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Although mobility and stamina slowly decrease with age, that doesn’t mean you have to move out of your house. There are many home safety products that enable senior citizens to move about more freely and more safely, enabling them to stay in their homes for longer periods of time. Modern technology and design have made these products more helpful than ever before. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly-used products and how they can help you maintain an independent lifestyle.
Stairlifts
For many seniors, getting from room to room on the same floor is not difficult but walking up and down the stairs can become a challenge. Stairlifts provide a practical solution and, over the years, they have become much more comfortable, mechanically sophisticated and stylish. Stairlifts are available for straight and curved stairways, and for outdoors as well. There are several models available.Features can include:
- Padded seats and backrests
- The ability to operate with light touches
- A foldaway design
- Swivel seats that locks, enabling the user to get on and off with no twisting
- Safety sensors that warn of stairway obstructions
- Remote controls
Power Mobility Scooter or Electric Wheelchair
The ability to go where you want, when you want is critical to independent living. It’s important to choose the mobility device that best suits your needs. Motor scooters are built for outdoor use and longer distances. They usually cost less, are easier to repair and travel faster than powered wheelchairs. Scooters, however, are harder to navigate and require more upper-body strength for steering. Electric wheelchairs are much easier to maneuver indoors and they can also be used outdoors. The wheelchair’s main disadvantage is that it’s very heavy and not particularly portable. The main factors in choosing between a scooter and a powered wheelchair are the amount of outdoor usage and the distance that is traveled on a regular basis.Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars are essential for the bathroom. They provide stability and safety when using the toilet, bathtub and shower. It is important to choose the right type of grab bars for your bathroom and have them installed properly. Wherever there are steps or stairs, there should be a handrail, even if it’s just two or three steps. This includes indoor and outdoor steps. The Home Safety Council recommends handrails on both sides of a stairway for its entire length. Grab bars can also be used on a mattress or bed base to make getting in and out of bed easier and safer.Lift Chairs
When getting in and out of a chair becomes difficult, electric lift chairs are a good solution. They are easy to use, comfortable and reliable, and are now available in many attractive styles and colors. Our electric lift chairs are durable and attractive enough to blend in with the room décor. There are many models to choose from, depending on the size, accessories and options.Wheelchair Ramps
If a senior citizen requires a wheelchair, ramps are usually necessary to provide easy access in and out of the home. This allows the individual to maintain a higher quality of life because he or she can:- Take more trips to receive medical care
- Participate in more daily activities
- Visit friends and family more easily
- Exit the home more easily in the event of an emergency