24 Things That Are Useful for the Elderly - Joe & Bella Skip to content

24 Things That Are Useful for the Elderly

Maintaining an active and engaging lifestyle is essential for the elderly, contributing significantly to their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. With age, the pursuit of activities that offer joy, fulfillment, and a sense of connection becomes crucial. The following items are designed to address the common challenges faced by older adults, enhancing their independence, safety, and enjoyment of daily life.

1. Magnetic Button Shirts 

Magnetic button shirts are a fantastic innovation for older adults who experience difficulty with dexterity challenges due to arthritis or other conditions. These shirts look like traditional button-ups but use magnets hidden behind decorative buttons, making dressing and undressing simpler and less frustrating, thereby preserving dignity and independence. These are perfect for anyone who has issues using buttons or can only dress with one hand.

2. Side-Zip Pants 

Side-zip pants offer convenience and ease of use for those who may find it challenging to manage traditional fastenings. The side-zip feature allows for easier access, making these pants particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those who require assistance with dressing. By opening up the pants at the side, they’re so much easier to step into and wrap around your waist instead of having to squeeze into them. These are great for anyone with age-related stiffness or limited mobility.

3. Open-Back Shirts 

Open-back shirts are designed for individuals who spend most of their time seated or those who require assistance with dressing. These shirts open fully at the back, like a hospital gown, allowing them to be put on from a seated position, minimizing discomfort and the need for excessive movement. These shirts are intended only for adults who require dressing assistance. Since the buttons are in the back, you will not be able to put this shirt on without help from another person. 

4. Dressing Stick

A dressing stick is a simple yet effective tool for those with limited mobility or range of motion. It assists with pulling on and removing clothing, helping the elderly dress independently without bending or stretching excessively.

5. Toilet Aid

Toilet aids are devices designed to assist those who have difficulty with the physical aspects of toileting. These aids can vary from extended flush handles to bottom wipers, all aimed at promoting independence and hygiene in the bathroom.

6. Non-Slip Bathroom Mats 

Non-slip bathroom mats are crucial for preventing falls in the bathroom, a common site of accidents among the elderly. These mats provide a stable, secure surface in wet conditions, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

7. Grabbers 

Grabbers or reaching tools allow individuals to pick up items without bending or stretching, reducing strain and the risk of falls. These tools are particularly useful for retrieving objects from high shelves or the floor.

8. Wheelchair Ramps 

Wheelchair ramps provide essential accessibility for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids, allowing them to navigate entrances and exits to their homes and public buildings safely and independently.

9. Automatic Jar Opener

An automatic jar opener can be a game-changer for the elderly with weakened grip strength or arthritis. It removes the struggle of opening tightly sealed jars, promoting independence in the kitchen.

10. Lid Opener

Similar to jar openers, lid openers are designed to assist with opening containers that require twisting, such as bottles or small jars. These tools can significantly ease the preparation of meals and access to beverages.

11. Fitness Tracker

Fitness trackers can motivate the elderly to maintain an active lifestyle by monitoring steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. They provide valuable insights into physical health and encourage regular movement and exercise.

12. Wheelchair Blanket

Wheelchair blankets are specially designed to stay in place, providing warmth and comfort without interfering with the wheelchair's functionality. They often feature securing mechanisms to prevent slipping or getting caught in the wheels.

13. Knee Wraps 

Knee wraps offer support and compression, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with knee problems common in older adults. They can enhance mobility and comfort during activities.

14. Sleep Aid Device 

Sleep aid devices, such as white noise machines or specialized pillows, can improve sleep quality, which is often a challenge for the elderly. Good sleep enhances overall health and well-being.

15. Scarves and Gloves 

For older adults, maintaining a comfortable body temperature is vital. Scarves and gloves not only provide warmth during colder months but also add a stylish touch to their attire.

