Age is just a number, they say. But as you get older, you will inevitably need some special assistance or specific senior necessities to look after yourself at home. This can be challenging for seniors who are used to living independently and being self-sufficient.
However, establishing a balance between your personal and financial needs, as well as your physical capabilities, is essential to staying independent and healthy. If you are planning to help your elderly parents or grandparents remain in their own homes for longer, here are a few senior necessities that may help them stay independent at home.
What Products Are Needed Most?
The elder care products and equipment listed below are recommended based on the general needs of the aging population. They focus on health, safety, and independence. You should always talk to your aging loved one and their doctors before introducing any major changes to their routine, lifestyle, or mobility aids.
This is not a comprehensive list of products for seniors living at home and should not be treated as such. For more information, contact CareLink. We’re happy to connect you with the services your loved one needs to remain independent.
Here are the top six senior necessities:
Senior Necessities #1: A Bath Bench
If your loved one is experiencing joint pain and stiffness, bathing can be difficult. The instability caused by joint pain or mobility issues can also be dangerous for both your loved one and the caregiver who is assisting them with bathing.
A bath bench can help your loved one sit comfortably in the bathtub without putting pressure on their joints. A bath bench can be adjusted to different heights and positions, allowing your loved one to sit comfortably while they are in the tub. It can also be used as a shower bench if your loved one prefers to shower instead of taking a bath.
If your loved one has poor balance and is unable to get in and out of the bathtub by themselves, a bath bench is an essential piece of safety equipment.
Senior Necessities #2: Supports And Braces
If your loved one often experiences pain or discomfort in their lower and/or upper back, back supports or braces can help relieve their pain. Braces and back supports can be custom-made to fit your loved one’s body type, ensuring that the support is distributed evenly throughout their back.
Back supports and braces are inexpensive and can be purchased at a medical supply store or online. Your loved one should wear a back support or brace whenever they are lifting heavy objects or performing activities that could put a strain on their back. A back support or brace can be worn under or over clothing and can be removed easily when needed.
You can also find braces for wrists, knees, and other major joints to protect them while your loved one is active.
Senior Necessities #3: Stair Lift
If your loved one lives in a multi-level home, a stair lift can make all the difference between them being able to stay in their own home and having to move to a single-level unit. A stair lift can be installed on the stairway, allowing them to navigate their home without assistance.
Stair lifts can also be installed on the outside of your loved one’s home, allowing them to ride up to their front door easily and safely. Depending on your loved one’s specific needs, there are several kinds of stair lifts that can be installed.
Just make sure that you consult with a trusted handyman or contractor before you install them. A poorly installed stair lift can result in worse injuries than the fall you were hoping to prevent!
Senior Necessities #4: An Emergency Alert Device
If your loved one is living with dementia or is prone to falling, they may be unable to call for help in an emergency. An emergency alert device is an easy-to-use device that your loved one can wear around their neck to call for help.
An emergency alert device is a small, easy to use device that is worn around your loved one’s neck. If they are in need of assistance, all they have to do is press the button on the device, and it will send a signal to a monitoring center that will dispatch first responders to your loved one’s home.
This device can be a lifesaver for your loved ones and for those who are caring for them. You can buy these online, but make sure you choose a service with a solid reputation!
Senior Necessities #5: Safety Rails
If your loved one has trouble walking and balancing, they may be unable to navigate their home safely without assistance. Safety rails can be installed on the stairs, near the toilet, or anywhere else in the home to provide assistance where needed.
Safety rails are available in a wide range of different styles and designs, allowing you to find the perfect safety rail for your loved one’s home. Install rails wherever your loved one may have difficulty balancing, turning, or standing.
Senior Necessities #6: A Raised Toilet Seat With Handrail
If your loved one is experiencing joint pain and stiffness, they may find it difficult to sit on the toilet without assistance. A raised toilet seat with a handrail can help your loved one sit down and stand up from the toilet without putting pressure on their joints.
A raised toilet seat with a handrail is easy to install and can be used by anyone! You can install special toilets or buy a seat to modify your existing equipment.
Contact CareLink
If you have any questions about senior necessities or need help caring for your aging loved one, contact CareLink. We can connect you with the resources you need to keep your loved one happy, healthy, and in their own home for as long as possible.
