8/13/2013

1

Home Modifications and Assistive Technology Easing Caregiving

Care for Carepartners Teleconference

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Our Discussion

We will discuss the array of mobility aids, tools, technology, adaptive strategies, and environmental modifications available to help carepartnersconserve energy, simplify work and ensure safety for everyone.

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

2

Our Plan

• Definition of Terms• Common Challenges• Solutions

– Mobility Aids– Energy Conservation/Work Simplification– Safety

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Energy Conservation

Reducing the amount of energy/effort required to complete a task or activity

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

3

Work Simplification

Strategies to reduce the number of steps involved in completion of a task or activity

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Common ChallengesMarnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

4

Common Challenges

• Transfers– Bed – Chair– Wheelchair– Toilet

• Falls• Toileting

– On/off– Hygiene– Frequency

• Limited Mobility– Fatigue– Increased Time

• Isolation– Limited Community Access

• Physical Demands– Injuries– Fatigue

• Emotional– Overwhelmed/ Depression– Anger/Frustration

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

SolutionsMarnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

5

Transfer Solutions

• Bed Rail• Over the Bed Lift• Ceiling• Standing Lift• Extended Grab Bar• Transfer Disc• Chair Rail• Uplift• Caution: Lift Chairs

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Bed Rail

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

6

Over the Bed Lift

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Ceiling Lift

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

7

Standing Lift

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

SuperPole

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

8

Extended Grab Bar

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Transfer Disc

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

9

Chair Rail

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Uplift

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

10

Caution: Lift Chairs

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Fall Prevention/Reduction

Solutions• Proper Technique: OT/PT• Planning• Gait Belt• Proper Equipment• Lighting• Space

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

11

Toileting

• Transfers– Proper Equipment and training

• Hygiene– Bidet Seat

• Frequency– Scheduled fluid intake: Not limited

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Mobility

• Proper Assistive Device– Walker, Wheelchair, Powerchair– Can take MANY months to get: ask when

you think you need it…. Not when it is essential!

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

12

Mobility

• Planning and Pacing Activities– Schedule one event per day– Schedule breaks in between activities– Organize items– Leave commonly used items in reach– Clothing hung by outfit– “What steps can I remove”

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Mobility

• Automatic door lock• Remote Lights• Home Automation:

– http://www.frontpointsecurity.com

– http://www.vivint.com• Cordless Phones• Small Refrigerator easily

accessible Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

13

Isolation

• Identify Activities• Identify Resources Available• Transportation Options• Lotsahelpingheands.com• Support Groups/Lunch Groups• Online Forums

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Physical Demands

• Transfer Aids/Lifts• OT/PT Training/Consultation• Routine• Pacing: Plan ahead

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

8/13/2013

14

Questions/Discussion

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM 

Thank You!

Care for Carepartners Teleconference

Marnie Renda MEd OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM