TIPS FOR PURCHASING HOME CARE EQUIPMENT

As you or your loved one ages, assistive home care equipment can help make everyday life around the house easier and safer. There are hundreds of assistive devices for in-home care on the market today that can make living safer and more comfortable. Here are some insider tips for purchasing and using just a few of the most popular pieces of home-care equipment that we have discovered very useful for our clients over the years. “Stand-alone” Commodes: A commode can replace both a raised toilet seat and a toilet safety frame and has the additional benefit of being mobile, so it can be used independently at a bedside as well. Tips for purchase:

Look for one with non-removable armrests and rubber tips on the legs rather than wheels, and test for sturdiness.
Look for a commode that comes with both a pail (with lid) and a sleeve (for use over the toilet).

Rollators: A rollator is a four-wheeled walker that includes brakes, a seat, and a basket. They work well both indoors and outdoors, provide seating when the user needs to rest, and the basket allows users to carry items with them, keeping their hands free to navigate the rollator. Tips for purchase:

Larger wheels are better, as they roll easier on uneven ground and are usually more stable.
Look for a lightweight, foldable version so that it can fit in the trunk of a car.
Test out the hand brakes before purchase to make sure that they are not stiff or difficult to use.
Look for a rollator with a padded seat for comfort.
Models that allow easy access to the basket/bag while in the normal walking position are preferable.

Shower bench versus shower board: A shower bench is helpful for people who feel unsafe when lifting their legs over the side of the tub and greatly reduces the risk of falls when getting into and out of the bathtub. The main benefits of shower benches over shower boards are that they have backrests and are height adjustable. Having a taller surface makes getting up from sitting easier and backrests provide more support to people that fatigue easily. Shower boards can also be difficult to fit securely to a tub. Tips for purchase:

Look for a shower bench that has a handle and backrest that can be moved around to accommodate different bathtubs.
Make certain to also purchase a good hand held sprayer that attaches to the faucet and is easy to use.

If you or your loved are now in a position where home-care equipment might be the answer for increased safety and independence at home, contact us online or call us at 208-777-0308 if you’re calling from the Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene or Hayden areas; 208-263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or 208-784-1505 if you’re calling from the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas. If calling from outside any of these areas, call us toll-free at 877-464-2344. Besides offering all the traditional home care services necessary to keep seniors and disabled at home safely and independently, we can make recommendations for assistive devices, supplies and equipment, as well as provide you with contacts here in North Idaho to obtain these important senior resources.