For many people with senior parents living in their own homes, safety and mobility are constant worries. After all, unsteadiness and declining agility can result in falls with devastating injuries for the elderly. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls and trips account for most of the unintentional deaths and injuries among the elderly.

Apart from the risk of falls, tasks that were previously considered simple by seniors can become difficult to accomplish. They may require assistance with simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking their medication, performing personal hygiene or dressing up.

This makes assistive devices a godsend for seniors and their families and caregivers. These devices are fantastic resources to help the elderly maintain their daily routines and activities. At the same time, these devices encourage personal freedom while prolonging independent living. More families and caregivers are reaching out to mobility equipment manufacturers to equip their aging loved ones with the right assistive devices.

Assistive devices, such as stairlifts and walking canes, can help the elderly maintain their mobility, dignity and independence while enabling them to live out their years joyfully.

What are the Benefits of Assistive Devices?

Assistive technology can help the elderly in different ways, whether it be helping a stroke survivor communicate, a person living with dementia remembering certain things or a healthy older person who needs to secure their home.

Health can also be improved with pill dispensers, medication reminders and telehealth systems. Comfort and independence can be improved with visual and communication aids, virtual assistants and memory aids. Assistive technology can also be used for home security and safety – automated water and lighting, smart smoke alarms and doorbells and more.

What are Assistive Devices Do You Need at Home?

Walking Canes

These are the simplest assistive devices needed by the elderly in need of assistance with mobility. Walking canes are available in different styles and sizes. They are also the most affordable assistive devices in existence. Used properly, these canes lower the risk of trips and falls by improving the stability and balance of the elderly.

Canes are also effective at decreasing the amount of weight placed on the joints, which makes them popular assistive devices for people with arthritis, as well as the elderly who are recovering from surgery.

When choosing the right cane, consider the mobility needs of the user. Generally, single-point canes are ideal for seniors struggling with arthritis, as well as those with spinal cord or brain impairments. On the other hand, three and four-point canes are excellent options for the elderly who struggle with balance issues.

Stairlifts

Safely moving up and down the stairs can also increase the risk for trips and falls for seniors. Fortunately, stairlifts can help millions of older adults remain mobile and independent in their homes. They also offer a great alternative to placing your loved ones in an assisted living facility.

Professionals should install the stairlifts. For homes with a single, straight set of stairs, professionals may recommend the installation of a straight stairlift. For homes with curved stairs or multiple sets of straight stairs, a curved stairlift is recommended.

Two-Wheel Walkers

As the name implies, two-wheel walkers are walkers that use two wheels instead of the traditional four. Similar to canes, they can prevent falls and are ideal for seniors struggling with balance issues. Two-wheel walkers can support up to half of a person’s body weight.

Other benefits of two-wheel walkers include the following:

Activator Poles

These poles improve mobility and balance. They are also wonderful alternatives to walkers and canes. These poles are designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and stroke. The dual pole also offers stability for people who are recovering from knee or hip surgery.

These poles can be adjusted, which makes it easier for them to accommodate different body sizes and shapes. They can also be installed outdoors and indoors. Before you buy activator poles, visit the manufacturer’s website to determine the type of poles you can install, as well as to check the instructions.

Bottom Line

When it comes to promoting independent living for seniors, the elderly can choose from a variety of devices. Improving their home with assistive devices can make their home one of the healthiest places to live for your loved one.

Before you select a device, get in touch with a medical professional who can help your loved one and the family make the right decision based on their mobility needs and health condition.