Manufacturers Respond to a “Weighty” Problem in LTC

The number of obese residents being admitted to long-term care centers grew roughly 25 percent over a 10-year period and this number is expected to keep climbing. Obese residents are more likely to have comorbid conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, depression and allergies. As caregivers and manufacturers have discovered, they also have different product needs.

 Manufacturers have developed bariatric offerings for everything from beds to briefs to bathing equipment. Scales and lifts have been modified for higher weight capacities and commodes, walkers and wheelchairs have been widened, and some bedpans can support up to 1200 pounds.

Bariatric products should be used in conjunction with facility-wide education on the unique needs and challenges of the bariatric population. Many facilities have found that a comprehensive team approach helps bariatric residents function at their highest possible level. This approach could include:

• A safe lifting program to help prevent caregiver injuries from handling heavier residents
• Physical and occupational therapists to motivate bariatric residents to become increasingly mobile
• Individualized dietary programs
• Behavioral and emotional support

References

1 Lapane KL, Resnik L. Obesity in nursing homes: An escalating problem. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53:1386-1391.