AS PEOPLE AGE, they undergo various physiological changes that can have an adverse impact on muscle mass, bone density, flexibility, dexterity, vision, hearing, balance, and a host of other bodily processes and systems. As a result, seniors often face function and mobility limitations that not only make it more difficult for them to manage activities of daily living, but also significantly increase their risk of experiencing a debilitating fall or other injury.
These changes and challenges notwithstanding, seniors as a rule wish to live their lives independently for as long as possible. The good news is, thanks to the wide variety of assistive/adaptive products and tools available today, it’s never been easier for seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home while minimizing their reliance upon loved ones or outside caregivers.
In fact, there are very few functional challenges confronting seniors or their at-home caregivers that can’t be overcome with the latest assistive/ adaptive devices. What follows is just a sampling of the products and technology available:
For mobility
Seniors who have difficulty standing up from a seated position will find it’s much easier to get on their feet and moving with furniture leg extenders or an electric lift chair. Once on their feet, they can choose from a wide range of devices that will assist their mobility around the house or anywhere in the community, ranging from simple canes and walkers to powered wheelchairs, scooters, and stair lifts. To facilitate easy wheelchair or scooter access to the home, ramp systems of many different configurations are available—even portable ones that can be placed or removed as needed.
For the bathroom
Perhaps more than any other room in the house, the bathroom presents special challenges related to function and safety. The strategic placement of grab bars and the use of non-slip bath and shower mats are a few obvious ways to address the safety aspect, but that’s just the beginning. Seniors can also take advantage of a tub bench or shower seat to facilitate safe transfer in and out of the tub or shower as well as limit standing, bending, and leaning. Converting a standard wall-mounted shower head to a handheld version also enhances safety and convenience.
To make it easier to get on and off the commode, the use of a toilet seat riser or toilet safety frame with adjustable arm rests can make a tremendous difference. Of course, portable commodes are an excellent option for seniors with limited mobility who may have difficulty reaching the bathroom, especially when awakening at night.
Daily grooming and hygiene activities, such as shaving, brushing and combing hair, brushing teeth, flossing, and wiping after toileting, can become particularly challenging for seniors with limited dexterity, flexibility, and range of motion. However, a broad selection of adaptive tools is available to make these activities more manageable, such as long-handled brushes, combs, and sponges; flossing tools; electric razors and toothbrushes with wide, easy-to-grip handles; and various personal wiping aids.
For dressing
The seemingly simple act of getting dressed each day—with all the reaching, bending, twisting, and pulling it demands—can present special challenges to seniors with limited strength, dexterity, and range of motion. But as with bathing, grooming, and hygiene, there are ample assistive tools to help in this process as well. Examples include sock aids to help seniors pull on their socks without needing to bend over, various styles of buttoning aids and zipper pulls that make those tiny buttons and zippers easier to grasp and manipulate, long-handled shoehorns, and elastic shoelaces that allow you to slip shoes on and off without tying.
For the kitchen
Cooking and meal preparation is another activity of daily living that tends to get more and more complicated as we age. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of assistive devices that are handy for the kitchen. A good starting point is a portable, lightweight step stool with a long handle and non-skid surface, which will make it much easier and safer to reach items stored in upper cabinets or on high shelves. Other examples include special adaptive eating utensils (e.g., largegrip or angled utensils, finger-loop or wrist-strap utensils, and rocker knives), double-handled pots, spillproof drinking cups, jar and bottle openers, and milk carton holders.
For anywhere in the house In any room of the house, seniors can make their lives a lot easier by replacing knobs, handles, and pulls on cabinets, doors, drawers, etc. with versions that are larger or have specialized grips. To achieve good lighting in living areas without having to fumble for switches, touch-sensitive lamps can be substituted for conventional ones. For reaching and retrieving items without having to stoop over and risk falling, a long-handled grabber presents a simple solution.
What’s more, seniors have all kinds of tools at their disposal for managing medications and keeping track of other important items, such as pill organizers and dispensers, wheelchair or walker caddies and side bags, and various books and journals for keeping track of medical records, doctor appointments, etc.
Again, this listing merely scratches the surface of the assistive/adaptive tools that can help seniors remain independent at home and enjoy the highest possible quality of life. For more ideas, see your local medical-supply or assistive-product retailer. ✲
