Don’t avoid helpful things as you age…

Posted On May 5, 2019 by Editor

There are many items available to make your life easier and more comfortable as you age. Some of us may think it is embarrassing to use these things. But, we shouldn’t. If there are items that keep us active, we should embrace the usage.

• Disposable briefs, shields, guards: If you have a problem with incontinence, don’t hesitate to wear disposable briefs, shields, or guards. These products enable you to continue an active lifestyle. You won’t have to stay near a bathroom all of the time. You won’t have to stay at home.
• Tote bags: Tote bags become very useful as we age. The bags enable us to carry more of the things older adults may need that won’t fit in pockets or a purse. Don’t let the contents of the tote bag get so heavy that your activities are impeded or make you unstable.
• Folding shopping cart: I’m always telling the people at the grocery store that I don’t need help getting the groceries to the car. However, I sure could use some help getting the groceries into the house. We purchased a folding shopping cart to get the groceries in from the car to the house. It works pretty nice. It still may take more than one trip from the car to the house, depending on the amount of groceries. It may not work as well for those who have to go up stairs to bring in the groceries. However, it can still be helpful to get the groceries closer to your residence (apartment, condo, house, etc.). Whether you use a cart or not, be careful with heavy grocery bags. You could lose your balance and fall. Don’t be afraid to ask the bagger at the grocery store to not fill the bags up too much.
• Shower seat: A shower seat is one of my favorite additions to the bathroom. It gives me a feeling of comfort and ease. No more rushing during a shower/bath. There are a variety of shower seats. Some are built-in. Our built-in shower seat was too small and too far away from the faucet. We had a nice rectangle one, but it was a little large for our shower. We then got a round one that works perfectly. There are also tub transfer benches. The transfer benches sit over the edge of the tub so you can sit down while outside the tub, then scoot over to be sitting on the bench inside the tub. Very helpful if you have trouble getting over the side of the tub. In addition, very helpful if you cannot stand for any length of time and need help getting in/out of the tub.
• Shower/tub grab bars: Grab bars are wonderful to help keep us stable in the bathroom. A grab bar can also be useful for getting on and off the commode. Installation may be required. Ensure you hire a safe and reliable person to do the install. It is possible a big box store has contractors to do the installation.
• Cane: Go ahead and use a cane if you are a little unstable. There are lots of options to get a cane to meet your personality.
• Walker: If you have been prescribed a walker, use one. It’s better to have the needed stability instead of falling down or being inactive. You can add a carry bag to the front of the walker to help carry necessities. Add a carry bag with safety pins or Velcro.
• Rollator: A rollator is a variation of a walker. Rollaters will have four wheels, a seat, a basket to carry items, and handbrakes. Some of us may not be able to use a rollator because the handbrakes may be hard to control, thus allowing the four wheels to be a little more unstable than a regular walker.
• Transport chair: A transport chair is like a lightweight wheelchair. It enables you to be involved in activities for which you may not be able to stand or walk for long periods of time. Transport chairs have to be pushed by someone other than yourself. There is no method to be self-propelled. If you use a wheelchair you probably won’t want to use a transport chair. Wheelchairs are probably more stable and allow you to propel yourself.
• Pill crusher: Make sure it is okay to crush a pill before using a pill crusher. The dispensing physician, pharmacist, or pill manufacturer can provide this information.
• Pill splitter: Make sure it is okay to split a pill before using a pill splitter. The dispensing physician, pharmacist, or pill manufacturer can provide this information.