Taking care of our elderly parents or grandparents can prove to be a rewarding journey. It presents us with an opportunity to reciprocate the care they provided to us and guarantee that their later years are both content and cozy. As caregivers for the elderly, it falls on us to make certain that our cherished ones are secure and at ease in their own homes. Nevertheless, senior caregiving frequently involves unique challenges.
Thankfully, a diverse array of medical supplies and devices is at our disposal to streamline the process and improve the level of care provided. Their use is particularly essential in the bathroom, given its status as one of the riskiest locations for seniors. Freedom Showers offers various products for family caregivers, allowing them to provide a safe bathing experience for their loved ones.
If you’re a live-in caregiver for seniors, it’s essential that you explore different bathroom products along with other accessible equipment that will make aging in place simpler for your loved ones.
Mobility Aids
As caregivers for seniors, you will notice that one of the most common challenges for seniors is limited mobility. A decline in balance, muscle strength, and joint flexibility can create challenges in safe mobility for seniors. Below are key tools and devices that can enhance the well-being of both elderly individuals and those who care for them.
Wheelchairs and Walkers
Wheelchairs are indispensable for seniors who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods. They come in various types, including manual and electric models. Walkers provide support for those who can still walk but need assistance with balance. They come with or without wheels, depending on the user’s preference and needs.
Canes
Canes are excellent for providing extra stability when walking. They come in various styles, including single-point and quad canes, to suit different requirements.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are ideal for seniors with limited mobility but who still want some independence. They allow seniors to move around indoors and outdoors with ease.
Similarly, it can also be helpful to opt for rolling shower chairs to promote independence in the bathroom. Caregivers love our lightweight rolling shower chairs, and they are an excellent choice for enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. The adaptable shower transfer chair features swivelling casters and offers the option to include 24-inch rear wheels for increased user autonomy. It allows the user to maintain their privacy and dignity while reducing the need for unnecessary transfers.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom can be a hazardous place for seniors due to slippery surfaces and confined spaces. But the good news is you can make your bathroom more accessible with the right products.
Portable Showers
One of the most common caregiver supplies is portable showers, which are a great option for those who are offering temporary care. If you cannot spend time or money remodeling your bathroom but need a quick solution to care for your loved one, this caregiving equipment can come in handy. Our easily deployable indoor shower enclosure can be conveniently assembled in locations like the kitchen, laundry room, or bedroom, all within a distance of 10-12 feet from a water source.
Grab Bars
Another caregiver piece of equipment that can prevent falls in the bathroom is grab bars. Your loved one can benefit from you installing grab bars in the bathroom, as they offer a sturdy grip in different bathroom areas. They can be mounted near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide support when seniors need to stand up, sit down, or maintain balance.
Shower Seats and Benches
You can also look into wall mounted shower seats or benches, as these provide a safe and comfortable place for seniors to sit while bathing. They are essential caregiving equipment for those with balance issues or limited mobility, as they reduce the risk of slipping and falling in the shower.
Toilet Seat Risers
A toilet seat raiser is an excellent caregiver equipment that adds extra height to the toilet, making it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up, reducing strain on their knees and hips. With the added height and stability, they provide, toilet seat risers offer a sense of independence and dignity for seniors, allowing them to use the bathroom with confidence and comfort.
Caregiver Shower Door
Installing caregiver doors for showers can make caregiver services for seniors easier and safer. This is helpful caregiver equipment as the doors feature frosted panels that offer privacy, and the 180-degree hinges on each panel allow the doors to swing in or out for maximum flexibility. It provides caregivers for seniors convenient access to assistance while maintaining the senior’s privacy and dignity.
Medical Monitoring Equipment
To ensure the health and well-being of your senior loved ones, various caregiver medical supplies, such as monitoring devices, can be invaluable.
Blood Pressure Monitors
Regular blood pressure checks are one of the most essential caregiver medical supplies for seniors. According to research referred to in a 2022 Michigan Medicine article, “regular home monitoring can help with blood pressure control, and that better control can mean reduced risk of death; of cardiovascular events including strokes and heart attacks; and cognitive impairment and dementia.”
A home blood pressure monitor allows live-in caregivers for seniors to keep track of their loved one’s health and detect any potential issues.
Glucose Monitors
For seniors with diabetes, a glucose monitor is an essential caregiving equipment for managing their condition. This device helps caregivers monitor blood sugar levels and administer insulin as needed. Add it to your list of caregiver supplies if you’re considering caring for your aging loved one.
Pulse Oximeters
Pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation levels in the blood, a crucial indicator of respiratory health. This caregiver equipment is particularly important for seniors with breathing problems. When choosing caregiver supplies, you may not need to select this one if your loved one has no history of breathing issues.
Enhancing Senior Caregiving
Caring for seniors is a labor of love, and the proper medical supplies and equipment can significantly ease the journey. If you offer caregiver services for seniors, you must get familiar with the different medical supplies and equipment available. However, the products you need for in-home care vs professional care can vary.
Freedom Showers offers various accessible products that make in-home caregiving much more straightforward. We also provide products for ADA compliance in senior-focused healthcare facilities for professional settings. Consult our team of accessibility professionals to determine which products are the right fit for your needs.