During the course of growing older, assisted living devices can make everyday life around the home simpler and less hazardous. There’s a wide selection of adaptive equipment solutions for home care on the market today that can improve senior safety and help older adults remain much more comfortable at home. At CareFor, the leaders in senior care in San Marcos and the surrounding areas, we want to provide you with some insider advice for buying and utilizing some of the most widely used types of home care equipment.
Commodes
A commode can be used instead of both a raised toilet seat and a toilet safety framework, and also has the extra benefit of being mobile, so can be utilized separately at a bedside as well.
Tips for purchasing:
- Try to select one that comes with non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs rather than wheels, and examine for sturdiness.
- Pick a commode that comes with both a pail (including a lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).
Rollators
A rollator is a four-wheeled walker that comes with brakes, a seat, and a basket. Rollators work very well both inside the house and outdoors, provide a seat when the senior needs to take a break, and the basket makes it possible for users to carry items with them, keeping their hands free to guide the rollator.
Tips for purchasing:
- Bigger wheels are recommended, as they roll more easily on uneven ground and are overall more sturdy.
- Pick a compact, folding design so that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
- Test the brakes prior to purchasing to make certain that they are not stiff or challenging to engage.
- Choose a rollator with a seat cushion for additional comfort.
- Models that allow easy access to the basket while in the normal walking position are ideal.
Shower bench vs. shower board
A shower bench is beneficial for seniors who feel unsafe when raising their legs over the side of the bathtub and dramatically decreases the risk of falling when getting in and out of the tub.
The major advantages of shower benches over shower boards are that they include backrests and are height adaptable. Having a taller surface makes rising from a seated position easier, and backrests offer more support to seniors who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be difficult to fit correctly to a tub.
Tips for purchasing:
- Pick a shower bench that comes with a handle and backrest that can be modified to fit different sizes and types of tubs.
- Make sure to also invest in a quality hand-held sprayer that connects to the faucet and is simple to use.
For more suggestions and insight on in-home assisted living devices, care management services, or at home senior care in San Marcos and nearby communities to help your loved one enjoy a better quality of life and enhance senior safety at home, contact CareFor online or call us at (512) 338-4533. To see our full service area, click here.