As our loved ones age, they may find it more challenging to perform everyday tasks and maintain a high quality of life. Promoting independence is key in helping them achieve this, whether alone or in a senior community.
Daily living aids designed for older adults are invaluable tools that help with various daily activities, ensuring they live comfortably, safely, and with dignity. These aids also offer adult children peace of mind. Examples of daily living aids can include mobility, communication, kitchen, bedroom, self-care, medication, hearing, vision, and safety aids.
What Are Daily Living Aids?
Daily living aids and assistive devices are tools or technologies that help older adults perform certain everyday functions to make them easier and safer. With daily living aids, older adults can lead healthy, productive, confident, and independent lives and reduce the risk of falls, injuries, and disability.
Who Can Benefit from Daily Living Aids?
Daily living aids can help with age-related and other physical challenges, including:
- Disabilities
- Conditions such as diabetes and stroke
- Cognitive decline
- Gradual functional decline
Types of Daily Living Aids
Several types of daily living aids are available for rooms in a home that are most used.
Bathroom Aids
Bathrooms can be tricky terrains, especially for those with reduced mobility. Bathroom aids include grab bars in the shower and near the toilet that offer stability and help prevent slips and falls.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids for use in and out of the home include canes and walkers for extra support when walking. Rollators with built-in seats and storage are excellent for those who require intermittent rests.
Wheelchairs are also ideal for those with severe mobility disabilities. Mobility scooters have handlebars or steering wheels to control direction, are typically battery-powered, and are suitable for older adults who can’t use a manual wheelchair.
Communication Aids
Those with hearing and speech impairments can benefit from communication aids. Hearing aids help older adults with hearing loss, and speech-generating devices help them express themselves better, especially those who cannot speak.
Assistive listening devices are also helpful as they feature voice amplifiers for older adults who struggle to hear. Visual aids include large-button phones, tablets with simplified interfaces, and magnifying glasses that help older adults read and see clearly.
Self-Care Aids
Maintaining personal hygiene can be challenging for older adults as they age, but self-care aids can help. These include shower chairs, bathtub lifts, raised toilet seats, and transfer benches, which increase safety and comfort.
For added convenience, invest in non-slip bath mats. There are also dressing aids, such as sock and shoe horns, elastic shoelaces, and button hook and zipper pulls that help with dressing independently.
Kitchen Aids
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and maintaining independence in this space is paramount. Adaptive utensils with ergonomic handles and non-slip grips can make meal preparation easier. Electric can openers and jar openers can reduce the physical effort cooking requires.
Bedroom Aids
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall well-being. Adjustable beds allow older adults to find the most comfortable sleeping position. Bed rails provide support when getting in and out of bed, ensuring safety during bedtime routines. Additionally, older adults can use easy-to-use remote controls for lights and fans, minimizing the need for getting in and out of bed.
Medication Aids
Managing medications can be complicated for older adults with multiple prescriptions, but medication aids can help simplify the process. Pill organizers are handy tools that help organize medication by the day of the week and time of day. Medication reminders and dispensers can also be programmed to send notifications when it’s time to take medication.
Safety Modifications
Safety modifications to the home can include installing a ramp for wheelchairs and scooters, a stairlift for going up and down the stairs, and handrails for support and stability.
Technology Aids
Technology has become a powerful ally in promoting independence. Smart home devices like voice-activated assistants, automated lights, and security cameras enhance safety and convenience. Medical alert systems with fall detection are invaluable, immediately alerting services for assistance in emergencies when you can’t reach a phone.
Nurturing Independence with Support
Aging can be challenging as many older adults often need assistance performing everyday tasks. But daily living aids can make it easier and help empower us to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Contact All American Assisted Living at Hanson if you’re looking for a balance between care and independence for a loved one. Or schedule a tour to see our community in person and learn about our lifestyle options and services.
