Must Have Aged Care Equipment to Help Elderly at Home

Performing a simple chore can become difficult with age. Mobility issues, constant physical discomfort, deteriorating financial stability, and increasing dependency all contribute to a decline in both mental and physical health.   

Furthermore, deteriorating health is the root cause of several accidents, exacerbating the situation. Such circumstances emphasise the importance of ongoing health monitoring and maintenance. Several accidents can result in hospitalisation and may necessitate a longer stay.   

Why put your elderly parents in an uneasy and strange sanctuary? With the availability of elderly care equipment, you can easily create the necessary environment for your parents and treat them in their own homes.  

Let’s explore a wide range of essential home care equipment designed to enhance the well-being of our seniors in an in-home care setting. 

In-Home Aged Care: A Brief Description 

Known to everyone, the growing age demands extra care for flooding, living, and taking medical care. Your loved grandma or grandpa or even your parents can reach an age where they would need assistance in their day-to-day life. So, to not go to the hospital-like facility and enjoy their privacy, elderly people opt for care service at home, which is known as in-home care service.   

There are three main types of in-home care providers, namely: 

•  Family Provided Care: Here, the immediate and other local family members provide the care at home. 
•  Private Nurse Care: A private nurse or home health aide is appointed to help with basic ALD and IADL activities of the elderly individual. 
• Agency-Based Care: Here, Ageing Care Agencies hire their nurses or home health aides to address aging clients’ individual needs.  

Activities in in-home care service

“Activities of Daily Life” (ADLs) and “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” (IADLs) are included in-home care services for seniors.   ADLs include activities that need to be performed on a daily basis for survival. These activities include eating food, bathing, mobility, and dressing. In the case of IADLs, it includes activities (e.g., grocery shopping, meal prep, housekeeping, managing finance, etc.) that are less important but necessary enough for a person to maintain a smooth life at home.  

The In-home care includes the following:

• Customised plans for those living with chronic health conditions like Cancer or mental health conditions like Parkinson, Dementia, etc. 
• Help in successful recovery as well as maximising long-term independence. 
• Improve the elderly’s life experience and keep them familiar with the home environment. 
• Care with a positive approach to add to the independence, dignity and quality of life of the client.  

In-home care can be short-term or long-term, depending on the health needs of the client. Overall, with professional in-home care, there can be less stress in the family while allowing the senior loved ones to live safely and comfortably in their own home. 

What is Aged Care Equipment?  

Aging is a gradual process that affects the entire body. Aging effects differ from person to person and can include health issues, physical changes in appearance, decreased mobility or dexterity, and other complications such as reduced vision or hearing loss. This is where aged care equipment can help in meeting these challenges.  

Aged care equipment is an excellent way to guide seniors with their daily needs for independent living. These products are specifically designed with the elderly in mind to stay independent, making them easier to use from weight-adjustable hand grips to height-adjustable handles. Many of these items are also ergonomic, with features such as padded seats and armrests!  

What Are Some Examples of Elderly Care Equipment?  

Because of the various needs and preferences of aging people, aged care equipment includes a wide range of items. Some examples are as follows:  

• Ramps to help people with mobility issues.  
• Wheelchairs and scooters make it easier for those who would otherwise struggle to walk long distances.  
• For someone who has difficulty walking without assistance, a walker or cane may be useful.  
• Hospital beds that provide comfort while sleeping or recuperating.  
• Bed rails on hospital beds prevent patients from falling out of bed at night. These pose an additional risk because they can disrupt sleep patterns if used excessively during the day.  

Why Is Aged Care Equipment Necessary?   

Aging is a natural process that is best accomplished with some independence. That may be difficult because as your body changes, so does the equipment that makes daily chores easier.  

The significance of aged care equipment should not be overlooked. It has many advantages for seniors who want to maintain their quality of life while ageing gracefully into old age without becoming overly reliant on others or themselves just yet – something they’ll need later when basic chores become more difficult.   

Aged care equipment is an important part of keeping an elderly person’s home positive and happy. The increased risk of falls can be minimised with proper equipment like grab bars or walkers. Stairs are always difficult to navigate as you get older, so installing stair lifts will make life much easier!   

