Here is an option that has helped many home care givers and home care patients. If you are caring for a loved one you know how every little bit of help is welcomed. Taking care of someone out of the home is a chore that never seems to end and it is also stressful for the patient as well. Many of those being taken care of at home want to be as independent as possible. They feel guilty if you are doing all the work as well as useless. On the other hand you feel like your work is never ending, there are no breaks, and it is easier most of the time to do something for the elderly patient than to have them try to do it. But there is help in the form of assistive technology, a buzz word in the home care industry. It can make your loved one more independent and give you some relief. Keep this option in mind as you read through this article.
So what is assistive technology? In this business of home care giving it is just a fancy term for any device that makes things easier on you. It comes in two forms, those being high technology and low technology. You are already familiar with both I am sure. Low technology devices would be anything such as a walker, cane, hearing aid or pair of glasses. High technology devices would involve more electronics such as computers, monitors, alarms and motorized scooters or wheel chairs. Basically, anything that can help you take care of someone at home or otherwise can be called assistive technology.
Think about the biggest challenges that you face as the home care giver and also what challenges your loved one faces. Look for devices that can help with those needs. Not all assistive technology will be of use to you and you may not need as much of it as you think. A new cool scooter may seem like just the thing your loved ones needs to get around town in, but if they are already mobile enough on their own they will have little need for such a device. There are very many assistive technologies out there that can make things that are difficult for someone, like personal hygiene, easier. Take your time and buy or rent the right stuff. Things like Velcro or specially designed clothing can make it easier for an elderly person to dress and give them some self-esteem back. Evaluate everything out there and don’t get distracted by the latest cool stuff. Visit some of the links on this website for ideas and top of the line products that will last.
The prices on assistive devices can range from inexpensive to very expensive. Of course if all you need is Velcro or a homemade device you can rig up, then your expenses may be low. But if you need wheelchairs, scooters or assistive devices to help move an elderly person from a bed to a wheelchair, then the cost may be high. If you need assistive technology devices that are expenses there may be help for you. Many of the devices are covered by insurance or Medicaid. Several of the companies that sell the devices will help with your paperwork or even do it for you. Check out the company links on this site for some good resources. We’ve researched what companies have the best devices.
If you are not really sure what assistive devices you may need or what options are available ask your loved ones doctor to recommend devices. They are, of course, usually aware of what might be of help to you. You can also inquire your local caregiver’s support group if you know of one. The members of this group usually have gone through the same dilemmas that you have and can offer advice based on experience. In any case, it is important to both you and you loved one that you explore the use of assistive devices so your home care burden can be reduced.
Related Home Care Links:
Buy home medical equipment at drugstore.com.
