As we age and certain conditions progress, we may need to incorporate assistive devices into our lives. These can range from hearing aids to shower chairs. For your specific condition, you will want to talk to your doctor and physical therapist about what they recommend. You can also ask around in online and in-person support groups for your specific condition about what other people have used and like. But I want to do a quick overview of common assistive devices that we commonly see in homecare.

Bathroom Devices

This is a pretty broad category and includes devices like grab bars in the shower or next to the toilet, raised toilet seats, and shower chairs. Toileting and showering can be difficult not only from a pure mobility standpoint, but also in stamina. An older adult may be able to independently shower in a shower chair but they are not able to stand for the length of the shower without risking a fall. These things can be so important in preserving the independence of older adults.

Vision and Hearing Devices

This category covers glasses and hearing aids and even closed captioning on the television. It covers anything that would help someone suffering from hearing or vision loss later in life. These devices can be the hardest to help people adopt because it can be a point of personal pride. It can be hard for someone who has never had hearing issues to accept not only that they need hearing aids, but that they are not a negative thing to need. Needing them is value neutral, but using them can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Mobility Devices

These can range from walkers and wheelchairs to chair lifts for stairs. They are often adopted because they reduce falls and give the user a better chance at independent movement. There can be a lot frustration when someone’s activity is limited because of declines in mobility. Mobility devices can also make it possible for someone to be able to leave their home for the first time in months.

Want to hear more about assistive devices? Leave a comment down below.

Written by Brigid Stakelum