Caring for elderly people can be a challenge, but it can be even more difficult if you are not prepared. Making the necessary home modifications for older people might seem intimidating. After all, designing a house that is elderly-proof is not something that the majority of people are accustomed to doing. For this reason, we’ve put together this short checklist that lists seven things you should always have on hand while caring for the elderly.

Sensor Light

The elderly frequently trip and fall at night, primarily because they hurry to the bathroom in the dark. This resourceful indoor motion sensor light connects to an available power socket and will turn on when a person approaches within five meters. To conserve power, the light only turns on for 30 seconds at a time when it is dark.

This kind of light is perfect for when they don’t want to wake up someone who shares a room with them by turning on the main light or illuminating the hallway. This sensor light could make an older person safer since it lowers the chance of nightfall.

Bathtub Chairs

Chairs and benches for bathtubs and shower cabins can significantly facilitate the bathing process of the elderly and prove to be very useful pieces of equipment in every bathroom. They also help and facilitate the use by people with disabilities and special needs.

The bathtub chair allows users to increase their independence during the showering phase for daily hygiene maintenance, reducing muscle fatigue while standing and also reducing the risk of slipping and injury. The non-slip rubber extensions on the legs enable a safe position on the floor and allow the height of the legs to be adjusted, allowing the user to easily adjust the height that suits him or her. As said at Save Rite Medical, a chair can support up to 250 lbs. Also, as an addition, a chair with adjustable height can be used with a different length between the front and back legs. That is, the front legs can be lower than the back legs. This enables the user to maintain correct posture during the shower as well as to facilitate standing up and sitting down. In terms of flexibility, the chair can also be placed on an uneven floor. 

The opening on the seat allows the person to take personal care more easily, and it can be placed on the front or back depending on the needs of the user. The backrest additionally ensures the patient’s position and comfort. The chair is easy to move thanks to its light weight.

Rug Gripper

Did you know that rugs are a significant factor in the majority of falls that occur to older individuals at home? A rug gripper is an excellent, affordable option if your parents or any other elderly person don’t want to move their carpets but you are worried about them falling.

The rug gripper is available in several sizes and works by effectively gluing the rug to the floor (without harming either). When someone steps on the rug, the edges won’t lift and it won’t slide about on the floor.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A blood pressure monitor is a very useful thing and everyone should have one at home, especially if you have elderly people living with you. They are very practical and fast and will make it easier for you to control the blood pressure of your loved ones.

Pill Organizer

Even with only one or two medications, managing prescriptions for the elderly may be challenging, so you don’t want to overlook reminding them to take them. Simple health care items such as a weekly pill organizer contain distinct sections for each day of the week. There are even more expensive models with built-in clocks and alarms.

Medical Organizer

Use a specialized organizer to keep the medical documentation for elderly care organized. These medical organizers include notepads, a zippered compartment for small items, and dividers for handling everything from business cards to diagnostic results.

Grabbers

Reachers, also known as grabbers, are excellent daily living aids for anybody with restricted mobility who needs to, for example, pick up objects from the floor or remove items from shelves.

With this gadget, an older person will be able to move more freely and feel more independent because grabbers are lightweight and highly practical to use.

If you live with the elderly, these are just some of the things that will be of great use to you. There is still a lot that you may need, so it is best to talk to them and ask how you can make it easier for them. Don’t forget that more than anything, the elderly need love and someone to talk to.