It’s often not easy for elderly people to adapt to living alone or in an assisted living facility, especially if their cognitive and/or body functions are no longer as strong as they used to be. Seniors who are receiving end-of-life care typically require near-constant attention from professionals to carry out normal daily activities like walking, eating, and using the bathroom.
Aside from traditional caregivers, one key element to include as part of the process for assisting seniors is electronic devices. Smart devices can serve as incredibly effective resources for elderly patients to help them feel safe and at peace, which every older person deserves.
Here are some examples of top affordable devices for seniors living alone in 2020 and how they work, as recommended by geriatrics experts:
Focus on Simplicity and Safety
Certain products designed for seniors aren’t particularly high-tech. On the contrary, some of these aides are quite simple but can make a world of difference in giving an elderly person a greater sense of comfort.
One example of such a product is the Original Gorilla Grip bath mat. Seniors can easily slip and fall inside a bathtub if a low-quality mat is used. The Original Gorilla Grip mat, however, sticks more strongly to non-tiled surfaces than other similar products. It also prevents mold from forming and is machine washable.
According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans aged 65 or older falls annually. Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries that end up sending them to emergency departments each year. Additionally, more than 800,000 fall victims are hospitalized and over 27,000 die annually. Victims of falls will often suffer from severe depression and anxiety, as well as isolation.
Here are other simple products for seniors that can ensure greater safety:
- Reacher Grabber by Vive: This tool for reaching and taking things in high places (or behind furniture) can prevent seniors from sustaining back injuries, and it serves as an excellent alternative to stepping stools. This tool comes in lengths up to 32 inches, is made of incredibly durable steel wiring, and has a lifetime warranty.
- EZ Off Jar Opener: Even young, strong people sometimes struggle to open jars, so it’s not hard to imagine a senior will face difficulties with this task (especially if he or she suffers from arthritis). Fortunately, the EZ Off Jar Opener is easy to use and requires just one hand.
- Grab Bars: Just like the Gorilla Grip bath mat, grab bars can be a great tool for elderly individuals to use in areas like the bathroom where it is easy to slip. There are usually two types of grab bars available for sale: suction-based bars and ones that require installation. The former type is typically easier to install yourself.
- Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener: Just like jars, cans are sometimes hard to open as well. This automated tool gets the job done quickly and prevents unnecessary injuries.
Invest in Smart Devices For Seniors Living Alone
Aside from these simple tools for everyday tasks, more advanced technologies can also simplify the lives of seniors. Here are some examples of those devices:
- iRobot Smart Vacuum (Roomba): This compact device does the work of cleaning an area for you. It can be controlled from a smartphone, and it sweeps a room (both carpet and wooden floors) to get rid of dirt and garbage. Also, it can be paired with devices like Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa.
- GreatCall Mobile Phones: These revolutionary cellphones are perfect for elderly people with severe vision or hearing problems, and the Jitterbug model even comes in a flip phone format. Large buttons, a long-lasting battery, and a wide array of safety apps specifically created for seniors make this product a must.
- SVINZ Alarm Clocks for Seniors: These brands of clocks feature huge fonts (in yellow or white) to make reading easier and include the date and day of the week. Up to three alarms can be set each day, so seniors can use this both to wake up and to remind that when it’s time to take medication and to eat meals.
Other devices seniors can use include cordless electric kettles, large button phones, and shower chairs.
The Cloud Keeps You Connected
It’s always important to sync and back up these types of devices to your PC or laptop, in order to ensure every feature on them is working properly and remains up to date.
Why Medical Alert Systems Are Helpful
Medical alert systems are essential to help caregivers tend to their elderly loved ones in the event of a heart attack, stroke, fall, or other severe illness or injury. These emergency devices usually come equipped with GPS tracking, 24-hour surveillance, and two-way speakers. Some of them even include a free lockbox and an extra pendant.
How Comfort Care Helps
Speak to the experienced professionals at Comfort Home Care to learn more about the types of devices you can get to help your elderly loved one feel more secure. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Comfort Home Care has been serving seniors and disabled people in and near Montgomery County (including Bethesda, Potomac, and Silver Spring) since 1999.
Their services include in-home care, end-of-life care, respite in-home care, fall prevention, special needs care, and treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Care Managers are on call 24 hours each day. Comfort Home Care is dedicated to ensuring patients and their families receive extensive attention, regardless of their financial situation. Comfort works with several long-term care insurance companies, and needs assessments are conducted in order to determine costs. However, some agencies may add certain fees.
You’ll hardly find a more compassionate in-home care facility in your area. Call Comfort Home Care today at 301-984-7681 or contact them online to learn more about devices for seniors living alone or for a free in-home care assessment.
