Home Health Care A Growing Reality For Many Americans

As America ages and we are forced to recover, recuperate or simply age in place, the home becomes the front line for the future of health care.  Many family caregivers find themselves providing care for both their aging parents as well as their growing children. Spouses find themselves caring for their loved ones when faced with a disability or chronic disease later in life. In order for this caregiving to go on in the home, family caregivers need to rely on a growing number of assistive devices and other technology designed specifically for their situation.

Activities of daily living (ADL) are routine activities that people tend to do every day without needing assistance, which include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence. New devices and technology can help the caregiver provide assistance with these basic needs. The caregiver can protect their patients and themselves whether the assistance is coming from an App that tracks medication or a patient lift to help transfer them out of bed and into a wheelchair.

Technology is leading the way in home health care. Beyond apps on your mobile device, there are many special devices that can allow those living with disabilities or chronic disease to stay in their home and avoid traditional long term care facilities. Assistive devices as varied as recliner lift chairs, wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and step-in bathtubs can greatly add to the quality of life as well as encourage independence among those who can help themselves.

A larger selection of adjustable beds are on the market, replacing the old hospital bed. Devices and assistive tech can be hidden in furniture or cabinetry allowing for a design more in line with a home over a hospital. Online resources make it easier to find,choose, use and review the right equipment for your unique situation or find some respite from your duties.

The advances in wheelchair design has carried over into the home and the adaptation of other assistive devices that work with them. High-tech standing power chairs and specialty chairs designed for the bathroom provide many options for any specific use. Outdoor ramps and stairlifts can help the disabled patient gain full access to their home. A patient lift in the bedroom can help get the patient in and out of bed and maintain their health and independence.

Titan 500 Patient Lift

The traditional patient lift has been adapted to the home to allow a single caregiver to transfer a patient between bed and wheelchair without the high costs of an installed ceiling lift system. A freestanding overhead patient lift system is an ideal solution to the tight spaces and other barriers in modern home design like thick carpeting or low or vaulted ceilings. The overhead lift provides a safe and secure transfer experience while protecting both the caregiver and patient from injury. It can also be disassembled and moved to another location if necessary.


The home can still present barriers to those living with chronic disease and disability. Older homes are not always helpful in their layout. Many issues that cannot be resolved by technology or an assistive device can often be addressed by home renovation or home modifications. New companies are out there that cater specifically to the elderly and disabled.

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Traxx Mobility Systems manufactures the Titan 500, a freestanding overhead patient lift for home health care. Visit our website, find us on Facebook and watch our YouTube channel.