SAFE AT HOME: SIMPLE TIPS FOR GENERAL HOME SAFETY cont.

limited mobility, and spends most of the day in the chair. Please consider getting some sort of gel cushion to prevent skin breakdown.

Electric Wheelchair: An entirely different category, and this discussion is best started with a therapist or wheelchair specialist.

SWELLING

(If this is an issue, talking to a skilled nurse is a great place to start) Typically, swelling is called edema. If

your loved one has swelling in his/her legs, it is important to initiate a way to elevate the legs during the day.

HYGIENE

(Therapist training for proper sequencing)

Typically, a cane is not covered by insurance, but if it is, Medicare may only pay for 1 device. If so, it is always better to purchase a cane out of pocket, and use insurance for more expensive devices.

IN HOME CAREGIVERS

There are agencies that will provide a caregiver in your home for varying costs, whether you need two hours per day or 24 hour care, As stated below, home health aides can be covered when your family member gets a referral to receive home health care, but this may be for limited time.

HOME CARE SERVICES

A very important option for your elderly loved one if there are any health, cognitive, or safety concerns. Referrals from primary care physicians can be sent to home care agencies to start the process and check insurance. You may want to consider home health services if any of these apply:

In Summary, DME (Durable Medical Equipment) is a whole new world to navigate for caregivers and may feel overwhelming. If you are concerned about your elderly loved one living alone or worried about his/her safety, it may be time to assess some of these items with a trained medical professional, to see what help your loved one needs to be safe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hillary Sussman has been a physical therapist for 24 years, working closely with her clients and their families as they navigated life with physical and cognitive challenges. She is the author of the Adventures of Roxy Book Series. Her physical therapy background has primarily been in the home care setting; working with the geriatric population. She works part time in an assisted living facility, where she enjoys working with her clients, their families, and staff, to improve her clients' mobility and quality of life. When her dog Roxy underwent her fourth surgery and faced losing a leg, she was inspired to write a book series about a three-legged dog to help kids who are different, live life with confidence, and not allow any limitations to hold them back. She hopes that the Adventures of Roxy book series can help all kids learn important life lessons about inclusion, kindness, empathy, acceptance, and the impact that words have on others. Hillary is a mother of three and lives in Pennsylvania. Learn more at adventuresofroxy.com