Here Are Examples of Assistive Equipment That Might Make Your Caretaking Easier and Less Expensive
When most people think about assistive equipment for seniors, they might picture equipment such as wheelchairs and stairlifts, which will require expensive modifications of their houses and cars.
There are assistive pieces of equipment, however, that can save you money. One example is stair climbing canes that can eliminate the need for expensive stair lifts. Climbing stairs also can be good exercise for seniors. Foldable four-legged walkers will fit and function in any unmodified car or house. They will also give seniors more exercise and coordination practice than will a wheelchair.
Seniors might not be able to easily bend to reach an object. Rather than asking you to get it for them, grabbers might allow them to reach these objects themselves.
Seniors might not be able to put on or take of their own shoes. Long shoehorns, however, might allow them to do so.
Kitchen openers might allow senior loved ones to open containers that you otherwise would have to help them to open.
Grab bars and shower stools might allow senior loved ones to shower independently.
Seniors might have most balance problems at night when they must walk to their toilets, for example. Night lights and/or small flashlights can help them keep their balance better at night.
These are only some examples of the many ideas that will allow seniors to feel more independent and capable and for you to feel less pressured for time and money.
For these ideas to work, however, you should have the agreement of your senior loved one that these are good ideas. You also should ask you loved one’s doctor if these ideas are safe.
Philippines 4:13 is a good verse for your loved one to keep in mind.
What have you done to help your loved one stay independent?
