by Alexa Steele

Created on: June 14, 2009

As Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa age it can be difficult to watch as they slowly lose their independence. Arthritis, osteoporosis, knee and hip replacements: there's a world of reasons why a senior's body begins to fail in the golden years. Thankfully in this day and age, where independence is treasured, countless devices have been invented to help seniors maintain their dignity and independence.

-The Rollator Walker

The Cadillac of walkers, the rollator provides mobility and safety. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes rollators are unlike any traditional walker. The rollator has four wheels, two of which pivot to provide steering. There is a built in seat so that when Grandma gets tired she can sit down wherever she is and take a rest. Breaks keep the walker steady when Grandma is sitting down or standing and also help with descending hills. A basket is included that can be used for carrying a purse, newspaper, or umbrella.

The one drawback to rollators is that it is significantly bulkier than a traditional walker. It is difficult to navigate tight spaces or small steps, like a curb. The break lines can get caught on things, too, like cabinet doors or counter edges so it is a good idea to tie them down.

-Bedside commode/raised toilet seat

Many seniors struggle with incontinence issues. This can be especially troublesome at night when Grandpa may have to get up several times in the dark. One answer is the bedside commode. Made like a chair only with a toilet seat, lid and a bucket underneath, the commode can be placed in the bedroom for nighttime elimination and emptied in the morning. An additional advantage of bedside commodes is that many are made to double as raised toilet seats. This helps seniors with limited mobility by not only raising the seat up but also providing handlebars making it easier to stand up and sit down.

-Bath Transfer bench

While it is true that you could spend a small fortune on one of those walk-in bathtubs, a bath transfer bench or a shower chair can be a more affordable option. These lightweight, plastic, sturdy chairs allow Mom or Dad to sit down while showering, or, if their mobility allows, help them to get in and out of the existing bathtub.

-Life Alert

As cheesy as the decades old "I've fallen and I can't get up" commercials are, an emergency call button may be the single greatest aid a senior can have in helping them maintain their independence. When home alone seniors are at risk of medical emergencies such as fall, heart attack and stroke. Having a one touch communication device that will reach a dispatcher who can send paramedics is quite possiblly the most important living aid a senior can have.

Of course, every senior is different. They each have their own health problems and challenges. But it is nice to know that there is such a wide variety of living aids on the market today. Better yet, Medicare, or private insurance, will usually help cover at least 80% of the cost of these items.

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