Falls are the source of most injuries in bathrooms. In one year 234,000 people 15 and older visited emergency rooms due to injuries suffered in bathrooms. Most of these injuries were caused by falls, which can be especially dangerous for older adults.
Activities that take place in the bathroom, such as showering and bathing, are a simple part of most peoples’ daily routine. Yet, slips in the tub and falls in the shower or from the toilet may cause serious injuries.
According to a new CDC study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an estimated 234,000 people ages 15 and older were treated in U.S. emergency departments (ED) in 2008 for injuries that occurred in bathrooms. Four out of 5 of these injuries were caused by falls—which can have especially serious consequences for older adults.
Almost one-third (30 percent) of adults aged 65 and above who were injured in bathrooms were diagnosed with fractures. Among adults aged 85 and older, 38 percent were hospitalized as a result of their injuries.
Read the new CDC study on bathroom injuries and the related press release.
Steps for Safety in the Bathroom
Certain home safety measures may reduce the risk for all household members of being injured in the bathroom. Some prevention strategies include:
- Adding non-slip surfaces and grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower to reduce slips and falls.
- Installing grab bars next to the toilet for added support, if needed.
- Consider replacing your old tub with a walk in shower system
Preventing Falls among Older Adults
Four out of five injuries that took place in bathrooms in 2010 were the result of falls. Falls can be especially dangerous for adults ages 65 and older.
Older adults can take steps to make falls less likely. If you are 65 or older, take the following steps to reduce your risk of falling:
- Get some exercise: Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs, which increases the chance of falling. Exercise programs like Tai Chi can increase strength as well as improve balance, making falls less likely for aging adults.
- Be mindful of medications: Some medicines—or combinations of medicines— can have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. This can make falls more likely. Having a doctor or pharmacist review all your medications can help reduce the chance of risky side effects and drug interactions.
- Keep your vision sharp: Poor vision can make it harder to get around safely. To help make sure you're seeing clearly, have your eyes checked every year and wear glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength.
- Eliminate hazards at home. About half of all falls happen at home. A home safety check can help identify fall hazards, like clutter and poor lighting that should be removed or changed.
According to recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease control, the Bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house where a majority of falls occur.
Everyone has heard of the walk in bathtub, but what about the Walk in Shower?
Lets face it, the traditional bathtub is extremely dangerous for someone getting on in years. They are slippery and difficult to get in an out of causing fear and anxiety for those with mobility issues.
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
There’s no place like home, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw that. The researchers estimate 234,000 people ages 15 and older go to the emergency department each year because they got hurt in the bathroom.
Dr. Judy Stevens says two thirds of the injuries were in women. She also says:
The injury rate increased with age, so people over 65 were more likely to be injured – and also to have a more serious injury, like a fracture.’’
The study found two thirds of injuries happened in a shower or tub. To reduce the risk, add non-slip surfaces and grab bars both inside and outside the shower or tub.
The Walk In Shower is a great alternative to its more expensive counterpart, The Walk In Tub....
Walk In bathtubs are great, especially for those who could benefit from "hydrotherapy". As we age, it not only gets more difficult to get in and out of the tub, it gets more harder to exercise.
The hydro therapeutic benefits of the pulsating air and waters pressure achieved when taking a tub with air and water jets is equivalent to getting exercise.
Not everyone can afford a walk in bathtub which tend to be 30-40% more expensive than the walk in shower.
The huge benefit of the walk on shower is that you eliminate the high step in height of the old
bathtub and create a showering environment that is much safer. Depending on the type of walk in shower system that is chosen you can even get one that has a built in seat and customized grab bars.
If you get a walk in shower system that comes with marine layer gel coat fiberglass with plywood backing, you can install grab bars at any height and angel specifically positioned for the height and need of those using the walk in shower.
The process for installing a walk in shower is quite simple in that you simply remove the old tub shower enclosure and expose the wall studs. Then, depending on the type of walk in shower chosen, you install it and place the grab bars where they will be most beneficial.
The typical installation of a walk in shower, depending on what's required to remove the old tub shower enclosure and what walk in shower type is chosen can range from $4,000- $15,000.
To learn more about walk in showers download the Walk In Shower Buyers Guide or Call:
A&C Medical
203.262.1671
Medicare Coverage Guidelines for POWER Mobility Devices:
4 Step Process Must Be Followed
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Visit with your physician for a face to face examination and discuss your mobility options. Medicare requires a face to face with your physician prior to writing a prescription for a power mobility device. Medicare requires a face to face with your physician prior to writing a prescription for a power mobility device.
