SENIOR LIVING:
ASSISTIVE DEVICES HELP PEOPLE REMAIN MOBILE page
Disabilities affect people from all walks of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 55 million Americans have a disability of some kind. Of these people, 33 million have a disability that makes it difficult for them to carry out some daily activities. Statistics Canada states that, as of 2012, 13.7 percent of the population age 15 or older reported having a disability that could impact daily life.
People with disabilities and senior citizens who have trouble getting around may need assistive devices to reclaim some measure of their independence. For example, millions of people rely on wheelchairs or walking aids to get around. These are called assistive technology and rehabilitative devices, which include tools, equipment or products that can help people with disabilities get around more easily. These devices may be as small as magnifying glasses for reading to as large as wheelchairs.
“It is very important to choose the correct assistive device,” said Chrissy Barr, pharmacist and owner of The Medicine Shoppe in North Little Rock. “You need one that gives the amount of support that the patient needs and fits the patient, as well as one the patient feels comfortable with.”
The National Institutes of Health state that 2.2 million people in the U.S. depend on wheelchairs for day-to-day tasks and mobility. More than 6 million use canes, walkers or crutches to assist with mobility. The following are some of the common types of mobility devices available for purchase.
CANES
Canes are handheld devices that provide a little extra stability or support to weakened limbs. Canes are easily transported and can assist those who need only a little help.
STANDARD WALKERS
Also known as medical walkers, standard walkers offer substantial support and must be lifted to move. That requires upper body strength, which can be difficult for some to maintain on long trips.
ROLLING WALKERS
Rolling walkers are similar to standard walkers, but rolling walkers have wheels, either on the front only or on both sets of legs. These walkers are somewhat less stable than standard walkers. Rolling walkers with wheel-locking devices may offer stability when needed. Some rolling walkers are called “rollators.”
WHEELCHAIRS
Standard wheelchairs must be powered by the person in the chair or by someone pushing it from behind. This can be difficult for people with minimal upper body strength. Mechanical wheelchairs are powered with a lever or button. Some people may opt for motorized scooters over bulkier wheelchairs when possible.
DISPILL
Walking devices aren’t the only assistive devices available to seniors. Managing medication is an important part of senior health and DisPill is a packaging system that allows pharmacists to bubble-pack a person’s medications for the correct times. It saves the patient time from having to sit down and pack their own medications in weekly containers and assures that the meds are packaged correctly.
“The benefits are endless,” she said. “Patients take their meds as prescribed, and it saves them the time and frustration of packaging them.”
Assistive devices can be highly effective, but only when they are used properly and safely. Assistive devices should be measured for each user. Many walkers are height-adjustable. The width of a device is also important. A walker or another device that is too wide can affect mobility or require modifications to be made around the home. Weight is another consideration. The device should be lightweight so it can be maneuvered, but also weigh enough to provide enough stability to keep users upright.
“I would suggest that someone using a device for the first time start slowly and at home with supervision,” Barr said. “As they get more comfortable with whichever device they are using, then they can venture out a little farther, but always have an emergency plan in place to call someone if you are alone.”
Users should proceed slowly and favor their stronger sides when relying on canes or walkers. Devices should not be used to climb atop other items, such as step stools. Children should not be allowed to play with or ride on assistive devices. If there are safety belts or locks on any assistive technology, they should be put in place before use to prevent injury.