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5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift
Home Improvements

5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Are you or one of your family members having trouble getting up and/or down the stairs at home? If your answer is yes, then you may want to consider investing in a stair lift for you home. A stair lift, also often known as a chair lift or stairway lift, is starting to become the most common solution for those who are no longer able to safely navigate the stairs. Most seniors prefer to age at home because of the comfort and security it provides them. Below, you will learn more about the benefits that a stair lift can provide and why it is often the best solution for seniors with limited mobility. 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift

Safety – Prevents falls on the stairs

Safety is often the most common reason why people have a stair lift installed in their home. As people age, muscles may weaken, and vision may be reduced, which makes it difficult to safely navigate the stairs. The installation of a stair lift will instantly provide a safe way to access all levels of a home, no matter if the stairs are straight or have turns and curves. Some may think that walking up and down the stairs as a good way to exercise, but that is not true for seniors who have limited mobility. One missed step while climbing up or down a staircase can result in a serious injury. Visiting a local park or gym to walk around the track is a much safer way for seniors to get their exercise in.

Offers Convenience

In addition to increased safety, a stair lift also provides convenience and comfort. After a long day, you may feel tired and don’t feel like climbing up that long set of stairs in your home. A chair lift will give you a safe, relaxing and smooth ride up to the upper level of your home or down to the basement level. If something is forgotten upstairs, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to find enough strength to climb back up the stairs. You’ll be able to sit in the chair, hold down the switch or button on the arm of the chair and enjoy the nice and easy ride back up the stairs! 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift
These lifts are obviously most commonly used by people who need to safely get between the levels of their home. However, stair lifts are also often used to move holiday decorations or laundry baskets up and down the stairs. Some people even use the lift to help transport smaller dogs if they can no longer climb the stairs.

Provides Independence

Everyone enjoys being independent, especially at home. A senior’s independence at home can be challenged for a number of reasons, and a staircase is often the most common one. When the stairs are no longer manageable for seniors, their independence is taken from them. Bedrooms are often moved to the first level and the basement is no longer accessible. However, with the addition of a stair lift, independence can often be restored.

Cost-Effective Aging Solution

There are a few options that a senior has to choose from if their mobility has decreased and they no longer feel safe at home because of the stairs. They can choose to move to senior living, a single-level home, or they can invest in a stair lift. All are viable options and in some cases, one may be more preferred over the other. However, if you are looking for the most cost-efficient solution and want to remain at home, then you should invest in a stair lift. It is much more affordable than moving to a senior living facility ($3,000-$4,000/month), and it will save you the hassle of moving into a new single-level home.

Blends into Your Home

The standard upholstery color offered for most lifts is tan. However, most manufacturers do offer other color choices for the chair upholstery. So, you will be able to pick the color that best matches the design and décor of your own home.

Learn more about how a stair lift can improve your life and allow you to remain at the home you’ve grown to love.

Eric Rubel is a marketing manager for Lifeway Mobility, a company that offers a wide variety of accessibility solutions, such as stair lifts. He writes content for the Lifeway Mobility website and has also had several articles feature on other senior/aging-in-place blogs and websites.

 

5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift

5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift 5 Benefits Installing a Stair Lift

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Home Improvements

Electricity Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and Caregivers

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Power outages aren’t very common, but when they do happen in your community, do you know what to do?

Preparing for power outage emergencies won’t be as easy as getting a 72-hour emergency kit ready—especially if you are an elderly or are caring for someone who is.

Here are a few things that may help you ensure your safety or of the elderly in your care.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS

Knowing what you’re up against is a big step toward being prepared.

WHAT CAUSED THE POWER OUTAGE?

  • Natural disaster.
  • Accidents leading to power failure.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE RISKS?

  • Do you live alone?
  • Do you drive or own a car?
  • Do you have any physical, medical, thinking or learning limitations?
    • Smell.
    • Hearing.
    • Mobility.
    • Vision.
    • Communication.
  • Are you reliant upon any medical equipment or assistive technologies?
  • Are you reliant upon a caregiver?

