There is a significant rise in the number of seniors continuing to live in their own homes for as long as they possibly can. Many ageing individuals prefer to stay in their own home instead of moving into senior care housing. Remaining at home isn’t without its challenges though. As our health declines, there is an increase in the care that we need.
Thankfully, there are safety products and adaptive products that the elderly can use at home to make the arrangement more comfortable.
Elderly care products and equipment
Activities may become more challenging, and that is where assistive devices can come in handy to extend the independence of the senior. You will need to evaluate the living environment to decide whether any of the following can be used to make life easier for the individual. Some of this equipment is listed below.
- Toilet seat riser
- Bidet attachment for a toilet
- Personal alert system that can summon help when you need it
- Handheld shower head
- Shower/bath transfer bench
- Grab bars for the shower, near doorways and toilets
- Adjustable bed
- Over the bed table
- Walk-in shower or bathtub
- Bed sensor to detect movements of the elderly
- Waterproof mats
- Disposable incontinence underpants and pads
- Bed railings
- Proper lighting in the home such as sensor lighting and night lights
- Medication organiser
- Unique zippers and button loopers for easy dressing
- Adaptive shoes and clothing
- Touch-tone telephones with speakers and large buttons
- Talking wristwatches and wall clocks
- Alternating pressure air mattress, also known as APAMs
- Low vision aids to assist with activities like reading
- Specialised dinnerware and utensils
- Automatic shut of safety devices for their kitchen appliances
- Ramps for entryways
- Stairlifts
- Railing along walkways and stairs
- Grabber/reacher that helps seniors with limited mobility
- Mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes
- Baskets to help carry items
- Lift chairs and beds to assist in getting in and out of bed or chairs
Places that supply medical equipment for the elderly will have a senior care product directory so you can see what types of products are available and what they help the elderly with. If you are not sure what products are suitable, you can hire a licensed occupational therapist who can conduct an in-home assessment to see what products your loved one would benefit from.
Services that can help seniors with their independence
Medical equipment is not the only thing that can help the elderly maintain their independence, there are also services available.
A senior’s needs can change quickly, but that doesn’t mean they need to move to an aged care facility. At some point, if more assistance and supervision is needed, they may need to take advantage of particular care services. Such services can be in the form of a gardener, cleaner, meals on wheels and handyman work, for example. You will need to check with your local council as some services will come free, and others will carry a fee. Most services will become cheaper with a senior discount, but this will be determined by how often care is needed and the type of care that is required.
It is essential that if you see a senior struggling that you act on this straight away before things such as falls and burns occur.
Let your loved ones enjoy being at home for an extended period with the help of medical equipment to extend their independence. It can give them better quality of life and more freedom. With equipment such as the items suggested, you can be confident that your loved one is able to function adequately without having to fear for them constantly.
