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Free ShippingWhat are Independent Living Aids?
Independent living aids are devices that assist those with disabilities in their daily activities. Other terms they may be called are ‘assistive devices’ and ‘adaptive technology.’ There are adaptive living aids for any daily task that can be imagined. A person’s daily routine can include getting in and out of a chair, making crafts, reading, manicuring the nails, golfing, or keeping the hands active while sitting.
What are Some Examples of Independent Living Aids?
One type of independent living aid is a seat assist that can be placed on any type of chair or sofa to help a person get back up from sitting. Some are powered by a pneumatic gas spring while others are electrically powered. The gas spring type uses no batteries or electricity, and may only weigh a few pounds. With a built-in carry handle, this model is easily portable. It helps lift a person without pushing them forward by automatically activating as the user stands. It can help lift up to 70% of a person’s weight up to 350 pounds. The waterproof cover makes it easy to clean with soap and water, and the memory foam cushion helps prevent pressure sores.
The electrically powered seat assist can turn any chair into an electric lift chair. It was originally designed to benefit those who suffer from conditions like arthritis, ALS, Parkinson’s, and degenerative joint conditions as well as post-operative conditions. It can be plugged into a regular household power socket and lift 100% of the user’s weight up to 300 pounds. To use, flip the lever upward to raise the cushion up to the user. The user then sits in the center of it and flips the lever downward to lower into the seated position. The seat assist automatically stops when it is fully lowered. When ready to stand, flip the lever upward to be raised back up.
Another type of aid is a lever extender which fits over a recliner’s existing handle to extend its length. It also eliminates the need to lean over to grab and adjust the recliner. It is made from heavy duty steel with padding to protect the chair handle from scratches. The extender is fastened with a four-bolt attachment and fits all standard recliner handles. It adds leverage to the existing handle to make raising and lowering the leg rest easier.
Other types of independent living aids help people perform tasks with their hands. An embroidery/crochet holder has a long metal gooseneck which can bend in any direction. A ring at the top acts as a clamp for a crochet needle or an embroidery hoop. A transparent tray, another helpful aid, assists those with visual perception problems. It attaches to all types of wheelchairs and is made of clear polycarbonate for a clear line of sight to the legs and lap. It has loop and hook straps that attach onto a wheelchair’s armrests, and its aluminum lip keeps items from falling off.
There are many aids available that can help a person see what they are doing better. Flip-down magnifying glasses can be worn like regular glasses for 3D magnification. One or both lenses can be flipped outwards for normal vision. These glasses can be used in applying makeup or contact lenses, and for hobbies and crafts.
A hands-free light is a versatile, portable light which is worn around the neck. It can be utilized for crafting, writing, reading, travel, or as an emergency light. Its elastic neck strap and adjustable reflector make it easy to point the light where it is needed most. Bright LED bulbs can illuminate a wide area. It can be used to read printed text as well as e-readers, runs on batteries, and has a night-vision filter to help the user avoid night blindness in dark areas. The light also helps prevent falls for those who have limited mobility and need to keep one or both hands on a walking aid.
A toenail clipper with a magnifying lens can help low vision users with personal hygiene. Scissors with a magnifier are helpful when doing fine detail work where precision is necessary. Tweezers with a magnifier can be used in fine detail work, especially when exactitude is required for manipulating small items.
A Trionic Veloped Golf All Terrain Walker Rollator can help individuals to manage their mobility on the golf course. It will carry the golf clubs and other accessories over rough terrain with its air-filled tires and sturdy suspension. It can climb roots, curbs and other obstacles on a course, and highlights the ability to move over gravel, grass, snow and trails easily and comfortably. The Veloped Golf has two golf bags attached to the main frame and can load a full set of 14 golf clubs. The bags can be left open or closed at the front, depending on personal preference. A basket can carry water bottles, extra clothing, or whatever is needed along the fairway. A rain cover is integrated with the basket pocket to protect the gear from getting wet in case a storm comes along. It additionally features an ergonomic grip bar that doubles as a back rest, along with motion and parking brakes.
For both visual and tactile stimulation, fidget toys are designed to keep the hands busy. These aids help comfort those with limited social interaction, diminished hand mobility, or anyone soothed by repetitive tactile stimulation. They can include fringe, a loop of wooden beads, Velcro pull patches, textured ribbons, satin pockets, interior squeeze balls, and a sealed bag of marbles. Fidget toys bring about a calming and soothing sensation by using mental and physical activities to play with each item, as well as using it as a hand warmer. They help engage those suffering from arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s, or autism.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a comprehensive selection of gifts for seniors from top quality vendors comprising Trionic, Independence Medical, Mobility Transfer, Mabis, Maddak, North Coast, Drive Medical, MaxiAids, TFI Healthcare, Intellisolve, Q3 Enterprises, Hearmore, Stander Inc., and many more.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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