Difficulty moving from sit to stand is a common problem for aging in place
Keep reading below for important information about standing up
Home Safety Modifications
Home safety modifications are more important than ever as health care shifts away from institutions and into private homes. Our aging population is causing a “silver tsunami”. Big box stores are making home safety equipment available in their stores. You won’t receive training on those products so please consult a specialist before purchasing an expensive item.
You will find numerous resources about home modifications with a simple internet search but you won’t receive personalized, professional advice about equipment. Unfortunately, it’s hard to generalize those recommendations to a particular home or medical situation.
Home Modification Mistakes
Home modification mistakes lead to home renovation mistakes. Mistakes can be avoided by getting specific recommendations from an experienced healthcare provider. The wonderful thing about skilled providers is that they understand the way that medical issues, personality, lifestyle, safety products, and the home environment all interact to create a unique situation.
Virtual Home Safety Consult
A Virtual Home Safety Visit provides caregivers with personalized solutions to individual problems. We observe your loved one in the actual home environment as they perform basic mobility and self care tasks. Our experience and expertise, offered remotely, is an easy way to receive expert recommendations for caregiving challenges. Often simple, cost effective remedies are recommended.
- How to make standing up easier?
Raise the height of the sitting surface by adding higher legs
Firm up the surface by placing plywood under the cushions
Get handles to push off from
Always use sturdy footwear
Come to the front edge of seat before trying to stand
Put feet under the knees and apart
Bend forward while pushing off
Once standing, look around, make sure you’re steady before walking away
Is use of a power lift chair a good idea for Aging in Place?
Many would argue
___NO because it eliminates use of important core musculature further contributing to weakness and dependence
Others would argue
___YES because if someone cannot otherwise safely get out of a chair then a lift chair preserves their independence and may prevent injury to a caregiver