HOW WILL THE POWER OUTAGE IMPACT YOU OR THEM IN THE NEXT 72 HOURS?

Below you’ll find helpful checklists for when there’s a power outage in your area—covering different scenarios and circumstances.

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK (FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS) AHEAD OF TIME

  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Call your local emergency management office.
    • Ask what their emergency plans are and how they can assist you.
    • Ask for their list of contacts and of the numbers of nearby health care facilities—keep these numbers close.

GATHER ALL RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS FOR EASY ACCESS

  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
    • Outline your needs. This is in case you will be moved to a facility so first responders will be informed on the type of help you need.
    • Prepare your medical documents and records so medical personnel will be to see to your medical needs.
    • Prepare a list of your medication.
  • State the best way to communicate with you. This is important especially if you or the person in your care needs to be brought to a facility that is unfamiliar with your needs.

PREP A 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

  • Use battery operated flashlights and lanterns. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
  • Unplug all major appliances so they won’t be damaged by the electrical surge when the power is restored.
  • Store your supplies in a container that has wheels.
  • Label your emergency medical supplies with large print text or Braille.
  • Label your equipment and assistive devices, like wheelchairs, canes or walkers, with your name, address and phone numbers.
  • Get ice or frozen cold packs in a small ice chest to store your medicines in.
  • Keep your emergency contact list close and contact them as soon as you can.
  • Pack plenty of batteries and power banks for your assistive devices.
  • Pack plenty of lighting resources like flashlights and lamps (if you have a power generator, even better!).
  • Prepare food and water supplies for up to 72 hours.
  • Ready blankets and extra clothing for warmth.
  • Set aside extra money, as well as the documents you’ll need to secure social security and other regular benefits.
  • Don’t forget to prepare emergency kits for your pets/service animals

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND/OR ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare batteries or alternate sources of power that will sustain you and your medical equipment/assistive technology for the next 72 hours.
  • If you have a hearing disability, prepare a TTY (or Text Telephone), or extra batteries for your assistive devices.
  • Contact your doctor or health care provider and ask for nearby alternatives you can relocate to for help during a power outage.
  • Use portable generators cautiously.
    • Make sure you operate them outdoors, in a well-ventilated area.
    • Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical system (unless using an approved transfer switch that is compliant with your local electrical code).

ALTERNATE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS CHECKLIST

  • Prepare cards with phrases, pictures, or pictograms for communication, so your support network or first responders can communicate with you.
  • If you are visually impaired, or care for one:
    • Prepare Braille or text communication cards for communication.
    • Label your emergency supplies with Braille or large print texts

SCHEDULED TREATMENTS/THERAPEUTIC CARE ALTERNATIVES CHECKLIST

If you or the senior citizen in your care requires regular medical treatments like dialysis, or other procedures, call your clinic or hospital to.

  • Ask about their emergency plans and processes and how they can help you during the crisis.
  • Ask for their back-up medical treatment providers close to your location

MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare extra battery packs if you or the person in your care uses a power wheelchair.
  • Prepare an extra manual mobility aid like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair as your alternative for moving around.
  • Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpack or a duffel bag.
  • Plan and prepare your transportation options, in case you need to move to a clinic or hospital for care and assistance during the emergency.
  • If you have a personal vehicle, keep your gas tank full.

 

A little planning can go a long way to making sure you or the person in your care is safe and taken care of. Keep to this list and don’t worry: you’ll find that there will always be people to help you during emergencies.

SOURCES

  • Preparedness information for people with disabilities., American Public Health Association.
  • Disaster Planning For Older Adults, Insurance Information Institute.
  • Emergency Preparedness Tips for Senior Citizens, Senior Citizen’s Guide.
  • Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors, American Red Cross.
  • The Importance of a Personal Support Network, American Red Cross.
  • Power Outages, Ready.gov

 

For more information: https://www.chooseenergy.com

 

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Downsizing A Home Full of Memories
Home Improvements

Downsizing A Home Full of Memories

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Helping Your Aging Parent Downsize

When someone lives in their home for several decades, chances are, the home is jam-packed with a lifetime of memories and stuff. As our parents age, they may need to downsize their belongings in anticipation of moving in with family, an assisted living facility, or even to a new condo in a fun retirement community.

