Instructions
-
1
Assess the most important daily tasks first. Eating, dressing and hygiene needs top the list of mobility concerns in the elderly. As long as a senior can perform those three chores, she will retain some self-sufficiency.
-
2
Replace doorknobs with handles to allow arthritic hands to open and shut doors with ease. In addition, remove knob-type faucets and install lavatory handles to make turning on the water easier. Opt for casement windows, with roll out features as opposed to double-hung windows.
-
3
Sew Velcro-type tabs on shirts after removing the regular buttons and stitching them to the top panel of the shirt. Invisible from the outside, the sticky closures will make dressing easier for stiff fingers.
-
4
Install security grab bars beside the commode to assist a senior in performing his own toilet duties. If falling is a concern in the shower, install a fold-down shower seat.
-
5
Organize a senior carpool for shopping and recreation trips. A van with an installed lift is good for people who are wheelchair-bound or scooter-bound but a regular automobile for seniors with more mobility is fine. Schedule shopping trips and transport seniors to and from the store.
-
6
Encourage a limited-income senior to apply for mobility aids through Medicare or Medicaid. Based upon income, age and need, with a doctor's prescription, a senior may receive a free or reduced-cost wheelchair or mobility scooter.
