Many older adults choose to remain in their homes for longer these days, which is commonly referred to as ‘aging in place.’ While it is not without its challenges, aging in place has become more achievable than ever before, thanks to such advancements in technology and design for comfortable, assisted living.
There are many safety devices, assistive products, and furniture designs that can be used to extend the time in which a senior can comfortably and safely stay in their home.
Here is an extensive list of senior-friendly furniture and aids to consider, with some current market examples.
Personal Alert Systems
These are wearable electronic devices designed to alert the need for help in the event of an emergency. Leading brands based on premium features, customer service, and safety include Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, and Aloe Care Health, although there are many more to choose from. Each system comes with unique features, so special care should be taken when researching which is the best option.
Senior-Friendly Bathroom Aids
There are a variety of bathroom-related aids to assist seniors in safely using the facilities, including:
- Toilet seat risers.
- Hand-held showerheads.
- Bidet toilet attachments.
- Walk-in bathtubs and showers.
- Shower/bathtub transfer benches, like this MedMobile Bathtub Transfer Bench. With sure-grip legs and adjustable seat height, this bench is a durable, lightweight solution for getting in and out of the tub or shower, and provides a safe seat while showering.
- Grip mats – Slips and falls are a common bathroom hazard for all, but especially those whose mobility and balance may already be challenged. Therefore, it is essential to have good grip mats in place in wet areas like your bathroom. The Gorilla Grip Bath Tub and Shower Mat is a highly rated grip mat with drain holes and suction cups to keep it firmly in place with the floor remaining clean.
Bedroom aids
There are also many alterations and additions you can make to the bedroom to make it safer and more comfortable, including:
- Waterproof mattresses and mattress pads.
- Over-bed tables.
- Bed railings.
Adjustable beds
Depending upon your circumstances, you may need a larger bed with separately controlled sides to accommodate a couple with different needs. Either way, adjustable beds not only make it easier to get in and out of bed but also greatly enhance your comfort while relaxing or sleeping.
This LUCID L100 model is a highly rated adjustable bed base with a quick and easy assembly, head and foot incline, and wired remote control. While some double ensembles come as one unit with two separately controlled sides, many opt to purchase two units and place them side by side for couples.
Lifts and railings
General mobility aids such as lifts and railings can be positioned effectively throughout the home to assist with mobility. Such solutions include:
- Ramps for entries with steps
- Sturdy stairway railings
- Stairlifts for multi-story homes
Lift chairs
Lift chairs are designed to assist those who have trouble getting in and out of their seated position. Simple solutions include this Carex Upeasy Seat Assist – a portable, cushioned lifting seat that can support up to 340 pounds of weight to rise and lower into a seated position. It is also lightweight and features a carry handle, making it easy to use throughout the home or even when going out.
If you really want to go all-out deluxe, though, the Magic Unicorn Massage Chair is in a league of its own. It can be challenging to get out to visit a massage therapist, but with this stylish chair, you can enjoy a relaxing massage in the comfort of your own home. Plus, it features a power lift function that lifts its occupant into a standing position, reducing the risk of injury to anyone who struggles to get up out of a seated position independently.
Other handy aids for the elderly
There are so many products on the market these days that can significantly impact the safety and comfort of your day-to-day living as a senior, particularly if you have opted to age in place.
Some popular ideas for senior care include:
- Automatic safety ‘shut-off’ devices for appliances, such as those commonly used in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Talking clocks and watches for those with poor vision.
- Touch-tone telephones that feature larger buttons, text capability, and/or a speaker or other hands-free capability to assist those whose hearing is impaired.
- Reacher and grabber tools for those who have limited mobility and/or weak grip strength
- Specialized utensils for easy dining.
- Kitchen tools that assist with making food preparation activities such as peeling, cutting, dicing, and opening containers more manageable and safer.
- Adaptive shoes and clothing, featuring easy zippers and button pulls for easier self-dressing.
- Lumbar support pillows – seniors with mobility issues often spend many hours seated, so supporting their lower back is essential for optimal comfort and protection. The LoveHome Orthopedic Lumbar Support Pillow is made with memory foam with a durable mesh cover for comfortable back support.
- Recliners – recliners are fantastic for those with limited mobility as they make it easy to stand up and sit down, better still if you find a chair that will convert from a manual recliner to an electric one.
- Mobility equipment, from canes and walkers to motorized scooters.
- Baskets and other carrying solution attachments for mobility equipment.
- Wireless TV Headphones – when one household member is hard of hearing, high volumes can disturb others in the home. Wireless TV headphones, such as these from RCA, are a great solution, making it easy for those needing the volume up to enjoy their favorite shows without worrying about disturbing their loved one’s peace.
Assess an individual’s needs for the best outcome
There are so many designs in senior-friendly furniture and aids to make the daily lives of older adults more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. The options are virtually endless, so the most important thing is to prioritize what budget is available by assessing the most pressing needs of the individual.
Of course, some items, such as grip mats or personal alert systems, may be a given for seniors who are choosing to age in place. Still, others may have a far greater positive impact on day-to-day living than the next, so choose wisely, and check that whatever product you choose has received plenty of rave reviews.
This post was provided courtesy of Holly Klamer.
