Written by Hulet Smith, OT
There is a rising tide in the world of senior care-- every day between the years 2017 and 2030 10,000 American baby boomers turn 65 years of age. As this large generation starts to encounter the restrictions and limiting factors that come with age, increased pressure is placed on existing eldercare institutions and facilities. One trend that is emerging as a result of this is a preference toward aging-in-place. The idea behind the aging-in-place movement-- and the similarly spirited “hospital-at-home” movement-- is that seniors and people living with disabilities can remain in their personal homes with the right resources.
Enter Arjo: a global medical device and home healthcare solutions supplier with a focus on improving independence, recovery times, and ultimately, overall quality of life for its’ customers. Arjo has a carefully curated and selected portfolio of home care solutions ranging from powered lifts, chairs, and hospital-style beds all the way through to bathroom safety aids and transfer devices. Arjo has everything a caretaker might need to ensure a comfortable and dignified life at home.
Even with the advent of more options for aging-in-place, there will always be a need for acute care solutions. Acute care can be defined as care given for an episode of immediate and severe illness or disability. In comparison to long-term care, acute care is typically for a limited amount of time while the patient recovers.
Arjo provides numerous solutions to enhance the in-patient experience. Early ICU mobilization tools, pressure ulcer prevention bedding, and automated patient prone-positioning equipment are all advanced technologies being leveraged by Arjo to better facilitate recovery and positive outcomes.
The average American man turning 65 between 2020 and 2024 will require an average 2.3 years of long-term care. For women, this figure is even higher at 3.2 years. Challenges to remaining in the home include bathroom safety, problems scaling staircases, and transferring between the bed and a wheelchair or mobility device.
Arjo believes that the long-term care experience should be one of dignity and comfort. In addition to supplying all of the tools one would need to get their home set up for long-term care, they also offer design guidance for dementia and elder care spaces.
 | Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
A sit-to-stand lift is a somewhat unique piece of equipment in the world of patient mobility devices. While a standard patient lift is fully motorized, sit-to-stand lifts require that the user be engaged and have some degree of core strength. The lift functions by elevating the upper body while bracing the lower body to facilitate safe hinging at the hips and knees.
STS lifts are actively used in therapy -- that is to say that this device serves a dual purpose: being a mobility solution and a physical therapy trainer. In fact, among stroke patients, STS training was shown to improve overall recovery times.
Versatile, user-friendly, and effective, Arjo’s signature Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid is the gold standard when it comes to patient transfer equipment. The most prominent feature of the Sara Stedy is its inventive dual swivel seat pads, which pivot to the side to allow the patient to easily rise to an upright seated position. The chassis easily slides underneath most any chair, allowing for quick and efficient transfers, and once onboard, patients can perform a variety of activities due to the full range of motion enabled by the device’s low-profile design. The Sara Stedy provides a multitude of benefits across a range of scenarios where a transfer aid might be needed, all while remaining comfortable and convenient to use.
 | Maxi Sky 440 Portable Ceiling Lift by ArjoHuntleigh View Product |
When considering making home modifications for aging-in-place, overall floor space can be a real deal-breaker. Unfortunately, most homes were not constructed with the ability to age in place safely as a consideration. The size of certain mobility solutions can be prohibitive.
If space is at a premium, a ceiling lift is a logical option to look into. These lifts are designed to run along a preinstalled track on the ceiling and take up zero space on the floor. The modular nature of the track systems makes a ceiling lift extremely adaptable to moving between rooms, for instance. The one downside, perhaps, is the initial investment and any renovations or modifications that need to be made in order to install tracks.
 | EasyTrack Portable Ceiling Lift - 2 Post Pressure Fit Overhead Ceiling Lift System by Arjo View Product |
If you are looking for a way to get all of the benefits of a ceiling lift without the commitment of a full installation, a gantry setup might be a good option to consider. A gantry is really just a freestanding frame that can support a ceiling lift. The gantry can be positioned over a bed to facilitate easy transfer to and from a wheelchair.
This type of ceiling lift still saves floor space when compared to a Hoyer lift, and it also allows for purely lateral movement from side to side.
 | Maxi Twin Mobile Patient Lift by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
Probably the best-known name in the world of patient mobility is the Hoyer lift. This is the standard hospital patient lift and can handle a wide range of uses and applications. These lifts are comprised of a single lifting arm, a spreader bar that attaches to a patient sling, and a mobile base on casters. Because these lifts are designed to be used with different slings for different purposes, the Hoyer will always be a flexible choice, even in the home.
 | Electric Hospital Bed with Four Adjustable Sections and Domestic Design - Minute 2 by ARJO View Product |
Regardless of whether you are looking for a long-term care or an acute care solution, a great place to start is with a safe, comfortable, and reliable bed. Full electric hospital beds are generally seen in clinics, medical centers, and assisted living facilities. However, with the rise of aging-in-place, many people are choosing to bring the enhanced comfort and safety of their hospital bed home with them.
