Your home might feel safe, but there may still be several safety risks for older adults. Without elderly safety products, older adults face a higher risk of falling, being poisoned, abuse and crime, and fire injuries, among others. The risk of these accidents increases with age thanks to weak bones, poor eyesight and hearing, and mental illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Senior living facilities have the necessary safety devices to keep seniors safe. However, most seniors will prefer to age in a place surrounded by loved ones. As such, the home needs safety products to enhance the older adult’s independence and comfort. These products should protect them from falls, improve their mobility and make the home more accessible, and enable them to perform activities of daily living comfortably. Read on to learn more.
The Benefits of Elderly Safety Products
Seniors face mental and physical challenges that necessitate the need for elderly safety products. With the right products, seniors can carry out different activities independently and comfortably. For seniors with disabilities, carrying out simple tasks like brushing their teeth and going to the bathroom can be a real struggle. The older adults’ assistive devices ease the difficulties that seniors face by:
- Providing support – The frail bones of older adults make it a challenge for them to stand for too long or ease themselves into a toilet bowl. With support products, seniors can stand, get into bathtubs, and gain stability when performing different tasks.
- Promoting safety from falls – Falls are the most common accident for seniors at home. Devices such as bed rails and grab bars protect them from falls. Other products, such as commodes and shower transfer benches, bring safety to the bathroom.
- Enhancing mobility – For seniors to be independent, they should be able to walk around the home. As such, devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and canes are handy. They are for older adults who have difficulties walking – they help reduce falls and enable seniors to carry out activities of daily living.
- Improve the seniors’ quality of life – Most seniors prefer handling all daily activities without help. These activities include brushing teeth, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. With the right elderly safety products, they can do that and lead an independent lifestyle. Seniors will feel a sense of accomplishment that makes their life more comfortable.
- Less work for caregivers – If you are a caregiver who spends most of their days at work, having elderly safety products will make the job easier for you. When a senior can perform several tasks independently and safely, you will have more time to focus on your work.
- Give Seniors Privacy – Having a caregiver around the house every day can infringe on seniors’ privacy. If the older adult can perform activities for daily living without the input of a caregiver, then they are better left alone, which makes them feel comfortable.
- Peace of mind for senior and seniors family- Installing bathroom safety produce will give you peace of mind. It will also make your family members feel better about you living at home. Everyone can rest easier knowing that you are taking proactive steps to ensure you are safe
Essential Elderly Safety Products
The benefits of home elderly safety products depend on how well seniors use them. As such, besides picking the right product, seniors also need to learn how to use the chosen product. Here are some great options:
#1: Able Life Universal Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar
Falls are common for seniors with physical and mental challenges, which explains the need for elderly safety products. The Able Life Grab Bar features an ergonomic handle that supports seniors ability to stand and perform some tasks. This height-adjustable bar is installed on the ceiling and floor for seven, eight, or nine feet tall ceilings. It features rubbing pads that protect your ceiling and floor at the point of installation.
Each bar features solid construction to support up to 300 pounds. Seniors can use it when getting to bed, stepping into the bathtub, or transferring to a wheelchair. The ergonomic positioning of the grab bar allows seniors to hold it when sitting or standing.
The Able Life Grab Bar replaces bulky toilet rails with its slim yet sturdy construction. You can install it in any room without major structural modifications. Installation takes a short time since no screws or wall mounts are needed. Able Life offers all the necessary installation hardware, so you are set in minutes.
Pros
- Easy to assemble with no tools
- Adjustable to suit different ceiling heights
- No need to modify your ceiling or floor to install
- Slim yet sturdy design
Cons
- No cons
#2: NYOrtho Bedside Foldable Floor Mats for Elderly
A floor mat is one of the elderly’s safety products that reduces the risk of slipping and falling when stepping off the bed. The NYOrtho Floor Mat features impact-absorbing molded foam with waterproof rubber. This material is non-slipping and reduces the chances of an injury after a fall. When not in use, the mat folds into two for easy storage.
Under the mat is a non-skid surface that holds its position on all types of floors – you can use it on wood, carpet, and tiled floors. Its slip-resistant back also means the senior will find stability while standing on the mat. Its edges bevel into the floor, making it accessible for seniors on wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Even better, the beveled edges ensure seniors do not trip and fall.
NYOrtho used high-quality materials to create this mat for durability. After unboxing, allow the mat up to 24 hours to straighten before use.
Pros
- It provides a soft surface for seniors to stand on
- Ample size covers the entire bed area
- The surface absorbs impact if a senior falls
- Features a waterproof design
Cons
- Relatively more expensive
#3: Able Life Able Tray Table
Seniors may struggle to stand on their favorite couch or ease into it for rest. One of the best elderly safety products to help with that is the Able Life Tray Table. It is a simple support device that stabilizes seniors when standing or sitting on a couch. The support and mobility handle features a safety handle for support and a tray to hold food and other items.
