AARP Hearing Center
As we age, we may need a little help to remain active and mobile. Adaptive medical equipment options, like canes and grab bars, can make all the difference when we want to stay in our homes. In the past, maybe you have felt embarrassed using these rather plain-looking medical products, but nowadays, new designs make them more stylish than ever.
You should feel confident, empowered, and most importantly, safe using the right products to fit your specific needs. Here are the three main categories of supportive care products that can improve your quality of life.
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Around the home
You’ve de-cluttered and arranged furniture in a way that gives you plenty of open space to maneuver. Now you just need physical support as you make your way through your house. Basic mobility aids include canes, walkers, and rollators (also known as roller walkers).
Offset canes have a curved (offset) neck, which centers and stabilizes you better than a straight cane. You should look for a height-adjustable model with a locking collar, a comfortable foam hand grip, and a wrist strap.
Adjustable rolling walkers help you stand and walk safely and independently, with brakes to control wheel movement. If you’d like the ability to sit and rest, some models offer the convenience of foam seats with padded backrests and storage underneath.
Photo Credit: Marquee
Both of these products are now offered by Medline in fashionable prints, patterns, and colors as part of the new Martha Stewart collection. This line of mobility and bath safety products allows everyone to continue living with added security, in style.
For the bathroom
The most essential purpose of bath safety aids is to prevent falls on wet, slippery surfaces. Securely-attached bath mats are a must for the floor of shower stalls or tubs, but beyond that, you should install grab bars on solid walls. Now available in a contemporary chrome finish, these bars should have raised edges for a better grip.
