Adaptive Devices that Help Elderly Adults Maintain Independence
According to AARP, roughly 90 percent of adults over age 65 want to stay in their current home for as long as possible. However, as people age, everyday tasks performed around the house can become increasingly difficult, or even dangerous. Many older adults struggle with mobility issues that interfere with routine daily activities leading to a loss of independence and decreased quality of life. Fortunately, there are many adaptive devices available to seniors that can aid them in living independent, safe and fulfilling lives at home.
Mobility
Seniors who live on their own are often at greater risk of suffering from a dangerous fall. Mobility assistive devices like walking poles, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and stair lifts can make it easier for older adults to move around the house while avoiding injury.
An assistive seating device is also helpful tool that can help a senior maintain independent mobility. It works with a sofa or chair to help lift the user into a standing position without having to strain, and while also keeping them steady on their feet.
For seniors who suffer from poor dexterity or pain in the back, knees, or hips, bending and reaching can be challenging. A pincher-like device, commonly called a reacher grabber, helps eliminate the need reach or bend over while picking up objects.
Communication
Over time many seniors experience some degree of hearing and vision loss, which can affect their ability to communicate and lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Large button, high-volume telephones, hearing aids, medical alert systems and television closed captioning decoders can all help seniors feel safe and connected.
While adapting to the latest technology can be frustrating, there are also many easy-to-use smartphone applications, such as Skype and FaceTime that can help keep seniors who are living on their own connected to love ones with the push of a button.
Additionally, for seniors who use computers, devices like computer screen magnifiers, a modified keyboard, and touchscreen monitors can help aid computer access and keep them connected.
Wearable
Wearable devices, like smart watches, and Bluetooth-enabled blood sugar monitors can help keep seniors safe at home and also bring peace of mind to family members.
In case of an emergency such as a fall, seniors wearing a smart watch have the ability to call 911 and get potentially life-saving help immediately.
A Bluetooth-enabled blood sugar monitor will constantly monitor blood sugar levels, alert the user when they fluctuate, and automatically send medical data to a senior’s doctor.
Personal Care and Hygiene
Perhaps the last area seniors want to give up their privacy and independence is in the bathroom. There are a number of adaptive devices such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, and shower benches that can aid seniors with personal care tasks allowing them to maintain their dignity and independence.
Additional handy devices such as long-handled shoehorns, buttoning aid hooks, and zipper pulls make it easier for older adults to stay looking and feeling their best.
Use of these adaptive devices for older adults can have a major impact on their independence and daily happiness. However, there may come a point where additional assistance is necessary to stay safe living at home. In-home care services can enable seniors to remain living safe, happy lives in the comfort of their own home.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