It can be overwhelming to find the right place to start when it comes time to downsize. If your parents are like mine, everything has meaning. My mom still has things from when she was my Girl Scout leader! If you haven’t heard of the popular book on decluttering called “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” it has become a tool for people to sort through their things that have meaning versus things that take up space.

If you don’t have time to read the book, here are some tips from the book, as well as techniques I’ve used to help me keep a family of four from being over-run by clutter in an 1100 square foot condo with no garage and no additional storage. Downsizing A Home Full of Memories

Working With Your Parents to Declutter Their Home

  • Do a preliminary run through. Without getting too deep into the project, walk through the home and garage together and make quick decisions on things they no longer want and how you will dispose of it. For example, they may have three folding tables in the garage and realize that they will likely not have any more outdoor parties where the tables are necessary. Decide right away if they’ll be donated or if someone in the family wants them. You can also decide if you’re going to do a garage sale. They can put the sale money towards something fun like a vacation or even a big family party. To make it even easier, get colored labels and assign a color to sell, donate and family giveaways.
  • Do a challenge. I read about a 500 item challenge where each day, a person went to different parts of her home and threw out as many things as she could in 10 minutes. You can start the challenge with your parents on the days you are visiting. To make it more efficient, you can have a bin for donations, a bin for family giveaways and a trash can. Set a timer and do as much as you can in that amount of time. If your parent isn’t able to do the decluttering himself, have him sit in the room and guide you.
    Preserve memories. If your parent is holding on to your artwork from 40 years ago, work with them to create a photo memory book. Take pictures of the artwork and make a photo book out of the best artwork. Once you go through the items, they’ll probably see that every single item isn’t worth preserving. You can do this with trinkets they’ve picked up on vacations, collections, etc.
  • Use your imagination. As you are going through the items, ask the question, if I saw this in a store today, would I still buy it? This is interesting because there are many items in my home that I would definitely not re-buy.
  • I once read an article about cleaning house that suggested putting everything that is on the floor into the middle of the room and then going through the pile to put everything away. I do this with my kids when we clean their room and it works well. For a senior, they probably don’t have a bunch of items on the floor, but you can do this with items on a book shelf or in kitchen cabinets. Seeing how much of everything they have can make letting go of things a bit easier.
  • Clear the paper clutter. If your parents have tax records from 20 years ago and pay stubs from the 1970s, clearing the paper clutter can take a long time. If they are worried about what to keep and what to get rid of, find a guide to what they need to keep and stick to it. If they have so much stuff that it would kill your shredder, consider dropping off the bags at a safe shredding location. Many office supply stores offer this service.
  • Pass on the childhood memories. This is the time for your parents to stop offering their home as a storage facility for their grown children. If there are items you or your siblings are storing at your parent’s house, take them home. I am guilty of this since I live in a small home. My parents have most of our wedding china stored at their house, which tells you how important that china really was! I’ve been married for 12 years and have only used two sets of my china less than 10 times.
  • Do a more thorough walk through and categorize items into four categories: definitely save, possibly save, donate, save or giveaway and discard. Color code the items that are in the donate, save or giveaway and discard piles and start moving them out.
  • Get rid of kitchen items. Whether your parent is moving in with you or into an assisted living facility, chances are, they won’t need much in the kitchen. Hold on to a few dishes and cups to make their new home feel more home-y, and get rid of the rest.
  • Understand that this process is difficult and be patient with your parent if they resist getting rid of things that aren’t necessary. Allow them to stroll down memory lane and encourage them to find ways to keep memories alive. Downsizing A Home Full of Memories

Downsizing A Home Full of Memories

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Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

