Throughout aging, assistive home care devices can enhance senior safety and make daily life easier around the house. With a wide selection of assistive equipment solutions, seniors can remain more comfortable at home. Stay Home Care, the experts in elderly home care in Nashville and the surrounding areas, would like to provide you with some insider advice for picking out and utilizing some of the most popular assistive devices for home use.
Commodes
A commode may be used instead of both an elevated toilet seat and a toilet safety framework, and also has the additional benefit of being mobile, so can be utilized separately at a bedside as well.
Recommendations for purchasing:
- Try to choose one that has non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs as opposed to wheels, and test for durability.
- Select a commode that includes both a pail (including a lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).
Rollators
A rollator is a 4-wheeled walker that includes brakes, a seat, and a basket. Rollators work very well both inside the house and outside, supply a seat when the older adult needs to rest, and the basket allows users to carry things with them, keeping their hands free to maneuver the rollator.
Recommendations for purchasing:
- Larger wheels are best, as they roll more efficiently on uneven ground and are overall more sturdy.
- Select a compact, folding design so that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
- Test the brakes before purchasing to make certain that they are not rigid or difficult to use.
- Choose a rollator with a cushioned seat for added comfort.
- Models that provide easy access to the basket while in the normal walking position are preferred.
Shower bench vs. shower board
A shower bench is helpful for older individuals who feel unsafe when lifting their legs over the side of the tub and significantly decreases the possibility of falling when getting in and out of the bath.
The primary benefits of shower benches over shower boards are that they include backrests and are height adjustable. Having a taller surface makes rising from a seated position easier, and backrests provide more support to older adults who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be troublesome to fit correctly to a tub.
Recommendations for purchasing:
- Look for a shower bench that includes a handle and backrest that can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and types of tubs.
- Be sure to also invest in a quality hand-held sprayer that connects to the faucet and is simple to use.
Stay Home Care can help you with independent senior living in Nashville, TN and nearby areas. For more recommendations and insight into adaptive equipment products that can enhance senior safety, or for home care services to help your loved one enjoy a better quality of life and boost senior safety in the home, contact Stay Home Care at (615) 964-7726.