The use of resident operated mobility devices (i.e., motorized wheelchairs, scooters, etc.) and other assistive equipment increases with age as the rate of functional abilities decline in older populations (Freedman, Martin, & Schoeni, 2002). There has been a noted increase in the use of battery-operated wheelchairs and power chairs in senior living settings. Considering the increasing demographics of the U.S. senior population and given factors such as the rise in the number of people with obesity and its association with a variety of debilitating chronic diseases and conditions directly impacting ability to ambulate (Cooper & Cooper, n.d.), the usage of battery-operated vehicles is likely to continue to increase.
The increase of resident-operated vehicles can be of concern. The ability of a resident to operate a vehicle can be a safety and liability issue. Facility owners/operators have an obligation to monitor residents' safe usage of battery-operated vehicles in accordance with providing a safe living environment, while supporting high quality of life and as much independence as possible. The legal obligation to provide ongoing observation of residents can be interpreted to extend to the use of battery-operated vehicles as a safety issue per United States vs. Hillhaven (Utah, 1997) under Title 22. The Court determined that reasonably, safety-related restrictions could be imposed. Any rules and regulations imposed must be no more restrictive than necessary to meet safety-related concerns (Goldman, n.d.). Safety-related concerns for residents, staff, and visitors need to address the rules and regulations of operating the mobility device in regards to speed, right of way, parking, passing, courtesy of the corridors, use of warning sounds, rear-view mirrors, etc.
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 Resident Operated Mobility Devices | 286.52 KBpdf | 286.52 KB |