16. Mobile for the Elderly

Mobile phones designed for the elderly feature large buttons, simplified menus, and loud ringers, making communication easier. They often include emergency buttons or health monitoring apps, adding a layer of safety.

17. Walking Aid 

Walking aids, such as canes or walkers, provide stability and support for those with balance or mobility issues, allowing them to move more safely and confidently.

18. Voice-Activated Assistants

Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home can significantly simplify the daily routines of the elderly. They can use voice commands to control lights, set reminders, make phone calls, or even get emergency assistance, all of which promote independence.

19. Electric Heating Pads

Electric heating pads offer therapeutic warmth and can be very effective in managing chronic pain, including arthritis and muscle stiffness. They're easy to use and can provide targeted relief.

20. Adjustable Bed Base

An adjustable bed base can greatly improve sleep quality and comfort. It allows the elderly to easily change their sleeping position, which can help with conditions like acid reflux, sleep apnea, and back pain, enhancing overall comfort during rest.

21. Swivel Seat Cushion

A swivel seat cushion can make getting in and out of cars much easier for those with limited mobility. It reduces strain on the back, hips, and knees by allowing the user to rotate their body effortlessly towards the car door.

22. Door Lever Handles

Replacing traditional door knobs with lever handles can make doors much easier to open for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Lever handles allow for the door to be opened with a simple push down, rather than needing to grasp and turn.

23. Book Holder Stand

A book holder stand can make reading more accessible and enjoyable, allowing users to read without having to hold the weight of a book or keep pages open, which can be a challenge for those with arthritis or weak hands.

24. LED Night Lights

Installing LED night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms can help prevent falls during the night. They provide enough light to navigate the home safely without being too bright or disruptive to sleep.

Conclusion

Integrating these items into the lives of the elderly can significantly enhance their independence, safety, and enjoyment of everyday activities. By addressing specific needs and challenges, caregivers and loved ones can help older adults lead fulfilling lives with dignity and comfort.

Testimonial Testimonial
Quote Icon

Your design team knocked it out of the park! I never thought adaptive clothes could be so fashionable.

Related Articles

Related Article - 10 Fun Things To Do With Your Grandma

10 Fun Things To Do With Your Grandma

Related Article - What To Wear After Hip Surgery

What To Wear After Hip Surgery

Related Article - An Essential Guide On The Best Clothes To Wear After Back Surgery

An Essential Guide On The Best Clothes To Wear After Back Surgery

Related Article - What Clothing Should I Wear After Pacemaker Surgery?

What Clothing Should I Wear After Pacemaker Surgery?

Related Article - 10 Disability Aids to Enhance Comfort and Independence for the Elderly

10 Disability Aids to Enhance Comfort and Independence for the Elderly

Related Article - 15 Gift Ideas for Osteoarthritis Patients

15 Gift Ideas for Osteoarthritis Patients

Related Article - How to Assist a Stroke Patient Getting Dressed: 7 Tips For Easier Dressing

How to Assist a Stroke Patient Getting Dressed: 7 Tips For Easier Dressing

Related Article - How to Choose the Best Winter Clothes for the Elderly?

How to Choose the Best Winter Clothes for the Elderly?

Related Article - How to Deal with Arthritis in Winter?

How to Deal with Arthritis in Winter?

Related Article - Gifts Ideas for Patients With Alzheimer’s

Gifts Ideas for Patients With Alzheimer’s

Related Article - What to Wear to Chemotherapy Sessions?

What to Wear to Chemotherapy Sessions?

Related Article - 10 Gifts for People With Parkinson's

10 Gifts for People With Parkinson's

Related Article - Easy to Put on Clothing for Elderly

Easy to Put on Clothing for Elderly

Related Article - Adaptive Fashion for Autistic Children with Sensory Processing Differences

Adaptive Fashion for Autistic Children with Sensory Processing Differences

Related Article - Adaptive Fashion for All Ages

Adaptive Fashion for All Ages

Related Article - 6 Comfortable Nightgowns for Bedridden Patients

6 Comfortable Nightgowns for Bedridden Patients

Related Article - 15 Useful Gifts For Disabled Adults

15 Useful Gifts For Disabled Adults

Related Article - Home Care for People with Disabilities: A Complete Guide

Home Care for People with Disabilities: A Complete Guide

Related Article - Why do Hospital Gowns Open in the Back?

