| Independent living aids help seniors stay independent | | | | best course of action. |
| and in their own homes much longer. There are many | | | | - Other advice as the nurse deems appropriate. |
| reasons why this is important. | | | | Bedroom and Bathroom Devices |
| - Staying independent longer helps the senior have a | | | | There are many different independent living aids for |
| feeling of self confidence and independence. This can, | | | | the bedroom. There are organizers for your cane |
| in turn, extend their lives. | | | | that attach directly to the bed, hand rails, and even |
| - Most people do not like to rely on other too much, | | | | pillows that can help reduce neck and back strain. |
| preferring to take care of things themselves. They | | | | One of the more ingenious products is the a unique |
| don't want to be a bother or nuisance. | | | | device that fits over single vision lenses. The built in |
| - Living at home longer is less expensive than going | | | | prism actually turns the image 90 degrees, so you |
| to a nursing facility. | | | | don't even have to lean up to watch television or |
| So Many Choices! | | | | read a book. |
| Because the baby boomer generation is so large, | | | | Independent living aid products are also available for |
| many new and innovative companies are dedicated | | | | bathrooms. One of the recent items that is growing |
| to creating independent living aids for them as they | | | | in popularity is the walk in tub. These tubs are larger |
| age. Here is a small sampling to give you an idea of | | | | than regular tubs, have a door on one side and a |
| what is available. | | | | seat. You simply open the door and go in, seal it up |
| Instant Help Devices | | | | and start your bath. They have adjustable shower |
| One such independent living aid is a 24 Hour Nurse | | | | heads that you can hold in your hand, or you can fill it |
| Line/Emergency Response Service. The user receives | | | | with water and take a bath. The door is completely |
| a small box to setup in the home, and a pendent to | | | | sealed with a rubber ring and the pressure from the |
| wear. In the event of an emergency, the user | | | | weight of the water. There are also a variety of |
| presses the red button and 911 is summoned to the | | | | different styles to choose from. There are also many |
| home. | | | | different kinds of attachments that can be put in |
| If there is not an emergency, but your parent has | | | | your bathroom like handles and lighted mirrors that |
| symptoms that he/she is confused about, simply | | | | can be of great use. |
| press the white button on either the box or the | | | | Kitchen Devices |
| pendent. This opens a channel to a nurse call center | | | | There are also many different aids for around the |
| where a registered nurse patiently talks to the caller, | | | | kitchen as well. There are many devices for people |
| asking important questions about medications and | | | | who have limited use of their hands, from cutting |
| symptoms. Any of the following can happen during a | | | | boards with gentle vises on them for slicing fruits and |
| call: | | | | vegetables, plastic guards that hold bread so you can |
| - Calling 911 immediately if the nurse determines it is a | | | | use spreads with one hand. There are mini food |
| medical emergency. | | | | choppers, can and bottle openers, and even an |
| - Having the caller contact the primary care physician | | | | adjustable pot holder that has a suction cup. This |
| to schedule an appointment. | | | | device holds pots on the stock and uses the suction |
| - Self care. This is what happens in the majority of | | | | cup to secure itself to the stove top, ideal for stirring |
| calls. As just one example, the nurse will make | | | | when you have limited mobility. |
| recommendations regarding medications, such as | | | | Help your parents live at home longer by using new |
| taking medications at a specific time of day, or even | | | | products and services designed specifically for them. |
| stopping a medication if the nurse believes this is the | | | | |