Tips for Seniors to Remain Independent

Seniors living alone remain independent with the help of aids that assist them in a variety of ways. Bending or reaching for objects on high shelves; behind or under a bed or in back of a couch is made easier for seniors who use a grabber, an inexpensive household aid, and a must-have for seniors who live alone.

Seniors who suffer from back or leg pains need support when standing on line while shopping. Relief is almost instant when sitting on the seat of the walker. Holding onto the handles of a walker helps seniors to walk longer distances.

Walkers With Seats

Walkers come with a fold-up-seat and a bicycle-like-basket to hold a purse or a few packages. Walkers do not replace a wheelchair. However, they offer support to seniors walking outdoors, who are browsing a bookstore or crossing the street. Hand brakes keep the wheels from sliding when sitting or standing.

I own a Walker in a bright blue color and I love it. It folds easily. It is reasonably light and remains in the backseat of my car in case I need it. Walkers come in a variety of bright colors. Medicare pays for a similar type Walker if your doctor says that you need it. However, it is heavier and not as attractive as Walkers sold in stores but they serve the purpose for those on a tight budget.

Seniors Remain Independent by Hearing Better

1. Telephones for the hearing impaired are free. Seniors must phone their telephone provider to get the phone number for the special needs telephone. Hearing impaired telephones are 'free' for seniors who need a louder ringer, dial tone or a voice amplifier. I wear a hearing aid, and holding a regular telephone to my ear emits a screeching sound.

2. Seniors remain independent wearing a Hearing aid. Hearing aids allow seniors to listen to music or watch television without it blaring or holding a conversation without speaking loud. Hearing aids come in various styles and prices. Medicare offers financial assistance for a less expensive hearing aid. Properly fitted hearing aids allow seniors to hear what is said at home, in the car or out-of-doors.

I finally gave in to my family's plea that I get a hearing aid. They were tired of my asking them to repeat everything they said. When I walked out of doors wearing the hearing aid for the first time, I was absolutely amazed at all of the street noises. I had never heard it.

I heard the honking of cars for and the sounds of cars whizzing by and the click of my windshield wipers. Inside of my house I suddenly heard the click of the clock, the click of the keys on the computer keyboard, and the noise the refrigerator makes. It is amazing at all the noises hearing impaired seniors never hear without ever realizing it.

Order a Bathtub That Allows a Wheelchair Inside the Tub

Disabled wheelchair-bound seniors need help bathing or showering. They require an aid to help get them out of their wheelchair and into the tub. Seniors using a wheelchair can have their bathroom remodeled and allows them to sit in their wheelchair and wheel themselves into the bathtub- wheel chair and all. This allows seniors in wheelchairs the independence to bathe themselves when they want to and to sit in the bath until they are ready to come out.

Electric Chair Lifts For Seniors Who Have Stairs In Their Home

This is a must-have for seniors who are unable to walk stairs in their two story home. Have an electric chair lift installed that acts like an elevator and takes them up and down floors with a push of a button. The chair comes with a restraint strap for safety purposes if needed.

Handy Gadgets

Every day helpful kitchen gadgets make preparing or cooking food in the kitchen easy for seniors who have arthritis.There are rubber grip potato or apple peelers, electric jar openers, electric can openers, electric knives, rubber mat can opener and other handy inexpensive tools to make seniors remain independent in the home. Check the housewares department at Discount stores, Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart or more expensive Department stores.

Source:

My own experiences and knowledge for remaining independent.