Ambulatory Versus Non-Ambulatory in Senior Living

As we age, our mobility changes. This is especially true for those who are aging in place in senior living facilities. While some seniors are able to continue living independently with only minor adjustments to their daily routines, others need additional support to remain mobile.

The term "ambulatory" refers to a person's ability to walk and move around on their own. There are two main categories of ambulatory individuals: ambulatory and non-ambulatory.

Ambulatory residents can walk around their facility on their own but may require assistance from staff members if they need help getting up or sitting down. They may also need assistance if they have problems reaching something or getting out of a chair or bed. Non-ambulatory residents cannot walk without assistance from staff members; they may also require help with daily activities like dressing themselves or eating meals.

Who Can Care for Ambulatory Senior Living Residents?

Ambulatory senior living residents are people who are able to move about freely on their own and with minimal assistance from others. They might use a walker or wheelchair for assistance getting around, but they do not require a nurse's aide or other professional caregivers to help them get dressed or use the bathroom.

Who Can Care for Non-Ambulatory Senior Living Residents?

The best caregivers for non-ambulatory senior living residents are those who have experience working with people with disabilities. These people can be trained to know how to safely lift and move their patients, which is essential for their safety. They will also need training in how to administer medications, which can be difficult when the patient is non-ambulatory.

How Can I Prepare My Senior Living Facility for Both Ambulatory / Non-Ambulatory Residents?

Preparing your senior living facility for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory residents is a must, but it can also be a challenge. From the perspective of the staff and management, it is important to address safety concerns as well as provide comfort for all residents. With that in mind, here are some tips for making sure your facility is prepared for both types of residents:

1. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to assist with medical needs or emergencies. This may include nurses, doctors, and even other types of medical professionals (such as physical therapists). It is also important that these staff members know what they are doing — they need to be able to recognize when something is wrong with a resident and be able to respond accordingly.
2. Make sure your facility has sufficient supplies on hand at all times. This includes everything from bandages to painkillers to bedpans. If your facility does not have these items readily available, then it is not ready for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory residents! Make sure you know where each item is located so you do not waste any time looking for them when they are needed most.
3. Make sure there are no obstacles in any public areas like hallways or staircases that would prevent ambulatory residents from being able to be transported from area to area in your facility.