The bottom line is that elderly care equipment is necessary for the elderly to live a comfortable life. They will have a lower quality of life if they do not have access to things that will make them feel more independent and confident in getting around their home or community.   

Using the right equipment can make a huge difference in how senior citizens feel every day, whether they are at home or living independently in assisted-living facilities such as nursing homes. Manual handling equipment and handling equipment are essential in assisting older people to maintain their independence while also lowering the risk of injuries and accidents for caregivers and the people they care for. There are several lifting machines also available for elderly people.  

What Are the Advantages of Aged Care Equipment?   

Aged care equipment is a popular commodity in today’s market due to the numerous benefits it provides to both the elderly and their loved ones.   

The main advantage is that aged care equipment can help the elderly who have mobility issues maintain their independence and stay in their homes for longer periods of time. It also includes safety features that are required when the user’s physical condition deteriorates because of age or illness. Furthermore, these products provide relief from the aches and pains associated with arthritis, as well as any symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, which can cause tremors in the hands or limbs.   

With aged care equipment, seniors can avoid having to ask family members or friends for assistance, which often puts them in an awkward situation where someone must do something they don’t want to do or where the senior is too shy to ask for assistance. Aged care equipment provides independence while also providing loved ones with peace of mind in knowing that their cherished senior is supported.   

Daily Living Support Equipment to Help the Elderly in Australia  

As you get older, your bones, joints, and muscles weaken and may no longer be as strong as they once were. Some tasks necessitate more effort, while others appear to be near impossible. However, growing older does not have to imply that life becomes more difficult. There are numerous daily living aids or disability aids available to guide with all tasks, large and small. These aids will guide you with a variety of daily activities, such as sitting in a chair, going to the toilet, showering, preparing food, eating, and taking medication. These aids or disability equipment can provide the necessary supplement to make that difficult chore much easier, leading to day-to-day improvements, efficiency, and productivity.    

Being active in indoor and outdoor activities like exercising and maintaining an active life benefits just about every aspect of your health, regardless of your age. Staying active helps you build muscle, strengthen your heart, manage weight, and work your mental muscles, all while releasing endorphins to relieve stress, boost your self-confidence, and improve your mood.  

Supportive Cushions   

Sitting for an extended period of time can put your back, spine, and muscles under undue stress and strain, which worsens with age. If it is not accounted for, it can cause pain and discomfort. Cushions can be used to hold up internal structures in this situation. In doing so, they reduce the possibility of injury. Specific cushions, such as The Gelina and The Zephyr pressure cushions, provide multi-functional comfort for your back. These specific cushions have pressure care in mind and reduce the possibility of pressure sores from long amounts of sitting. Cushions are an excellent way to provide a comfortable, well-supported space while also being gentle on your body and supporting your back and its structures.  

Mobility Scooters  

A mobility scooter, also known as a power scooter, can assist a user with mobility issues in leading a more active lifestyle. A mobility scooter allows you to complete daily tasks around the house, travel in public places, go shopping, and even go on adventures outside. Consider how and where the scooter will be used, as well as speed, battery range, transportability, and user comfort.  

Tables Overbed 

Overbed tables are a great invention in hospitals, nursing homes, and facilities because they provide an easy-to-move table surface that allows people to eat in bed or from their chairs. Some elderly people are bedridden or have limited mobility, limiting them to beds and chairs. Overbed tables are the ideal solution for providing a surface for food, drinks, books, and other items. High-quality materials ensure longevity and less breakage from bumps and bashes, and a raised lip edge encircling the tabletop surface prevents items from slipping and falling off. The overbed table is a simple and convenient addition to everyday life for those who are confined to their beds or frequently sit in a chair for extended periods of time.  

Lightweight Wheelchairs 

Heavy wheelchairs can be bulky and difficult to manoeuvre, leaving the pusher exhausted or weakened after a long day of transporting. Lightweight structures and designs are ideal for transit wheelchairs that must be pushed rather than propelled. The wheelchair’s construction makes them easier to move and transport, allowing for easier and longer use. Some wheelchairs, such as The Lightweight Economy Transit Chair, will also have a foldable frame. This allows you to fold the chair and transport it in your car, allowing you to use it anywhere. This wheelchair also has a seatbelt for safety, as well as removable leg rests and calf to aid in transfers and user comfort. This is an excellent method for ensuring user satisfaction and pusher approval.  

