Adaptive aids aren’t just for care recipients, they’re also powerful for caregivers. They offer ways to decrease workload and to simply make life easier. In fact, the tools can make a huge difference.
It’s amazing to see how much one or two small things can change your day-to-day routine, giving you more time and energy.
As with adaptive aids for seniors, there are plenty of adaptive caregiving tools. We’re featuring a selection of styles in this post. Once again, the best approach is to consider what is relevant to your situation.
You can also check out the featured sites, particularly Silvert’s, Wright Stuff and Elder Depot. They all have a wide selection of product types that are broken down into categories.
Adaptive Clothing for Seniors and Caregivers
We talked about adaptive clothing previously. This can be a powerful way to promote independence. There is also another side to this clothing – the idea of assisted dressing.
With assisted dressing, the caregiver is helping the senior to dress. The process can be frustrating with regular clothing, especially when seniors have limited mobility. Adaptive clothing accounts for this. The clothing pieces have fasteners in more practical places.
The site Silvert’s is a very good place to look. Even if you don’t plan to buy from them, their selection can show you what is available. They also have an online catalog and physical catalog that you can view. The main areas to consider are:
Alarms and Monitors
Alarms and monitoring devices can be critical for keeping seniors safe. Some of them provide ways of being aware of the senior’s location, while others are used to alert caregivers in the case of a fall. While the idea can sometimes seem like a violation of privacy, most devices have a minimal impact on privacy, while significantly helping to promote health.
- GPS Devices. This type of device is very relevant for seniors with dementia and/or a tendency to wander. The tool can literally be lifesaving.
- Fall Alarms with Pressure Pads. Fall alarms can be used to alert you when a loved one falls or leaves the bed. They operate using sensors. The linked version only sends an alert to the caregiver’s device, there is no noise on the senior’s end. This type of device is particularly relevant in cases where seniors are unable to safely walk on their own.
- Paging System. This simple paging system is designed for use around the home and it is a brilliant idea. With it, seniors can call for support when needed, while also having their own independence. The system comes with two call buttons that can be worn as a pendant or mounted. It is entirely portable, with a range of roughly 150 feet.
Around the Home
There are many other device and tools that can help support caregivers. A good place to start is considering areas that take the most time and energy for you – along with any that may cause health risks. Once you have a sense of the areas that need to be targeted, it becomes easier to search for beneficial tools.
The items in the list below are particularly important areas of support and tools for caregivers.
- Transfer and Walking Belts. Belts, like this one, make it easier to support seniors as they are walking. They are simple tools, but they can make a large difference in mobility.
- Bathing Mitts. While this is a fairly simple product, a bathing mitt can make bathing easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
- Overbed Trays. These trays are similar to what you would see in a hospital. They provide an easy way to serve food to a senior who is in bed. They’re also simply good as portable tables for many situations.
- Transfer Tools. There are many different transfer tools, ranging from the simple to the complex. An interesting example is this bariatric transfer board. It is simple and very easy to use, yet strong enough to support up to 600 pounds.
- Headphones. Wireless headphones, like these ones, can make it easier for seniors to listen to television or other devices. The process is useful for caregivers too, meaning that there is less noise around the home.
Practical Services
Another area is services. Caregivers often end up going it alone, but there is support out there. Services can help to make caregiving much easier, such as by taking one task off your list or providing support at the home, rather than requiring the senior to go out.
There are many different areas to consider, but the following are a good place to start:
Seeing a Doctor at Home
There are some cases and services where doctors will come to the home. These programs are mostly local, so you’ll need to search for what is available in your area.
Senior centers may be able to give you guidance. This type of service makes regular doctor’s visits much easier. However, it is much better for ongoing health needs and not urgent situations.
Telehealth
This term refers to remote healthcare, often through the phone or other technology. It can be a way for seniors to get medical support without leaving the home.
The idea can promote health too, as it means that seniors get support sooner and are not exposed to potential infections during doctor’s office visits.
The recently signed CHRONIC Care Act provides additional funding and support in this area. Once again, services vary based on your local area.
Ride Sharing Services
Services like Uber and HopSkipDrive can provide inexpensive transport for seniors. The services can be powerful ways to get to and from doctor’s appointments. They can also help promote social interaction and independence, while giving you more free time.
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