The Best Equipment for Elderly Care at Home for Maintaining Lifestyle
As we grow older, it’s important to ensure that our elderly loved ones remain safe and comfortable. This can be challenging when family members live in different locations or when a senior lives alone. Fortunately, there are a variety of products and services that can help elderly individuals remain independent and healthy in the comfort of their own homes.
In this post, we’ll break down the top elderly care equipment for 2023, from medical alert systems to home safety aids. We’ll provide detailed reviews and recommendations for each product so that you can find the perfect fit for your elderly family member’s needs. With the right equipment, you can rest assured that your elderly loved one is in safe hands.
Equipment for Elderly Care: A Buyer’s Guide
As we age, our bodies become more fragile and susceptible to injuries, and falls are among the most common causes of injuries among older adults. Shockingly, over 25% of elderly Americans suffer from falls yearly, making it crucial to equip your home or care facility with the appropriate equipment for senior care.
From railings to wheelchairs and pillows, it’s vital to know what equipment suits the unique needs of your senior loved ones or patients. In this buyer’s guide, we will explore the essential equipment for elderly care and help you make an informed decision. Get ready to take charge of your elderly loved ones’ health and safety.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Equipment for Elderly Care at Home
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important considerations when selecting equipment for elderly care at home. Look for cushioning and support equipment, such as adjustable height, wide seats, and padded armrests. This will ensure the older adult’s comfort and security while using the device.
Mobility
Choose equipment that is easy to maneuver and has features that make it safe and secure to transport the older adult from one place to another. Look for devices with locking brakes and handrails that provide extra stability if needed.
Safety
Safety is always a priority when selecting equipment for elderly care at home. Look for devices with built-in safety features, such as non-slip surfaces and secure handrails. Ensure the device can accommodate any special needs the user may have regarding weight capacity or mobility needs.
Tips To Maintain Equipment for Elderly Care at Home
- Check for wear and tear: Regularly inspect the equipment for signs of wear and tear. If any parts are damaged or broken, replace them immediately to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Lubrication: Some equipment, such as wheelchairs, may require lubrication to keep them running smoothly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate lubricant and how often it should be applied.
- Test the equipment: Test the equipment regularly to ensure it functions correctly. For example, test the brakes on a wheelchair or walker to ensure they work properly.
Things To Consider Before Buying Equipment for Elderly Care at Home
Ease of use
Choose equipment that is easy to use and can be operated by someone who may not be familiar with the specific device. Consider user-friendly controls, operation instructions, and any provided tutorials or manuals to help operate it correctly.
Weight capacity
Check the weight capacity of a device before making a purchase, as some pieces of equipment are designed with specific weight limits in mind. Make sure it can safely accommodate the user’s needs and weight limitations before making a purchase decision.
Technology
Look into any other technology integrated into the device, such as automatic sensors or Bluetooth connectivity that could be useful to improve the comfort and mobility of the user while using it.
Benefits of Using Equipment for Elderly Care at Home
- Safety: Many pieces of equipment are designed to enhance the safety of elderly individuals in the home. For example, grab bars, shower chairs, and bath lifts can help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom, while walking frames, wheelchairs, and scooters can help prevent falls and injuries in other home areas.
- Independence: By providing support and assistance, equipment for elderly care at home can help elderly individuals maintain their independence and perform daily activities independently, without constant assistance from caregivers or family members.
- Comfort: Adjustable beds, furniture risers, and sensory aids can help provide elderly individuals with greater comfort while dampening negative emotions and reducing the risk of discomfort.
Detailing the Top Equipment for Elderly Care at Home of 2023
MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift
– Best OverallThe MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is the perfect solution for anyone needing extra help getting up off the floor. With its unique design and sturdy steel rod construction, this chair lift can support up to 300 pounds. The equipped seat cushion ensures comfort and safety while in use. The lift also features two foldable side wings, which make it easy to move from the ground to the lift chair. This feature makes it convenient for anyone needing some help getting up off the ground.
The electric lift needs no power supply and is equipped with rechargeable batteries, making it easy to adapt to any environment. The fully waterproof design with IPX8 waterproof standard offers added protection, and the six suction cups ensure improved stability. This pick is top-rated on our list because of its waterproof and sturdy design.
- Sturdy design and construction
- Battery easily connects to the charger
- Suction cups for added stability
- May be difficult to move around
KingPavonini Bed Rail
– Most SturdyThe KingPavonini Bed Rail is ideal for elderly adults needing safety and support features in their bedrooms. With a larger chassis than other products on the market, this bed rail offers reliable strength and stability to provide a safe environment for those who need it. An additional benefit of the bed rail is its 3D adjustable feature. With the ability to adjust from 17-21 inches in the vertical direction and from 23-31.5 inches horizontally, this product can be easily customized to meet the needs of any bed size, including Twin, TwinXL, Full, Queen, and King.
