Getting older can present a variety of challenges, including ones involving mobility, flexibility, strength, and personal safety. One way to address these issues if you’re caring for an aging loved one is to offer assistance whenever possible. For times when you’re not able to do so, your loved one can still retain independence and you can get some extra peace of mind by steering him or her toward the must-have products for the elderly mentioned below.
Personal Emergency Systems
Falls are the top cause of hospital admissions among older adults, according to the National Council on Aging. With a personal emergency or medical alert system, your loved one can get immediate access to help should he or she fall. Such devices, which typically use GPS and automatic fall detection technology, can also be used to request assistance if other urgent health issues occur, such as shortness of breath or chest pains.
Grab Bars
While certainly not high-tech, grab bars can be essential safety equipment for the elderly. Grab bars with strong suction cups can be placed by a toilet or in the shower/bath area. Portable grab bars can also be used when your loved one travels.
Full-Length Bathtub Mats
Another way to prevent slips and falls is with a slip-resistant bathtub mat. The full-length ones tend to provide more protection because they fit almost the entire length of a standard tub.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Fremont home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Cordless Kitchen Appliances
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating, cooking, and electrical issues are among the most common sources of house fires in the United States. Minimize this risk for your loved one by encouraging him or her to use cordless kitchen appliances when possible. Things like cordless tea kettles, coffee makers, and plate warmers often have auto shutoff features that kick in when the appliances get too hot or stay on too long.
Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Fremont elder care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
Reachers/Grabbers
These are devices with long handles that allow elderly users to do things like safely change light bulbs in high places or reach for things on high shelves. Look for ones designed to be durable but still light enough for your loved one to comfortably hold and use.
Senior-Friendly Phones
If your loved one has issues with manual dexterity or vision that make it difficult to use regular phones, treat him or her to a senior-friendly phone. With smartphones, look for ones with larger buttons, streamlined features, bigger displays, and flip designs that are easier to manipulate. With traditional landline phones, sound-amplification options, one-touch dialing, hearing aid compatibility, and big dial buttons are among the features elderly users often prefer.
Shower Chairs
A shower chair can make the process of taking a shower safer and more relaxing for seniors with limited mobility or balance and coordination issues. Chairs designed for this purpose usually have strong, supportive legs with nonskid covers on the bottom for added stability and an adjustable back attached to the seat for extra comfort and support.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Fremont, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.