For many elderly people, the thought of moving out of their beloved house and into an aged care facility or retirement home is repellent. Not only do elderly people want to remain in homes in which they may have lived for decades and which are full of memories, they also want to retain a sense of independence.
Yet it’s painful for family members to see elderly loved ones shrugging off the idea of an aged care facility and staunchly insisting they can manage fine, when it’s plainly obvious they are struggling to manage tasks within the home. One solution likely agreeable to both the elderly person and their concerned relatives is to invest in products designed to assist those with reduced mobility with daily living.
These range from small kitchen aids such as a jar opener or adapted knife, to state of the art mechanical mechanisms, such as a stairlift. With the help of these daily living aids, elderly people can manage much better whilst they continue to live in their own homes. Here are five top reduced mobility products you may wish to consider:
1. Stairlifts
These are custom made to fit your stairs. They feature a comfortable and easily accessible seat attached to a rail running up the stairway. When operated, the seat glides gently up or down the stairs as required. Most stairlifts are designed to leave room so that people can still walk around them.
2. Grab rails and safety bars
Grab rails are available in a wide range of materials and colours to suit an individual’s décor, tastes and needs. For instance, a bright red rail in the next to the loo can be a good option for those with limited vision, as it stands out easily. Grab rails and safety bars can easily be fixed in areas where the elderly person requires a little extra support. They can be used to help an elderly person in and out of bed, in and out of the shower or bath, or up and down from the toilet. They may also be useful on the outside of the house.
3. Kettle tipper and teapot
These allow for safer and easier pouring of boiling water for that essential cup of tea or coffee. Kettle tippers are designed to hold a kettle or teapot securely in place, taking some of the weight off so that for someone with a weakened grip, it is far easier to manage and pour. Many have pivoting cradles. Another option is a mini kettle which is much lighter to use than a regular-sized one.
4. Raised Toilet Seats
A vast array of different types of quality, raised toilet seats are available today. These are designed to make sitting down and rising from the loo easier and more comfortable for an elderly person. Some come with molded arm rests for added comfort while many are adjustable in height. They are manufactured in a range of colours and styles to suit every bathroom.
5. Reachers and grabbers
A simple idea, but so incredibly useful for an older person with reduced mobility. Reachers and grabbers allow a person to pick objects up off of the floor for instance, without have to strain or bend. These are available in varying lengths and styles and are an effective way of preventing falls, strains and other nasty injuries.
For more information: <a
href=’http://patienthandling.com.au/daily-living-aids/’>www.patienthandling.com.au</a>
