The market of innovative healthcare products for seniors is flourishing and growing by leaps and bounds. Many of these products can be of assistance to seniors in various ways. Some of these innovative items are transforming the healthcare industry in ways many would have never believed are possible.
The senior population is increasing exponentially every year, worldwide. In the US alone, according to the United States Census Bureau, by the year 2050, 83.7 million US citizens will be 65 years old or older.
Many healthcare facilities and companies that cater toward a senior clientele are working hard to provide these millions of seniors with all the assistance they can get, some by offering living space, and others by offering products that enable seniors to live at home.
The goal of these home health care products for seniors is to support independent living safely. Many of these products can help them modify a home based on their health and safety needs, such as improving access to beds, bathrooms and kitchens. Other health care products support the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and medication management. These days, getting old is not what it is used to be, thanks to modern innovations and revolutionary technologies. These tools can enable seniors to participate in experiences both new and familiar, to stay protected and to connect emotionally with their family and friends around them.
Here are some of the coolest and useful senior home care products in which you can invest to make life a little easier for you or the senior under your care.
Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs are very popular among seniors these days. People come to a point in their life when they realize that they need help walking, oftentimes due to old injuries flaring up, hip problems, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Power wheelchairs are highly beneficial to seniors because it provides them with an independent means of mobility so that they can get about and accomplish daily tasks comfortably. Some seniors look at having a power wheelchair in a positive way, even considering it a full-time companion. The power wheelchair supports them and is there with them on all of their daily activities. Furthermore, although power wheelchairs do have an electric motor, the controller is still the person sitting on the chair. Power wheelchairs are operated by the user, usually by his/her hands, but sometimes even by mouth or with the assistance of another functioning body part. You can buy a sports wheelchair or regular one online, and use discount coupons to save big money on it.
Grab Bars and Toilet Safety Rails
Grab bars and toilet safety frames give support to those seniors who have difficulty with balance while using the bathroom. These rails and bars are adjustable to accommodate varying bathroom heights and widths to suit each elderly person’s need. Grab bars can be used to help seniors with rising from a sitting position and support them while moving around easily.
Bathtub Shower Mats
A bathtub shower mat can make bathing safer for seniors. A durable shower mat allows them to get in and out of the tub quite easily, without any accidental slips or trips. This unique shower mat creates a slip-resistant surface in a shower which can prevent seniors from many injuries.
Shower Chairs
Shower chairs can be used to support the senior’s body and conserve energy while washing. They provide comfort and stability in the shower, and also help with balance. Shower chairs with back and arm support make it easier for the seniors to lift himself out of the chair without the risk of slipping, and enables them to wash up with ease.
Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld shower head is detachable from the adjustable or fixed wall mount. It has an extendable hose so that seniors can hold the shower head in their hand and can move it freely around the body.
With the handheld showerhead, seniors can direct water flow to where it is needed, thereby conserving water. Seniors with less mobility can get more benefit from this tool and can independently clean themselves while seated. Handheld showerheads are less likely to slide, and therefore are less likely to cause injury.
Mobile-Help Medical Alert System
If a senior person chooses to live alone, a system should be set in place so that in the case of an emergency situation, there is immediate assistance. There are many mobile medical alert systems available, most of which only require a single press of a button to notify an emergency response team or a family member within seconds. For additional security purpose, these systems also have a GPS tracking system.
MedMinder
MedMinder offers medication management and helps senior and chronically ill individuals to live at home, independently. MedMinder integrates its smart pharmacy services with its smart pill dispenser technology efficiently. It reminds the senior to take their medications with a series of optional visual and auditory alerts. It mostly notifies in 30-minute intervals.
If the senior is not taking their medications on time, all caregivers or family members will be notified via cell phone, emails or text.
This technology can also be applied to prevent dehydration. Sensors on MedMinder can track the amount of liquid left in a container and alert a senior to drink water. Individual pills with ingestible sensors can also be embedded. These pills send a signal to an external device once the pill reaches the stomach to ensure proper dosage and usage.
Today’s innovations and technologies assist many senior citizens in enjoying independent living while their friends, family members or caretakers can stay calm with the reassuring knowledge that their loved ones are safe and taken care of.
Abigail Kent is an enthusiastic writer who loves to write on lifestyle, fashion, money saving and traveling blogs. She holds a bachelor degree in computer science. She loves reading books and making new friends. Say hello to her on Twitter.