Shower Seat 

Showering can be a hazardous activity when there is a risk of falling. Some elderly men and women may be unable to stand for an extended period of time or may suffer from immobility or instability, which can make showering difficult. A shower chair is a space that can be used in the shower. Shower chairs are made of high-quality materials that will not rust, allowing them to be used in the shower indefinitely. Shower-friendly features include non-slip rubber feet and drainage holes in the chair seat. Shower chairs with integrated arms to help with transfers and backrests that provide back support are available. Shower chairs should be an integral daily living aid for those needing help in the shower.  

Over The Toilet Aid 

Over-toilet aid is a very common daily living aid that can be found in thousands of Australian homes and facilities. Over-toilet aids are mostly used to help with toilet transfers and for people who have difficulty lowering themselves onto the toilet. Over-the-toilet aids come in a variety of shapes and sizes and should be selected based on the user. Adjustable heights, handrails for added comfort and stability, splash guards, lids, and rubber non-slip feet are among the special features. This daily living aid is extremely beneficial and can make daily life a much more enjoyable experience. 

Absorber Bag Commode liners 

Commodes are a useful product for elderly people who have mobility issues. They can supply a portable toilet, a transfer space between chairs, toilets, and showers, and an over-toilet aid. When using it as a portable toilet, pots and pails are attached to commodes. Cleaning these pots can be a messy and time-consuming task. Absorber bag – disposable liners provide a sanitary, easy-to-use and clean system for commode pots. They’ll make cleaning a toilet as simple as 1, 2, 3. These absorber bags will absorb any unpleasant odours, ensuring that the entire process is as efficient, user-friendly, and sanitary as possible. 

Sensor Pads Alarmed  

The elderly population is at a higher risk of falling, which increases their risk of injury. Many people must keep an eye on their sitting chairs to avoid falling off and injuring themselves. In situations like these, alarms can be used to notify staff or family members that someone is getting out of their chair. The CareWatch Chair Alarm and Sensor Pad is an excellent, user-friendly system that combines a mat and an alarm. The mat is placed on a plain surface, and internal sensors are set to detect pressure changes on the mat’s surface (i.e. when there is a decrease in pressure due to someone getting off the pad). If someone sits on the mat and falls or moves away, an alarm will sound, alerting the appropriate personnel to the situation. This type of daily living aid is ideal for cautious clients and can be used in hospitals, nursing homes, aged care facilities, and at home. 

Grabbers of Reachers 

When you have difficulty bending down and picking things up, your daily activities can become very difficult, time-consuming, and possibly painful. Reaching can be nearly impossible for people who have painful backs, stiff hips, or mobility issues. A Reacher Grabber is a wonderful little tool that provides that extra necessary assistance to help grab and pick up items that might be out of reach. This useful tool has an easy-to-use, lightweight design with a comfortable hand grip and a trigger that activates the grabbing function. A popular choice and a must-have for anyone in need.  

System of Food Preparation 

It can be difficult for elderly people who enjoy cooking and preparing food if they have difficulty gripping and/or only use one hand. Fortunately, daily food preparation aids are available to provide assistance and support. The multifunctional Food Preparation System is a fantastic all-in-one kitchen tool. It has a cutting surface as well as non-slip rubber feet, clamps, and spikes. The non-slip rubber feet prevent the specialised board from sliding or moving; the clamps hold food, tins, cans, and bowls in place; and the spikes hold food, allowing you to cut and peel with one hand. These easily accessible daily aids are the ideal system to complement your kitchen gadgets.  

Automatic Pill Dispensers 

When taking medication on a daily basis, it can be difficult to keep track of everything, and remembering to take the right pill at the right time can be difficult. Automatic Pill Dispensers eliminate confusion and are an excellent way to organise medication. Specialised dispensers have built-in alarms to remind users when to take medication throughout the day, making it less likely that they will forget or miss a pill. Automatic pill dispensers are unquestionably the smarter way to take and manage daily medication. 

