Senior Safety Tips

Services for Independent Living

March 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Services for independent living are available to help people stay in their home longer than they would be able to otherwise. Williams Lifts provides one of those types of services through mobility equipment, which I will go into in more detail later.

For the most part, this article will shine a light on other types of services for independent living– such as independent living skills training, in-home aids, and agencies that can provide independent living resources. Here is a look at each of these types of services.

An Overview of Services for Independent Living

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent living skills training is designed to help people increase their self-reliance and independence. Through various training programs, individuals can maximize their ability to lead happy and productive lives in their own homes and communities.

Training programs are typically developed to meet the specific needs of an individual, which is why it’s important to first establish goals that should be achieved through training. Training goals could include, but are certainly not limited to:

Learning how to create a budget, manage money, and establish a routine for paying bills.
Improving household management skills such as meal planning, cooking, safety, and personal hygiene.
Understanding one’s rights as a consumer and becoming more assertive when exercising those rights.
Utilizing community transportation and other available services.

Training can take place one-on-one in an individual’s home. Alternatively, group training programs are also available which come with the added benefit of regular social activity.

Independent Living Aids

In-home aids are designed to help individuals do more on their own in daily home life. From protecting personal safety to performing tasks, independent living aids can help people accomplish more with less assistance from others. Examples of in-home aids include:

Bathroom Aids: Safety bars to hold onto in slippery areas, bath and shower chairs to prevent falls, raised toilet seats for easier sitting and standing.
Bedroom Aids: Rollaway bedside tables, bedside rails, dressing sticks.
General Living Aids: Pill organizers, reaching sticks, safety alarms.

Thanks to advancements in connected technology, in-home aids are a rapidly developing product category right now. Knowing how to use a modern day smartphone can open up a world of new options. Learning how to do something as simple as making video calls can vastly improve quality of life when aging in place.

Independent Living Agencies

Individual states and communities have their own independent living agencies that are dedicated to helping elderly and disabled people live independently in their own home. People can turn to these agencies for resources, peer support, advocacy, and transition services.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids, such as ramps and stairlifts, can be installed in and around one’s home to help individuals move around more freely and overcome obstacles. One of the key services for independent living provided by Williams Lifts is sales and installation of such equipment.

Alternatively, people can rent equipment from us on a month-to-month basis. This also includes installation and removal of equipment. Renting is an ideal option when you’re not yet ready to buy, or only need the equipment for a limited period of time. For more information, please look into our stairlift rentals.

National Family Caregiver Support Program: An Overview of Services Available

February 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is dedicated to assisting caregivers with grants and funding so they can care for older adults in their home as long as possible. It has been around since 2000, and funding is allocated to states based on their share of the population age 70 and over.

Caregivers can turn to the National Family Caregiver Support Program when they need help with:

Acquiring information about how to be a family caregiver
Gaining access to services
Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training
Respite care
Supplemental service

Services provided by the National Family Caregiver Support Program have been shown to reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress thereby extending the length of their care.

Who is Eligible for the National Family Caregiver Support Program?

Specific types of caregivers are eligible to receive services through the NFCSP, as of the 2016 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. They include:

Caregivers, including adult family members, providing care to individuals 60 years of age and older.
Caregivers, including adult family members, providing care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Non-parent relatives age 55 and older providing care to children under the age of 18
Parents and relatives, age 55 and older, providing care to adults ages 18-59 with disabilities.

In order to receive access to available programs and services, family caregivers of elderly are asked to present their unique needs to the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Available programs and services vary among states and communities. The most frequently requested services include:

Access Assistance Services: Helps caregivers locate services from a variety of private and voluntary agencies.
Counseling and Training Services: Provides caregivers with counseling, peer support groups, and family caregiver training to help cope with the stress that comes with caregiving.
Respite Care Services: Provides temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities, either at home or in an institutional setting.

Services provided by the NFCSP have proven to be effective at helping older adults live at home longer. Caregivers who have received access to services report that the services helped them to become a better caregiver— being able to provide care for a longer period of time than would have been possible otherwise.

In Summary

There is no denying that being a family caregiver is a tough job, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Support programs and services exist in every state because it’s necessary to care for the caregivers as well. Selfless caregivers are honored every year during national family caregiver’s month, but rest assured that support is offered year-round.

Looking after a caregiver’s well-being is of the utmost importance because a healthy caregiver means the care recipient can stay in their own home for up to three times longer. Never neglect your own self-care in the pursuit of caring for loved ones, because your physical and mental health can affect theirs as well. Help exists for a reason.

