Senior care is an issue facing many families. People are living longer and are in better health than ever before, but as people age, help and assistance can be required to ensure that people are living full, enjoyable and safe lives.
Many seniors feel comfortable in their own homes and do not want to be uprooted and moved into an assisted living community. As people get older daily tasks can become more difficult and a person may think they have no other option but to move from their home.
However, there are now a number of developments and inventions that can help a senior live independently at home. People can be hired to provide in home senior care. These workers range from fully trained medical professionals, who could deal with illness and diseases, to companions who are there to do household tasks and provide company to the elderly person. These people can either live in or visit at appointed times.
As a person ages, doing simple tasks independently may become more difficult, however there are many labor saving devices available to assist seniors to live independent lives in their own homes. The bathroom, with its slippery surfaces can be a hazardous area that is usually of particular concern to the senior and their family, luckily there are many devices available to assist seniors in this area.
Shower chairs
The most useful invention for a senior bathroom user is a well built shower chair with wheels. A shower chair is a specialised device that enables a user to be moved safely around the bathroom with access to all bathroom facilities including the toilet, shower and vanity basin while seated in the comfort and safety of the chair. Shower chairs are compatible with most bathroom layouts and different models are available to access different types of showers. Most shower chairs also roll over the top of a standard toilet enabling a completely safe toileting experience with no need for the user to sit unsupported on the toilet. Shower chairs can also have a commode fitting. By providing a way for the bathroom user to remain seated while in the bathroom the shower chair alleviates the risk of the user slipping on the wet bathroom floor or a caregiver injuring their own back while lifting the person they are looking after. Shower chairs provide the bathroom user (and their family members) with peace of mind that they can safely and with dignity carry out all their bathroom requirements.
The following bathroom aids can also provide reasonably priced assistance for senior bathroom users, but they do not provide the same level of safety that can be found by using a shower chair.
Grab bars
Grab bars made of either metal or plastic can be installed on any wall in a bathroom and are designed to provide people something to hold onto when walking on a slippery bathroom floor.
Toilet frames
Toilet frames, made of metal or plastic provide free standing grab bars around an already installed toilet. The bars can assist a person to lower themselves onto a toilet and to stand up again once they are finished.
Raised toilet seats with or without bars
Raised toilet seats can also be installed over existing toilets. They are a very thick, usually plastic seat that sits on top of the toilet. They provide extra height to the toilet for people who find regular toilets too low to use comfortably or safely.
Non skid or slip mats
Bathroom floors are notoriously slippery, especially when they are wet. Installing non slip or non skid flooring can be costly. A more affordable option is to buy non slip or skid mats and place them on the floor.
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