Is your loved one having difficulty entering or exiting their home?
STEP ONE
Talk to your loved one’s physician.
Increased difficulty with mobility may be due to an underlying medical condition or maybe a current diagnosis has progressed.
The physician can complete an exam to determine what may be causing this change and offer treatment options.
STEP TWO
Ask the physician to refer your loved one for an in-home evaluation for physical and occupational therapy.
Physical and Occupational Therapists can work with your loved one to increase strength, range of motion, and decrease risk of falls. They can train you and your loved one on the safest way to complete a task. They can look at the, over-all, safety of the home environment. They can recommend what type of modifications or mobility equipment will be the best fit based on the situation.
STEP THREE
If equipment or modifications needed, check with your loved one’s insurance company to see if they will cover the cost.
If they do not cover the cost, look into programs that may lend, provide grants, or provide low interest loans to cover the cost.
STEP FOUR
Click on the link for list of resources to explore for help.
If unable to access link, contact Erie County Senior Services/NY Connects at (716) 858-8526 to have the list mailed to you.