Tips To Purchase Home Care Equipment That Keeps Seniors Safe

All through aging, assistive home care devices can make day-to-day life around the house less complicated and less hazardous. There's a broad selection of assistive equipment solutions for home care available today that can boost senior safety and help seniors remain much more comfortable at home. At New Horizons In-Home Care, our experts in home care in Albany and the surrounding areas would like to provide you with some insider advice for picking out and utilizing some of the most widely used pieces of home care equipment.

Commodes

A commode may be used in place of both a raised toilet seat and a toilet safety framework, and also has the added benefit of being movable, so it can be utilized separately at a bedside as well.

Tips for buying:

• Try to choose one that includes non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs as opposed to wheels, and check 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 has brakes, a seat, and a basket. Rollators work very well both within the house and outdoors, offer seating when the senior needs to take a rest, and the basket allows users to carry items with them, keeping their hands free to steer the rollator.

Tips for buying:

• Larger wheels are suggested, as they roll more efficiently on uneven ground and are overall more sturdy.
• Look for a compact, folding design which can fit in the trunk of a car.
• Test out the brakes before purchasing to make sure that they are not rigid or complicated to use.
• Choose a rollator with a cushioned seat for extra comfort.
• Models that allow easy access to the basket while in the normal walking position are best.

Shower bench vs. shower board

A shower bench is recommended for seniors who feel unsafe when raising their legs over the side of the tub and substantially decreases the possibility of falling when getting in and out of the bathtub.

The main advantages of shower benches over shower boards are that they include backrests and are height adaptable. Having a taller surface makes rising from a seated position easier, and backrests supply more support to older adults who tire more easily. Shower boards can also be complicated to fit correctly to a tub.

Tips for buying:

• Select 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 more ideas and insight on in-home assistive equipment products, or for home care Albany and the surrounding areas trust to help loved ones enjoy a better quality of life and enhance senior safety at home, contact New Horizons In-Home Care online or call us at 541-752-9059 in Corvallis, 541-687-8851 in Eugene, 503-400-3000 in Salem, or 541-997-8115 in Florence. To see our full service area, click here.