Mobility
Mobility impairment can take many forms. It can be anything from the occasional use of a cane to needing a wheelchair everyday. Some older adults are able to function well with in-home adaptations of counter tops, placement of rugs, etc. and some are on the move with handicapped accessible vans and public transportation. In other cases, making adjustments in the home helps the caregiver and that, in turn, helps the older family member.
Evaluating the Situation
As a caregiver, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the functioning of your family member. To be best prepared, evaluate the total functioning of your family member to make the best choices for remedies.
Checklist if You Think Your Family Member May Have Alzheimer's
For those with mobility issues, be especially aware of safety concerns such as making sure the smoke detectors work and that area rugs are secured or taken up. Be aware that pets can pose a hazard for mobility impaired older adults as well as they jump up to greet a person they love or they bump into them. Also, be aware that medications can impact the steadiness of gait and the judgment of an older adult.
Home Safety
When mobility becomes an issue, home safety is a special concern. It is important to recognize hazards in the home. There are checklists to help you assess your home and information is available on modifying your home.
Checklist if You Think Your Family Member May Have Alzheimer's
Universal Design to Make Living Easier and More Safe
People who have disabilities can often make life much easier by adjusting their home environment to accommodate what they are able to do and compensate for what they cannot do.
North Carolina State University has a Center for Universal Design. They define universal design as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities.
The Center offers information in the following categories:
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For each of these areas, they offer information on the issues, the implications for the home environment, and suggested modifications.
AARP has also compiled information on Universal Design:
| The Consumer Products Safety Commission offers a "Safety For Older Consumers Home Safety Checklist". They identify common areas that cause problems and offer recommendations for remedies. Also listed are their three nationwide regional centers. |  |
Easter Seals offers Adaptation Tips.
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There are also Universal Design concepts for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. |
Ageless Design is a company that offers products designed to help you understand the unique challenges of living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's and the impact of the home environment.
