The National Council on Aging reports that the loss of mobility and agility presents new challenges to independence for a growing number of seniors. Falling is one of the most common problems among older adults. A small fall can have dire consequences such as breaking bones or being injured from a resulting head injury. For those who fear falling, it may be difficult to leave the house for any reason, including getting the mail or going to the grocery store.
Fortunately, there are aids designed to help seniors maintain their independence and prevent falls. Seniors who have experienced a stroke or arthritis know that certain everyday tasks can be quite difficult without some kind of aid. Many caregivers recommend using common objects found around the house as aids to help seniors.
Here are a few examples of common household items that can be used as aids Aids for Daily Living.
Non-slip socks are very important for seniors who are prone to get up at night. If they become disoriented during the nighttime hours, it’s possible that they could fall down the stairs or slip in the bathroom and injure themselves. Slipping on a pair of thick socks can make them safer when getting out of bed in the middle of the night.
Another useful device for seniors is a long-handled shoehorn. This can help seniors with limited mobility put their shoes on, especially those who use a walker or a cane. It also comes in handy when they have one arm that doesn’t function well due to arthritis or another condition.
Some people find it helpful to use a cane holder for their canes. This can help seniors who would like to carry around their cane at all times but don’t want it to get in their way while they’re walking or using the bathroom.
A useful gadget for getting into and out of the bathtub is a bathtub slide rail which allows people to lean on a rail while getting in and out of the tub. This can make a big difference for those who have difficulty stepping over bathtub ledges or people who need to be extra careful not to slip.
A food scale is very helpful for seniors with dietary restrictions. For example, some older adults are told by their doctors that they should eat only small portions, which can help them with the measuring. The scale will also let them know if they’re eating too much, especially if they have compulsive eating problems.
For easy access to the phone in case of an emergency, many older adults find that it’s helpful to put their cordless landline phone on a tripod-like stand. This can keep it accessible and free of clutter while also answering the phone with just one hand.
If you need to learn more about these aids for daily living for seniors, you can speak with senior home care agencies, or you can contact a senior living facility near you.