Helpful Guidelines for Purchasing the Best Adaptive Devices
Throughout aging, assistive home care products can make daily life around the house simpler and less dangerous. There are many assistive items for home care available these days that can make seniors’ lives less hazardous and more secure. At Home & Hearth Caregivers, we aim to present you with some insider resources for buying and using a few of the most widely used pieces of home care equipment for senior care in Illinois.
Commodes
A commode can take the place of both a raised toilet seat and a toilet safety framework and has the further advantage of being mobile, so can be used independently at a bedside as well.
Guidelines for purchase:
- Look for one with non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs instead of wheels, and test for strength.
- Look for a commode that incorporates both a pail (with lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).
Rollators
A rollator is a four-wheeled walker that contains brakes, a seat, and a basket. They work effectively both inside and outdoors, provide seating when the older adult needs to rest, and the basket enables users to carry objects with them, keeping their hands free to work the rollator.
Guidelines for purchase:
- Larger wheels are better, as they roll easier on uneven surfaces and are generally more stable.
- Look for a light-weight, foldaway version so that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
- Test out the brakes before purchase to ensure that they are not stiff or hard to use.
- Look for a rollator with a padded seat for comfort.
- Models that allow easy access to the basket while in the standard walking position are preferred.
Shower bench vs. shower board
A shower bench is beneficial for older adults who feel insecure when lifting their legs over the side of the bathtub and greatly decreases the possibility of falling when getting into and out of the bathtub.
The primary advantages of shower benches over shower boards are that they have backrests and are height adaptable. Having a taller surface makes getting up from a seated position much easier and backrests provide more support to people who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be difficult to fit properly to a tub.
Guidelines for purchase:
- Search for a shower bench that has a handle and backrest that can be moved around to accommodate a variety of tubs.
- Make sure to also purchase a good hand held sprayer that connects to the faucet and is easy to use.
For further tips and insight on in-home care adaptive devices, feel free to contact Home & Hearth Caregivers, providers of top senior care in Illinois, by calling 800-349-0663.