Ten tools for senior independence

There is a wide variety of tools that can help your senior maintain their independence. These tools range from the simple to complex, and can help your loved one with a variety of tasks that confront them everyday. Many seniors need only a few of these tools to continue to live independently. Assessing what your loved one can use begins with an honest conversation about their needs. After determining their needs, you can then select the tools that will help them the most.

1. Dressing stick-This tool can help an elderly family member, or friend be able to continue to dress themselves. This tool is especially helpful for those seniors, who may have limited range of motion or difficulty bending their arm. The stick is a combination hook/pusher that helps put on shirts, jackets, slacks, skirts, etc.

2. Open it RX set-This set is a combination of tools that makes opening and dealing with medications much easier. This medication set helps the senior to easily open pill bottles, prescriptions, and over the counter bottles with a push and twist cap. In addition, there is a magnifying glass tucked neatly inside the cap so that they senior can easily read the warning labels, and dosage instructions. Along with this there is a metal blade included to help puncture, and remove foil backing along with a plastic hook to remove cotton from pill bottles.

3. Extra long shoehorn-This tool eliminates the need for bending, and stretching when putting on shoes and socks. In addition, there is a hook that helps with the removal of socks. A very nice, though simple, help aid.

4. Raptor Reacher-This handy tool helps seniors to reach out and grab even the tiniest objects. This also helps reduce the incidence of slipping and falling, as seniors no longer have to get on a stool, or chair to reach up high. The long arm extends with the pincer to grab whatever is needed.

5. Food Bumper-These handy guards can form a wall on the plate that helps keep food where it should be. This is especially good for those with limited dexterity, and helps promote independent feeding for those recovering from illness, or surgery.

6. Swivel seat with cover-This handy seat comes with a ball bearing, allowing it turn 360 degrees without slipping. This allows greater mobility for seniors who do not have to climb off, and on a chair to gain access to what they need.

7. Sponge Scrubbies-These sponges are attached to extra long handles that help senior's complete personal care, without straining. They can be hung in the shower or bath for easy access.

8. AbleRise Bed Assist-This handy tool fastens to the side of the bed, and gives the senior a place to grab onto when arising. This handy assist also has a pocket on the side for magazines, and other belongings making it easy to access. One can be attached to each side of the bed.

9. ClearSound "Talking" Amplified Telephone with Talking Caller ID-This phone is ideal for people with hearing, and/or vision loss, as well as seniors who just want a better way to deal with their telephone. The talking caller id will announce the number of the caller. There is a powerful amplification that helps the senior hear every call clearly.

10. Recliner Risers-these handy and easy to use risers decrease the stress, and strain seniors can feel when trying to get out of a recliner. They are slip resistant and do not interfere with the rocking and reclining of the chair.

For all of these products we invite you to visit The CareGiver Partnership for all of the details.