Innovative Solutions for Seniors

Whether we like to or not, there will come a time when we will need assistive devices. These devices enable us to do things we have a hard time doing without any of these.

Recently, we had a get-together with my friends since grade school. A classmate came from the United States and treated us to lunch. We had so much fun, but we noticed all the assistive devices our friend needed to have to be able to do this gathering. She had a walker, a cane, and a seat that doubles as a wheelchair.

Some Seniors do not want to use these devices as they worry about what people say if they go around in a wheelchair. They trade safety for their pride. Our friend had no problem using these devices, but we saw her difficulty. She needed people to assist her, too. Please live in a caring country where family takes care of you and makes it easy for you to go around, but it becomes more challenging if you live on your own. Still, having these devices makes life tolerable and safe.

I remember when my husband first used a walker and a wheelchair. The walker enabled him to go to the bathroom and shower independently, which he liked. We had to practice using the wheelchair so he could go around and go for appointments. 

We all know as seniors that the time will come when a cane is in hand. Some of us can get by with an umbrella, but it is less safe than a cane.

 Here are some examples of assistive devices that can help seniors maintain their independence:

Walkers:

Walkers provide support and stability for seniors who have difficulty walking. Seniors can use these indoors or outdoors, and come in a variety of styles and sizes. Choose one you can use indoors to go to the shower or bathroom or around your house.

Canes:

Canes provide support and balance for seniors who have difficulty walking. They are typically used indoors and come in various styles and materials. Many of my Senior friends use canes outdoors. It is easy to carry. Sometimes, they use an umbrella, but a cane has better stability.

Wheelchairs:

If you are a Senior and cannot walk, use a wheelchair. Wheelchairs come in various types, including manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and scooters. 

I don’t know why some Seniors refuse to use a wheelchair. My mother did not want to use so we can’t bring her out. She refused to be seen in a wheelchair by her friends. We assured her her friends would be happy to see her and won’t mind the wheelchair. 

Mobility scooters:

Mobility scooters are motorized vehicles, so Seniors can go wherever they want. They can get groceries, go to appointments, and enjoy driving. They are typically used outdoors and come in various sizes and styles.

Bathroom safety equipment:

Bathroom safety equipment can help seniors prevent falls in the bathroom. This equipment includes grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats. It’s good to see many disabled Seniors go around in it. 

Home medical equipment:

Home medical equipment can help seniors manage their chronic conditions. This equipment includes blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and oxygen tanks. I remember having an oxygen tank at home when my mother was not well. 

Communication devices:

Communication devices can help seniors who have difficulty speaking or hearing. These devices include amplified phones, captioning devices, and speech recognition software. Seniors living on their own can benefit from these devices.

Personal emergency response systems:

Personal emergency response systems (PERS) can help seniors call for help in an emergency. These systems typically include a base unit connected to a landline phone and a wearable pendant or wristband that the senior can wear. If the old presses the button on the pendant or wristband, the base unit will call a monitoring center, which will then dispatch help.

Of course, you can pay for help 24/7 or stay in an assisted living place. However, if you want to stay home, which many Seniors prefer, and live a close to everyday life, these devices will help you. Our wish is that you won’t need any of these. But if you do, use it well.