If you found this article helpful, you might also appreciate our article on self-care tips for caregivers.

Aging in Place Technology: Aging in Place Home Modifications to Help You Live at Home Longer

January 1, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Aging in place technology is designed to help seniors stay in their own home as they get older. This is accomplished with a combination of modern day devices as well as aging in place home modifications.

In this article, I will go over several pieces of technology that are key to independent living, as well as the different modifications that can help seniors move through their home without any obstacles.

Aging in Place Technology & Aging in Place Home Modifications

Seniors have greater access to aging in place technology today than ever before. This includes high-tech monitoring systems and personal gadgets that can help seniors live independently. In addition to providing numerous benefits to the individuals using the technology, it also provides peace of mind to family members. Moreover, it’s much more affordable to invest in aging in place technology compared to moving into an assisted living environment.

Here is an overview of some of the key pieces of aging in place technology that every senior should have in their home.

Sensors
Smart sensors can be placed around the home to alert family members and caregivers of a loved one’s activity. So instead of calling dad to check whether he’s been up, had his breakfast, and taken his pills— motion sensors placed in the living room, kitchen, and medicine cabinet can reassure you that everything is ok.

Emergency Pendants
An emergency pendant is a piece of technology, usually worn as a necklace, that can be pressed in case of an emergency. Emergency pendants can be programmed to call either 911 or a family member. With one press of a button, a call is made and either 911 or a family member is alerted that something is wrong.

Electronic Medication Dispensers
An electronic medication dispenser also acts as a medication reminder system. It sets off an alarm when it’s time to take medication, and dispenses exactly what is needed for that time of day. This will help ensure medication is taken as required throughout the day and a dose is never missed.

Video Calls
Internet-connected videos cameras are now as common as telephones. They’re on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even built into some computer monitors. A video call can be a much more effective way to keep in touch with family members without having to leave the home. Doctors are even seeing patients via video calls these days, which can eliminate another need to leave the house.

Home Modifications by Williams Lifts

Aging in place home modifications refers to the type of products and services Williams Lifts specializes in. Modifications can be made to a senior’s home to help him or her overcome various obstacles. This can include tools such as stair lifts to get up and down stairs easier, or modular ramps for entering and exiting the home in a wheelchair.

Here is a list of different kinds of aging in place home modifications, along with links where you can get more information about them.

In Summary

A combination of aging in place home modifications, and technological devices, can help seniors live comfortably in their own homes well into their old age. For more information about the home modifications offered by Williams Lifts, please request a free brochure or contact us directly.

National Family Caregivers Month 2017: Caregiving Around the Clock

November 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

November is National Family Caregivers Month, which is a month dedicated to recognizing and honoring family caregivers across the nation.

Every year a different theme is selected for National Family Caregivers Month by the Caregiver Action Network. The theme for 2017 is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”

National Family Caregivers Month was established to:

Raise awareness of issues that are unique to family caregivers
Celebrate the hard work of family caregivers
Drum up support for family caregivers
Educate family caregivers on how to take care of themselves.

The theme of “Caregiving Around the Clock” recognizes those who make caregiving a 24/7 job. For some individuals, the job of being a caregiver never ends, such as those who provide care to seniors with Alzheimer’s or children with special needs.

Here are a number of eye-opening family caregivers statistics about those who provide care non-stop — or ‘around the clock’ if you will.

National Family Caregivers Month: Family Caregivers Statistics

Over 90 million Americans are family caregivers, with a large number having to provide care on a 24/7 basis.

Family caregivers are, on average, working mothers of school-aged children. This can make life difficult to balance, as they have to juggle work responsibilities with caregiving responsibilities.

It can be so difficult to balance that family caregivers often have to cut back on their hours at work, take unpaid leave, or even quit jobs completely.

Six out of ten family caregivers work either full-time or part-time jobs in addition to providing care to their loved one.

One of the greatest challenges faced by family caregivers, which most people don’t consider, is managing medications.

Being a family caregiver means much time is spent managing medications. Statistics show the family caregiver is the one managing medications 70% of the time, and perhaps, even more, depending on the severity of the condition.

Since medication is something that has to be taken throughout the day, managing a loved one’s meds can be an around the clock job in and of itself.

Family Caregivers Support

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but we must also recognize the potential risks of being an all-day caregiver. This can include stress, poor health, and burnout.

