A Few Practical Suggestions for Setting up your Home from the Book Caregiver Revolution
As a home care physical therapist, I would recommend that you set up the following modifications before or shortly after your loved one comes home from the hospital or from rehab:
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Two hand railings on stairs. I wouldn’t put this first if it wasn’t the most important. It may take some creative construction, especially outdoors, but having two railings will really pay off in the end.
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Rolling walker with plastic caps or tennis balls on the back legs. Or, a 4- wheeled walker with brakes and seat if it fits through the doorways of your home. The 4-wheeled walkers are getting more popular because they are better for outside use. Your loved one can walk until he gets tired and then he has a ready-seat at his disposal.
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Transfer tub bench (she can sit on the outside of the tub and slide in) and hand-held shower attachment.
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Grab bars in the tub or shower and by the toilet, if no commode is available.
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Three-in-one commode over the toilet by day and for use by the bedside at night.
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A small bed rail that attaches to the bed frame can make getting in and out of the bed much easier. A small stool by the bed can also help getting legs in and out of the bed.
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Clear up clutter on the floor, near doorways, in bathrooms and take up the throw rugs!
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Acquire grabbers, sock donners, shoehorns and all manner of devices to help get dressed. These are usually recommended by the occupational therapist. Often these are sold as kits. Buy one, they’re worth it.
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A wheelchair can come in handy and make the home situation much safer. You can rent them by the month. Make sure the legs go up and down, are removable and are adjusted to proper leg length by the therapist or technician. Make sure that you have a cushion. Every wheelchair that is delivered should have at least a basic cushion as Medicare does pay for them. Your doctor simply has to include the word “cushion” on his prescription for the chair.
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Power-elevating recliner chairs, which tilt up and forward to help with standing and recline for comfort during the day (or night). These are becoming more and more affordable and are one of the best additions to a home. They give your loved one more independence, comfort and better posture. Highly recommended!
We will be adding to this list and will post it as a section of our website. Please let us know if you have any suggestions to add.
