Life-Changing Assistive Devices for the Elderly

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that our homes are safe and accessible. There are many assistive devices on the market today that can help make life easier for seniors. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the types of assistive devices for the elderly. Whether you are looking for a way to make getting around your home easier or need assistance with basic tasks like bathing and grooming, there is sure to be an assistive device that fits your needs!

Bathroom Assistive Devices for the Elderly

Getting older comes with many adjustments that must be made in order to make everyday activities simpler. Bathroom safety tools help elderly adults manage their bathroom needs with independence and dignity. With features like grab bars, shower chairs, bath lifts, raised toilet seats, and non-slip shower mats, toileting can become a much more manageable task. If a loved one is having difficulty navigating their bathroom for personal care tasks, these helpful devices provide an immense amount of relief and create an upgraded sense of home privacy for seniors. Whether the goal is to stay comfortable in an existing dwelling or to avoid costly renovations, bathroom assistive devices from trusted brands can keep seniors safe and independent!

Toilet Rails

Many seniors have difficulty bending down to use the toilet and then lifting themselves up. Toilet rails are assistive devices that reduce strain on the joints. Placed over a traditional-style toilet, these rails provide support so you can lift and lower yourself safely. Depending on the brand and type that you purchase, they typically range from about $30 to $70.

Grab Bars

It’s no secret that slippery bathroom surfaces are a recipe for disaster for anyone, including the elderly. Grab bars are a simple, cost-effective solution to keep people safe. Grab bars are easy-to-install assistive devices that can be fitted near the bathtub, toilet, and anywhere else a person is prone to slipping. The sturdy bars provide a solid surface you can grip while getting in and out of the tub or grab if you start to lose your balance.

Transfer Bench

Some seniors benefit from using a transfer bench when getting ready for their bath or shower. Transfer benches are intended to help a person move from outside the bathing area to a shower or tub chair. Seniors who use walkers or wheelchairs often find these devices helpful. A variety of styles exist, each catering to people’s unique needs. Some more complex transfer benches can be fitted over the toilet and slide directly into the tub, while others are portable devices that are more compact. Expect to pay $100 or more for a transfer bench.

Shower Chair

If you’re a senior who’s unsteady on your feet, a shower chair is a must. These chairs have rubber feet to prevent them from slipping on the bathtub or shower floor. Seniors who get tired after standing for long periods will be able to sit and not worry about getting unsteady. This way, they can take their time on their bathing routine without rushing, which can lead to slips. Shower chairs are available at many drugstores, major box stores, and online. Highly rated shower chairs can be bought for under $50, making them one of the more affordable assistive devices.

Assistive Eating Devices for the Elderly

Eating can be an overwhelming experience for elderly individuals, and many are struggling with everyday dining. Thankfully, assistive eating devices such as specially-designed utensils and utensil holders provide support to those who could benefit from a helping hand at the dinner table. These tools can significantly improve household meal times, allowing seniors to enjoy their food with greater ease and confidence. With this type of technology available, people of all ages are empowered to participate in social gatherings involving food or snacks even if physical capability has become limited. Assistive eating devices give elderly individuals independence and the ability to live their best lives no matter what age they are.

Utensils With Grips

Sometimes, we begin to lose strength in our hands when we get older. That means that doing necessary tasks like feeding ourselves can be a challenge. One way that seniors can maintain their independence is by using utensils with strong grips. Some of these products even include a hand strap that wraps around the wrist. This way, it’s more difficult to drop a utensil while eating, and if you do, it doesn’t fall to the floor. These utensils often have a wider handle so they’re easier for people with dexterity issues to hold. Luckily, these utensils are very affordable, at only $10 a piece or so.

Nonskid Plates and Bowls

Another low-cost assistive device for the elderly is nonskid serving ware. Plates and bowls that incorporate rubber or other traction items on the bottom make eating easier. Your plate will remain in front of you as you eat, rather than shifting around. Another option is to use a nonskid placemat under your bowls and plates to keep your dishes right where you need them.

Weighted Cutlery

Seniors living with Parkinson’s disease often find it difficult to eat when experiencing tremors. Even people who don’t have this disease may experience more shaking as they get older. Weighted spoons, forks, and knives are designed to make eating easier, even while your hands are trembling. The extra weight stabilizes the utensil better so it doesn’t shift while it’s in your hand. Some of this cutlery can weigh up to a half-pound for each piece. Search your local medical supply stores or shop online to find a range of items that work for your needs.

Assistive Technology Devices for the Elderly

For elderly individuals and their caregivers, the future has never looked brighter with the availability of assistive technology devices. There are a plethora of tools to make life easier. Without having to leave the house, seniors can stay connected with friends and family by using innovative communication systems. Furthermore, the latest robotic and sensory technology are revolutionizing the ways that seniors can keep active and engaged in activities. Assistive technology devices provide freedom for seniors to lead their best lives despite age-related challenges – what an inspiring horizon it is!

Screen Readers

A common problem many seniors experience is that they can’t read small text, especially on a computer. Fortunately, there are many software programs out there that can eliminate this problem. Screen readers are a special type of assistive device for the elderly that read text out loud. Each specific type of software will operate in a slightly different way, but the basic idea is that the user can prompt the computer to read or search through text. Some free programs are available while others can be purchased.

WOW! Computer

Some computers are designed with seniors in mind. The WOW! computer is one that operates on simplicity. The screen is large and bright, which is great for seniors with vision issues. The touchscreen buttons are also large so that seniors with fine motor skill issues can navigate the computer better. The WOW! computer is also configured with a simple-to-use email platform so seniors don’t have to worry about dealing with complex programs. It’s also equipped with magnification tools so you can instantly zoom in on virtually any text.

Jitterbug Phones

Cell phones are a must in this day and age. Seniors who live alone need a phone so they can call in the event of an emergency. The Jitterbug phone is one with a large screen with an easy-to-use interface. There is also a model that’s a flip phone which can send texts simply through voice commands. You can also add a health and safety package that gives you access to an “urgent response agent” in case you ever have an emergency.

Conclusion

During their golden years, many elderly individuals are plagued by mobility issues. Fortunately, today there is a vast array of assistive devices specifically designed to combat these issue, and the market for assistive technologies for the elderly is burgeoning. In recent times, these tools have become increasingly sophisticated, enabling elderly folk to enjoy freedom and independence inside and outside of the home. Thanks to today’s inventions, aging doesn’t have to mean immobilization.