With one of the goals of family caregivers month being to educate caregivers on how to better themselves, the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) has some specific recommendations for around the clock care providers.

Nutrition is key to maintaining the strength, energy, and positivity required to provide all-day care. Caregivers should always set aside time to enjoy a good meal.

Moreover, CAN reminds caregivers to take time for themselves in general. It helps to rest and recharge in order to provide the same level of care day in and day out.

When a caregiver is in good health, the care recipient can stay in their own home up to three times longer.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that family caregivers should be honored year-round, but at the very least take time throughout the month of November to recognize and celebrate these individuals who dedicate their lives to providing care around the clock.

Choosing the Right Residential Wheelchair Ramp

September 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Careful thought must be put into choosing the right residential wheelchair ramp, because there are many variables to consider. Seeking the assistance of an experienced dealer, like Williams Lifts, can help you make the decision that’s best for your needs.

In this article we will go over the variables you need to take into consideration before purchasing a residential wheelchair ramp, as well as describe the different types of house wheelchair ramps that are available to you. From there, you’ll be on your way to choosing the ramp that’s best for you.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Length

Ramp length is one of the first things you should take into consideration – not only for your own needs, but to stay within compliance of building codes for wheelchair ramp slope. Keep in mind that building codes do not apply to residential wheelchair ramps, but they do apply to all other types.

Building codes state there should be at least one foot of length for every inch of rise, which is a fairly easy calculation to make. For example, a 10 inch rise should have a 10 foot ramp, and so on.

Although there are no building code requirements for portable ramps, most manufacturers recommend one foot of ramp for every 2 inches of rise. That means a 5 foot ramp with a 10 inch rise should be sufficient for most users.

In all instances, whether the ramp is portable or not, the longer it is the easier it will be to use. Shorter ramps can be a challenge because they will invariably have a steeper slope than longer ramps.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Weight Capacity

Another variable that is important to a user’s safety is the ramp’s weight capacity. Needless to say, exceeding weight capacity could lead to the ramp giving out and causing an accident.

You must consider all things that add weight to your person while using your wheelchair, and of course the weight of the wheelchair itself.

There is generally not much to worry about when it comes to manual wheelchairs because they usually weigh no more than 50 lbs. Power wheelchairs are the primary concern here.

When it comes to power wheelchairs, the weight of the machine, its weight once batteries are added, and also the weight of the machine once additional features like power tilt or recline are added.

A power wheelchair that’s advertised as weighing 300lbs could weigh as much as 600lbs by the time it’s delivered.

Lastly, you must also consider the weight of any additional items that may be added to your person. This may include heavy clothing, bags, purses, water bottles, etc.

Weight capacity of different ramp types will vary by manufacturer, so make sure you inquire about the maximum capacity before deciding on a wheelchair ramp.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Types

Residential wheelchair ramp types include:

Threshold ramps
Portable ramps
Tri-fold ramps
Modular ramps
Pathway ramps

Rather than repeating the differences between them here, we encourage you to visit our full write-up about wheelchair ramp types.

Conclusion

Ramp length, weight capacity, and ramp type are the main variables to consider before purchasing a wheelchair ramp. If you need further assistance please contact us or leave a comment below.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Staying Safe in and Around the Home

August 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

As one ages, it’s necessary to become familiar with fall prevention in the elderly. Whether you need to learn more about this for your own safety, or for the safety of loved ones, knowing more about the causes of falls in seniors can help you prevent them.

That’s exactly what I’m going to cover in this post. I will identify some of the most common causes of falls in seniors, and go over safety considerations for preventing those types of falls. By the end of this article, you will be that much more educated about fall prevention in the elderly.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Common Causes of Falls in Seniors

Most falls are preventable once you know what causes them. Falls often occur in one’s own home, which means you can put necessary measures in place to ensure safety.

Going Up and Down Staircases

One of the top places where major falls occur is staircases. We specialize in preventing falls while going up and down stairs by offering the best stair lifts on the market. If it’s in your budget, a stair lift is the number one way to prevent falls on staircases.

Regularly maintaining stairs is also recommended. That means regular cleaning and vacuuming. It’s even better if you can secure your stairs with a non-slip surface.

A well-lit staircase is important in order to stay safe while going up and down stairs at night. You should be able to turn lights on and off with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. For added protection you could use portable, motion-activated lights in stairwells without adequate lighting.

Slippery Floors

Any room in the house where water could come into contact with the floor poses a potential risk for falls. This primarily includes the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. Adding a non-slip surface can prevent falls on slippery floors.

