How You Can Ease Your Transition Home from Rehab

Who is in Charge with the Return Home from Rehab?

We often work with people who are returning home from rehab. There are so many things going on when someone is attempting to return home, especially if their abilities have changed and they are using new mobility equipment like walkers or wheelchairs. People may also have different priorities when they go back home. Some want to simply change as little as possible and try to live as much the same as before. Others throw themselves into change, challenging themselves to create new ways of accomplishing tasks. 

It often takes effort to communicate what needs to get done in the home and get that work done quickly enough. Therapists in rehab do a fantastic job of helping people regain and build skills, but beyond a discharge visit, they aren't often able to spend time planning modifications and people may often need to solve many problems by themselves. Discharge visits often occur just before a person returns home, which doesn't leave much time for construction professionals to provide quotes and get the work done. Home Health Therapists need to focus on the person's recovery and may not have the therapy time available or expertise to manage any construction that is needed. Traditional contractors may be knowledgeable about building but not understand how to design an environment that bests matches an individual's abilities or where to find the best technology for use in the home. 

So, with all the changes, different goals, and people involved, what is most important? Who is in charge? The answer? You, the client are the most important part of the homecoming process and things work out best in the long run if you are involved in what is going on. 

The therapists attempting to help you get stronger, the contractors making changes in your home, and the caregivers (family or professional) assisting with activities of daily living are all working to make you as comfortable, independent, and safe as possible. You have some responsibilities as well, though. It’s very likely that you are going to be the only one who is participating in the whole process from beginning to end. It's up to you to learn what you can from your therapists and incorporate what you learn from them with your own goals for living. It's up to you to make sure the recommendations from the therapists are conveyed to and understood by the contractors who you work with. It’s up to you to make sure that the equipment and modifications put in by contractors are used safely by the caregivers. You are the one in the unique position of being able to steer your own recovery. Don’t hesitate. Take charge and establish communication. Let people know what you need, and what everyone’s recommendations are. The better your team works together, the more successful your return home will be.

Rehab and remodeling can both be overwhelming experiences. Follow these tips to make your transition home much smoother

• Understand your needs. Before reaching out to a contractor, it's important to understand your unique needs. Your therapists can help you plan for the near and far future.
• Find the right contractor for the job. Not everyone is experienced in the type of home modifications and equipment you need. It's important to find a contractor who can accommodate your specific needs so that you can be as comfortable as possible in your home. Rehab staff may have a list of people they've worked with in the past. You can also check with the National Association of Home Builders for availability of a Building Professional with a designation called Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). You may be able to locate a company that works with home modifications in your area through National Resource Center for Supportive Housing and Home Modifications. Some companies like ours specialize in home modifications by combining therapists and contractors in one service.
• Don't forget training in the new environment. Once your home modifications have been installed, you still need to learn how to use them effectively in your daily life. It takes training and time to get familiar with any new addition to your home. 

So, share the news and share the video. You or one of your caregivers are really in charge of your recovery, from your first steps to your return to a safe home. Everyone working with your is part of your team, and it’s your responsibility to help them coordinate, cooperate, and help you. If you live in the Greater Omaha, Lincoln, or Council Bluffs, Iowa areas, Total Home Access Solutions, a division of Total Respiratory and Rehab home modifications services are available to you. We would love to help you through the process of getting home from rehab. Give us a call for any questions or to go over your options, we'd be honored to help.

5 Things You Must Know About Grab Bars

Grab bars are one of the most versatile, frequently used, and easily available home modifications on the market today. They’re sold not only in specialty stores, but also are available from both major and local hardware stores. More houses are even starting to be built with grab bars ready for use. Despite becoming more common, there are still many misconceptions about grab bars.  Mistakes are still being made that effect a person’s safety and quality of life. 

Here  are five things everyone should know about grab bars before they recommend one or buy one.

