Senior Homecare: Adapted Equipment
Adapted equipment can be a big part of senior homecare.
There are books, videos, websites, and pamphlets out there for almost any type of elder care, handicap, or special need.
They are more widely available than people think.
Once you determine your elder's need, you should be able to find adapted equipment that will improve the quality of their life.
Most people have no idea what adapted equipment is, but as a caregiver, you need to become aware of this growing field.
Adapted equipment draws from a wide variety of products that can help your elder function more independently and/or on a higher level.
They can help your elder regain confidence in his/her abilities, and they can even alleviate your elder's fear of being dependent on others.
Caregiving and senior homecare is largely about helping your elder maintain as much control of life as possible and adapted equipment can help accomplish this important goal.
Consider any and all products that might improve quality of life.
Adapted equipment includes commonplace products like a wheelchair or elder-safe stepladder as well as more obscure products such as jar/bottle openers and grocery store scooters.
Some other products include high curved bowls, and large-handled eating utensils that can help prevent food spills, making senior homecare a little easier.
There are also modified "sippy" cups that prevent liquid from spilling.
Adapted equipment also includes some safety products that can improve senior homecare.
Most accidents happen in the bathroom, so I always add grab bars in my client's showers and tubs.
I also affix non-slip strips to the bottom of the showers and tubs to prevent dangerous falls.
Call a plumber or surgical supply store to install higher toilet seats as well as grab bars near the toilet.
I often buy a sturdy plastic chair for my clients so they can sit comfortably in the shower.
As an ongoing precaution, I also buy and install nightlights.
Having a little bit of light at night can really ease a trip to the bathroom or refrigerator.
The best way to deal with any problems that arise due to aging is to be proactive.
So try to install these before the need has materialized.
The sooner something is installed, the easier the transition is when it's actually needed.
There are books, videos, websites, and pamphlets out there for almost any type of elder care, handicap, or special need.
They are more widely available than people think.
Once you determine your elder's need, you should be able to find adapted equipment that will improve the quality of their life.
Most people have no idea what adapted equipment is, but as a caregiver, you need to become aware of this growing field.
Adapted equipment draws from a wide variety of products that can help your elder function more independently and/or on a higher level.
They can help your elder regain confidence in his/her abilities, and they can even alleviate your elder's fear of being dependent on others.
Caregiving and senior homecare is largely about helping your elder maintain as much control of life as possible and adapted equipment can help accomplish this important goal.
Consider any and all products that might improve quality of life.
Adapted equipment includes commonplace products like a wheelchair or elder-safe stepladder as well as more obscure products such as jar/bottle openers and grocery store scooters.
Some other products include high curved bowls, and large-handled eating utensils that can help prevent food spills, making senior homecare a little easier.
There are also modified "sippy" cups that prevent liquid from spilling.
Adapted equipment also includes some safety products that can improve senior homecare.
Most accidents happen in the bathroom, so I always add grab bars in my client's showers and tubs.
I also affix non-slip strips to the bottom of the showers and tubs to prevent dangerous falls.
Call a plumber or surgical supply store to install higher toilet seats as well as grab bars near the toilet.
I often buy a sturdy plastic chair for my clients so they can sit comfortably in the shower.
As an ongoing precaution, I also buy and install nightlights.
Having a little bit of light at night can really ease a trip to the bathroom or refrigerator.
The best way to deal with any problems that arise due to aging is to be proactive.
So try to install these before the need has materialized.
The sooner something is installed, the easier the transition is when it's actually needed.
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