Water on floors isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to preventing falls in the elderly. Rugs are a hazard as well. All area rugs should be securely fastened to the floor to ensure they can’t be tripped over.

Reaching Hazards

Overextending one’s reach is another one of the main causes of falls in seniors. Frequently used items should be stored on shelves that are easy to reach.

If absolutely necessary, ensure there’s a step stool with a safety rail in the home for reaching items higher up.

Storing heavier items on the lowest shelves is also recommended. This helps prevent falls that could occur from being overwhelmed by the weight of an item.

Outdoor Falls

Of course, falls can and do occur outdoors as well. Outdoor falls can be prevented with a number of different devices. We recommend reading our guide on mobility aids to learn more about that.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Conclusion

Stairs, slippery floors, and trying to grab items out of reach are some of the most common causes of falls in seniors within the home. For more information about how to prevent falls outdoors please refer to our guide on mobility aids linked to above.

Mobility Aids for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Mobility aids for seniors can help restore the freedom and independence of moving about on one’s own. They are typically required on a temporary basis if the individual is recovering from an injury, or on a more long-term basis if the individual has permanent mobility challenges.

There’s a variety of mobility aids for seniors on the market, each of which is designed to serve a unique purpose. Some mobility aids for the elderly are designed to improve balance and stability. Others are designed to help an individual walk straight and maintain an upright posture. There are also mobility aids designed to reduce muscle and joint pain by redistributing weight carried by the legs.

One thing every mobility aid has in common is the positive effect they have on seniors’ self-confidence. Knowing you can move about freely without the assistance of others is like opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

This article will discuss the types of mobility aids for seniors that are available. Some of which are available at Williams Lifts, while others will have to be sought out from another vendor. The main point of this article is to educate you on what you may need for a given situation, whether it’s from us or not.

Types of Mobility Aids for Seniors

Stair Lifts
Stair Lifts assist individuals who cannot get up and down stairs on their own. They are powered chairs which are installed on a track opposite the railing. You simply sit in the chair while it safely and securely moves you from one floor to another.

Ramps
Ramps assist individuals with limited mobility when they need help getting from one level to another. Ramps could be as simple as a threshold ramp for getting over door frames, or large modular ramps that wheelchair users can have installed outside their homes.

Power Recliners
If getting in and out of your favorite chair has become more taxing than relaxing, a power recliner may be able to help you. They are ultra comfortable reclining chairs that do all of the work for you. They can get you from a standing position to a seated position, and vice versa, all while exerting little of your own energy.

Canes
Canes are designed for individuals who have difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. They’re available either as walking sticks (one point at the bottom), tripod canes (three points), or quad canes (four points). Which one is right for you will depend on how much added assistance you need while walking.

Walkers
Walkers are designed for individuals who have exceptional difficulty maintaining their balance when standing upright. They distribute more of a person’s weight throughout the frame than any cane is capable of. Walkers are available in models with 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or no wheels at all.

Crutches
Of all the mobility aids for seniors we’ve gone through so far, crutches are unique in that they require the recommendation of a medical professional in order to use them. Crutches are used in pairs and are typically designed for recovering from short-term injuries. They require good coordination in order to use them properly, so they’re not recommended for people with poor balance.

Conclusion

At Williams Lifts we’re happy to offer a selection of stair Lifts, ramps, and power Recliners. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, you’re welcome to contact us or visit our showroom for an in-person demonstration.

Cerebral Palsy and Mobility: How Assistive Devices Can Enhance the Lives of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

June 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that is caused by injury or malformation to a child’s brain while it is still under development. Cerebral palsy and mobility are closely linked because it is a disorder which affects muscle coordination and body movement.

Cerebral palsy is a motor disability. It can restrict a person’s mobility in a number of ways with how it affects coordination, reflexes, posture, and sense of balance. In fact, it is the most common motor disability in children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

An individual with cerebral palsy may also have problems with hearing and vision, or intellectual disabilities. For the purpose of this article, we’re just going to focus on cerebral palsy and mobility. In addition to providing information on how the disease affects mobility, we’ll go over the types of cerebral palsy assistive devices available.

Cerebral Palsy and Mobility

Individuals with cerebral palsy will almost always show signs of a physical disability, but not everyone will exhibit the same limitations. A person’s movement dysfunction could vary by location of the body, the number of limbs affected, and extent of disability.