1. Grab bars are not magic, nor are they one size fits all. Grab bars, like any other home modification, work best if they are placed where they are needed. Location will be determined by the difficulty a person has (if any) with balance or strength, how far they can safely reach, and the environment. If you aren't simply planning for the future, you can consult with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or a certified aging in place specialist before deciding exactly where to put a grab bar.
2. Grab bars don’t just have to go into studs. Grab bars can be secured with reliable new technology.  Blind fasteners rated for grab bars can be used to place grab bars exactly where they need to be if a stud or blocking is not available. 
3. Grab bars don’t have to be permanent to be secure. Many people worry about the resale value of their house if they get a grab bar, or are afraid that they will have to move and won’t be able to take their grab bars with them. Traditional wall mounted grab bars can be beautiful, but they are not the only choice for balance support. Floor to Ceiling poles like the Superpole from Healthcraft, bars that attach or clamp to fixtures like the tub and toilet, and even high quality suction bars may be used on the right surfaces.    
4. US Accessibility Standards or the American with Disabilities Act Guidelines and other codes may not apply to your home. Many people are not sure what codes apply to them. Many guidelines cover placement of grab bars in commercial or multi-family homes. If you don’t live in a home like this, you can put grab bars exactly where you need them. If you live in a place where codes define where grab bars are located, you can usually still exceed the guidelines and put in more grab bars in additional locations. This is a good thing, as the codes are designed to appeal to as wide a base as possible, but individual people benefit from individual customization with home modifications like grab bars.
5. Grab bars are not just for people who are aging or have a disability. Grab bars can help anyone in the bathroom. People of all ages can fall. Nearly a quarter of a million people are injured each year in the bathroom, and 80% of those are from slipping and falling. A grab bar will reduce the risk a fall will occur. Having a grab bar or bars installed can not only make the home more safer and more accessible, it may actually increase value to certain markets.

So, share the news and share the video. Here are 5 very important things people should know about grab bars. You may be surprised how many people will be amazed that there is anything to know about grab bars at all!

2 Important Safety Features in Our Vertical Platform Lifts

Vertical Platform Lifts can help people with mobility problems get in and out of their house and from one floor to another. Whether it is a few inches or several feet, stairs present problems for people. When we are considering alternatives to ramps or elevators, people often ask what makes a vertical platform safe. I’d like to highlight two of the safety features, in our video today.

Bruno vertical platforms that we install come with an interlock, which keeps the door or gate closed when the platform isn’t positioned right behind the gate or door. The door can’t be opened which reduces the risk of falling.

A second important feature of a vertical platform lift is the safety panel under the lift. If something rolls under the lift, the pad will touch it as the platform is lowered. The switch under the panel will then stop the lift. This is very important as the person who is riding a lift can’t see what is under the lift.

There are many reasons to consider a vertical platform lift and these are just two of the safety features that will let you use a lift with confidence over the years. Email or call if you would like more information.

Accessible versus Universal Designs

I am often in construction zones because I deal with home modifications. When I am doing these modifications, I am asked if the modifications are accessible designs or universal designs – and what’s the difference?
An accessible design is geared towards a person with a specific disability. This is determined by the goals of the homeowner, their abilities, their mobility equipment and transfer style. This allows us to customize the modification to perfectly fit the client’s needs.

On the other hand, a universal design makes the home as usable as possible for as many people as possible, no matter what their abilities.

No matter what you do with home modifications, you are typically blending accessible design and universal design. When you’re ready to make your modifications, we will determine which blend works best for you!

Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you reach out to us with their contact information? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!  

Shoes and Quality of Life

I recently met with Jack Pietenpol of Diabetic Outreach to learn more about how shoes play a pivotal role in the quality of life.  As a professional who helps with accessibility and safety in the home, I was aware of how shoes affect balance and mobility.  I wanted to learn more about what makes a shoe fit well and where people can go for customized shoes.   Jack was a terrific help and I know you will a learn a lot from the interview like I did.

People with diabetes and many other medical conditions really need the exercise of walking.  Shoe choice and fit may make the difference in how safely a person moves around and how comfortable they are moving which affects the amount of walking or exercising they choose to do.   Jack covered some of the features in the therapeutic shoes he fits that contribute to skin health and balance.   He also shared some helpful tips: 

Don't assume your size never changes over time and from brand to brand.  Shoes should always be measured whenever you go to a shoe store and if all possible, have your fitting done late in the afternoon. This is because, no matter how healthy we are, feet tend to swell as the day goes on.

Shoes do not last forever. Shoes may be aesthetically pleasing, but time brings odor, bacteria and worn out support from the abuse. You may not be able to see how the support is worn, but if you wear your shoes seven days a week, Jack states that they will only last about 18 months. 

Avoid premature aging. A great tip that jack offers is to have a at least a second pair of shoes that you can switch out to ensure your other shoe is airing out in order to prevent premature breakdown.

The footwear that Jack handles is classified as therapeutic, however anyone can wear them for support, comfort and to accommodate depth issues. When you make an appointment with Jack, you will complete a 15-30 minute evaluation that will determine your goals, your level of ambulation, the footwear you seek and what you expect out of that footwear. From there, Jack will determine what type shoe fits you best.

