Caring for an aging loved one involves much more than just tending to their basic needs. Their comfort, happiness, and quality of life rely on products and resources that address their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some products you might not have thought of, but which can make a world of difference.
1. Items for Easier Daily Living (click image to purchase)
Dressing Aids: Restore independence for those with limited dexterity.
Sock aids make it easier to put on socks when range of motion is limited.
Button hooks allow assists when finer motor skills are needed to get dressed.
Long-handled shoehorns save time and help put on shoes when range of motion is limited.
Adaptive Eating Utensils:
Specially designed utensils with large grips or swivel features. Some are weighted in a way that helps mitigate shakey hands.
Spill-proof scoop plates make it easier to load food onto utensils.
Container handles empower those with weakness or limited hand coordination to feed themselves with dignity
2. Mind-Engaging Fun (click image to purchase)
Large-Print Puzzles & Word Games: Puzzles, crosswords, and word searches in large print are fantastic for keeping brains active while accommodating potential vision changes.
Audiobooks and Music Subscriptions: Audiobooks provide hours of entertainment with beloved stories or new discoveries. Music subscriptions offer a personalized soundtrack for relaxation, energy, or even reminiscing.
Simple Tablet with Video Call Apps: A senior-friendly tablet, preloaded with easy-to-use communication apps, enables connection with family and friends while offering stimulating games and online activities.
3. Creative and Entertaining Outlets (click image to purchase)
Adult Coloring Books and Supplies: Detailed coloring books and quality pencils or markers promote relaxation, focus, and a sense of accomplishment.
Voice-Activated Smart Speaker: From playing favorite songs to setting timers, a smart speaker offers entertainment, hands-free assistance, and even companionship with a simple voice command.
Gardening Kneeler and Tools: A comfortable kneeler and adaptive tools bring the joy of gardening to those with limited mobility, fostering a connection with nature.
4. Legacy Building Tools (click image to purchase)
Guided Journals: Journals with prompts like “Tell me about your childhood” spark meaningful reflection, allowing precious memories to be preserved.
Digital Voice Recorder: A simple recorder lets your loved one share stories in their own voice, creating a priceless audio archive for future generations.
Overhead smartphone camera mount: Smartphone camera mounts are great at digitizing printed photos and other artifacts to keep and share with loved ones for generations.
Where to Find Them
They can be purchased by clicking on the image that will take you to the Amazon product page.
Additional Considerations
- Personalize: Choose products that align with your loved one’s interests or hobbies for an extra special touch.
- Involve Them: If possible, involve your loved one in the selection process to boost enthusiasm and ensure the products are a good fit for their unique needs.
These thoughtful additions create a world of greater comfort, engagement, and lasting memories for your aging loved ones.