The ergonomic design of the foam-padded handle is angled at 30 degrees for simplicity and comfort when sleeping or getting out of bed. The curved handle also provides a comfortable grip so users can easily get into and out of bed. Installation of the bed rail is tool-free, with no complex tools or equipment required. A convenient storage pouch is included so users can store any necessary items while lying in bed.
- Rails are close together for extra stability
- Handle height is adjustable using button detents
- Extra-long horizontal frame keeps handrail in place
- Instructions for fixing straps are not useful
Carex Toilet Safety Frame
– Most SecureThe Carex Toilet Safety Frame is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a supportive, adjustable bathroom aid that offers comfort and security. With an adjustable width from 16 to 18 inches, this toilet rail fits most elongated and round toilets and provides a sturdy frame to help make sitting or standing more comfortable and safe. With cushioned hand grips, this pick offers comfortable support that is easy to clean. It can accommodate users up to 300 lbs and is an essential addition for those with a risk of falls and needing extra support in their bathroom.
This handicapped toilet seat comes with easy installation instructions, making setup a breeze. Plus, this device pairs nicely with other handicap-compatible toilet accessories, such as toilet seats, to enhance safety while in the bathroom. With its economical design, this Carex Toilet Safety Frame has been designed specifically for seniors, handicapped individuals, pregnant women, and anyone needing extra balance or assistance transitioning from a chair to the toilet.
- Sturdy, simple design
- Armrests tilt up for easier cleaning
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Potentially dangerous if not properly fixed
Budding Joy Shower Handle Grab Bars
– Durable PickThe Budding Joy Shower Handle Grab Bars offer a unique and attractive convenience for bathroom safety. These plastic shower handles have two powerful suction cups that securely attach to most non-porous and flat surfaces, such as tile, glass, acrylic, and fiberglass. The grab bars provide additional balance while entering and exiting the tub or shower, thanks to the comfortable and non-slip grip of the handles. Installation is easy, with no tools required or drilling needed. All you need to do is press down or flip up the locking latches to secure the bar in place.
Additionally, these grab bars can be easily moved around according to your needs. This set of grab bars is reliable, safe, and incredibly convenient as it is portable and compact. You can easily take it when you travel and install it in hotel rooms without hassle. Furthermore, this set of grab bars makes for excellent gifts, whether for a new home or someone needing more bathroom support.
- No holes necessary for tile or walls
- Economical and strong suction grip
- Provides good support and stability
- Doesn’t work on painted or rough surfaces
Drive Medical Steel Bedside Commode Chair
– Easy to AssembleThe Drive Medical Steel Bedside Commode Chair offers a versatile 3-in-1 design with a 350-lb capacity and supportive armrests to suit various needs. It also features fold-up legs for convenient storage and transportation. The snap-on seat and lid are made of durable plastic that installs without pushing buttons. Plus, the seat height is adjustable via built-in push pins for the ideal sitting position.
This commode chair is easy to clean thanks to the convenient carry handle and protective pail cover; plus, users can opt for commode liners for even quicker clean-ups. Additionally, this model is made from durable powder-coated steel capable of supporting up to 350 lbs. This makes it an excellent choice for portability, durability, and practicality. This pick has something to offer everyone’s needs, from its foldable frame to its adjustable seat height.
- Adjustable height and easy to assemble
- Folds for easy storage/transportation
- Built to fit over standard toilets
- Metal frame supports seat on two sides
People Also Asked
A: The most suitable equipment for elderly care at home includes toilet and bath aids, such as shower chairs and bath lifts; mobility aids, such as walking frames, wheelchairs, and scooters; assistive technology, such as telecare systems; communication devices to help with hearing and speaking difficulties; furniture risers and adjustable beds; sensory aids, such as lights, clocks, and calendars to help with vision and memory loss; and home adaptations, such as stair-rails and grab bars.
A: Yes, safety features or alerts may be built into some equipment specifically designed for elderly care at home. For example, some chairs may have sensors that detect when a person is sitting in them or getting up. Certain devices may be programmed to issue an alert if the user has not taken their medication on time or moved beyond a certain distance from their home.
A: Different equipment for elderly care at home will offer different features and advantages. Toilet and bath aids typically provide more independence and safety in bathing; mobility aids provide better stability when moving around the house; assistive technology can enable automatic contact with emergency services if required; communication devices can improve clarity when talking on the phone or face-to-face; furniture risers allow for easier access in sitting up and standing from chairs or beds; sensory aids can help with vision and memory loss issues; and home adaptations make it easier to get around the house.
A: Much of the equipment designed for elderly care at home is lightweight, so it can be moved easily around the house if necessary. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, or walking frames typically have wheels that make them easier to transport between rooms. Most toilet and bath aids are designed to be maneuverable within tight spaces such as bathrooms, while furniture risers are usually easy to remove when no longer required.
A: Yes, many companies that sell equipment for elderly care at home also offer rental or leasing programs so that individuals do not have to purchase the items in full upfront. This is a great way for people who need short-term use of a particular piece of specialist equipment but don’t want to commit to making a large purchase all in one go.
