Some of the most common barriers to mobility in home health care settings include:
- Physical environmental barriers:
- Stairs
- Lack of grab bars in toilets and tubs
- Poor lighting
- Lack of visual contrast
- Insufficient space for maneuvering
- Entrance and exit challenges:
- Steps leading up to porches, decks, or landings
- Walkways and stairs in poor condition
- Lack of handrails
- High thresholds at doorways
- Narrow doorways
- Bathroom accessibility issues:
- Lack of grab bars
- Insufficient space for transfers
- Inaccessible bathtubs or showers
- Chronic health conditions:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Pain:
- One of the strongest predictors of increased mobility limitations
- Lack of physical activity:
- Increases likelihood of experiencing mobility loss as people age
- Falls and injuries:
- Both a risk factor for and a consequence of mobility limitations
- Obesity:
- Can contribute to mobility limitations
- Strength and balance impairments:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Poor balance
- Post-hospitalization functional decline:
- Older adults often lose physical function after hospitalization
- Lack of appropriate mobility equipment:
- Difficulty obtaining or affording necessary mobility aids
- Financial constraints:
- Inability to afford home modifications or necessary equipment
- Lack of awareness:
- About available services or modifications that could improve mobility
These barriers highlight the complex interplay between physical environment, health conditions, and socioeconomic factors that can impact mobility in home health care settings. Addressing these barriers often requires a multifaceted approach involving home modifications, provision of appropriate equipment, and addressing underlying health conditions.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK210046/
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/overcoming-barriers-accessing-home-health-care-services-simon-adamyan
[3] https://www.urban.org/research/publication/barriers-accessing-medical-equipment-and-other-health-services-and-supports
[4] https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/biggest-barrier-home-healthcare
[5] https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/Barriers%20to%20Accessing%20Medical%20Equipment%20and%20Other%20Health%20Services%20and%20Supports%20within%20Households%20of%20Adults%20with%20Disabilities.pdf