Aging is not only inevitable, but it can also be quite intimidating for elderly seniors without proper care and guidance from an assisted living provider. Unknown to many, there are several new options on the market that allow senior citizens to age with dignity and independently in the privacy of their own homes or assisted living communities.
These products are designed with ease of use to provide security in case of an emergency situation. Children and friends have peace of mind in knowing that their elderly loved ones are safe, while seniors have the added benefit of maintaining a normal, independent lifestyle, free of nursing homes and more intrusive living options.
Assisted Living Emergencies
For almost all seniors, it is important to be able to call someone in case of a medical problem or a fall. There are many products available to help with contacting loved ones or medical professionals in a time of need. For minor issues that require a phone, some companies are offering home phones that have one touch picture calling, eliminating the need for remembering lengthy phone numbers and finding phone books. For immediate assistance in the event of a medical emergency, push button technology is available in necklace form that allows the user to call 9-1-1 and speak directly with the operator through the device.
For those concerned with a wandering senior, there are a variety of alarms available to alert a caregiver when the senior leaves a specific area or even takes a fall. These monitors can be purchased in the form of floor mat, GPS device, and even belted tracking.
Senior Mobility Aids
Many elderly citizens have problems with mobility. For those with limited options, there are a variety of mobility aids ranging from walkers and scooters to bed rails and in room commode chairs. Scooter and wheelchair ramps can be purchased for areas where surface levelness is an issue, and trays can be added as well for dining and writing convenience. For homes and living spaces where cabinet height is a problem, reachers are available to supplement for arm length. These can be used to grab items that are out of reach for the user.
Senior Citizen Shower and Bathroom Safety
One room in the house that can be very dangerous for seniors living alone is the bathroom. The shower is the most likely spot for getting hurt or falling. Extra large tub grips can be purchased to prevent slipping, along with a shower bench to sit on. Mobile showerheads are useful for washing, as they don’t require reaching for adjustments. Grab bars can be applied both to the walls and the sides of tubs to assist in entering and exiting the shower space. A bath mat should be used outside of the shower to prevent slipping as well.
Toilets can be made safer by adding height to the seat and putting a frame around the edges to prevent falling. There are also flush pedals that allow the user to flush the toilet without bending or reaching for the handle.
Products are constantly being developed to help senior citizens maintain independence. These include emergency devices, senior mobility aids and bathroom equipment specially made for elderly people. Competition has made these products safer, more effective, and affordable. With so many commodities available, the option of staying at home unassisted is becoming a reality for many older adults.
Allison Westbrook - Allison Westbrook is a professional freelance writer that is passionate about bringing quality and relevance to an audience of readers. ...
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