Many people associate assistive devices for older people with something you only need once everyday life has become very difficult.
But it does not have to be that way.
An assistive device can also be a simple form of support that makes it easier to maintain routines, use less energy and feel safer in your own home.
For many older people, it is not about having everything done for them. It is about being able to continue doing as much as possible themselves.
It can be difficult to know when it is time to consider assistive devices.
Often, the need begins quietly. Perhaps cooking takes longer. Perhaps it becomes harder to keep your balance. Perhaps it takes more effort to open, lift, grip or move around the home.
Some people begin to avoid certain tasks because they have become difficult. Others ask more often for help with small things they used to manage themselves.
This does not necessarily mean that you can no longer do things. It may be a sign that everyday life needs to be supported in a new way.
Routines matter.
Being able to make your own coffee, take part in cooking, move around the home or manage small practical tasks can have a great impact on quality of life.
That is why assistive devices in the home are not only about solving a practical task. They can also help maintain an everyday life that feels familiar, safe and independent.
A good assistive device makes everyday life easier without making it more complicated.
Many people wait a long time before using assistive devices.
Some feel that it is a defeat. Others think they will manage a little longer. And some relatives are unsure how to start the conversation.
But assistive devices for older people are not a defeat.
They can be a way to maintain independence. When a solution is found early, it is often easier to make it a natural part of everyday life.
It can also bring greater peace of mind before a small challenge becomes a bigger problem.
When considering assistive devices for older people, it is a good idea to start with everyday life.
Where does the challenge arise? Is it in the kitchen, when moving around, during meals, with small practical tasks or after illness and rehabilitation?
An assistive device should fit the person, the home and the specific task. It should be easy to understand, safe to use and make sense in everyday life.
The best assistive device is not necessarily the one that can do the most. It is the one that is actually used, and that makes a concrete difference.
Many relatives notice changes in everyday life before the older person says it out loud.
It may be that a parent begins to avoid cooking. That a spouse becomes less steady on their feet. Or that small tasks suddenly require more help than before.
In these situations, it can be a good idea to talk about assistive devices as support, not as a limitation.
It is not about taking something away from the person. It is about giving them more opportunities to manage on their own and stay active in everyday life.
At Handigood, we work with assistive devices designed to make everyday life easier for older people and people with reduced functional ability.
These may be solutions that support cooking, mobility, independence or small daily tasks in the home.
Easy-Up can be a help in the kitchen when it is difficult to hold on to jars, bowls, cans or other objects.
Wheeleo can provide support for people who need greater safety and confidence when moving around.
What the assistive devices have in common is that they are designed to be a helping hand in everyday life. Not a replacement for care, but support for greater freedom, safety and quality of life.
Easy-Up is an assistive device for cans, screw-top lids, bottles and more. It holds the container in place using vacuum technology, so you only need to use one hand.
