“Mind the Gap” is a safety announcement broadcasted in the London Subway due to safety concerns of the gap between the train and the platform. Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner is asking Caregivers to “Mind the Gap” in care that is created when a loved one is discharged home from a hospital or skilled facility until home health care is initiated. One night at home, without proper preparation, can be disastrous. Bringing a loved one home can be very stressful, thus we promote being proactive rather than reactive in this situation.
The best way to do this as a caregiver is to perform a Home Safety Check before your loved one returns home. The top 3 areas of the home to address prior to your loved one’s return are:
1. Comfy Chair Height – usually too low
2. Toilet Height – usually too low
3. Bed Height – usually too high
If you do nothing else, take care of these 3 areas to improve your loved one’s successful transition home.
Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner’s mission is to help maintain function and safety for both caregivers and their loved ones. As part of this mission, we provide educational videos to assist caregivers. We are working with Aging Ahead to provide you the tools to do just that.
Scan the QR code with your phone or type in: https://aecorner.video/video/agingaheadaaa/home-safety-series-intro1
Follow the instructions in the comment section below the video to get started. AECorner wishes you a Happy and Safe Holidays. Take care and don’t forget to “Mind the Gap”. If you need more support in your role as a caregiver, please call Aging Ahead at 636-207-0847.