Bariatric Mobility Solutions To Improve Bariatric Care

What qualifies as a Bariatric Patient?

Bariatric refers to the practice of health care related to the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Bariatric mobility products are designed to be used for obese or overweight seniors, usually whose body mass index (BMI) is over 30.

Residents may be obese for a number of reasons, including genetics, environmental factors, sedentary lifestyle and diet choices...and their numbers are steadily increasing. Residents with bariatric patient needs may require unique products for optimal bariatric care.

Wheelchairs for Mobilizing Bariatric Patients

First, be sure to do the math on the wheelchair measurements for appropriate sizing. Some bariatric patients will benefit from a wider chair with a 450 lb. weight capacity versus a bariatric wheelchair with a 1000 lb. weight capacity.

• Heavy-Duty wheelchairs are a great option to consider for residents that are under 450 lbs. and measure for width up to 24 inches.

How to measure for correct wheelchair sizing:

• Make sure to subtract an inch or two from the seat depth measurement (coccyx to behind knees) to ensure there is no pressure from the upholstery pushing against the knees.
• Add an inch to the hip to hip measurement for seat width so there is not pressure alongside the resident
• Take into account how much height a wheelchair cushion will add to the overall seat to floor height (behind the knee to floor measurement). The chair should accommodate a good heel strike if the user propels with their feet.

Cushions for Bariatric Care

• Be sure to match the cushion size and weight capacity to the wheelchair it will be used with
• Consider a cushion with more than one layer of foam for better immersion as well as support
• Look for a cushion with a waterfall front edge to minimize pressure behind the knees
• Cushions with a firmer front edge are better for transfers
• A saddle contoured cushion can offer additional positioning for an individual with hip rotation or poor posture

Bariatric Patient Air Mattresses

• Is your resident always warm or a heavy sweater? If so, a true low air loss mattress may be best. These mattresses help to keep the surface both cool and dry to help prevent additional breakdown
• Is your resident often cold and needs blankets to stay warm? A limited low air loss mattress may be desired.
• A mattress with an auto-Firm setting and a static side perimeter will make transfers much easier.

Bariatric Lift Equipment

• Using the right lifts will help the resident and staff stay safe.
• Always check the weight capacity of any piece of lifting equipment prior to using.
• For residents that are weight bearing, using a sit to stand lift may help them engage their muscles and stay active longer.
• For resident who are no longer weight bearing a floor lift would be more appropriate

Why are Bariatric Mobility products so important for senior care residents?

Having the appropriate-sized bariatric equipment in place is important for keeping staff and bariatric patients safe, avoiding further injury and reducing the risk of further compounding ailments. Properly providing care for bariatric patients depends upon meeting their needs and ensuring they can also age and receive treatment with as much mobility and independence as possible, just like their peers in the community.

When an obese resident needs nursing care, their physical size can complicate even the most basic nursing interventions. An efficiently planned physical environment is critical. You will find it very useful to cluster residents and equipment. Use a floor plan of your facility to identify the location of your obese residents and bariatric equipment. A community without the proper plans and equipment will be severely limited in their ability to move, mobilize and care for bariatric patients.