Those searching for assisted living in San Antonio, TX will be pleased to know that these communities do a great job of accommodating those who rely on wheelchairs, in the following ways.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy services are usually provided on site, which are indispensable as they enable residents with lower mobility to overcome their limitations while also finding relief from chronic pain through the usage of personalized assessments and guided exercises.
Social Accessible Spaces
These communities utilize special building codes which are designed to optimize public spaces that are shared, making them more accessible for wheelchair users. This eliminates the need of unnecessary movements or constant transfers from and to wheelchairs.
Personalized Care Services
Through the provision of comprehensive systems that are geared towards personal support, every resident will receive basic assistance with mobility, which will lower the stress involved with managing disabilities, particularly for those that live alone.
Transportation
The retirement communities in San Antonio not only offer vehicles which are driven by professional chauffeurs, but these automobiles have also been modified in such a manner where they are wheelchair optimized, meaning that residents who are confined to wheelchairs can be transported with ease.
Accessibility Aids
Another key retirement community feature is accessibility aids which are built in. For instance, the private dwellings will often feature things such as grab bars which are stud mounted, emergency contact systems or call units that are wall mounted. They also have walkways with non-slip flooring and living spaces which are wide enough for wheelchairs to pass through or turn with ease.
Wheelchair Access Laws
Until the 1990s, there were few federal laws that mandated rights for people who were disabled. In fact, most of the enforcement was done at the state level. However, the U.S. government introduced the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was designed to address the nation’s building practices along with its approach towards those with disabilities.
As a consequence, there are now numerous accessibility and lifestyle options for those who are wheelchair bound. However, it must also be emphasized that the majority of assisted living communities in most states won’t accept those who are totally bedridden and incapable of transferring themselves from and to a chair or bed. While some communities try to use these mandates to discourage wheelchair bound people from joining, it is possible to issue a legal challenge.
Who is Assisted Living Designed For?
Assisted living is geared towards elders who may need to use a wheelchair from time to time, but who are also capable of moving themselves from and to the chair without the assistance of another party. These residents might also need help with tasks such as:
- Administering medication
- Washing and drying laundry
- Walking or standing
- Dressing and bathing
- Dental care
- Running errands
In addition to individuals who are bedridden, assisted living is not a viable option for those with tuberculosis, an inability to follow basic directions, or who depend on medical tools they can’t maintain or use and who are unable to perform most personalized care tasks.
