Many seniors find that they begin to have trouble changing positions, e.g., from standing to sitting to reclining, as they age. Difficulties with rising up to a standing position or lowering into a seated or reclined position are quite common, but it doesn’t have to be a strain. It’s important that an individual with mobility-related issues can safely navigate their home, get comfortable, and have full accessibility. As a result, several innovations have been made over the years aimed at helping seniors with standing, sitting, and reclining. Today, we’ll focus on some of the most effective ones out there.
Lift chairs
These electrically powered chairs help people sit and stand, safely and independently. The lift chair is a device that is specifically designed to take you from sitting to standing or standing to sitting with one push of a button. This improves mobility, prevents injuries, and reduces strain on the legs and joints. These chairs are usually recliners, meaning you can choose to sit with your legs elevated, which is both comfortable and beneficial to your health.Lift chairs come in various styles, sizes, colours, and price ranges. Home healthcare supply stores may have lift chairs on display to try them out. They are also available for delivery from many different online retailers specializing in homecare supplies.
Sit and stand exercise
Performing regular exercises in a safe, controlled environment can help seniors stay in peak physical shape and be at less of a risk for developing more serious mobility-related issues. With even just a chair, it’s possible to get in some practice any time of the day that isn’t overly strenuous or taxing in terms of exertion. Practicing simple sit and stand exercises allows for seniors to maintain as much independence and integrity as possible. From getting out of their favourite chair to sitting down at the dinner table, getting up from the toilet, in and out of the bath and into bed, there are many ways such practice and care can make a difference.
To start, get a sturdy chair that won’t break or move if grabbed onto tightly, and ensure it doesn’t slide across the floor if pushed. A senior can then practice by sitting, moving up to the edge of the chair, bringing their toes underneath their knees, then leaning forward to push up with legs to a standing position. Be sure that frequent breaks are taken and that they are encouraged in a respectful manner.
Car transfer aids
There are many high-quality devices designed specifically for helping seniors sit, stand up, and recline when they want to. Many seniors still drive. Therefore, it is important that they can receive the safety features needed as much as in the home. Car transfer aids such as swivel seat cushions, pivot discs, bar transfer handles and portable handles that clamp to window frames are just a few examples of what can help make individuals comfortable in a vehicle.
Car transfer aids are available in many different forms and are built of high-quality materials such as non-slip rubber, sturdy nylon, and textured, highly resilient plastics for extra grip and strength. Even as vehicle models change, these devices are designed to be widely compatible with older and newer models. Therefore, seniors using car transfer aids can receive the same level of proactive care just outside the home as inside. This can help them maintain their independence, self-confidence, and self-assurance.
Elevator blocks
If there is already a favourite chair at home, placing lifts under the legs of it can make it much easier to get in and out of. These “elevator blocks” raise the chair higher, which makes standing from a seated position much less difficult. Placing elevator blocks under the legs of the bed can also help make getting in and out of bed easier. Or, they can be used to elevate only the head of the bed. Elevating the head of the bed can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, hiatal hernia, and respiratory discomfort when resting.
When bending or rising from a low position becomes difficult, elevator blocks can be used to adjust the height of furniture to levels that meet a person’s individual needs and comfort.
Choice Homecare Ottawa can help seniors in the Ottawa area make their homes more comfortable and safe. If you or a loved one are in need of streamlined accessibility and mobility throughout the home, we can make a difference. Please contact us for more information.