Winter is here, and with it comes weather and conditions that can be unsafe for your or your loved ones. Take extra precautions to prevent any accidents in the home, while driving, or while you're out and about.
Adults want to live independent lives in their own homes for as long as they possibly can. To help accomplish this, they can invest in some key items that will not only keep them safe but will help them stay better connected to their living space.
Below are four of our favorite essentials that can improve the way people age in place. From smart fixtures to more adaptable clothing, there are products to help you be even more comfortable and independent at home.
Smart lighting fixtures allow you to turn lights on and off with just a remote or through voice activation. For older adults, smart lighting eliminates any need for having to reach up high, bending over to find plugs, or having to walk around in the dark once they turn a light switch off. They can operate their lighting from anywhere they are in an instant.
Because there are quite a few different options for smart lighting and the smart hubs/apps that come with them, you’ll want to do research beforehand. Think about if you want lighting with different customization options (colors, dimming, etc.), how many bulbs/fixtures you’ll need throughout your home, and how simple you want a hub/app to be. CNET has an informative article on some of the best offerings here.
According to the CDC, around 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and a carbon monoxide detector in your home is crucial for your wellbeing. The best part about the newest models is that they utilize things like flashing colors, loud beeps, and even smartphone notifications to ensure that you’re aware of any carbon monoxide leaks as soon as one is detected.
Older adults report a whopping 36 million falls per year, with 32,000 of those resulting in death. Fall detection devices can come in the form of a remote, entire wireless home system, necklace pendant, or even through a smart watch. These devices are designed to not only detect when you have fallen, but also can even predict when a fall might happen, measure gait and health, and much more!
When finding the best fall detection devices for yourself, you can consider price, versatility, and usability. There are many products on the market, so you’ll need to make sure you get the best choice you can that will also enhance your lifestyle — not work against it. The National Coalition on Aging recommends these six devices.
Adaptive clothing includes shirts, pants, and shoes designed to minimize issues that may come from incontinence, lack of mobility, and other health issues. They promote independence and reduce chances of injury with things like:
Because adaptive clothing now comes in so many colors and styles, you won’t have to worry about finding items you love, and that will fit in with your personal wardrobe.
Winter is here, and with it comes weather and conditions that can be unsafe for your or your loved ones. Take extra precautions to prevent any accidents in the home, while driving, or while you're out and about.