Aging in Place: Use of Adaptive DevicesPresented by: Tara Simmons & Tara Lantz

Our population continues to ageBy the year 2030, up to 22% of Americans will be older than age 6570% will need long-term care services within their lifetime, including rehabilitation, home care, social services, home modifications, and assistive technology (adapted equipment)

Adaptive Equipment has evolved over the past 155 years to improve independence!

Adaptive Equipment provides confidence and allows individuals to remain independentWith proper use, safety will improve This will create less strain on the healthcare systemIndividuals will be able to remain comfortable at home with supports vs. moving to a long-term care facility

Adaptive Equipment lessens the strain on Family and Caregivers78% of homecare comes from unpaid family and friendsAdaptive devices can promote independenceThis independence can lessen both the physical and emotional strain on family

Adaptive Equipment promotes health, prevention, maintenance, and restoration!https://youtu.be/69xC7j0HmiM

When used properly, Adaptive Equipment is extremely effectiveIt provides independence to maintain aging in place

It allows a person to feel a sense of accomplishment when completing tasks on their own

It increases safety

It can provide a sense of satisfaction

It lessens the mental and physical strain on caregivers

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Adaptive equipment includes (but is not limited to)..CrutchesWheelchairsWalkersTransfer bencesCommodesRaised toilet seatsShower barsShower chairsBuilt up feeding instrumentsButton hooksSock aidsAutomatic toothpaste dispensersEyeglassesHearing AidsStair liftsReachersElastic shoe lacesAngled utensilsWeighted utensilsSubena (assisted lifting)Hoyer lifts

Built up combs/brushesRocker knivesUniversal cuffPower wheelchairsLong-handled shoe hornsDressing sticksLeg strapsTransfer boardsLong-handled sponge/brushWash mitPlate guardsScoop dishBedside commode

Not a comprehensive list- there are so many ways we can adapt every day items to improve use and independence!

In our surrounding area, there are many Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers that provide adaptive equipmentParamount Living Aids, LLC

In Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment

C & S Medical Supply Inc.

Superior Oxygen & Medical Supply

American DME LLC

WEBB Medical Systems

Lincare

How does an individual obtain equipment?How does an individual pay for equipment?

Private Insurance

Medicare Part B- medically necessary equipment, prescribed by a Doctor can be covered

Private Pay

Grants

Agencies that lend/provide items at no cost

Who can help with funding?

Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM) can provide funding and case managementAARPAbleNetAccsesCenters for Independent LivingPA Department of AgingHippocampeIndependent Living ServicesI M Able

Just to name a few!

Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Primary care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aids, DME employees, and Rehab employees can all assist in teaching individuals and family members how to use equipment!

Teaching Methods and StrategiesIt is important that individuals receive ample information in regards to which product they needProviders should give plenty of time for questionsPamphlets and handouts can be provided as a visual aide at homeHandouts are useful if an individual forgets exactly what to do after the therapist/health care provider leavesProper demonstration, including the teach-back method should be completedVideos are also beneficial to assist in learning useIndividuals should always have access to contact the therapist/provider with additional questions after they have left to ensure safety!Many websites provide free instruction and print outs

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SummaryAdaptive equipment tools enhance independence They promote safety inside a persons homeThey provide satisfaction and a sense of pride As our population ages, the concept of Aging in Place promotes staying as independent in the home as possible with supportsCaregivers are often unpaid family members. Adaptive equipment eases the mental and physical stress by allowing individuals to complete activities independentlyAgencies and medical coverage can assist in obtaining appropriate devicesA team of therapists and home health aids can assist in teaching how to use the equipment and provide informational documentation to continue the learning process after they are no longer in the homeOverall, Adaptive Equipment can make a person.

References

Crabb, N. (2009). Encyclopedia of American Disability History (In Burch, Susan ed.). Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?

IU Health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://iuhealth.org/rehabilitation/occupational-therapy/

McLean, T., Sanders, E., Shinn, B., Stein, L., & Turnowski, R. (2014). Adaptive equipment project. Retrieved from http://spin-ot.com/all-articles/2014/6/7/adaptive-equipment-project

Medicare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-coverage.html

National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). (2007). Dementia: A NICE-SCIE guideline on supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Robnett, R. H., & Chop, W. (2015). Gerontology for the healthcare professional (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Service Access and Management, Inc. (n.d.). Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) Supports Coordination. Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://www.sam-inc.org/Services

Sheffield, C., Smith, C., & Becker, M. (2013, November 6). Evaluation of an agency-based occupational therapy intervention to facilitate aging in place. The Gerontologist, 53, 907-918. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gns145

United Disabilities Services. (n.d.). Community resources. Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://www.udservices.org/resources/community-resources/#blog-top