Advanced positioning support is typically available in these beds, which can be a huge help with recovery from certain injuries or conditions. In general, hospital beds are designed to have hi-low height adjustment capabilities. This can be extremely helpful for caretakers who might have to perform repositioning tasks, but it is also a safety measure: by sleeping with the bed in a position lower to the ground, users are protected from falling injuries.
 | Citadel Adaptable Bed Patient Therapy System from ArjoHuntleigh View Product |
Of course, after selecting a bed the next step will be to find an appropriate mattress. Many hospital beds will technically fit a traditional mattress, but to really get the most out of this type of investment a purpose-suited mattress is recommended.
When looking for an acute care mattress, one important thing to consider is features that combat pressure ulcers. Sometimes known as bedsores, pressure ulcers are formed from consistent pressure against the skin that limits blood flow to the skin. A mattress with segmented, independently adjustable pressure controls can prevent the formation of these painful sores.
When considering a long-term mattress, other features become important as well. Construction from hygienic and easy to clean materials is extremely helpful for caretakers and in ensuring the longevity of the mattress. Additionally, some mattresses might feature moisture-wicking or cooling covers, which can be great for added patient comfort.
 | Seating Matters Milano Therapeutic Tilt-In-Space Geri Chair View Product |
You may have seen the term “tilt-in-space” while looking at adaptive chairs. A tilt-in-space seat adjusts backward while maintaining the angle of the lower joints. In this way, it redistributes pressure from body weight from off of the buttocks more evenly onto the posterior trunk and head.
The primary benefit here is the pressure relief provided by this redistribution. For individuals with mobility challenges, including seniors, the pressure created by sitting can lead to discomfort and even pressure ulcers. A tilt-in-space solution increases overall sitting tolerance and helps users stay comfortable for longer.
 | Seating Matters Atlanta Therapeutic Safety Geri Chair View Product |
One of the great pleasures of remaining in your home might be sinking into your favorite easy chair. A geriatric safety-chair is a product designed to ensure that this simple pleasure stays safe and therapeutic.
Comprehensive cushioning support makes sure seated users remain in the chair. Geri-chairs, as they’re also known, are also typically made from easy-to-clean, antimicrobial materials. By applying a few safety measures, the comfiest chair in the house can also be the safest.
 | Hi-Lo Lift Walker by ArjoHuntleigh View Product |
A lift walker is another mobility device that, like the sit-to-stand lift, has rehabilitation purposes. The idea is that this device uses a detachable seat to support the buttocks while the lift raises the user to a standing position. From there, the seat can be removed so that the user can develop or recover walking abilities.
Once in the standing position, a lift walker can be adjusted to the users' height so that they can focus on guided physical therapy with their care team.
 | Concerto Height-Adjustable Shower Trolley by ArjoHuntleigh View Product |
Showering aids are some of the most important when considering aging-in-place, as toileting is consistently ranked as one of the most difficult activities of daily living (ADLs) for older adults. A shower trolley, sometimes called a stretcher, is a vitally important hygiene aid for high-assistance individuals.
While a shower chair is essentially just a waterproof seat for your shower, a trolley is more involved. This device is designed so that the user lies on their back during showering, and provides support for the entire length of the body. For patients and users with low autonomy, a shower chair will not provide the support they need.
The full-body support of the trolley also provides a good working height for caretakers and comes with raised edges to ensure patient safety.
| Alenti Height-Adjustable Bath and Shower Chair by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
While it is true that some shower chairs are little more than a waterproof seat, some shower chairs offer much more robust features depending on your individual needs. By combining a powered lift and a shower chair, Arjo has created a uniquely comfortable experience for the patient and caregiver.
Safety features such as swing-away backrest and safety arms allow for smooth lateral transfers. This type of device provides a smooth showering experience from the bedroom to the bath and then back again.
 | Carino Height-Adjustable Shower and Hygiene Commode Chair by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
As mentioned above, bathroom activities are some of the most dangerous and difficult for seniors. Having a supportive chair that can serve dual functions is extremely helpful for caretakers and can reduce the number of difficult transfers that patients have to endure.
Having a suitable seat for toileting and hygiene activities makes for a more comfortable and dignified day-to-day routine for seniors aging-in-place.
 | Century Fiberglass Sit Bath by ArjoHuntleigh View Product |
What if you prefer a nice soak in the tub over a standard shower? Arjo has a solution for you. A medical bathtub is a truly therapeutic splurge and one of the ultimate modifications one can make to prepare for aging-in-place. Immersive bathing has actually been shown to improve subjective health status when compared to traditional showering.
Medical bathtubs are typically equipped with advanced temperature and drainage controls, massage features, and designed with extra room to accommodate caretaker assistance.
Whether you are in a short-term recovery or getting ready to age-in-place gracefully, Arjo has products that can make your life easier. They have a dedication and commitment to bringing high-quality healthcare into the home space-- and 60 years of experience in acute and long-term care to back it up. View Rehabmart’s list of Arjohuntleigh products!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
