Everyday activities become more challenging as we age. However, several devices are out there to offer assistance with everyday tasks. From getting out of bed to walking around the house, these devices help improve seniors' lives.
Let’s take a look at the wide variety of assistive products available for seniors to make everyday home tasks easier:
Grab Bars
Grab bars are cost-effective and extremely useful around the house. These devices are essentially long handlebars, which can be placed around your entire home. Most seniors will put these in the bathroom, providing assistance getting in and out of the shower. These devices also help when getting up and down from the toilet.
There are several varieties of grab bars on the market today. One standard option is a suction cup grab bar, which sticks to a wall or flat surface and makes for an effortless installation. They're also great for taking on the go! Another option is a grab bar that's screwed into place. These are safer and more sturdy but require a more in-depth installation. If you're thinking about adding grab bars to your home, think about where these are best utilized. Some places to think about include the bathroom, bedroom, and living room.
Bath Board/Shower Chair
Another popular assistive product for seniors is a bath board or shower chair. As the bathroom is a common area where seniors may fall or experience an injury, a bath board can significantly increase safety. Bath boards simply sit over the width of your tub. They're completely waterproof, comfortable, and highly convenient. They also typically come with a textured surface that helps prevent falls.
A shower chair works similarly to a bath board, but they're often more sophisticated. They're a full chair with a backrest, have legs that grip the floor for extra security, and some come with adjustable legs. Several models even fold up for easy transport.
Get more tips for fall prevention: How to Prevent a Fall.
Bath Mat
While a bath board or shower chair can help seniors in the bathroom, walking in and out of the shower still poses a safety risk. Bath mats can help. There are tons of different bath mats available today, but their primary purpose is to add grip to the floor. Floors in your bathroom quickly get wet and slippery, posing a risk for serious injury. With the help of these mats, you can stay safe and worry less!
Not sure where to put your bath mat? To reduce the chance of falling, we recommend placing a high-quality, rubber-backed mat right outside the shower. When you step in and out of the shower, always be sure to step on these mats. They may save you from a life-threatening injury.
Medical Alert Devices
Suppose you or your loved one is at risk of falling while alone in the home; consider purchasing a medical alert device. Typically worn around the neck or wrist, these devices feature a large button to press in an emergency. Today, there are several different models to choose from, all with various features and price points. If you live alone, having one of these products is essential. Seniors live with greater peace of mind when these devices are nearby.
When looking around at the different options, think about your needs. First, you want to make sure the device is comfortable and easy to use. Second, consider if you need any special features such as GPS tracking or fall detection.
Learn more about your options for medical alert devices.
Dressing Aids
Getting dressed can be a serious chore for seniors, especially with arthritis. If these tasks are challenging, consider buying some dressing aids. One popular product is a button hook, which simplifies putting on shirts and pants. Another common aid is a dressing stick used to put on shirts, pull up pants, take off socks, and use zippers.
A funnel shoe assist is another popular dressing aid to consider. These help people put on and take off shoes. To use this product, you simply place the device over the back of your shoe, insert your foot into the shoe, then remove the device.
Related: A Guide to Dressing Aids for Seniors.
Reacher Grabber
Picking up items from the ground or grabbing something on a shelf can be troublesome for seniors, especially after a major surgery like a knee replacement. Luckily, a reacher grabber device can be a great solution! These products feature a long stick that includes a handle on one end and a pincher on the other. Seniors simply use the handle and press the lever for grabbing items with the other end. These devices take the stress off your back while making things easier to reach.
If you're looking to make those everyday tasks easier around the home, then consider choosing any of these assistive devices.
