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5 Ways MED+ Works with Occupational Therapists to Enhance Mobility & Accessibility for Patients

Friday, September 20th, 2024, 11:24 am , Posted by MED +

At MED+ Medical Equipment Distribution Inc., we understand that improving a patient’s mobility and overall quality of life requires a collaborative approach. One of the most effective partnerships in achieving this goal is with Occupational Therapists (OTs). Together, we work to provide personalized mobility solutions, home modifications, and education that empower patients to live safely and independently. Here are five key ways we collaborate with OTs to enhance mobility and accessibility for their patients.

1. Personalized Assessments for Tailored Mobility Solutions

The foundation of our work with patients begins with a thorough, personalized assessment. At MED+, we collaborate closely with OTs to evaluate each patient’s specific mobility challenges, goals, and health status. This comprehensive assessment helps us determine the most effective mobility aids and solutions for the patient.

OTs conduct detailed evaluations of the patient’s physical abilities, including their range of motion, balance, strength, and coordination. They also consider the patient’s daily routine, living environment, and personal preferences. By understanding the patient’s unique needs, we can recommend tailored solutions such as wheelchairs, walkers, or even more specialized devices like powered scooters or stairlifts. This personalized approach ensures that each recommendation addresses the patient’s functional goals, providing them with the best possible mobility outcomes.

2. Custom Equipment Fittings for Optimal Comfort and Function

Once we’ve determined the appropriate mobility aids, we work with OTs to ensure that each piece of equipment is customized for the patient’s body and needs. Proper fitting is essential for comfort and functionality, and incorrect fittings can lead to discomfort, injury, or even further mobility issues.

For example, a wheelchair that is too wide or narrow can cause pressure sores or impede movement, while a walker that is too tall or short can result in improper posture or strain. By collaborating with OTs, we ensure that mobility aids are fitted precisely to the patient’s measurements, taking into account factors like seat depth, backrest height, and footrest adjustments.

In addition, we provide regular re-evaluations to ensure that as a patient’s condition changes over time, their mobility aids are adjusted accordingly. This ongoing support ensures that patients continue to receive the best possible fit, contributing to their long-term comfort and mobility.

3. Home Modifications to Improve Safety and Accessibility

In addition to mobility aids, home modifications are crucial to enhancing accessibility and safety for patients. At MED+, we work with OTs to assess the home environment and identify potential hazards that may hinder the patient’s mobility.

Common home modifications include installing ramps to accommodate wheelchairs, adding grab bars in bathrooms, and fitting stairlifts for multi-level homes. By collaborating with OTs, we can ensure that modifications are tailored to the patient’s specific needs and home layout. OTs help identify areas of concern, such as narrow hallways, high thresholds, or uneven flooring, and work with us to design solutions that eliminate these obstacles.

These modifications make everyday activities like entering and exiting the home, bathing, and navigating stairs much safer and more manageable. With the support of OTs, we ensure that the patient’s living environment is fully optimized to support their mobility, comfort, and independence.

4. Education and Training for Patients and Caregivers

Once mobility aids and home modifications are in place, it is essential that patients and caregivers understand how to use these tools properly. MED+ collaborates with OTs to provide education and training sessions that teach both patients and their caregivers how to use mobility aids and home safety equipment effectively.

Patients need to learn how to use their new mobility aids, whether it’s a wheelchair, walker, or stairlift. OTs guide patients through the proper techniques, posture, and safety precautions to maximize the benefits of their mobility devices. For instance, they ensure that patients know how to transfer safely from a wheelchair to a chair or bed, or how to operate a stairlift with confidence.

Caregivers, too, need training to ensure they can assist patients safely and provide appropriate support. We teach caregivers how to maintain the equipment, assist with transfers, and ensure the patient’s safety while using mobility aids. This education empowers caregivers to provide better support and ensures that patients continue to have the independence they need while minimizing the risk of accidents.

5. Ongoing Support and Reassessment

One of the most valuable aspects of our collaboration with OTs is our commitment to providing ongoing support and reassessment. As a patient’s needs change over time, their mobility aids and home modifications may need to be adjusted to continue providing optimal assistance. This could be due to changes in health, mobility, or even personal preferences.

We maintain an open line of communication with OTs to ensure that any changes in the patient’s condition are addressed promptly. This ongoing collaboration allows us to recommend additional equipment, new modifications, or adjustments to existing devices. Whether it’s upgrading a wheelchair, adjusting a stairlift, or adding a new safety feature to the home, we ensure that patients receive the support they need throughout their journey.

Furthermore, our dedicated customer service team is always available to answer questions or address concerns, ensuring that both patients and caregivers feel supported long after the initial installation of mobility aids and home modifications.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients through Comprehensive Care

At MED+, our goal is to provide holistic, patient-centered solutions that enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life. By working closely with Occupational Therapists, we are able to deliver personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. Through personalized assessments, custom equipment fittings, home modifications, education, and ongoing support, we help patients achieve greater independence and well-being.

We believe that collaboration with OTs is key to improving patient outcomes and ensuring that individuals can continue to live their lives with confidence and dignity. Whether it’s helping patients use mobility devices effectively, ensuring their home is accessible, or providing the right tools and support, MED+ is here to enhance mobility and accessibility for every patient. With our expertise and commitment to patient care, we’re helping people live their best lives every day.