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Home Technology and Tools to Help a Senior Dealing with Compromised Balance

October 11, 2016

Elder Care in Juno Beach FL

Elder Care in Juno Beach FLMany elderly adults deal with balance that is not as confident and secure as it was when they were younger. This can be caused by a wide range of issues, including certain medical health concerns, medications, and other limitations. If your aging parent is dealing with compromised balance they are at increased risk for serious falls and other accidents, putting them in danger of suffering potentially devastating injuries that could negatively impact their functionality and even their longevity. Integrating technology and tools into their home that help them to deal with compromised balance can protect your parent from these falls and empower them to be more independent as they age in place. Some of the home technology and tools that can help a senior deal with compromised balance while remaining comfortable and confident in their home include:
• Stair lift. Going up and down steps is one of the most challenging activities for a senior who is dealing with compromised balance. This can cause your parent to avoid using the upper or lower floors of the home. A stair lift allows your parent to sit securely and let the lift bring them up the stairs and then back down, enabling them to use their whole home safely and confidently.
• Reaching tool. For a senior who is dealing with compromised balance, reaching to pick things up can cause them to tip and topple over. A reaching tool has a handle with a trigger that opens and closes a claw-like mechanism at the end. The extended handled enables your parent to reach down, up, or over, pick up light items, and bring them to themselves so that they do not have to lean over stretch up.
• Bath transfer seat. If your loved one has marked issues with their balance they might struggle to get in and out of the bath successfully. The bathroom is a leading spot for tragic falls, so it is important that they are given the most opportunity to stay safe while handling important tasks such as bathing. A bath transfer seat is similar to a stair lift in that your parent sits securely on it and the seat lifts them up. This seat, however, is designed to transfer your parent into the bath and then back out so that they do not have to step into or out of the tub, and they do not risk slipping. Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best choices that you can make to help them stay safe, healthy, and comfortable even while they are dealing with compromised balance. Not feeling as confident on their feet can make it challenging for your elderly parent to stay as active and engaged in the world around them as they want to be. This can diminish their mental and emotional health, as well as their quality of life. With the personalized approach to care, support, and assistance from an elderly home care services provider, however, your parent can get the physical help that they need to manage their personal needs in the way that is right for them. This helps them to maintain as much independence as possible as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.