As your loved one grows older, durable medical equipment can aid in making everyday life around the household easier and less dangerous. There are many types of assistive gadgets for in-home care on the market nowadays to choose from. At Advanced Home Health Care, we want to offer some expert recommendations for purchasing and using a few of the most widely used pieces of home care equipment.
Commodes
A commode can be used in place of both a raised toilet seat and a toilet safety frame and offers the extra benefit of being movable, so can be used separately at a bedside as well.
Recommendations for purchase:
- Look for one that has non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs in place of wheels, and check for durability.
- Look for a commode that consists of both a pail (with lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).
Rollators
A rollator is a four-wheeled walker that contains a brake system, a seat, and a basket. They work well both inside and outside, provide seating when the individual needs to rest, and the basket permits users to transport objects with them, keeping their hands free to steer the rollator.
Recommendations for purchase:
- Larger wheels are best, as they roll easier on uneven surfaces and are typically more stable.
- Look for a lightweight, foldable version so that it can fit in the trunk of a vehicle.
- Test out the brakes before purchase to ensure that they are not stiff or difficult to use.
- Search for a rollator with a cushioned seat for comfort.
- Models that allow easy access to the basket/bag while in the normal walking position are preferred.
Shower bench vs. shower board
A shower bench is helpful for people who feel unsafe when lifting their legs over the side of the tub and significantly minimizes the chance of falls when getting in and out of the tub.
The main benefits of shower benches over shower boards are that they have backrests and are height adaptable. Having a higher surface makes getting up from a seated position easier and backrests provide more support to people who fatigue easily. Shower boards can also be difficult to fit securely to a bathtub.
Recommendations for purchase:
- Look for a shower bench that has a handle and backrest that can be adjusted to fit various bathtubs.
- Be sure to also invest in a quality hand held sprayer that attaches to the faucet and is easy to use.
For more tips and information on durable medical equipment, feel free to contact Advanced Home Health Care, the leading provider of home care assistance in Burlington and the surrounding communities in the counties of Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Louisa and Van Buren, at 800.791.7785 or contact us online by clicking here.
