It was time to sell the family home and downsize my senior mom into a condo. She bought a place that was accessible and close to family. Once the last box was unpacked, she said she was never moving again. Ever. To keep her true to her word, I started a list of what she would need to live happily —and safely— ever after. Aging in place is often the ultimate goal for caregivers and seniors. Older adults who live in their own home are more relaxed and maintain independence longer. Technology has made aging in place more attainable, and products available to assist seniors in daily living are surging in popularity. Here are some of the best selections to help your senior thrive at home and provide you peace of mind.
In The Bathroom…
- 1 Moen Home Care 16-inch Grab Bar with Shelf
- 2 The Ultimate™ Raised Toilet Seat
- 3 Mr. Beams Motion-Sensing LED Nightlight
- 4 Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Automatic Can Opener
- 5 DASH Safe Slice Mandoline Slicer
- 6 Elite Gourmet Long Cool Touch Toaster
- 7 Liberty Bed Assist Rail
- 8 Silvert’s Adaptive Slippers
- 9 The Clapper
- 10 Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
- 11 SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System
Who says safety can’t be beautiful? The Moen Home Care 16-inch Grab Bar with Shelf is designed to securely mount for the utmost security. It supports up to 250 pounds and exceeds ADA manufacturing standards. The shelf provides utility while the stainless steel construction means durability that lasts, backed by Moen’s limited lifetime warranty. A warm brushed nickel finish blends with any décor.
You’ll find quality and support in The Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat, a useful device for seniors with limited mobility. Designed by healthcare professionals, this raised toilet seat is adjustable to fit any toilet or design. Installation is easy and doesn’t require any extra tools. Padded armrests are sturdy and comfortable, adding leverage when getting up and down. This product is multifunctional as a shower chair and a bedside commode, too.
You can see it all with Mr. Beams Motion-Sensing Nightlight. No more worries for your senior fumbling for the bathroom switch. This battery-powered LED light automatically senses motion and turns on to provide bright yet soft lighting where needed. Stick it anywhere, low down or up high. It turns off after 30 seconds after no motion is detected. One set of batteries provides more than 80 hours of light.
In The Kitchen…
Aging in place can’t get easier than with a Hamilton Beach Automatic Can Opener. With one touch of the easy push down lever, your regular and pop-top cans open with little effort. This can opener is a must for anyone with reduced grip strength. Its unique blade design cuts along the side instead of the top. The result is no mess and no sharp edges. Function is also gorgeous with a sleek chrome and black design.
Still love to cook? Stay safe with the Dash Safe Slicing Tool. This mandolin cuts perfect slices from 1-8 mm and offers over 30 different options including dicing, matchstick or julienne. Its design prevents hands from going near the built-in blades. When you are done, this tool folds flat for easy storage in your drawer. Food prep couldn’t be easier, and a recipe guide is included for inspiration.
Get toasty but stay cool with the Elite Gourmet Cool Touch Toaster. This countertop toaster is longer to accommodate sourdough and artisanal breads that won’t fit in a conventional toaster. There are six toasting settings along with defrost and reheat functions. Cool touch housing means no accidental burns. A slide out crumb tray makes for easy cleaning.
In The Bedroom…
Both you and your senior will sleep soundly with the Liberty Bed Assist Rail. Getting in and out of bed is easier with this stable and sturdy rail. It is adjustable to fit any bed and made of premium high quality steel. You don’t need tools for assembly, and it has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. The top bar is easily removable when it is time to clean or make the bed.
Shuffle out of bed with comfort in mind wearing Silvert’s Slippers for Seniors. These house slippers are available for both men and women. They’re easy to slide on and off and come in wide and extra wide for seniors with foot edema and other podiatry issues. Their anti-slip design is lightweight, soft and supportive. Silvert’s slippers are available in many colors and offer ideal comfort for all seniors.
Clap on. Clap off. Life is easier with The Clapper. This sound-activated on/off switch is known for its catchy vintage television commercials. It is also a great idea for seniors who forgot to turn off the light after getting under the blankets. Each Clapper can operate two devices and plugs into any standard outlet. Turn on the television with two claps and turn off the radio with three. Sound sensitivity can be adjusted to softer or louder clapping sounds.
For The Whole House…
Cleaning while aging in place is a cinch with a Shark IQ Robot Vacuum. Save your energy and let this awesome robovac clean for you. Suction power is unbeatable, and a self-cleaning brushroll keeps it going strong. This high efficiency vacuum works especially well on pet hair, too, making the extra-large dust bin a handy feature. This smart vac even returns to its charging station when needed and picks up where it left off when fully charged.
Security made simple comes with a SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System. Real protection is possible with this frustration-free home surveillance system. Its technology knows the difference between an unwanted intruder and the family dog. A silent panic option allows homeowners to signal for help discreetly, or the standard panic button triggers a loud alarm and notifies the authorities right away. SimpliSafe technology is expandable with temperature alarms, doorbells and even flood detection for added peace of mind.
Aging in place is not only possible for today’s older adults, it has been made easier with the advent of technology and handy household inventions for seniors and their caregivers. It takes careful planning and research for successful aging in place, and these products can be an important part of making it happen.