Independent Living: Products and Devices

Dear Doctor takes a look at the products and devices available to help you live more independently

Accomplishing everyday tasks can become difficult as we age and mobility becomes limited; however, there are a range of products available to assist you both in and out of the house.

Remote care  

Our increasingly busy lives leave us with little free time. When our elderly relatives are in need of extra care, this can be a problem. New software and devices have been developed over recent years that give caregivers the ability to care for their loved ones remotely. These include devices that can record how many hours a person sleeps, software that can provide medication prompts and sensors that monitor daily activity. 

Toilet aids and accessible showers

As we age, we may begin to lose flexibility and strength, which can affect our balance and mobility. Standard toilets are built quite low which can make a trip to the toilet a chore. This is what makes elevated seats beneficial to elderly people. Products include commode seats and ‘toilevators’—a spacer that is placed beneath a toilet seat that adds inches to its height without changing its appearance. Walk-in baths and accessible showers are also a great alternative for individuals who require extra care getting in and out of the bath. This small modification to your home comprises of a bathtub with a door that allows low-level access for seniors with limited mobility. 

Grab rails and safety support 

Grab rails can be an effective addition to your home, making moving from one place to another as easy as possible. Grab rails are typically attached to walls, though some companies also provide floor-to-ceiling rails. While they are usually placed in bathrooms, they can be installed anywhere around the house for additional support. Rails can provide you with balance and assistance to push or pull against  when standing up. 

Mobility scooters 

Mobility scooters offer seniors with limited mobility an easy way to enjoy time outside of their home with independence. There are many mobility scooters available providing a variety of features appropriate for your specific needs. For example, some mobility scooters have tillers and controls that would suit those with arthritic fingers.

See Also: 

Maintaining Mobility 

Installing A Vertical Rise Lift

Out of Joint: Joint Pain

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