Cerebral palsy is unique to each individual, but it typically affects a person’s ability to control their own muscles. This could involve:

Muscles contracting too much
Muscles contracting too little
All muscles contracting at once
Stiff limbs
Involuntary movements
Trembling
Difficulty with balance, posture, and coordination

The extent to which one is afflicted by cerebral palsy will also vary from one individual to another. While some may experience slight movement tremors, others might have issues with completely paralyzed limbs.

Issues with cerebral palsy and mobility will not go away over time, but they can be made more manageable with the right equipment. In the next section, we’ll go over a variety of cerebral palsy assistive devices which can help make life easier.

Cerebral Palsy Assistive Devices

An individual with cerebral palsy will typically rely on assistive devices to get around throughout the day. Below are some of the types of cerebral palsy assistive devices available:

Wheelchairs: These are helpful for people with extreme difficulty walking. Depending on the nature of the person’s disability, a powered wheelchair may be required due to movement limitations preventing the use of a manual wheelchair.
Grab rails: These are helpful for people who struggle with balance and/or strength. Install in areas that are prone to slips and falls, like a shower for example.
Stairlifts: Products such as those offered by Acorn lifts are helpful for people who find it difficult to climb staircases. Stairlifts offer secure and effortless movement from one floor to another and can be easily installed to fit any staircase.
Ceiling lifts: These are helpful for people who need extra assistance transferring themselves from bed to a wheelchair. The devices are mechanical, so they can lift the person without them having to use their own strength.
Walkers: These are helpful for people who have difficulty walking, but do not require the assistance of a full wheelchair. They are designed to keep a person walking upright while supporting their balance and stability. Here’s more information about different types of walkers.

About Acorn Lifts

For those in need of cerebral palsy assistive devices, we always recommend looking at those offered by Acorn Lifts. Not only do they provide some of the best assistive devices, but they are a company that is truly dedicated to assisting those with cerebral palsy. Here is a story about how Acorn Lifts provided life-changing assistance to a young child with cerebral palsy.

For more information about cerebral palsy assistive devices or Acorn lifts, we invite you to contact us directly.

ADA Handrail Specifications

March 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for ADA handrail specifications for wheelchair ramps, please see this post. The following article discusses ADA specifications for handrails used inside the home — specifically in the bathtub and near the toilet.

ADA handrail specifications are a set of guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which installers are encouraged to follow when adding handicap handrails inside a residential dwelling or commercial establishment.

In this post, we will clearly outline the specifications recommended by the ADA for installing handrails in and around the bathroom.

ADA Handrail Specifications: In and Around the Bathroom

Handrails Near the Toilet
When installing handicap handrails near the toilet, it is recommended to have one on the side wall as well as the rear wall. The handrail on the side wall should be a minimum length of 42 inches and placed 12 inches from the rear wall. The distance from the rear wall to the end of the side rail should be 54 inches minimum. The handrail on the rear wall behind the toilet should be a minimum of 36 inches long, with a minimum distance of 12 inches from the water closet.

Roll-in Type Shower Compartments
Roll-in shower compartments are specially modified showers where the individual can roll-in and comfortably transfer themselves to a seated position within the shower. These types of shower compartments should be a minimum 36 inches by 36 inches inside, with a 36-inch opening. Handrails are required on the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Handrails are not required to be installed above the seat. The space between the wall and the handrail should be 1.5 inches. The space between the handrail and projecting objects below and at the ends should also be a minimum of 1.5 inches. The space between the handrail and projecting objects above should be a minimum of 12 inches.

Bathtubs With Permanent Seats
Handrails are required on both the back wall and control end wall within a bathtub with permanent seats. Two handrails should be installed horizontally on the back wall. The first handrail should be 33 inches minimum and 36 inches maximum above the floor, while the other should be installed 8 inches minimum and 10 inches maximum above the rim of the bathtub. On the control end wall, the handrail should be a minimum 24 inches in length at the front end of the bathtub (the side with the faucets).

Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats
A bathtub without permanent seats requires handrails on the back wall, control end wall, and head end wall. The ADA handrail specifications for the back wall are identical to the back wall specifications for bathtubs with permanent seats. Specifications are also identical for the handrail installed on the control end wall. On the head end wall, the handrail should be a minimum 12 inches in length and installed at the front edge of the bathtub.

Conclusion

Adhering to ADA handrail specifications is necessary to ensure the safety of individuals not only in the bathroom but anywhere handrails need to be installed. For more information about ADA specifications, you can see the organization’s official documentation here.

