Throughout growing older, assistive home care equipment can make daily life around the house easier and safer. There’s a large selection of adaptive equipment solutions for home care available today that can improve senior safety and help aging adults to remain more comfortable at home. At Compassionate Care Home Health, we want to provide you with some insider advice for picking out and making use of some of the most widely used types of home care equipment.
Commodes
A commode may be used instead of both an elevated toilet seat and a toilet safety frame, and also has the added benefit of being movable, so can be used separately beside the senior’s bed as well.
Tips for purchasing:
- Try to find one that includes non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs in place of 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 comes with brakes, a seat, and a basket. Rollators work very well both inside the house and outside, offer a seat when the older person needs to take a break, and the basket makes it possible for users to carry things with them, keeping their hands free to maneuver the rollator.
Tips for purchasing:
- Larger wheels are advised, as they roll more easily on uneven ground and are overall more sturdy.
- Select a compact, folding model to ensure that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
- Test the brakes before purchasing to ensure that they are not stiff or difficult to use.
- Pick out a rollator with a seat cushion for extra comfort.
- Models that permit easy access to the basket while in the typical walking position are most appropriate.
Shower Bench vs. Shower Board
A shower bench is practical for older adults who feel unsafe when raising their legs over the side of the bathtub and substantially reduces the possibility of falling when getting in and out of the bathtub.
The major advantages of shower benches over shower boards are that they come with backrests and are height adjustable. Having a taller surface makes standing up from a seated position easier, and backrests supply more support to seniors who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be challenging to fit correctly to a tub.
Tips for purchasing:
- Choose a shower bench that comes with a handle and backrest that can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and types of tubs.
- Make sure to also invest in a good quality hand-held sprayer that connects to the faucet and is easy to use.
For further tips 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 enhance senior safety in the home, contact the top providers of elder care in Saginaw, MI and the surrounding area at Compassionate Care Home Health online or call us at 877.308.1212. See our full service area.