Assistive Devices for Aging Adults to Maintain Their Independence

Assistive Devices, Equipment & Products That Help Seniors Maintain Their Independence

You may have noticed your loved one needs more help than they are used to. Whether it be due to loss of their cognitive or physical abilities, it can be hard for them to admit they need assistance because they don’t want to risk their independence. However, your loved one can still get the necessary help they need while living at their home. There are several pieces of equipment and products that make aging in place possible for seniors. In the age of technology, a variety of assistive devices have been created to make the independent living situation for elderly adults more convenient, safe, and adaptable. The following listed assistive devices can help your loved one maintain their independence by providing the necessary helping hand.

Daily Living Assistance

There are products that provide the ease and convenience needed for your loved one’s day-to-day tasks such as putting on clothes or telling time. From clothing aids to voice-controlled devices, the listed products below can give your loved one the assistance they need to thrive independently:

• Medication organizer or alarmed dispenser
• Button loopers and zipper pulls for easier dressing
• Adaptive clothing and shoes
• Talking clocks and wristwatches for seniors with poor vision
• Adjustable bed
• Voice-controlled devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa
• Touch-tone telephones with large buttons, speaker or hands-free capabilities, and/or text capability for those who are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY or TDD)

Assistive Devises Safety Assistance

Your loved one’s safety may be at risk when living independently. The loss of cognitive and physical abilities can make them more prone to dangerous situations. However, the following assistive devices are safety precautions you can take to protect your loved one:

• Personal Alert System (a wearable electronic device designed to get help in an emergency)
• Adequate lighting throughout the home, including night lights
• Home Alarm system
• Stepless/walk-in bathtub or shower
• Kitchen tools that make opening cans and jars, peeling vegetables, and cutting and dicing ingredients easier and safer
• Specialized eating utensils and dinnerware for easier dining
• Automatic shut-off safety devices for kitchen appliances
• Bed railings

Mobility Assistance

If your loved one’s mobility is not as strong as it used to be and is facing difficulties getting around, these products can assist your loved one with moving in their day to day life:

• Ramps for entryways with steps
• Stairlifts for multi-story homes
• Sturdy railings along all stairways
• Mobility aids for seniors who have difficulty getting around the house (cane, rollator, walker, wheelchair, motorized scooter)
• Baskets or other accessories for mobility equipment to assist in carrying items
• Lift chairs for those who have difficulty getting in and out of a seated position
• “Reacher/grabber” tools for seniors who have weak grip strength and/or limited mobility
• Grab bars for the bathroom near the toilet and shower
• Bathtub/shower transfer bench

Let’s give thanks that we live in an age of convenience! A variety of products have been made to help elderly adults live independently for as long as possible. You can make your loved one’s aging in place experience successful by investing in the necessary assistive devices.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.