08 Dec Assistive Devices for the Elderly

When people face challenges in relation to dexterity and mobility assistive devices can be of great help and nowadays can be easily found in chemists or speciality shops or through websites that specialize in these products. Some of the most useful are:

Magnifiers
Very effective for those with low vision and come in many different sizes and styles. Different kinds of magnifiers will help accomplish different tasks. A must-have for people who are between prescriptions!

Penlights
Useful whenever more concentrated light might help your loved one see or read something. Like magnifiers, you might want to keep several penlights around to help in different situations.

Audio Products
Many audio products can help with everyday tasks or hobbies. These include “talking” clocks, calculators, watches, navigation tools, books and more.

Communication
Telephones come with large dials and buttons in various forms; computers offer large print, large screens, and special keyboards.

Mobility Aids
Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices – your Occupational Therapist can advise on the best approach

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a fundamental technology to most people suffering hearing loss.  Your GP can talk to you about hearing loss and make recommendations as to where to go find out the extent of the problem.

Getting Dressed

Some conditions e.g. Parkinson’s makes getting dressed very challenging, devices that can help include:

• Weighted Button Aid The heavy, large grip handle makes pulling a button through its hole much easier OR you can get shirts with Magnetic buttons
• Zipper pulls attach a ring to the tiny handle on zippers, making them easier to grasp and zip up or down.
• Velcro or elastic shoelaces are easier to fasten than those with shoelaces.

Many other ingenious devices have been developed to help those with visual limitations; use the internet to research what the latest gadget is and read the reviews.