How Bidets Help Disabled People

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey
One of the biggest benefits that are normally associated with bidet seats is that they are extremely beneficial to people that are disabled. If you are handicapped or have a disability of any kind, then an attachable bidet seat can be beneficial to you by simplifying the cleaning process greatly. Nearly all bidet seats work out of the box for handicapped individuals. Bidet seats differ from traditional bidets in that they do not require the user to traverse from one fixture to another for cleaning. Therefore, if you are handicapped or disabled and you want to simplify cleaning yourself after using the toilet, an attachable bidet seat is ideal. How Bidets Help Disabled People
Most bidets can be quite helpful for to people that have a limited range of motion. Wiping becomes unnecessary as all of the cleaning functions are performed by a small adjustable nozzle. There is a lot less exertion required for use of a bidet because you do not have to strain or reach to wipe yourself or clean yourself after going to the bathroom. Instead, you simply have to use the adjustable knobs to turn on the nozzle water, washing yourself automatically. If you are disabled and do not have the capability to dry yourself with a rag or a washcloth, then you should use an attachable bidet seat that comes equipped with a drying function. This will spray warm air onto your skin, drying it completely before you leave the bidet seat.
Other benefits of a bidet may include a reduction in the number of baths or showers a handicapped individual might feel the need to take to be clean. If you have trouble cleaning yourself after going to the bathroom, then you may always feel unclean, or like there is toilet paper residue, waste or germs left behind. If this is the case for you, then choosing a bidet seat intended for handicapped individuals is a smart move. This will help you get and feel cleaner, which is one of the primary purposes for using a bidet seat in the first place.
Many Bidet seats work with armrests and grab bars that attach to the wall floor. While bidet seats don’t work well with seat extenders, they do work risers that attach to the base of the toilet. Shop around and determine which types of bidet seats are ideal for you and ask questions to make sure you buy a bidet seat that is specifically meant to help handicapped and disabled people get clean.

Click Here to see our huge selection of bidet products on Senior.com.

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The attachable bidet makes the bidet a bathroom fixture that can be installed in virtually any bathroom. You no longer need to set aside a separate corner for a bidet. Instead, you can have this fixture installed right on your toilet seat. The bidet will use the same source of water as the toilet. Some bidets may also need a source of electricity, but outlets are typically within reach. There's an attachable bidet to suit any needs as long as you know what you're looking for. If you're new to the idea of a bidet, there are several factors that will help you find the best product for your needs. Attachable Bidets for Any Bathroom First you should consider the type of toilet that you have. If the tank is separate from the toilet, then you have a two-piece model. This is the most common type of toilet. If the tank is not in a separate piece, you have a one-piece toilet. This will affect the types of bidets that are available to you. You should also check to see if your toilet seat is round or elongated. There are bidet models for all types of seats, but you should measure yours carefully to ensure that the bidet you select will fit correctly. Armed with these measurements, a sales representative can help you make the final decision. There are many different types of bidets. Considering your needs may help you choose the right one. Consider these questions. Do you have difficulty maneuvering in the bathroom? If so, a bidet with a wireless remote will ensure that you can always reach the controls. Do you find the toilet to be cold and uncomfortable, especially in winter? A bidet toilet seat that's heated will solve this problem and make the bathroom much more comfortable. Do you suffer from constipation? Look for a bidet with a massage or pulsation feature. This type of water stream can ease constipation. Do you have small children who have trouble finding the bathroom at night? Some bidet toilet seats come equipped with a nightlight beneath the rim that can solve this problem. Are you intimidated by a lot of different features on the bidet? Look for a basic installation that has only a few settings. This will make the bidet more comfortable for new users. There's truly a bidet available for every type of user. Look around and find a design that you're comfortable with. Pictures, extensive product descriptions, and even videos are available to help you make your choice. Bio Bidet customer representatives are happy to help if you need more information. There's an attachable bidet available to suit any home
Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

