Assistive Devices for the Elderly: Insider Tips to Increase Safety and Comfort at Home

Throughout growing older, assistive devices for the elderly can make day-to-day life around the house easier and safer. There’s a large selection of assistive equipment solutions for home care available today to choose from. At Harmony Home Health & Hospice, the top-rated Salt Lake City home health care providers, we want to provide you with some insider tips for picking out and using some of the most widely used assistive devices for the elderly.

Commodes  

A commode can be used in place of both an elevated toilet seat and a toilet safety frame, and also has the additional benefit of being movable, so can be used separately beside the senior’s bed as well.

Suggestions for buying:

• Try to choose one that includes non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs as opposed to wheels, and examine for durability.
• Choose a commode that comes with both a pail (including a lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).

Rollators

A rollator is a 4-wheeled walker that has brakes, a seat, and a basket. Rollators work very well, both in the house and outside, provide a seat when the senior needs to rest, and the basket allows users to carry items with them, keeping their hands free to guide the rollator.

Suggestions for buying:

• Bigger wheels are recommended, as they roll more easily on uneven ground and are overall sturdier.
• Select a compact, folding design so that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
• Test out the brakes prior to purchasing to make sure that they are not rigid or challenging to engage.
• Choose a rollator with a seat cushion for added comfort.
• Models that allow easy access to the basket while in the typical walking position are preferred.

Shower bench vs. shower board

A shower bench is useful for older adults who feel unsafe when lifting their legs over the side of the tub and considerably lowers the risk of falling when getting in and out of the bathtub.

The primary perks of shower benches over shower boards are that they come with backrests and are height adaptable. Having a taller surface makes standing up from a seated position easier, and backrests offer more support to older adults who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be challenging to fit correctly to a tub.

Suggestions for buying:

• Select a shower bench that includes a handle and backrest that can be modified to fit different sizes and types of bathtubs.
• Be sure to also invest in a high quality hand-held sprayer that connects to the faucet and is simple to use.

For more guidelines and insight on in-home assistive equipment products, or for home care services to help your loved one enjoy a better quality of life and boost senior safety in the home, contact Harmony Home Health & Hospice online or call us at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322). To see our full service area, click here.