Aging in place is becoming an increasingly popular option for many aging adults because of the independence that it provides for seniors. This concept refers to the ability of seniors to safely and comfortably age in their own home, as opposed to moving into an assisted living facility or retirement home. As adults age, it can become more difficult to maintain their independence as they’re faced with some unique challenges. Fortunately, there exists a wide range of products that can make growing old in the comfort of your own home safe and accessible.
Aging in place products cover a diverse lineup of tools, equipment, and technologies designed to provide comfort and assistance at home to seniors throughout the aging process. These products are thoughtfully designed to help seniors maintain their autonomy, provide support, enhance safety, promote their well-being, and enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their homes, no matter what stage of life they are in.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best aging in place products for seniors and discuss their roles in helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
Mobility and Safety Aids
In general, seniors are at a higher risk of falls due to factors such as reduced muscle strength and balance issues. This is nothing to be ashamed of, as many of these factors come naturally with age. According to a National Institutes of Health article, “Mobility limitations have been reported as increasingly prevalent in older persons affecting about 35% of persons aged 70 and the majority of persons over 85 years.” Mobility and safety aids provide crucial support for these affected people and help seniors maintain the ability to move safely and independently about their home.
The following list includes products that not only enhance independence for seniors, but also assist in fall prevention, reduce pain and discomfort, increase safety, improve quality of life, and additionally, create peace of mind for caregivers.
1. Walkers, Canes, and Wheelchairs
Walkers, canes, and wheelchairs are essential mobility aids that provide support and stability for seniors with balance or mobility issues. These products allow seniors to safely move about their homes and outdoors independently, and help to lower the risk of injuries related to falling. Additionally, walkers, canes, and wheelchairs can reduce pain and discomfort for seniors who have difficulty or discomfort when walking.
2. Grab Bars and Handrails
While walkers, canes, and wheelchairs provide more flexible support on the go, products such as grab bars and handrails installed in bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells provide crucial support to prevent slips and falls throughout the home. These safety and mobility products offer seniors something sturdy to hold onto while navigating potentially hazardous areas where there is an increased fall risk. Grab bars and handrails further enable seniors to navigate their homes safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on stairs, in narrow hallways, or around slippery surfaces.
3. Non-slip Mats and Rugs
Non-slip mats and rugs are great products to enhance safety around the home as they reduce the risk of slipping on smooth surfaces. They are especially useful in areas like the bathroom and kitchen where slips and falls are common. Make sure to also pay attention to rugs in hallways and living areas, and consider placement that won’t increase the risk of trips and falls. For instance, a rug with a corner that juts out into a walking path may pose a trip or fall risk for seniors, and especially for those with limited mobility.
4. Bathroom Considerations
You may be surprised to learn that the most dangerous room in your house is your bathroom. A study by the CDC shows that the majority of nonfatal bathroom injuries occur in or around the tub or shower, followed by injuries on or near the toilet. Safety and mobility product placements that are extremely important and can assist in preventing such injuries include:
- Grab bars next to the toilet
- Non-slip mats and grab bars in tubs and showers
- Shower chairs
By paying extra attention to the bathroom and installing the necessary safety and mobility products, seniors are further enabled to safely and effectively age in the comfort of their own homes.
Home Adaptations
Some products are used to modify and adapt a senior’s home in order to facilitate aging in place. These products increase safety, contribute to independence, and increase emotional well-being and quality of life.
1. Stairlifts and Ramps
Stairlifts and ramps are great products for aging in place because they enable seniors to access different levels of their homes with ease. While these products and adaptations may be pricey, they may be more cost-effective than a full home remodel. Stairlifts and ramps help to eliminate a significant challenge for those with mobility limitations.
2. Lever-Handled Faucets and Easy-Grip Doorknobs
A simple way to support seniors living at home is to replace traditional faucets and door knobs with fixtures like lever-handled faucets and easy-grip doorknobs. These products are easier for seniors to operate and can reduce pain and discomfort, especially if they have arthritis or reduced hand strength.
3. Adjustable Beds and Furniture
For seniors who have trouble getting in and out of bed, chairs, and other furniture without assistance, adjustable beds and furniture could be a good option. These can be customized to suit the comfort and mobility needs of individual seniors and offer options for easier entry and exit from beds and seating, enhancing independence and confidence.
For a more in-depth look, take a look at our blog Aging in Place Home Modifications: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment for Seniors, where we further discuss ways that seniors can adapt their homes to create a safe and comfortable environment.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies for seniors utilize advancements in electronics, sensors, and connectivity to address various challenges associated with aging, such as mobility limitations, health monitoring, and emergency assistance. These products empower seniors to live more comfortably and confidently as they age in place by providing solutions that cater to their specific needs and circumstances.
1. Smart Home Devices (Voice Assistants, Automated Lighting)
While using smart home devices might feel daunting for some seniors, they can be extremely useful tools and surprisingly simple to navigate. Smart home devices, such as voice assistants and automated lighting, make it easier for seniors to control their environment without physical effort. They can control lights, thermostats, and even request assistance through voice commands. This can be especially beneficial for seniors with mobility problems, as they don’t need to get up and move around to use these devices.
2. Medical Alert Systems
An added concern or challenge for seniors aging in place might surface when a person is living alone or has limited access to medical services. Thankfully, there are medical alert products and systems that provide seniors with a way to call for help in case of an emergency. These systems often include wearable devices or wall-mounted buttons that connect to a monitoring center, and can provide peace of mind for seniors and caregivers alike.
3. Fall Detection Sensors
Injuries related to slips and falls are a valid concern for seniors, and there are fall detection sensors and devices that have been carefully crafted with this unique issue in mind. Fall detection sensors use advanced technology to automatically detect falls and alert caregivers or emergency services when a fall occurs, ensuring prompt assistance.
Health and Wellness Products
1. Medication Dose Packs and Management
Medication management is imperative for health and safety, but this can prove to be a challenge for seniors aging in place. Luckily, there are solutions that can help seniors manage their medications, ensuring they take the right doses at the right times.
PersonalRX, for example, provides a tailored approach to ensure that patients receive the right medications at the right time, eliminating the stress and confusion often associated with medication management. PersonalRx delivers your monthly supply of medication with personalized, individually packaged medication dose packs and a pre-made list of meds. Patients are assigned their very own Personal Care Provider who works closely with them and their healthcare providers to handle all of the complicated steps so that patients don’t have to. Their Personal Care Provider is also always available to answer any questions that patients may have at any time of the time or week. This service offers peace of mind to both seniors and their families and provides a solution to this unique challenge.
2. Blood Pressure Monitors and Health Tracking Devices
Products such as blood pressure monitors and health tracking devices are easily accessible and add to safety and peace of mind. These products and devices allow seniors to monitor their vital signs and overall health from the comfort of their homes. This can be especially helpful for seniors who don’t have regular access to medical assistance.
3. In-Home Exercise Equipment
Maintaining regular physical activity is essential to the health of seniors aging in place. In-home exercise equipment can help seniors stay active without leaving their homes. Some examples of in-home exercise equipment that support aging in place include treadmills, dumbbells, resistance bands, stationary bikes, and yoga mats.
Conclusion
Aging in place products play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for seniors by enhancing their independence and comfort and addressing various aspects of mobility, safety, home adaptability. These products empower older adults to age gracefully in the homes they love, which can have a profound positive impact on their mental and emotional health and well-being.
If you’d like to learn more about aging in place, take a look at our blog What is Aging in Place?, where we dive deeper into the topic as a whole, and our blog Aging in Place: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges, where we highlight the positives and discuss potential challenges.