Attachable Bidets for Any Bathroom

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

The attachable bidet makes the bidet a bathroom fixture that can be installed in virtually any bathroom. You no longer need to set aside a separate corner for a bidet. Instead, you can have this fixture installed right on your toilet seat. The bidet will use the same source of water as the toilet. Some bidets may also need a source of electricity, but outlets are typically within reach. There’s an attachable bidet to suit any needs as long as you know what you’re looking for. If you’re new to the idea of a bidet, there are several factors that will help you find the best product for your needs. Attachable Bidets for Any Bathroom

First you should consider the type of toilet that you have. If the tank is separate from the toilet, then you have a two-piece model. This is the most common type of toilet. If the tank is not in a separate piece, you have a one-piece toilet. This will affect the types of bidets that are available to you. You should also check to see if your toilet seat is round or elongated. There are bidet models for all types of seats, but you should measure yours carefully to ensure that the bidet you select will fit correctly. Armed with these measurements, a sales representative can help you make the final decision.
There are many different types of bidets. Considering your needs may help you choose the right one. Consider these questions.

Do you have difficulty maneuvering in the bathroom?
If so, a bidet with a wireless remote will ensure that you can always reach the controls.

Do you find the toilet to be cold and uncomfortable, especially in winter?
A bidet toilet seat that’s heated will solve this problem and make the bathroom much more comfortable.

Do you suffer from constipation?
Look for a bidet with a massage or pulsation feature. This type of water stream can ease constipation.

Do you have small children who have trouble finding the bathroom at night?
Some bidet toilet seats come equipped with a nightlight beneath the rim that can solve this problem.

Are you intimidated by a lot of different features on the bidet?
Look for a basic installation that has only a few settings. This will make the bidet more comfortable for new users.

There’s truly a bidet available for every type of user. Look around and find a design that you’re comfortable with. Pictures, extensive product descriptions, and even videos are available to help you make your choice. Bio Bidet customer representatives are happy to help if you need more information. There’s an attachable bidet available to suit any home.

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How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen
Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

The bathroom is typically the most dangerous room in the home for elderly adults, but the kitchen isn’t far behind. Every year, thousands of American seniors suffer injuries in their kitchens. Some of those injuries are minor, like small cuts to fingers, but many of these injuries are serious or life-threatening. As family caregivers, we can help reduce these risks by designing safer kitchens for seniors. How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen
How can you make the kitchen safer for your elderly mom, dad, or grandparent? Here are four key areas where smart kitchen design can reduce the risk of injury to elderly adults and make the kitchen more senior-friendly.

Non-Slip Flooring

One of the biggest injury risks for elderly adults is slippery flooring. Falls are the number one cause of accidental death among elderly adults, and low-traction flooring increases the risk of slips and trips. Unfortunately, many kitchens contain low-traction flooring, such as marble, granite, laminate, and certain types of vinyl and tile flooring. While easy to clean and visually attractive, these styles of flooring significantly increase the chance of accidents and injuries in the kitchen.
Changing floors to a less slippery option will make the kitchen safer for elderly adults, but not everyone has the funds for a costly re-flooring project. In that case, you may want to look for non-slip decals that can be applied to the floors. Another alternative is for family caregivers to buy rubber-soled slippers, indoor shoes, or non-slip socks for your loved one to wear any time they are in the kitchen.

Visibility & Lighting

Poor visibility is another risk factor for falls and accidents in the kitchen. That’s especially true for elderly adults, who suffer from poor eyesight at a higher rate than younger adults. Safe kitchen design for seniors requires family caregivers install adequate lighting to prevent mishaps and injuries.
When assessing lighting in the kitchen, remember to inspect all areas, including nooks, crannies, and out-of-the-way areas. If you’re able to re-light the kitchen, consider recessed lighting, which cuts down on shadows and glare, and under-cabinet lighting, which ensures that all countertop areas are visible.
Beyond lighting, the color scheme of the kitchen can also have an impact on its safety for elderly adults. A high-contrast color scheme is one of the best ways to help seniors with poor eyesight avoid accidents in the kitchen. In particular, having counters that contrast with their surroundings will make navigating the kitchen easier for seniors with vision problems.

