Caring for an aging parent is a challenge, but it can also be rewarding. Knowing what practical items can help your elderly parent make their life easier and more comfortable can really make a difference. This blog post will cover five essential items that you should consider getting for your elderly parent.
Mobility Scooters
A mobility scooter can be a great way to improve your elderly parent’s mobility and independence. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find one that suits their needs. If your parent is only having difficulty with short distances, then there are lightweight mobility scooters available that are easy to fold up and transport in the car or on public transport. For longer distances, heavier duty scooters are available with larger wheels and longer battery life.
Adjustable Bed
An adjustable bed can provide your elderly mother or father with comfort, convenience, and added safety when getting out of bed at night or during the day. These beds have multiple settings that allow them to be adjusted into different positions according to individual needs. This type of bed also comes with pillows, mattress pads, and other accessories that will help ensure your parent gets the most out of their sleep each night.
Walker or Rollator
If your parent has limited mobility due to injury or illness, then a walker or rollator may be just what they needs to get around safely without assistance from another person. A walker is designed to support the user while they move around indoors while a rollator provides more stability when walking outdoors over uneven surfaces like grass or gravel paths. Both types of devices come in various sizes so you should be able to find one that fits their perfectly.
Medical Alert System
A medical alert system is an important piece of equipment for any elderly person living alone at home as it allows them to call for help if they experience an emergency situation such as a fall or heart attack while they’re on their own. Most systems come equipped with buttons that can easily be worn around the wrist or neck so they’re within reach even if your parent isn’t mobile enough to reach the phone in time of need. Additionally, some systems offer GPS tracking which allows family members and medical personnel to locate the user quickly in case of an emergency situation outside the home.
Ramp Accessibility
Installing ramps around the home can help those with limited mobility access areas where steps would normally pose an obstacle such as doorways leading from garage space into the house or stairs leading up from ground level into porches/decks etc. Ramps come in various sizes and are made from materials like metal/wood which makes them suitable for both indoor & outdoor use depending on their construction materials & design features (e.g. slip-resistant treads). Wheelchair accessible homes will likely require wider ramps than those used by just walkers/rollers so make sure you take into account all potential users when choosing a ramp setup for your parent’s home’s accessibility needs!
Taking care of an aging parent is not always easy but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming either! By considering these five essential items – mobility scooters, adjustable beds, walkers/rollators, medical alert systems, and ramp accessibility – you can help ensure your elderly parent has everything they need for safe and comfortable living at home! With proper planning and preparation these items will go far towards helping keep their independent and active well into their golden years!
Written by: Lizzie Weakley
About the author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.