Aging in place is the first choice for 77% of Americans over the age of 50. This can pose many challenges for home health care givers and families. However, seniors and their loved ones can choose from a wide range of adaptive devices designed to simplify everything from daily household chores to basic medical needs. In the following guide, take a look at a few ways seniors can remain independent well into their golden years.

An Introduction to Adaptive Devices for Seniors

Eating and Drinking

A common concern for those aging in place is dining. As the body ages, it becomes all the more important that it be supplied with essential nutrients and minerals to keep the organs strong and healthy.

Many seniors find it easier to achieve this goal through the use of adaptive utensils, such as those which have easy-to-grip handles or adjustable heads to make mealtimes simpler. You can pair these with rimmed plates and bowls to reduce spillage, and these can be fitted with grips on the bottom to keep dishes in place.

Mobility and Movement

As much as 35% of those aged 70 and over have some form of limited mobility. Not only can this make daily tasks difficult for older people, but limited mobility can significantly increase the risk of falling or slipping and suffering an injury.

For that reason, some of the most important adaptive devices used in home health care are those which help seniors increase or retain their range of motion and independent movement. Common devices include walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and stair lifts. Instruments such as reacher-grabbers, extendable bathing brushes, and dressing sticks can also be used to grab hard-to-reach items and dress and wash independently.

Personal Care

Personal considerations such as bathing and dressing are just as important for a senior’s overall health as they are for dignity and comfort. Some of the most valuable adaptive devices for these purposes include grab bars of all sizes and configurations.

These can be fitted around toilets, bathtubs, and sinks in order to make them safer and more stable to use. Toilets can also be fitted with seat risers to make it easier to get on and off, and showers with plastic seating to enable seniors to wash unassisted.

If you or an older loved one are in need of first-class home health care services, reach out to Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. These professional caregivers offer a wide range of services, including meal preparation and hygiene assistance, to help independent seniors throughout the area remain self-sufficient and healthy at all times. There’s also the option of arranging for regular nurse visits at home if your loved one doesn’t yet need a facility. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your needs, and visit them online to learn more about their services.