Heart & Motion
Supporting Safe Movement and Recovery at Home
February may be known as the month of hearts and love, but it is also a great time to think about the heart that keeps you moving every day. A healthy heart and circulatory system play an important role in overall wellness, mobility, and recovery. Whether someone is returning home after surgery, managing a chronic condition or simply trying to remain active and independent, having the right support at home can make everyday movement safer and easier.
Movement is important for the entire body. Walking, changing positions and completing everyday activities all require strength, balance and endurance. However, for someone recovering from an illness, injury or hospitalization, even simple activities such as walking to the bathroom, getting out of a chair or taking a shower can require considerably more effort. That’s where the right home medical equipment can help.
Make Movement Safer
For someone who has difficulty with balance or endurance, a walker or rollator can provide additional stability and confidence while moving throughout the home. A rollator with a seat can be especially helpful for individuals who need an opportunity to stop and rest during longer periods of activity.
The goal isn’t necessarily to do more all at once. Sometimes it is simply to make normal daily movement safer and more manageable.
Making sure pathways through the home are clear is important too. Remove loose rugs and unnecessary clutter, provide adequate lighting and make sure commonly used items can be reached without excessive bending or stretching.
Make Rest and Position Changes Easier
Rest is an important part of recovery, but so is changing positions throughout the day when medically appropriate.
For someone who struggles to stand from a traditional chair, a lift chair may make transitioning from sitting to standing easier. Depending on an individual’s needs and medical condition, other positioning equipment may also be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Finding the right balance between activity and rest is especially important for anyone recovering from surgery or illness. Follow the activity recommendations provided by your physician, therapist or other healthcare professional rather than trying to progress too quickly.
Don’t Forget Bathroom Safety
The bathroom can be one of the most challenging areas of the home for someone with decreased strength, balance or endurance.
Shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes and other bathroom safety equipment can reduce the amount of standing required while completing daily activities. These products can also provide additional stability when someone is still rebuilding strength or becomes tired easily.
A few simple changes to the home environment can make a significant difference in helping someone feel more comfortable and confident completing everyday tasks.
Know When Additional Support May Be Needed
Some individuals with heart, lung or other medical conditions may require additional equipment prescribed by their healthcare provider. Home oxygen equipment, for example, may be prescribed for patients who meet specific medical criteria and need supplemental oxygen.
Compression garments may also be recommended for certain individuals, but they aren’t appropriate for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider before using compression products, particularly if you have circulation problems, heart conditions or other medical concerns.
Most importantly, pay attention to what your body is telling you. New or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or other concerning symptoms should not simply be pushed through in the name of staying active. Seek medical attention as appropriate.
A Heart-Healthy Home Starts With the Right Support
Home medical equipment isn’t about limiting independence. In many cases, the right equipment can help people continue doing more for themselves while adding an extra layer of safety and support.
Whether it’s a walker that makes daily movement more comfortable, a shower chair that makes bathing safer, or another piece of equipment recommended by your healthcare team, small changes can make everyday life at home easier.
This February, take a look around your home—or the home of someone you love—and ask a simple question: Is there anything that could make everyday movement safer or easier?
Sometimes a little extra support is exactly what someone needs to keep moving forward.
If you need home medical equipment recommendations, please call 580-332-3353.