As seniors relax on their favorite couch, they can use their computer or tablet, enjoy a bowl of fruit, or hold their favorite book on the tray table. The table measures 16 by 18 inches, making it large enough to offer versatility. Even better, a cup holder and a compartment to hold utensils are on one end of the tray table. When not in use, the tray table swivels out of the way, exposing the six by six inches handle for support.
The Able Life Tray Table is fully adjustable. You can increase the table height from 26 to 32 inches, while the support handle adjusts between 34 and 40 inches in height. Even better, the base length can be adjusted to offer more stability when the senior stands. Able Life uses stability pads on the base to make the support stable and protect your floor.
Pros
- Large stable size for different activities
- Installs with ease
- Designed to fit couches and recliners of different sizes
- Sturdy and stable construction
Cons
- You cannot use it on a bed.
#4: Stander CouchCane, Standing Assistance Aid for Adults
The Stander Couch Cane supports older adults when they are standing on a couch or sitting. With it, older adults will only need a little assistance from caregivers. Even better, it will help prevent back pain from lifting from a couch. The cane features an ergonomic handle that accommodates seniors of different heights up to 250 pounds. On its sides are four pocket pouches that seniors can use to hold personal items. You can also attach a tray table, which you buy separately, to make the cane more versatile.
The cane comes in handy for seniors who need help with mobility. It features a reversible base that allows you to install it on the right or left side of a couch for ease of use. The low profile enhances its stability and will enable it to match the interior décor of a home.
Each cane offers great adjustability when it is installed on 4-legged chairs. You can adjust the cane’s base length to fit chairs with bases between 20 and 36 inches wide. The height of the handle also adjusts from 34 to 40 inches to accommodate different users.
The Stander Couch Cane is easy to assemble. Its steel frame features a non-skid base that attaches quickly and extends to the needed installation length.
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction
- Highly adjustable to fit under most four-legged seats
- A non-skid base allows stability during use
Cons
- Assembly takes relatively more time
#5: MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift
In cases where a senior cannot stand even with a cane, an electric chair lift comes in handy. It is one of the older safety products designed for older adults with disabilities. This electric chair features a high-strength steel rod that supports up to 300 pounds.
MAIDeSITe created this chair lift for durability and power. Its high-strength steel rods keep it stable in all usage situations. Even better, it sports comfortable seat cushions that are easy to clean. The electric chair lift is handy when seniors want an easy way to stand or transfer to the bathroom.
After use, the side wings on the chair fold downward towards the seat for easy storage. During use, the chair lift uses rechargeable batteries as a power source. As such, you never have to connect it to a power supply, making it a great device to use in different rooms. You can even use it in the bathtub because it has a waterproof construction. With its six suction cups, the electric chair lift remains stable in the bathtub.
Pros
- Usable in any room in a house
- Easy to operate for seniors
- The wireless design does not need a connection to a power supply
Cons
- It is relatively heavy.
#6: OasisSpace Heavy Duty Sliding Bath Transfer Bench
The OasisSpace tub bench features an aluminum frame construction that makes it rust-resistant, so you can use it for several years. On the aluminum frame is a comfortable anti-skid HDPE seat with drain holes, so you can use it in the bathroom for many years. After use, the seat dries up fast.
OasisSpace created this bath transfer bench for older adults of all heights and body sizes. During use, you can adjust it to suit your height. Seniors will find the bench easy to use; place one end of the bench outside the shower and the other inside the shower. The senior then slides from one end into the shower with the help of a caregiver. Its extra-wide seat guarantees the comfort and safety of the user. The bathtub seat has a detachable backrest that is perfect for all seniors.
Older adults can use detachable armrests and safety belts to enhance their safety further. The armrests are not a standard feature on shower transfer benches, but in this unit, they provide the extra support needed when getting into and out of the chair. The provided safety belt minimizes the risk of slips and falls.
OasisSpace also added a shower head holder and a soap dish for convenience when bathing. Each set comes with detailed assembly instructions, so it is ready to use in a few minutes. You do not need to install it permanently, so you can move it as you desire. During assembly and installation, you can configure it for right or left-handed users.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Added extras such as soap dish and armrests for convenience and safety
- Easy to assemble
- Available configuration for left-hand and right-hand users
Cons
- It could have been longer
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Elderly Safety Products
There are hundreds of elderly safety products on the market. However, everyone faces unique challenges as they age. As such, you have to consider the senior’s individual needs, the home’s condition, and the caregiver’s availability. These factors will help you determine the best elderly safety products. Here are some factors to consider:
Common Safety Issues Affecting Older Adults
Before shopping, consider the hazards and safety risks a home poses. Older adults face mobility and reduced physical strength issues. As such, the first set of safety devices should help them address mobility and support them when they sit or stand. Some of the issues to address here include:
- Mobility and Accessibility – For starters, you need to ensure that seniors can easily access any part of the house they need. They may not be able to use the stairs, but they should be able to access the rooms they need without much hassle. Think about their daily activities and ensure that you have them covered for anything they need to do.
- Falls are common for people of all ages, but for older adults, injuries from falls can be fatal. As such, when shopping for elderly safety products, start with those that protect them from falls. This is why most of the products on the market are used in the bathroom, where the slippery floor is. Although these devices may never eliminate the risk of falls, they give seniors the peace of mind to focus on daily tasks.