Handicap Aids for the Home

February 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

There are numerous handicap aids for the home which can make it easier to get around and regain that feeling of independence. We’re confident you can find the right tool to assist you in this list of handicap aids we have put together.

Handicap Aids: Around The House

These handicap aids are designed to assist you in your daily home life. Whether it’s getting around or performing tasks, these tools can help you accomplish more with less effort.

Stairlifts

If stairs have become an obstacle, you can overcome them with a stairlift. Stairlifts help you travel up and down stairs on a mechanical track in a seated position. This eliminates the effort involved with walking up and down the stairs and greatly reduces the risk of injuries that can be sustained from falling down stairs. Stairlifts can be installed to fit just about any stairwell with minimal modifications. For more information, please inquire here.

Ramps

For wheelchair-bound individuals, wheelchair ramps are one of the most essential handicap aids available. Modular wheelchair ramps can help you get in and out of your home with ease, while threshold ramps can help you get through doors and other raised ledges.

Reclining Lift Chairs

When leisure time is no longer as relaxing as it once was, it may be time to look into a reclining lift chair. Even the best La-Z-Boy on the market is a struggle to get in and out of if it’s not powered. With reclining lift chairs being electronically powered, you can use a remote control to raise the seat height to a comfortable level. Then gently ease yourself into the chair, and use the remote to lower it again. This helps take pressure off the muscles and joints when sitting and standing.

Reaching Aids

You’ve just settled into your favorite power recliner and are ready to relax for the evening. Hold on a minute, the remote is just out of arm’s reach. Not to worry, with a reaching aid by your side you won’t have to get up! Reaching aids can help you reach, lift, and move things closer to you while exerting minimal effort. They’re also great for grabbing items from tall shelves.

Bedroom Aids

We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping. Our beds should be as comfortable, safe, and secure as possible. In other words, a place where you can look forward to laying down at the end of a long day. A simple over-the-bed table is a versatile tool that can be used however you need it. Anything you need to have accessible from your bed can be placed on the table and rolled away when you’re done. Bedside rails are also recommended for those with limited mobility who may be at risk of injury.

Pill Organizers

Pill organizers help to reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with taking your medication. Modern-day pill organizers can not only separate your medication by date and time, they can sound an alarm when it’s time to take your next dose. In order for the medication to be effective, it has to be taken as prescribed, and you can help ensure that happens by having a tool for keeping it all organized.

Handicap Aids: In the Bathroom

A list of handicap aids for the home would not be complete without taking into consideration something as crucial as the bathroom. The potential for slips, falls, and injuries in the bathroom are greater than perhaps any other room in the house. Tools, like handicap toilet aids and others, will help reduce those risks.

Safety Bars

Safety grab bars are an essential bathroom aid. They can be installed anywhere there’s a potential for for someone to fall, or wherever an individual needs extra assistance with getting up and down. These places tend to include the inside of a shower, the side of a bathtub, or on the wall beside a toilet. Safety bars provide people with limited mobility something to grab onto if they slip, or assistance if they just need help getting out of the tub after a warm bath.

Bath and Shower Chairs

These bathroom aids almost go hand in hand with safety bars, because if you need one there’s a probability you’ll also need the other. Safety bars can help you get into the bathtub or shower, they provide something to hold onto in the event of a slip and fall, but shower chairs can help prevent falls altogether. These are especially recommended if the individual has difficulty standing for long periods of time. Instead, they can sit comfortably as they freshen up in the morning.

Long Handle Bath/Shower Brushes

Long handle brushes provide assistance to those with limited mobility by giving them the ability to wash difficult-to-reach parts of the body without overexerting themselves. Places like the back of the neck, lower back, legs, and feet can be a challenge to wash if you can’t reach them on your own. Long handle brushes help ensure that a person can bathe independently and stay clean from head to toe.

Handicap Toilet Aids

Raised toilet seats are common handicap toilet aids. They increase the height of a toilet seat, making it easier for a person to sit or stand. The standard height of a toilet seat is around 14 inches, handicap toilet aids increase the height to about 18 inches. This height is more optimal for the average adult and will reduce stress on the knees when sitting and standing. Other handicap toilet aids we recommend are the previously mentioned safety bars, which provide something to hold onto as the person is in the process of sitting or standing.

Conclusion

With assistance in common areas of the home, as well as private areas like the bedroom and bathroom, handicap aids can help a person stay independent all throughout their day.