Why do Hospital Gowns Open in the Back?

Related Article - Hospital Gown Colors & Their Meanings

Hospital Gown Colors & Their Meanings

Related Article - Best Sock Aid Tools For Seniors

Best Sock Aid Tools For Seniors

Related Article - 24 Homemade Father’s Day Gift Ideas

24 Homemade Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Related Article - 31 Father’s Day Activities to Do with Your Dad

31 Father’s Day Activities to Do with Your Dad

Related Article - Best Long-Sleeve Nightshirts For Women

Best Long-Sleeve Nightshirts For Women

Related Article - Adaptive Clothing for Post Mastectomy: Re-defining Style and Comfort

Adaptive Clothing for Post Mastectomy: Re-defining Style and Comfort

Related Article - Adaptive Wear Options for Seniors in Florida

Adaptive Wear Options for Seniors in Florida

Related Article - 21 Signs of Elderly Decline

21 Signs of Elderly Decline

Related Article - How To Recover From Surgery Faster?

How To Recover From Surgery Faster?

Related Article - Why Do Dementia Patients Take Their Clothes Off?

Why Do Dementia Patients Take Their Clothes Off?

Related Article - 11 Chair Exercises For Seniors With Music

11 Chair Exercises For Seniors With Music

Related Article - 11 Tips on How To Set Boundaries With Elderly Parents

11 Tips on How To Set Boundaries With Elderly Parents

Related Article - 19 Must Have Home Medical Supplies For Seniors

19 Must Have Home Medical Supplies For Seniors

Related Article - 17 Best Senior Craft Ideas: Simple, Creative and Useful

17 Best Senior Craft Ideas: Simple, Creative and Useful

Related Article - 14 Best Christmas Gifts For Older Parents and Grandparents

14 Best Christmas Gifts For Older Parents and Grandparents

Related Article - How To Remove Urine Smell From Elderly Clothing?

How To Remove Urine Smell From Elderly Clothing?

Related Article - 30 Homemade Mother's Day Gift Ideas

30 Homemade Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Related Article - 21 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas to Do With Your Mom

21 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas to Do With Your Mom

Related Article - 25 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Grandmas and Older Moms

25 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Grandmas and Older Moms

Related Article - Cousin Alan's Magnetic Shirt

Cousin Alan's Magnetic Shirt

Related Article - 19 Fun Activities for Seniors Living with Dementia

19 Fun Activities for Seniors Living with Dementia

Related Article - 24 Things That Are Useful for the Elderly

24 Things That Are Useful for the Elderly

Related Article - US Weekly: Buzz-O-Meter: Joe & Bella x Hilarity for Charity Collaboration

US Weekly: Buzz-O-Meter: Joe & Bella x Hilarity for Charity Collaboration

Related Article - 10 Things Old People Like to Do

10 Things Old People Like to Do

Related Article - ADL & IADL Guide for the Elderly

ADL & IADL Guide for the Elderly

Related Article - 11 Must Have House Dresses for the Elderly

11 Must Have House Dresses for the Elderly

Related Article - What Causes Arthritis Flare Ups? Symptoms and Treatments

What Causes Arthritis Flare Ups? Symptoms and Treatments

Related Article - Best Shoes for Swollen Feet

Best Shoes for Swollen Feet

Related Article - Heat Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cure?

Heat Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cure?

Related Article - 11 Gift Ideas for Older Women Living Alone

11 Gift Ideas for Older Women Living Alone

Related Article - 7 Best Bras for Older Women

7 Best Bras for Older Women

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.