Imagine being unable to get out of your chair. For many aging family members with mobility issues, this is a reality. But they can still enjoy the outdoors! A senior living community in Cape Coral, FL, with special features, can help seniors stay active, engaged, and connected to their community. Some senior-friendly independent living communities are designed specifically for folks who may not be able to get around on their own.
Wheelchair-Accessible Pathways
If your community has a parking lot, it’s probably wheelchair-accessible. This means that the pavement is wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through easily, and there are no obstacles (e.g., potholes or cracks) along the way. It also means that the pavement is smooth and level so that someone in a wheelchair won’t have any trouble navigating it with their hands on their wheels.
You may want to consider additional safety features like handrails or ramping where needed—this will help with getting into and out of cars as well as maneuvering around obstacles during inclement weather conditions like rain or snowfall when visibility could be limited by foggy windows on vehicles parked nearby due to humidity levels being higher than normal due to seasonal changes which affect temperature levels too much.
Create An Outdoor Space That’s Easily Accessible And Encourages Mobility
This can be done by having various seating options, including benches and chairs, so that residents who need help walking don’t need to walk very far. They ensure the pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers and consider adding ramps if the facility is on higher ground than the rest of the neighborhood.
Staff Available To Help
At times, you may need help from professionals. Whether it’s just walking around the grounds or going out of town, having staff available for assistance can increase residents’ time outdoors.
Let’s say you want to go on a hike—a fantastic way to get some fresh air and exercise simultaneously. When you arrive at your destination, there will be someone on hand that can help guide your loved one safely along the trail and make sure they are safe during their journey. If something happens along the way (e.g., dizziness), having someone nearby who knows first aid is invaluable!
The team can also assist with transportation to appointments and other destinations. They can even assist with meals if necessary. In addition, the staff is available to help with laundry and housekeeping services as well as medication management if needed.
Encourage Residents To Assist Each Other
Encouraging residents to assist each other is another way senior communities can help those with limited mobility. This is especially helpful for wheelchair users, as it allows them to get out of their wheelchairs and have fun in the community. It also helps create a sense of community, which is important for all. Some senior-friendly independent living communities encourage this by having regular transportation outings—maybe to a museum or another nearby attraction—where residents help each other get ready for the trip, then enjoy their time together when they arrive at the destination. They’ll often take pictures together and post them on social media afterward, celebrating their shared experience and encouraging others to think about moving in themselves!
If your loved one has difficulty getting around indoors because they use a wheelchair or scooter (or even if they don’t), then having someone else push him or her around would be ideal!