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Have your physician fax or mail the written prescription and medical records to a mobility supplier in your area who accepts Medicare. The mobility supplier must receive the written prescription prior and supporting documentation (medical records) within 45 days from the date of your face to face examination.
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Your mobility supplier will conduct a home assessment to ensure that you have adequate access and maneuverability space. The primary reason for a power mobility device is to compensate for your mobility limitations within your home and your ability to perform activities of daily living. Therefore, it is critical to determine if your home environment will support the use of a scooter or power wheelchair.
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Your mobility supplier will order the power mobility device prescribed by your physician or treating practitioner. Delivery of the scooter or power wheelchair must be no more than 120 days following examination.
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Medicare may pay for a motorized wheelchair. Although it is not guaranteed that you will qualify or be reimbursed by Medicare, whether you personally lay out the price for one, or are looking for Medicare to purchase one for you, we can give you some guidelines to follow and the basic criteria that must be met in order for Medicare to either reimburse or authorize payment for a motorized unit. A power wheelchair is covered when all of the following criteria are met:
- The patient's condition is such that without the use of a wheelchair the patient would otherwise be bed or chair confined.
- The patient's condition is such that a wheelchair is medically necessary and the patient is unable to operate a wheelchair manually.
- The patient is capable of safely operating the controls for the power wheelchair.
A patient who requires a power wheelchair usually is totally non-ambulatory and has severe weakness of the upper extremities due to a neurological or muscular disease/condition. If the documentation does not support the medical necessity of a power wheelchair but does support the medical necessity of a manual wheelchair, payment is based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative.
If you need more clarification or information just give us a call.
A&C Medical
203.262.1671
This Educational information has been provided by:
A&C Medical Equipment & Supplies Inc
Mobility Resource Center
385 Main Street South – Union Square
Southbury, CT 06488
203.262.1671- Showroom 203.262.1162 Fax
www.acmedical.com
Practical Assisted Living Structures (PALS) create a fantastic alternative to a complete home remodel or forced move into a Skilled Nursing Facility.
A fo
rced move into a skilled nursing facility can be devastating to a patient, their family and their pocket book. According to the recent numbers published in the 2011 Annual Met Life Market Survey of Long-term Care costs. The national Average for a Private Room in a licensed Skilled Nursing Facility rose from $229 per day to $239 creating an annual increase of $3,650 and a total annual cost of $87,235. In Connecticut, the average daily cost for a private room in a Skilled Nursing Facility rose to $394 per day or $143,810 which is among the highest rates in the Nation.
Connecticut Builder and entrepreneur Henry Racki of Rockfall Builders has come up with the ideal alternative to the rising costs of Long-Term care here in Connecticut with The Practical Assisted Living Structure. According to Racki, many of those in the Baby Boomer Generation found the premiums for long term care insurance policies to be too cost prohibitive and chose not to purchase them back when they had the chance. Now, people living in their 70's, 80's and 90's without a long term care policy are left with few good alternatives when it comes to funding Long-Term Care costs.
"Sure, Medicare will cover the first 90 days in a certified rehabilitation facility, but what
do you do from there? The main reason why people are forced to move into a Long Term Care Facility is usually because the home lacks a first floor bedroom or first floor full bathroom. If an elderly person with compromised function takes a fall or has a heart attack or stroke rendering them more disabled your kind of left in a real bind"...Most financial planners will say that what threatens the nest egg of our aging population most are forced and unexpected moves into Skilled Nursing facilities....
Most states have implemented look back periods of at least five years when it comes to transferring assets. If you have been remiss in performing estate planning tactics by legally moving assets out of your name, there is the chance that the state will claim those assets as their own to cover Skilled Nursing Long-Term Care costs.
Practical Assisted Living Structure (PALS), created by Henry Racki of Rockfall Builders are Pre-Fab built In-Law apartments that can be added onto a home or existing structure as an alternative to a complete home remodel or forced move into a Long-Term Care Facility. In Connecticut, with Long Term care costs among the highest in the Country, PALS are a fantastic alternative.
It's a Pre-Fab built In-Law apartment or Suite and we do all the leg work stated Racki. From meeting with town zoning and planning departments to planning out the smallest detail. "When these units are installed you have a complete, turn key In-Law apartment. Some come with either a Walk-In Tub or a "Barrier Free" Shower with plenty of room to maneuver. We strive to create a zero-step entry and minimize step ups to prevent falls and create a safe living situation... All at an affordable price point!
People normally don't think of performing adaptive home remodeling projects over the Holidays, but in some cases it's as good of a time as any.