Custom fitted shoes sound great, but people often wonder how they price in comparison to normal shoes.  I was amazed to find they were less than I thought they'd be. They are certainly worth checking into if a person is walking less because of pain or discomfort.  As Jack explains, in some cases, Medicare and Medicaid will cover the costs once a year.

If you have any questions for Jack, his phone number is (402) 477-1110. Jack also offers in-home appointments for patients with mobility and transportation issues! 

Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you make sure they know about us? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!

Grab Bars: Proper Location and Installation May Be the One Thing Keeping You From Misfortune!

Grab Bars: Proper Location and Installation May Be the One Thing Keeping You From Misfortune!

As you know, I am always telling people that the location of the Grab Bar is critically important. The location is determined by the person’s medical condition, their abilities, where they’re having difficulties in the process of sitting down and standing up, their level of balance and the surrounding environment. However, we can’t forget the basics! How can you tell if the grab bar is installed properly until it actually comes out unexpectedly?

You are the mercy of the people performing the installation. Grab Bars need to be secured into the structure of the house, like a stud, or use new technology that has been tested and proven to hold the weight of human beings when they’re holding on and moving quickly. The grab bar and the way it’s installed may the only sitting between you and a future catastrophe!

Use trained installers who work as part of a team to not only get the bar where it is needed, but also have the knowledge to make sure that it stays where it is needed.

Thanks and have a great day!

Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you make sure they know about us? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!

Proper Training: Correct Training Provides for Safe Care!

Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you reach out to us with their contact information? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!

Proper Training: No one can afford to learn from trial and error

Today I wanted to talk to you about the importance of training on new equipment. You could have the best equipment possible, and it may not perform how you  expect it to unless you how to use it properly. Total Home Access Solutions offers on-site training for people with our equipment once it’s installed.  We train family and professional caregivers in how to get the best use of our equipment. Even experienced professional caregivers benefit from training on new equipment. We cover how the equipment works, practice using it, and cover basic troubleshooting and maintenance. This takes time on our part compared to services that simply drop ship or just delivery and hand you the owner's manual.  We think it is worth it. You can't afford to learn from trial and error when you are using equipment in healthcare.   

We love to participate as team members with our client's and their care givers. For example, in this video we are working in one of our client's home with her care staff from Prestige Premium Homecare in Omaha, 402-933-1694, on how to  use a portable ceiling lift from SureHands Lift and Care systems. The SureHands system is not hard to use, but the person being lifted and the caregiver benefit from learning good techniques and from understanding how the equipment works. During training, even people who have used lifts before learned some things that were unique to using this type of lift system, techniques that were specific to this client, and methods of working in her bedroom and bathroom needed to work around furniture and fixtures. We believe that our training has helped make safe transfers even more comfortable for the person being lifted and the staff working with them.

Please, share the news and share the video! Proper training with equipment after it is installed is just as important as selecting the right equipment in the first place. Thanks and have a great day!

Changing Your Daily Routine: We Make this Strenuous Process Easy for You!

Changing Your Daily Routine: We Make this Strenuous Process Easy for You!

Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you reply to this email with their contact information? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!

At Total Home Access Solutions, I work with people who have to change the way they’re doing things and try new equipment; it is sometimes a scary process! I like to believe that we are comfortable to work with and that we help people feel good about using new tools and equipment to allow them to do what is important to them.

As you can see in the video, our client had a very small bathroom so we had to conserve as much space as possible. Since he only has the use of one side of his body, we introduced him to this clamp-on, sliding tub transfer bench. This ensures adequate space in front of the toilet, no trip hazards and that he has enough space to maneuver himself in and out of the tub.

With the toilet seat elevated and using one side of the toilet safety frame, our client tells that “With my disability on the right side, I am able to sit down comfortably and safely.” He went on to say that “With the height of the toilet being raised, it is working out excellent. It’s smoother and easier to where I don’t have to dip down too far.”

Our client also praised the grab bar we installed in front of the toilet. To maximize the grab bar’s effectiveness, we used the clamp-on sliding tub transfer bench. Our client tells us that this has created a safer, easier shower experience in comparison to his previous method of freestanding. He also commented on how well the support of the transfer bench is working out for him.

As for working with me and Total Home Access Solutions, our client applauded us for our ease and willingness to answer any of his questions as soon as they arose. He added that the entire process was easy, relaxing and an overall wonderful experience.

Please share the news and share this video! We know it can sometimes be uncomfortable changing the way you do something, however choosing the right people to work with will make you feel comfortable, explain enough, show you enough, train you and life will be good.