July 17, 2024

There are many different kinds of “mouse traps”.  And probably more will be invented while you are reading this. Always a good way to find solutions is to type your “problem” into a search engine (like google) and see what you find. But here are some basic issues that require solutions for caregivers and their care receivers.

For the care receivers: The goal here is to maximize independence and safety. 

i.e. avoid falls, but at the same time keep active and purposeful.

For caregivers: The goal here is to give peace of mind about care receivers well-being both physically and psychologically. And very importantly, to avoid injuries, exhaustion and burn out.

Solutions

1) Going Up and Down Stairs:

• Stair railings: Essential.
• Stair lift: Glides on stair railing, costs >$2000.
• Ramp: Must have a 1:12 slope ratio (one-inch rise for every 12 inches of ramp). Cost depends on length.
• Elevator or vertical lift: Platform opens out onto landing, costs >$3000.

2) Grab Bars:

• Commonly used in bathtubs or shower stalls, costs >$200 per bar, including labor.

3) Toilet Transfers:

• 3-in-1 commodes: Sit next to bed or over toilet, adjustable height, costs >$30.
• Raised toilet seats: Options with armrests, must specify toilet shape (round or elongated).

4) Bed Mobility:

• Bed handle.
• Hospital bed: Can be provided by medical insurance with MD Rx. Note: Full railings are considered a hazard and rarely used.

5) "Getting Around" - General Mobility:

1) Manual Wheelchairs: Often covered by health insurance with a doctor’s prescription.

2) Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter: Often not covered by insurance.

3) Walkers:

• Front-wheeled walker (doesn’t work well outside), often covered by insurance, costs >$30.
• 4-wheel walker with seat (4WW) or rollator, not often covered by insurance, costs >$60.

4) Combination transportation wheelchair and 4WW: Costs >$150.

5) Canes:

• Straight cane (no little feet on bottom).
• Cane with a platform on the bottom (stands up by itself).

6) Transportation wheelchair: Lightweight, user cannot easily use it to get around, costs >$130.

6) Shower and/or Bathtub DME:

• Shower chair: Fits inside tub or shower stall, optional back and armrests, costs >$30.
• Bath bench: Longer than a shower chair, part of the bench rests outside the tub, costs >$40.
• Hand-held shower head: Costs >$15.

7) Fall Detection Devices

8) Wearable Call Buttons

Other Transfer Aids:

9) Transfer poles: Attached to floor and ceiling, often used in bathrooms, costs >$100.

10) Lift assist chairs (power): Recline the individual, lift from seated to standing, costs >$200.

Getting Up from the Floor:

11) Hoyer or patient lift: Could be hydraulic or electric, costs >$600 with sling.

12) Lightweight chair lift: Example on Amazon, costs >$400.

13) Inflatable floor lift: Click here, costs >$500.

Small Helpful DME:

• Reachers.
• Bottle openers.
• Button and zipper aids.
• Cup and utensil holders.
• Self-feeding aids.
• Magnifiers for reading.
• Hearing aids.

More Helpful References:

1) Medicare Coverage: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage.

2) Assistive Technologies: Stay Independent With These Assistive Technologies by Sarah Lyon, OTR/L, updated on March 22, 2023.

3) Preventing Falls and Caregiver Injuries: DayBreak Newsletter (April 12, 2023).

– Susan Musicant, DPT

Injury Prevention Coordinator at DayBreak

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in need of our services, please encourage them to contact us at:

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