-impaired individual at risk for falls or other bodily harm. Safety is the primary consideration.
To ensure physical safety for a mobile-impaired elder, a proper mobility plan for the home should include the following considerations:
- Elimination of unnecessary barriers to mobility, such as furniture, potted plants, cables, phone line or extension cords.
- Where obstacles or pathways are inevitable, ensure there is proper lighting and switches that are accessible.
- Place common tools, kitchen equipment at a reach height of no more than 4.25 feet above floor level.
- Wide doorways to accommodate scooters or wheelchairs.
- Allow adequate clearance and maneuverability space for any doors to be opened by a person operating a scooter, walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aids.
- Addition of sloped walkways or ramps (made of non-skid material) at entrances and exits instead of stairs.
- Provide at least one handicapped-accessible toilet on each floor.
- Add an electric porch lift if necessary.
Note: Usage of the structure by a mobility-impaired person should not compromise their safety. In general, objects designed for use by the handicapped must provide a much higher level of safety than those designed for use by non-impaired persons.
Preparing the home by way of these suggested mobility modifications will create a functional environment that will allow for a greater level of autonomy for aging-in-place seniors.
The Creating a Plan for Impaired Mobility in Elder-Care Home Environments is just one of many resources designed to help seniors and senior-care providers. To read more about senior care topics and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Benefits of Home.
