Getting older is a fact of life. However, it doesn’t mean that your life suddenly stops. The same is true for the seniors in our lives. Many of whom are just as feisty and full of life as they were when we were younger. We want the best for them and want to ensure that they’re happy and comfortable.
Life for seniors comes with a bit more challenges. However, most seniors still want to be independent and continue their lives as normal. There are a lot of neat little items that can help to make life more comfortable and safer for them. Help them maintain their independence by making adjustments to everyday items around the home.
Useful Items For Your Senior Loved One
It can be a little hard to figure out what’s the best gift to get your senior loved. Whether it’s your grandparents, parents, older aunt and uncles, or someone you know from the community, you want to get them something that will be useful for them and make life a bit easier. Here is a list of a few useful ways to help make them feel more comfortable.
1. Stairlifts
Things like arthritis, body pains, issues with strength and balance can make maneuvering up and down stairs difficult for seniors. It’s not always possible to get around using stairs, especially within the home. If this is true for your home or your senior’s home if they live away from you then consider installing a stairlift for them. Falling or tripping on the stairs can lead to major injuries for them. It takes them a lot longer to heal from injuries and sometimes they don’t heal at all. More than that a fall can prove fatal. Avoid these types of accidents by providing them with a safe method to get up and down the stairs. They will feel a lot safe and more comfortable with their ability to be mobile.
2. Motion Sensor Lights
Impaired vision is another area that can make them feel uncomfortable. Motion sensor lights are a great option for them. They won’t have to worry about finding switches in the dark or feeling unbalanced with their lack of vision. This is also great for seniors that have a harder time with switches. Motion sensor lights can give them security and assurance as they navigate around the home at night or reduce lighting situations.
3. Mobility Devices
Mobility and the freedom to get around on their own is a great treasure for seniors. Like anyone else they enjoy the freedom and can get frustrated and even depressed with their inability to move around independently. Mobility devices have come a long way. Things like light assisted canes and walkers, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, chair lifts, etc all help to make getting around that much easier for them. Help them feel comfortable in their daily activities by finding the best-suited device for them. You’ll be surprised at how the ability to get around unaided can lift their spirits.
4. Voice Controlled Tech
This one is great for your older loved ones that don’t mind a bit of tech. There are so many home devices that can make life around the home easier for them and you. Voice-controlled appliances, video calls, alarms, etc all help your seniors to feel more independent and comfortable in their own homes. You can also feel at ease knowing that they don’t have to struggle as much to get things done. Using voice activation also means that they don’t have to fiddle around learning completed devices, so they can just get on with the things they love.
5. Weighted Blankets
This one is simple in idea but can help ease anxiety and stress that they may be facing. Seniors can suffer from anxiety, depression, and other emotional and mental strains. Helping them get more rested sleep is of great value to them. Getting better sleep can improve mood, mental clarity, and overall health.
6. Big Button Devices
For those devices that you can’t use voice control 100% of the time, get the ones with big buttons. This makes it easier for them to see and handle. You want them to feel comfortable knowing that they can use the device confidently and on their own. Try to give them as much independence as you can. No one enjoys having to constantly ask for help, especially for simple tasks.
Things like strength and balance change for seniors. It can be frustrating to not be able to control your body the way you used to. Home can feel like a dangerous place for them. Consider their needs when it comes to items to make life more comfortable for them. This list is a brief snippet of all the options that are available for them. Sometimes simple things can prove to be useful as well. Making them feel comfortable is about anticipating their physical, mental, and emotional needs.
