9 Items That Make Home Caregiving Easier

Walk-in showers don’t require high, risky steps and offer more room for a seat or bench and grab bars. Be sure to add anti-slip flooring, and faucets that regulate water flow and temperature to prevent scalding.

Costs vary dramatically depending on size and materials. Those being cared for can contribute to the modification process by choosing the tiling, door style and other features.

4. Motion-sensor lights

As aging adults cope with reduced eyesight and slower reactions, caregivers can help their loved ones find their way around — and reduce tripping hazards — by installing wireless motion-sensor lights that illuminate dim areas such as stairs and long hallways.

These lights come battery-operated, have built-in magnets and double-sided adhesives, and shut off after a short amount of inactive time, usually from 15 to 30 seconds.

5. In-home cameras

From fixed models to those that can swivel, tilt and zoom, indoor surveillance cameras help monitor areas that pose greater hazards for accidents, slips and falls. Cameras can also prevent a loved one from leaving a home or wandering off without a caregiver’s knowledge. Keep in mind that consent before installation may be required for this type of surveillance.

6. GPS trackers

No matter the distance, GPS trackers encourage loved ones to live an independent life while letting caregivers know exactly where they are. This technology allows for real-time tracking, the setup of safe zones and custom alerts to let caregivers know someone has wandered off. Other features often included are two-way communication and the ability to give others, like additional family members, access to the same information.

GPS devices can be worn as a necklace, watch or bracelet — there are even trackers that come in the form of a shoe insert. Keep in mind that GPS devices may have monthly fees associated with them.

7. Monitoring apps

There are a whole host of digital apps that can be used as monitors, reminders and providers of useful information. The Hero app, when used with a medication dispensing system, tracks refills, adherence and up-to-date information about each prescription. PainScale tracks pain, treatments, medication, activity, mood and sleep. Caring Village stores important documents, personalized to-do lists, daily or weekly schedules of care, and a wellness journal to keep others updated, among other features.

8. Customizable digital clocks

Look for clocks with big, easy-to-read displays or voice capabilities. Some clocks display the time, date and day of the week and allow caregivers to set reminders such as “It is now Saturday afternoon.” Caregivers can program alarms, events, birthdays and holidays. These clocks can mount to the wall or sit on a tabletop.

Models with personalized voice reminders — for medication, appointments and tasks — let the person being cared for hear the comforting voice of the caregiver.

9. Erasable whiteboards and calendars

Place these in commonly frequented areas of the house such as the kitchen and family room, suggests Moreno.

“Larger whiteboards and calendars tend to be easier to use and more legible for people with dementia,” she says.