Our goal at A&C Medical is to help keep people living safely and independently in their homes for as long as time and good health permits. Providing home medical equipment and performing home safety modification projects is our specialty.
Many of the adaptive home remodeling projects that we perform can be done in as little as a couple days and the Holidays may be as good of a time as any to talk with aging parents about fall prevention and home safety modifications.
We have several Free items to give away as a compliment to any of the following adaptive home safety modification projects:
A&C Medical has been providing the best and most affordable Home Medical Equipment Supplies and Home Modifications to Connecticut residents since 1993.
Give us a call or stop by our showroom for additional details regarding our Holiday specials!
Wishing you and your family a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
The A&C Medical Team
Check out some the Holiday specials from A&C Medical!
Purchasing holiday gifts for aging parents and grandparents during the Holidays is often a challenging task. At A&C Medical we've got both practical and fun gifts for your aging loved ones that will help them maintain their independence and also ensure their safety and comfort as well.
The older generation is just not going to go out and buy themselves an electric reclining lift chair for example. They would rather struggle to get out of their favorite old chair, couch or love seat rather than be safe with the new technology of today' s lift chair...
For those who have real mobility issues consider getting them one of our most recent best sellers. The "duet" from Drive Medical. This unique light weight device acts both as a 4-wheel walker and also performs as as a Transport Chair.
On the funner side consider getting your loved one a Power Mobility Scooter. We often get
our little one the electric Golf Cart or Scooter why not get one for your grandfather? Sure if qualified, we can help get Medicare to help cover the costs, but why not just purchase one out right and potentially get Medicare to cover the costs of a more expensive Power Wheelchair in the future.... Here again, you aging parent or grandparent is not going to go out and purchase themselves one of these beautiful and lightweight scooters on there own. Priced as low as $799 the Go-Go Elite Traveler from Pride Mobility is an awesome lightweight and portable scooter that will enhance the travel experience of any aging relative with mobility issues...
On the softer side, consider a pair of slippers made exclusively for diabetics. Attractive, Comfortable and Safe, slippers from Dr. Comfort are an ideal gift for the difficult to buy for aging relative on your shopping list.
Click on the offer below and obtain special Holiday discounted price along with Free Shipping!
Retirement and Assisted Living Alternatives For our Aging Population
As the baby boom generation continues to age, so to does the demand for assisted living alternatives and the need for housing to accommodate the needs of our aging population. John Lennon once asked a generation to “Imagine living life in peace,” now those same baby boomers must imagine living life in old age; as nearly one in five Americans will be over sixty-five in 2030 (U.S. Census Bureau). An even more staggering statistic will be the increase in the amount of people living in the US over the age of 80. Today there's roughly four million over the age of 80. By the year 2030, its estimated that there will be 20 million over the age of 80....
Now imagine yourself at eighty years of age; where do you see yourself living? Have you thought about it? I mean really imagined what it will be like? If your like most Americans your not alone in saying, "I want to stay right here, and "age in place" in my home, where I have lived for may years and I'm not going anywhere...." See Article "Most Boomers want To Age In Place- Few Have Plan
Aging baby boomers, some seventy-six million, will be living longer than previous generations and many with chronic conditions. They will also be more spread-out in suburban areas. This should get you thinking about the relationship between aging and geography.
“Peter Pan Housing”
Peter Pan is a character who never grows up. This dream of eternal youth is used by some
urban planners to describe the Never-Never Land of the nation’s endless sprawl of suburbs designed for people who never grow old.
After WWII young families flocked to the suburbs to live the American dream of a home with living areas and kitchen on first floor, bed and bath on second floor, and laundry in the basement. This set up was designed to fit the military’s ideal subject of the six-foot, 190-pound, healthy, strong, 20-year old male.
Today that same end-user is a senior citizen with aging adult children soon to face many of the same issues they are living with now. And the challenge with the new developments is much like the ones facing the old developments; miles from any commerce, expansive lawns with steep yards, gates for privacy, hill-top settings with lots of stairs, wide cult-de-sacs, limited sidewalks and no bus stops.
These “amenities” may be selling points for young families but for older adults the auto-oriented living areas which require commuter trips due to the geographic isolation can be barriers to aging in place.
New Urbanism-
“New urbanism” is a reaction to this suburban sprawl; creating human-scale, walkable communities, transit-oriented, with mixed use, much along the lines of old European cities.
