We all take certain things for granted every day; examples include being able to quickly get out of bed, reach high shelves, or take a shower. Once those tasks become challenging, though, daily activities turn into struggles.
Senior adults often face limitations due to decreased mobility, diminished strength, or other physical changes. These challenges can lead to frustration, reduced independence, and a reluctance to ask for help.
When a loved one lives alone, and their needs evolve to that stage, assistive tools can help. But, if they need further support with their daily living routines, they might be best served by an assisted living and memory care community like Novellus Kingwood.
What should you do in the meantime if your beloved family member is struggling to get through their days but doesn’t need full-time, long-term senior care? Help them by learning what assistive devices are and choosing the most appropriate ones for their needs.
What are assistive devices, exactly?
These tools come in many sizes; some are handheld, and others get installed onto walls or placed on surfaces. They empower seniors to continue performing daily tasks with greater ease, comfort, and safety.
These ten effective devices for seniors living alone promote autonomy and can make a world of difference.
1. Grab bars are installed in bathrooms and near stairs to provide seniors the support they need to maintain balance. These sturdy fixtures reduce the risk of falls, allowing an individual to navigate the bathroom or stairways more confidently.
2. Walkers offer significant support for seniors who may experience difficulty walking. Equipped with handlebars and often wheels, walkers encourage independence by allowing seniors to move around their homes more freely with added stability.
3. Shower chairs allow seniors to sit while bathing, making personal care safer and more comfortable. With this device, they can avoid standing for long periods, which can lead to slips and falls in the shower.
4. Reachers are long-handled tools that help you pick up items from the floor or high shelves without straining. This simple device significantly reduces the risk of overexertion and injury when attempting to retrieve hard-to-reach objects.
5. Stairlifts enable seniors to move easily between different levels of their homes. These motorized chairs glide smoothly along a track, allowing individuals to travel up and down stairs without physical exertion or risk of falling.
6. Smart home technology enhances safety and convenience for seniors living alone. Devices like smart speakers, automated lights, and security cameras are valuable, helpful devices for solitary seniors. These tools allow them to control their environment with simple voice commands or smartphone apps.
7. Adjustable beds allow seniors to change the position of their mattress for optimal comfort. Raising the head or feet can relieve pressure, promote better circulation, and support a more restful sleep. They can also adjust the height to make getting into and out of bed easier.
8. Medication management systems are pill boxes with individual sections to help seniors organize their prescriptions and know when to take them. Reminders on their smart home devices also help.
9. Various kitchen aids designed for seniors, such as easy-grip utensils, enable older adults to prepare meals independently. These tools simplify cooking tasks and make kitchen activities much more manageable.
10. Mobility scooters provide an excellent means of transportation within the home and community. These battery-powered devices empower individuals to maintain active lifestyles without the strain of walking long distances.
One more thing: Before purchasing any of these tools for a family member, talk with their healthcare provider.
The Importance of Assistive Devices for Solitary Seniors
Using assistive tools can positively impact the morale and well-being of elderly individuals. These devices maintain their independence, lessening their reliance on others for help. They promote freedom and enhance a sense of confidence that may have been lacking.
What if your loved one doesn’t want to try these tools, though? We suggest enlisting help from their physician, who can explain the benefits. Another idea is to surprise them with a functional gift like a reacher; once they start using that, they’ll recognize the benefits.
Attainable Care for Your Family: Novellus Kingwood
The Novellus Kingwood caregiving team recognizes the importance of assistive devices for seniors living alone, and many of our residents use them. We collaborate with families to discover the most suitable tools and modifications.
Our comfortable assisted living floor plans offer private accessible bathrooms and maintenance-free living—the memory care apartments are comfortable and senior-friendly as well in a separate neighborhood within our community.
We also take pride in the fact that our pricing starts below the average for Texas assisted living communities. There aren’t fewer amenities or options; we have resort-style offerings and a fair, transparent, all-inclusive base rate. If your loved one’s needs exceed what assistive tools offer on their own, we are here to help.
Want to learn more about assistive devices and Novellus Kingwood? Tours are available!
Using devices for seniors living alone can dramatically transform home life for older adults, but the time may come when they need more support. Novellus Kingwood empowers our residents with maintenance-free living, private apartments, loving care, and on-site amenities. Contact us today to set up a tour.