- Natural Disasters and Fires – With limited mobility, seniors may be unable to evacuate a building in case of a fire. As such, you must install the relevant alarms and fire suppression devices to keep them safe. Ensure you have emergency plans to save them if a fire breaks out.
- Break-Ins – Seniors are common targets for burglars. When left home alone, seniors cannot protect themselves from burglars and other intruders. As such, caregivers must install appropriate safety devices, such as cameras and motion sensors. These will scare away would-be burglars.
Health and Lifestyle of the Older Adult
After considering the common risks and hazards at home, consider what systems will fit the lifestyle and health of the older adult. What activities do they enjoy doing every day? How active are they in the community and around the house? How is their health? Do they take medications that affect their balance and energy? Is falling an issue?
In most cases, when an older adult falls, they may not manage to press the medical alert system. As such, you may want to pick elderly safety products that detect falls and send an instant message to the caregiver or an emergency care service.
Some elderly conditions include stroke, acid reflux, obstructive pulmonary disease, incontinence, diabetes, low vision, high blood pressure, and hearing impairment. Each of these conditions might require a set of elderly safety products.
Availability of a Caregiver and the Need for Independent Living
Although older adults can live independently with the right elderly safety products, a caregiver may still be useful. The devices provided should assist seniors in living as independently as possible, depending on the availability of a caregiver. If a caregiver works a full-time job or lives far from the senior’s home, safety devices must cater to the older adult’s needs. Several tools and technologies can assist older adults in living independently; explore these and see what is affordable.
Affordability, Versatility, and Sturdiness
The range of elderly safety products is unending, so pick what is appropriate and affordable. When shopping on a budget, you need versatile products. Get adjustable products that you can customize to your needs and your home. For instance, when shopping for grab bars, go for a product whose height you can adjust to suit the older adult’s height.
Features on Smart Medical Alert Devices
Medical alert systems are handy for keeping seniors safe at home and abroad. When shopping for these devices, you need to ensure they have all the features that keep your loved one safe. An important feature of these systems is the one-touch alarm. The feature allows seniors to press a button to get help immediately. Another great feature is automatic fall detection, which sends alerts to emergency service providers without the need to push a button.
Consider the no-movement alarm feature. This feature sends an alert to the caregiver and emergency service providers when an older adult does not move for a specified period of time. Other features include a find-me function, showerproof construction, and a 4GX signal to use at home and on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are elderly safety products easy to use for seniors with limited tech experience?
Yes. Today, most tech-related senior safety products only require the touch of a button. Seniors will have an alarm device strapped to their wrists; all they have to do is press a button. Even better, most medical alarm systems, smoke detectors, and motion sensors are automatic. These devices will automatically send alerts to emergency service providers and caregivers, and the older adult doesn’t have to do anything. However, a caregiver might need help with charging, maintenance, and settings.
Can I customize the settings on fall detection devices?
Fall detection devices, such as smartwatches, can be set to detect falls during a workout or at all times. Besides these smartwatches, seniors can use pressure pads. These pads not only detect falls but also absorb the impact from a fall to protect the weak bones of a senior citizen. These pads are less customizable compared to smartwatches.
Do personal emergency response systems work outside the home?
Yes. There are emergency response systems for seniors who are always on the go. These medical alert systems use a cellular network and technologies such as GPS to locate the user and send alerts to emergency response services. Smartwatches, medical alert bracelets, and wearable pendants are easy to locate from anywhere, making them great for outdoor use.
Conclusion
There are several ways to keep seniors safe at home. Besides using elderly safety devices, you must make the home safe by removing clutter from their rooms, ensuring the floors are always dry and covered, placing cabinets and other items within reach, and keeping the home well-lit. You need to walk around the house and address any risks you note based on the older adult’s condition. Doing so ensures their safety as they walk around the house, and you have peace of mind.
Seniors have challenges moving around the house, balance and coordination, poor vision and hearing, confusion and dementia, and chronic illnesses. Based on their condition, several items around the house could pose a danger to them. You should modify their bed, get them a unique couch, modify their bathroom, and install the necessary safety devices.
What a comprehensive and informative article by Home Safety Living on essential safety products for the elderly! Identifying and utilizing the right safety products can make a significant difference in enhancing the quality of life, promoting independence, and ensuring the well-being of our aging loved ones. For those interested in exploring more resources and gaining further insights into senior safety, well-being, and aging gracefully, I highly recommend visiting SeniorThrive.com. SeniorThrive is a comprehensive platform that provides a wealth of information, expert advice, and inspiring stories tailored to empower seniors and their families.
Thank you for compiling this informative list of elderly safety products! Ensuring our aging loved ones have access to reliable safety solutions is crucial for their well-being and independence. For those interested in further exploring senior health and safety, I recommend visiting SeniorThrive.com. They offer a wealth of resources and expert advice on enhancing quality of life and promoting safety for seniors. Together, let’s continue to prioritize senior care and support with innovative solutions!