Whatever the holiday or occasion, consider ways to help provide mobility and independence.
We chose the tagline “Homecare Products That Help Maintain Dignity” because it reflects our beliefs in every person’s right to remain independent for as long as possible. When independence is lost, it can result in isolation, anxiety and depression, drug dependence, eating and sleeping problems, and chronic pain. The next time you’re shopping for your loved one, consider the gift of mobility, for a higher-quality life.
Personal hygiene help
An inability to maintain personal hygiene can be difficult to accept, and your loved one may hesitate to ask for help, even from family members. Fortunately, there are many products available to make the bathroom a safe yet private place. Installing grab bars along walls next to the toilet, sink, and tub ensures your loved one greater mobility, as well as peace of mind for you. Consider adding a raised toilet seat for greater ease and comfort, and place bath benches in the tub or shower for assistance.
If your loved is able to go to a store, buying incontinence products is likely not how she wants to spend her time away. If unable to do her own shopping, she may feel undignified asking family members to buy her pads, absorbent underwear or other incontinence supplies. Setting her up with a home-delivery service might just be one of the greatest gifts you can give her. Is she loyal to a brand? Most can be delivered, including Poise, Depend, Tena, Serenity and others. Don’t forget to stock up on personal hygiene products too, such as disposable washcloths, cleansers and moisturizers, and even long-handled sponge scrubbies and lotion applicators.
Getting around
Getting around means different things to different people, depending on their level of mobility. One of the biggest challenges to even the most mobile can be getting in and out of beds, vehicles and chairs. Today, there are products that assist with these tasks, such as handles that mount to the side of a bed and a portable handle for getting in and out of a car. If shopping for someone who enjoys watching television from a favorite recliner, look into a swiveling tray that doubles as a mobility handle.
Consider all the different types of walking aids available nowadays, such as regular, folding or even lighted canes. There are also numerous types of walkers and rollers; compare models to see which your loved one prefers and which would best work in his residence.
For those who need more help getting around, transport chairs have come a long way since the wheelchairs of days gone by. Some are ultra light for portability, and extras like laptop trays and cushioning are readily available.
Everyday tasks
Being able to complete the everyday tasks that some take for granted—like dressing oneself—can mean a lot to someone fighting for her mobility and independence. A dressing stick and reaching kit work similarly, allowing the user to pick up or move things within reach.
People who’ve always prided themselves on keeping a clean home may appreciate products that preserve their dignity, such as odor-eliminators. Even kitchen tools like easy-open pill bottles and bottle openers can help your loved one remain independent for as long as possible.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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