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Aging in Place: Recommend helpful products

Aging in Place: Recommend helpful products Q. What are some products for aging in place that we can recommend?

A. For a senior to stay in the home, that place has to be safe and functional. Many family caregivers will provide help with activities of daily living. As their DME provider, your RTs, techs and delivery people are often on the front line when they deliver equipment to these seniors and may be aware of other equipment that can be purchased or rented to  assist your clients. Knowing what to look for in the home and training your staff on what is available will not only enhance the senior's ability to stay in the home safely, but also may provide product suggestions to the family caregivers who are assisting them. Below is a room by room list of some products to help those wishing to “age in place.”

Bathroom

Grab bars installed near the toilet and in the shower; raised toilet seat; shower/tub bench or seat with a hand-held shower; specialty shower curtain made for shower/tub bench; nightlights, with motion sensor or dusk to dawn sensor; and medication sorters and medication reminders. 

Kitchen

Fire extinguisher; jar openers, one-handed can openers; one-handed cutting boards; and smoke detectors.

Bedroom

Bed risers for easier transfers; bed rails; gel overlay mattresses; large numbers on phone and/or volume adjustable phone; smoke detector; night light with motion sensor or dusk to dawn sensor; and bed wedges for elevating legs or the head.

Kay Koch, OTR/L, ATP, is an independent consultant. Email her [email protected].

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