For many individuals with senior parents who live in their own homes, mobility and safety is a constant worry. Declining agility and unsteadiness can result in falls with devastating injuries for seniors, as well tasks that were previously simple, such as getting out of bed, dressing or performing personal hygiene, may become increasingly difficult to accomplish.

Assistive devices are fantastic resources to help seniors maintain their daily activities and routines, while encouraging personal freedom and prolonging independent living.

Assistive Devices for Seniors

Many devices can restore confidence, increase mobility and provide family members with peace of mind that their loved one is safe. Learn more from our list of must-have assistive devices for seniors:

1. ACTIVATOR Poles

These specialized poles increase balance and mobility, and are a terrific alternative to canes and walkers. The dual poles offer lateral stability and are designed for individuals living with conditions such as chronic pain, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and stroke, or for people who are recovering from hip or knee surgery. Each pole has the capacity to bear up to 200 pounds of weight and offers a bell-shaped tip for stability and an ergonomically correct handle for core strengthening.

The poles are adjustable to accommodate all body shapes and sizes, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The developer’s website is a wealth of information and includes a variety of user guides and video instructions on how to get the most out of the poles.

2. Buttoning Aid Hook

This device is fantastic for seniors with arthritis, fine motor impairment or reduced dexterity. This tool is simple, with a hook and wire design and comfortable grip that allows the user to button blouses, jackets and pants easily, with only one hand.

3. Freedom Grip Bed Handle

The specialized bed handle makes getting out of bed safe. The handle securely attaches to any average height bed frame with a snap lock mechanism and the assembly is fast and simple with no tools necessary. The handle itself is non-slip and nine inches wide, allowing for a firm, stable grip. This is a must-have item for individuals with arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or vertigo.

4. Jobar Long Reach Comfort Wipe

Maintaining personal hygiene is deeply important for your senior loved one’s dignity and independence. This assistive device is ergonomically designed for people with limited dexterity or who have difficulty reaching. The Long Reach Comfort Wipe is over 15 inches long and equipped with a soft flexible head that securely grips moistened wipes or toilet paper. There is also a quick release function for fast, sanitary disposal.

5. Lively Wearable by GreatCall

This medical alert device is a wearable product with an urgent response button that can call for help whenever it is pushed. It is fashion forward and can be clipped onto clothing or worn around the neck or wrist, and can also be worn in the shower – where a significant number of falls occur. Lively Wearable has built in fall detection technology that will alert a Certified Response Agent if a fall is detected and family members can also be registered for notification if the button is pressed.

6. Reminder Rosie Recordable Alarm Clock

This unique alarm clock is voice controlled and a great device for seniors struggling with brain injury, dementia or memory loss. It is incredibly user friendly, without fussy buttons or difficult programming features and can be personalized with the voice of the user or their loved ones. It can be customized to set daily time-specific reminders for appointments or every-day tasks.

7. TV Ears

This audible device can be connected to a television and worn like a headset to hear dialog clearly, while reducing the volume for others in the room. The television can even be muted and listened to through the headset only. This will improve the experience for everyone in the room, while ensuring your senior loved one is still able to hear and enjoy their program.

8. Uplift Seat Assist

This assistive seating device can be used in conjunction with an armchair, love seat or sofa to manually lift the user into a standing position without overexertion or strain. This is an amazing device for people living with arthritis, coccyx pain or other joint ailments who struggle to rise from a seated position to standing without pain. The memory foam cushion is extremely comfortable and features a waterproof cover; it also folds flat for easy mobility and storage.

Assistive devices can greatly improve the independence and livelihood of your senior parent. By investing in items to help your loved one perform their daily activities, not only will you help to restore their freedom and mobility, you will also have peace of mind that they are comfortable and safe in their own home.

Reprinted from A Place for Mom.