Aging in Place with Limited Mobility

Aging in Place is a new buzzword that encompasses the idea of growing old and receiving health care in your home. Seniors are avoiding the nursing homes and assisted living facilities of the past and embracing senior-centered communities and taking advantage of services and technology focused on the home. Home Health Care services are working to catch up with the demand as the number of Americans over 65 will double between 2000 and 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that home healthcare employment will grow 55% between 2006–2016, making it the fastest growing occupation of that decade.
Home Health Care presents its own unique challenges, especially for those with limited mobility. Safe patient handling is a concept that addresses the health of both the patient AND the caregiver. All health care workers who lift and move patients are at high risk for back injury and other musculoskeletal disorders when moving patients in the home without a device. An overexerted caregiver could also accidently injure their patient in the process. Safe Patient Handling has been associated with not only fewer injuries, but also a decrease in the severity of injuries.
Studies have shown that patients feel more comfortable and secure when a mechanical transfer device is used and that using mechanical devices to transfer patients takes fewer personnel and less time than manual transfers. However, there are barriers to assistive device adoption.  These can include:

• Workers may think assistive devices will be difficult to work with and time-consuming.
• Patients and family caregivers may fear that assistive devices will be unsafe or uncomfortable.
  
• Patients and families may be unwilling or unable to accept changes in the home.
  
• A device may be too expensive for the patient and family.
  

These are the concerns that are addressed by Safe Patient Handling techniques and education. The benefits of these devices are:

• Increases patient safety and comfort.
• Improves clinical outcomes.
• Allows patients to stay in their homes.
• Enhance patient’s sense of dignity.
• Handle the increasing weight of patients.
• Protects caregivers from injury.
• Increase caregiver efficiency.
• Allows single caregiver for patients with limited mobility.

The Traxx Mobility Systems Titan 500 Overhead Patient Lift addresses all the concerns associated with patient transfer in the home care setting. The freestanding overhead track frame is strong and secure and fits in the bedroom. The rechargeable electric motor is rated to lift up to 500 pounds and works with the touch of a button. The motor unit glides along the track with a gentle push and allows a single caregiver to transfer a patient without the risk of injury.

Traxx Mobility Systems Titan 500 Overhead Patient Lift

Contact us today for a quote. For more information, visit our website, watch our YouTube channel, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. Traxx Mobility Systems is Lifting the Standard for Home Care.

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