There are dozens and dozens of products targeted at seniors and at those with special needs. It can be confusing to choose from them all. There are some wonderful options available to you, though. Here are some great things we’ve found to share with you. These items can make your loved one’s life easier, improve their health, and help them be more independent. They can also make your life easier and relieve stress.
Activity Apron Soothes Those with Alzheimer’s
As Alzheimer’s progresses, you may notice your loved one folding and unfolding clothing or other cloth. Your loved one may begin picking at their clothing and even undressing at inappropriate times. As a caregiver, this can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with. It’s difficult to find activities for your loved one to engage in, and of course you want to protect their dignity.
An activity apron may be the answer. It will keep your loved one’s hands busy doing familiar, soothing activities, and discourage inappropriate undressing.
AliMed offers two of these. The Discovery Apron includes a zipper, a bow to tie and untie, a buckle, a button flap pocket, a soft flannel area, a hook and loop-edged flap, and a terrycloth flap. It provides plenty of activities to keep your loved one occupied. The Activity Apron offers threading and buttoning activities and includes a clear plastic pocket for a photo. The photo adds visual stimulation and can help keep your loved one oriented while providing activities for their hands.
Both of these aprons can be ordered online at www.alimed.com or by calling 800-225-2610. The Discovery Apron retails for $33.75, while the Activity Apron retails for $42.
If your loved one is forgetful about medications or has difficulty reading the small print on prescription bottles, this may be the answer you’re looking for. It’s a small recording device that attaches to a prescription bottle. The caregiver or pharmacist records a brief message stating how and when to take the medication in the bottle. All your loved one has to do is push a button to hear the message played back. This talking prescription bottle can prevent medication errors, allow your loved one to function more independently, and give you peace of mind.
The Talking Rx Bottle is made by the Millennium Compliance Corporation. To order, call 860-426-0542 or ask at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. The talking prescription bottle retails for about $20 – $28.
Photo Phone Makes It Easier to Stay in Touch
In the early stages of dementia or as forgetfulness increases, forgetting how to contact caregivers can be a frightening experience. As a caregiver, you may worry about whether your loved one will be able to reach you if you are needed. The photo memory phone addresses this issue.
There are frames for eight small photos, as well as a ninth frame for an image to call 911. Your loved one simply presses the button with the picture of the person they want to call. Even in the mid stages of dementia when it may be getting difficult to recall names, your loved one will likely be able to recognize your photo and phone you independently.
The phone also features large buttons, a flashing ringer, and an adjustable amplifier to make calls up to ten times louder, making it a good choice for those with poor vision and/or hearing.
The Ameriphone Photo Phone P300 is made by Clarity and retails for about $45 – $50. You can order it online at www.clarityproducts.com, call toll free 800-552-3368, or look for one wherever you buy small appliances and electronics.
Get Fit and Have Fun
Easy Exercises: Isometrics, Pilates, and Stretching with Sunshine from Senior Exercisesis an exercise video designed specially for senior citizens. It combines isometrics, pilates, and stretching to provide a gentle, full-body workout. Some exercises are performed sitting and others are performed standing while holding onto a chair for balance. These exercises are designed to build strength, increase joint mobility, and improve balance. The video is easy to follow and the exercises are easy to perform for seniors of any fitness level.
Regular exercise has been shown to release endorphins in the brain, chemicals that relieve stress and depression. It also provides mental stimulation. You can exercise with your loved one if you like in order to improve your own health and reduce stress.
The exercise video or DVD (your choice) retails for $29.99. Visit www.seniorexercises.com or call 516-837-9367 to place an order. Senior Exercises offers a number of other exercise videos as well.
Increase Independence and Self-Esteem for Those with Disabilities
ShowerBuddy is a unique wheelchair that allows people with disabilities more independence when showering and toileting. Relying on others for assistance with such personal activities can be difficult and embarrassing. It can be difficult for caregivers, as well.
ShowerBuddy resembles a regular wheelchair, but has a seat shaped like a toilet seat. The chair slides over the toilet and locks in place on a docking station. The disabled person can then be left alone to use the restroom. There is no lifting from chair to toilet, reducing the risk of falls for your loved one and reducing the risk of back injury to caregivers.
The chair then rolls right into a shower. Again, no lifting is required. The disabled person can then be left alone to shower, provided they are capable of doing so. The hole in the center of the seat allows easy access for bathing intimate areas. The chair is made of water-resistant material and can be easily wiped dry after a shower.
At $1895 ($200 more for the toilet docking station), ShowerBuddy is probably not cost effective for someone with short-term needs, but for those with a long-term disability it can be a valuable piece of equipment. Visit their website at www.myshowerbuddy.com to view a video of ShowerBuddy in action and to find a dealer near you, or phone toll free 877-769-2833 for more information.
