Elevated toilet seats
Many elders cannot lower themselves carefully onto a toilet seat. Elevated toilet seats can allow seniors or disabled people to sit comfortably and safely. They can either be a plastic attachment that is shaped like an exceptionally thick version of a standard toilet seat, or a framework that has a seat that encloses the toilet and provides handles, as well. They are elevated about three inches more than regular toilet seats.
Handles for automobiles
Seniors sometimes have trouble getting in and out of cars because of limited support and space. Handles for automobiles can attach to the door frame of any car. The handle enables a passenger or the driver to transfer easily in and out of the car and it provides a safe grip while standing or sitting down. It is an inexpensive way to increase mobility and your independence.
Swivel seat cushions
Swivel seat cushions are another aid for elders and people with disabilities. It has a foam padded cushion with a swivel base that can allow the passenger to turn three hundred and sixty degrees to enter or exit a car. The cushions are padded for comfort. It can be put on any secure, flat seat surface such as a bath chair or even a dining room chair.
Grabbers
If you or your aging or disabled loved one has trouble getting up from being seated to get something. Grabbers, which are also called reach extenders, may help seniors with mobility problems by letting them grab items they need without getting up. They are long pincer tipped devices that have a pistol grip that can open and close the tip onto the item being grabbed. A range of sizes, designs and materials are available, including some that are even hinged for folding.
Shower/Tub seats
Shower or tub seats are one of the more popular and easy items to find that are used to increase safety and convenience while taking a bath. A shower or tub seat fits within the confines of a tub or shower and has rubber tipped legs. Some are just simply molded plastic, like a stool, and others are constructed like a chair with a back rest attached. All of these types of shower or tub seats are made to help transfer a person from a wheelchair, and they extend over the side of the tub.
Lever style door handles
Lever style door handles can help seniors that have trouble opening doors. These door handles do not work by turning or twisting the knob. The patient leans on the handle with one arm, or the weight of the hand and the door easily opens. This design can help those elders that are in wheelchairs and people with carpal tunnel or arthritis. The door handles can be used both on interior doors and exterior doors. The handles can have combination locks or key locks and are made from a variety of materials. Styles can vary depending on your preference.
Everyone knows that being active and having the freedom to live your life the way you want to is very important. If you or your loved one has limited mobility you should consider looking into mobility aids like the ones suggested above. However, there are many more devices ranging from eating utensils and wheel chair ramps to stair lifts that can be beneficiary for people with limited mobility. There is always an aid that is right for your situation. Never let a person with limited mobility sit or lay for a long period of time without position changes. This can cause pressure sores, a range of infections, and muscle atrophy. Some of the mobility aids are expensive investments; however, most mobility devices are covered by health insurance if the need is justified and the mobility aid is prescribed by a doctor.