Also known as traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs), these communities are showing up all around the country. For example the new Blue Back Square in West Hartford, Harbor Point in Stamford and the Stoors Center project in Mansfield CT. These TND communities boast community living that is multi- generational, pedestrian oriented, near bus/light-rail, with shops and a cultural activities just minutes away.
Many of the homes, townhouses and condo's within these neighborhoods are of traditional craftsmanship and have Universal Design elements, along with porches and sidewalks for neighbors to keep in touch with each other—like they once did.
If you are living in Peter Pan Housing and it’s not working for you, consider looking into one of these TNDs or exploring the many alternatives to independent and assisted living facilities like remodeling or adding on a Universally designed In-Law style apartment.
Practical Assisted Living Structures-(PALS)
A new twist on an age old solution. Practical Assisted Living Structures (PALS) are pre-fab built, Universally designed In-Law style apartments that can be bolted onto an existing home or structure as an alternative to a complete remodel or forced move into a skilled nursing facility. Floor plans can be customized to accommodate specific needs and generally include universally designed features such as "Zero-Step" entry ways into the home, 36 inch wide doorways and wider hall ways along with larger bathrooms and the ability to choose from either a barrier free showering system to an extremely safe, walk-in bathtub.
Whether you are planning on buying, selling, staying put, or looking for other types of housing such as rental, vacation or investment property, here are 10 elements to consider:
1. One level housing with Zero Step entry ways and thresholds
2. Near a bus stop or light-rail station
3. Markets within walking distance
4. Mixed-use housing- perhaps an In-Law style apartment addition
5. Sidewalks & nearby park
6. Homes with a porch
7. Universal design in the home
8. Civic center/entertainment outlets minutes away
9. In-law apartment or suite
10.Close to family friends and familiar surroundings
These 10 elements will be in high demand as the population ages and looks to "Age in Place" with a high quality-of-life in safe comfortable surrounding with plenty of friends and family around.
To ensure the overall safety of your home click below to download the ultimate in home safety checklist.
Important Answers to Know when preparing to leave a Hospital or Short Term Rehabilitation Facility...
All to often there is confusion when a patient is discharged from a Hospital or Short Term rehabilitation Facility resulting in unnecessary and preventable readmissions.
"When we talk to a patient, caregiver or family member about a patients discharge from a Hospital or Short Term Rehabilitation facility we make every attempt to ensure that the products and services we are providing will help keep the patient safe while rehabilitating in the comfort of their own home" says Craig Schuck, Owner of A&C Medical Equipment & Supplies inc of Southbury CT.
Many times patients are unsure of what to do or who to call in the event of a problem or concern that arises after their discharge. According to Schuck, "we try to do our part by making sure the home is safe with our Home Medical Equipment, Supplies and Services, but many times that's just not enough."
Patients need to know and understand who they should call if a problem were to arise after discharge. They should know exactly what Home Medical Equipment and Supplies they need and be acutely aware about the medications they need to take and what their side
effects could be. In addition, they need to understand what symptoms they need to watch out for and specifically how to manage them.
It is also very important to have a follow up doctor appointment, preferable withing 7-days after discharge almost regardless of the situation. According to Dr. Grace Yin Jenq a Yale geriatrician who spoke recently at the SouthWestern Connecticut Area on Agency annual breakfast meeting. "After we implemented a procedure whereby patients are required to see a community provider within 7 days post discharge, we observed a significant decline in our 30-day readmission rates.
During her presentation, Dr Jenc referred to the 3 main reason why patients are readmitted to a Hospital or Short Term Rehabilitation facility are:
- Medications and their side effects are not clearly understood potentially leading to non-compliance creating another potential hospital visit
- Complication and misunderstanding about outcome and patient is back again for the same procedure or same reason for original admission
- Not sure about post discharge goals and unclear about what to do or who to call in the event of a complication
With recent reductions in Medicare reimbursement rates, some short term rehabilitation facilities are choosing not to perform home safety assessments prior to discharge. It's hit or miss if a Hospital or Short Term rehabilitation facility performs an In-Home safety assessment prior to discharge and the fact that Medicare has reduced payment for this service does not help. Who can blame them says Schuck If Medicare is not going to reimburse for both a Physical and Occupational Therapist to go out to the home and asses the homes safety, then how can they perform the activity?"
We view this to be a big problem stated Schuck who said that unsafe homes lead to tremendous amounts of avoidable hospital readmissions because patients were not made aware of simple home safety modifications that could prevent tripping hazards that lead to potentially avoidable falls. See Blog article
Obtained partially from discharge planning work done by Eric Colemen and The John Hartford Foundation The Top 10 Discharge Planning Preparation Checklist provides 10 simple answers that everyone should know and completely understand prior to discharge.
