Aging Assistive Products

Independence and Mobility

Today's seniors want to be active and enjoy day-to-day living regardless of their, mobility and arthritis issues. They don't want to limit their activities and their independence just because their sight and movement are not as good as they used to be.

Many Products Are Now Available

In the past, the only products available to help senior living were for basic mobility. Canes, walkers and wheelchairs have been widely available from medical supply houses. But the senior had to rely on another person to help them with many basic dressing, bathing and cooking activities if their eyes, legs and hands could no longer perform the necessary functions without pain. They had to give up many fun activities like hobbies and travel because they could no longer see or move well enough to participate.

There is now a wide variety of aging assistive products available to help people regain their independence and confidence. You no longer have to go to a medical supply house to find what you need. Mainstream retailers like Sears and Bed, Bath & Beyond carry cooking and bath accessories. Amazon.com and Radio Shack carry big button remote controls and telephones. Cell phone companies are starting to carry cell phones and payment plans designed for seniors' needs.

Other day-to-day items help seniors conduct basic tasks alone.

Dressing

• Button fastener
• Bracelet Buddy
• Back zipper pull
• Long-handled shoe horn
• Sock puller

Bathing

• Lotion applicator
• Magnifying mirror
• Grab rails
• Elevated toilet seats
• Shower chairs
• Bathtub transfer benches
• Tub grab bar
• Handheld shower spray
• Step-in bathtub

Cooking

• Non-slip cutting board
• Easy-grip kitchen utensils
• Easy-grip knives
• Easy-grip silverware

Mobility

• Cane
• Rollator walker
• Scooter
• Wheelchair
• Portable ramp
• Uplift seat assist
• Lift chair

Personal Safety

• In-home medic alert systems
• Stepstool with handle

Everyday Living

• Grabber/reacher
• Large number photo telephone with amplifier
• Magnifying watch
• Easy-to-use cell phone
• Large print check register
• Talking calculator

Hobbies

• Playing card holder
• Needle threader
• Television remote with large buttons
• Rolling garden seat
• Hands free magnifier
• Large print books
• Audio books

At the Computer

Microsoft reports that two-thirds of adults will have trouble using their computer due to vision, hearing or dexterity impairments once they reach their 50s. Microsoft has developed a Guide for Aging Computer Users with numerous tips on how to adjust your computer to make it easier to use.

There are a wide variety of products available to help you whether you work or volunteer in an office or from your home office:

• Keyboard with larger letters
• Computer screen magnifier
• Voice-activated software

Great Gifts

Many of these products are low-priced. But, they have great value, since they can make a major difference in someone's life and in his or her ability to stay independent. These products make great gifts or can be combined with another gift. For example:

• For the reader – Pack a page magnifier with a book.
• For the cook – Build a gift basket with fresh fruits and vegetables and an OXO knife.
• 'For the cardplayer – Combine a playing card holder with playing cards.
• For the knitter – Bundle a hands-free magnifier with a gift card to the recipient's favorite yarn store.
• For the woman who loves fashions – Tuck a button fastener into a gift of a new blouse or sweater.
• For the dad or grandfather who has everything – Wrap together a long-handled shoe horn with a new pair of slippers.

Insurance Reimbursement

If you or a family member are having trouble with everyday activities, talk to your doctor. They will be able to recommend an assistive device.

Be sure to ask your doctor for a prescription for the device if you plan on seeking reimbursement from your insurance company. Medical plans will provide reimbursement for prescribed mobility aids such as wheelchairs. They often provide reimbursement for smaller daily living aids, too, such as bathroom assistance items.

Purchasing Aging Assistive Products

Your safety, or the safety of your loved one, depends on the reliability of the products purchased. Be sure to purchase high quality, well-constructed products from reputable retailers. Don't hesitate to return the item if you think it is unsafe or poorly constructed.

Some good resources include the following:

• Able Project Lower Cost Program – A non-profit organization offering significant savings on a limited number of mobility and assistive products.
• QVC – The QVC Gold Violin products are mobility and daily care items at moderate prices.
• LivingXL – Daily living items for the big and tall.
• Senior Store
• Allegro Medical
• Active Forever
• OnlineMedicalSupply.com
• Freedom Scientific – Topaz Desktop Video Magnifier
• Drug stores
• Medical supply stores
• Hardware or home improvement stores