Standing Machines  

Standing often becomes more difficult as people age. Thankfully, there are standing machines that will make dramatic changes for the elderly.  

Some of the devices Assist Elderly People with Standing  

• Lifting Chairs  
• Chair Support  
• Raised Toilet Seats and Toilet Frames  
• Grab Handles  
• Canes  
• Couch Supports for Standing  
• Aids for Standing in Bed  
• HandyBar Stander  
• Furniture Collectors  

Essentials for the Bedroom  

Any individual’s bedroom is a very private space. While bedrooms are primarily used for sleeping, you may notice that senior citizens spend more time in their bedrooms than in their living rooms. In comparison to younger people. This bedroom space must be well-organized and furnished with necessary furniture, age care products and accessories such as beds for senior citizens, backrests, and so on. People with mobility issues (due to old age, injury, or disability) struggle to get up and sit upright without assistance. Some people may require protection to avoid rolling out of bed while sleeping. There are numerous bedroom accessories and support products available to help them stay comfortable, cosy, and safe.  

Explore some of the medical equipment for home use for older people.  

Diagnostic Equipment  

• Glucometer: A device that measures blood glucose levels. Highly recommended for diabetic and hypoglycemic seniors.  
• Monitor of Blood Pressure: The systolic and diastolic blood pressures are measured.  
• Pulse oximeter: This device measures oxygen saturation levels as well as pulse rates.  
• Scales for weighing: Measures body weight and aids in the detection of obesity problems.  
• Thermometer/Thermal Scanner: This device measures the temperature of the body.  
• Electric heating pads: Apply heat to specific areas of the body to relieve pain or numbness.  
• Cold packs: Reduces pain and swelling.  

Pain Management  

• Arthritis Aides (including therapeutic gloves and moist heat pads): Help arthritis patients reduce pain, particularly in the joints.  
• Compression clothing: Improves blood flow and circulation and is beneficial in the treatment of hypertension and venous disorders.  
• Infusion pumps: These devices deliver fluids such as medicines and nutrients into the patient’s body.  
• Para Monitor: Multiple biometric parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels are measured by the monitor.  
• Dialysis Machines: When the kidneys fail, dialysis machines filter and remove excess water and toxins from the blood.  
• Suction Machine: Used to remove fluids such as mucus, saliva, blood, or other secretions that clog the airways in the throat.  
• IV (Intra Venous) Stand: Poles are used to hang bags containing fluids or medications that must be administered to patients via veins.  

Respiratory Range Equipment  

• Catheter: A tube that is inserted into the urinary bladder to allow urine to drain freely.  
• Ventilator: A machine that helps patients breathe when they are very sick, injured, or undergoing sedation surgery.  
• ECMO(Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Machine: When the heart and lungs fail, an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machine takes over.  
• Oxygen Concentrator: A device used to deliver oxygen to patients suffering from breathing disorders such as COVID-19.  

Equipment for Respiratory Range  

• BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) Machine: Allows for non-invasive breathing assistance.  
• Tracheostomy Tube: A tube that is inserted directly into the windpipe to help with breathing.  
• Handheld balls: Helps to build muscle in the shoulders, arms, and core.  
• Weightlifting improves muscular strength, flexibility, and mobility.  

• Floor Pedals: Increases lower-body strength and prevents instability.  
• Adjustable resistance exercise bands: Improves flexibility and strength.  

Consulting with a Professional   

Investing in the right aged care equipment for in-home senior care is pivotal in enhancing the overall quality of life for our beloved elderly. The synergy of safety and comfort that these specialised tools offer can make a significant difference in fostering independence and well-being. These tools are not just utilitarian; they are tailored to foster autonomy, providing a blend of safety and comfort for our cherished elderly individuals. 

At Wise Choice, our care providers are seasoned professionals adept at handling a diverse range of aged care equipment.  Our expertise ensures that your loved ones receive the highest quality in-home care services. If you require any in-home aged care services, feel free to contact Wise Choice without any hesitation. 

Make the wise choice for quality care – contact us and experience compassionate and professional aged care services.