Recent Survey Shows That Although Most Baby Boomers Say They Want to "Age In Place" Few Have a Plan
Aging In Place is not just a term, it is the desire and sentiment of most Americans whether you are in your sixties or your 90's. According to a recent study performed by The Hartford: New Research Shows Many Boomers Want to Age In Place, But Most Have No Plan" - "While 77 percent have talked to their spouse or partner about future housing needs, only 29% have made a plan...
In order to Age In Place and create a safe home environment that would preclude the necessity to prematurely move into a Nursing Home or Skilled facility, certain home modifications need to take place. (see blog article- 6 simple ways to make your House a home for a lifetime)
The boomers have new demands for old age says Joseph Coughlin PhD, Director- MIT AgeLab. "While they may choose to stay in their memories, marriages and mortgages- this will not be their parents retirement. The next generation of older adults will value access and activity over retreat and retiement. This is why its important that boomers think about their current living situation and ask themselves, is their home equipped to be a home for a lifetime?"
know one ever wants to be forced to move into a Nursing Home. However, the fact of the matter, is that the main reason people are forced to move into Skilled nursing facilities is due to the lack of a first floor bedroom and full bathroom. It gets awfully difficult to maneuver around your home with impaired mobility particularly when you are forced to climb stairs to get to your bedroom and bathroom.
Take progressive steps to make your house a home for a lifetime and make the necessary changes that will allow for more options when you need them most!
The real estate bubble and subsequent decline in home values has created a challenging situation for our aging population. Just a few years ago an average 3 bedroom Colonial that may have been have sold for $349,000 back in 2005 may only worth $274,000 today. For a couple in their mid forties that may not propose much of a problem. But for the couple in their mid 80's, (who were counting on the sale of their home to finance their later year living expenses) that's somewhat of a problem. The fact is that most boomers want to age in place but few have a plan. However, there a ways to make your House a Home for a lifetime and steps you can take that will allow you to successfully Age In Place.
If you or your parents are like most Americans, you never want to be forced into moving into a nursing home or retirement facility. Your home is your castle (and for some of us, our retirement savings account) and that's exactly where most of our elderly prefer to reside.... In fact, according to recent AARP study when asked where aging adults prefer to live out their golden years, nearly 80% of responded "I'm not moving anywhere". As we age, we become more resistant to change, and as a result, more likely to desire the familiar surroundings of home.
The real challenge is that most of our non-selling housing stock, here in hilly topography of Connecticut and around New England, consists largely of homes with lots of stairs, steep inclines, bumps and hazards that make Aging In Place quite difficult, if not outright dangerous. Back in the 50's and 60's when a great deal of our existing housing stock was built, there was little thought of "Universal Design" building concepts ie, few homes built with zero-step entry ways, 36' entry doorways and 4 foot wide hallways.
That same AARP study cites the fact that the main reason why our aging parents are forced into moving into Skilled Nursing Facilities is due to poor planning due to the lack of an adequate first floor bedroom and first floor bathroom....
Say that you are in your 80's. a lifelong diabetic and you have a stroke that leaves your left side weakened to the point where you can't walk or bathe yourself....Medicare may cover the up to the first 90 days or so in a Skilled Nursing Facility, but if your home is unfit to move back into, where do you go from there? Sure you can get in home care aides and potentially get mobility aids to ambulate better around the house, but is the house safe?
Upon admission to a Short Term Rehabilitation facility you should begin to work with the discharge planning team who, upon arrival, begin to plan for your ultimate discharge back into your home. Normally, at some point prior to discharge, a Physical therapist and or an Occupational Therapist will be dispatched out to the home to asses the safety and viability of discharge and make recommendations.
Likely the discharge planning team will make several recommendations to help improve the safety of your home.
Here are 6 Ways You Can Make Your Home Safer:
1.) Eliminate tripping hazards by getting rid of clutter and remove throw rugs... especially in the bathroom...
2.) Install bathroom safety grab bars and and safety grip strips in the tub & shower floor
3.) Assure that there are sturdy handrails on both sides of your staircases and anywhere that there are steps both inside and outside….or, install a stair lift
4.) Ensure that you have adequate lighting and switching especially at stairs, halls, and entries
5.) Secure or or even potentially remove carpets at stairs
6.) Install soft path lighting for nighttime mobility
These are just 6 simple ways to make your home safer. If you would like additional ideas on things you could do to make your house a home for a lifetime, have a more thorough home safety assessment conducted by a Certified Aging In Place Specialist.