Ease of Access

How easy is it for your loved one to access important items in the kitchen? Ideally, your loved one will be able to access everything he or she needs for most meals without having to bend, kneel, or stretch. These actions often put seniors in vulnerable, off-balance positions that increase their risk of falls.
If key items are out of immediate reach, it is a good idea to reorganize the kitchen storage in a way that prioritizes ease of access. Modern cabinet and drawer systems can be installed to make lower items easier to reach. Place the least-used items on higher shelves. These items should only be accessed by step ladder or, if a step ladder is unsafe for your loved one to use on their own, with the help of a family caregiver.

Accident Prevention & Preparedness

A senior-friendly kitchen should be modified to prevent some of the most serious and common actions that occur in kitchens. Family caregivers should also equip kitchens so that when accidents occur, seniors and caregivers can respond as quickly as possible.
Here are a few specific steps family caregivers can take to prevent and prepare for accidents in the kitchen.

  • Install a quality smoke detector in the kitchen and perform regular testing to ensure that it is functioning properly.
  • Do not store hazardous materials in any container that could be mistaken for holding something else, particularly by those with poor eyesight.
  • Inspect all wires to make sure that they are in good condition, away from water, and cannot be tripped over.
  • Lower the heat setting on the hot water heater to prevent the possibility of scalding or burns by hot water.
  • Keep a fully stocked, easily accessible first aid kit in the kitchen.
  • Post emergency numbers next to the phone, including the local numbers for emergency services, family doctors, and poison control.

Family Caregivers & Kitchen Safety

Senior-proofing the kitchen can be a time- and cost-intensive project, but it’s one that’s more than worthwhile when caring for an elderly loved one. But remember that senior safety doesn’t stop with senior-friendly kitchen design. Senior safety in the kitchen also depends on a strong support system from both family and professional caregivers.
Caregivers play a key role in elderly safety in the kitchen. Having a caregiver nearby means that seniors can ask for a helping hand when needed. It also means that if an emergency occurs, someone is there to quickly take action. Perhaps most important, having a caregiver also means that seniors can spend less time in the kitchen to begin with. Caregivers can put groceries away, prepare meals, and perform other kitchen tasks that might put seniors’ safety at risk.
A family member, friend, or care professional can fill the role of a caregiver. If you’re concerned about an elderly loved one’s safety in the kitchen and feel they need a caregiver with them more often, we encourage you to contact your local Visiting Angels® caregiver agency. Your local Visiting Angels office will be more than happy to discuss your options for caregiver services and coordinate a free in-home consultation for your loved one.
How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen
How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen How Family Caregivers Can Design a Senior-Friendly Kitchen

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Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most
Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

On average, people use the toilet at least 6 times a day. It is one of the most basic activities in life and is also one of the most common reasons for seniors to start losing their independence. As we age, cognitive and balance issues can make going to the bathroom difficult and in some cases, even dangerous. Seniors all over the world are now turning to the bidet for help. Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

What is a bidet?

Bidets have long been known as a hands-free way to wash sensitive areas with a stream of water. When using a bidet, there is no need to bend or twist your body to wipe. The bidet’s cleansing stream of water will do all the cleanup with little to no need to dry yourself.

Improves cleanliness

Seniors often experience a lack of proper cleanliness due to an inability to wipe after using the toilet. Bidets offer a cleansing spray of water for cleanup, only needing a small pat to dry off. Some bidets will even include dryers that can eliminate the need for drying yourself altogether.

Brings independence in the bathroom

We spend most of our lives experiencing a bathroom trip alone. When we age, a solo bathroom trip can become challenging and, in some situations, dangerous. Bidets eliminate the need to wipe which can result in a senior being able to take bathroom trips alone once again. For many seniors, this is a huge help towards keeping their independence.

Easy to install

Bidet installation has become increasingly easy over the years and has resulted in customers not needing to call a plumber or electrician for help. The installation process can be done by hand and be completed in under an hour to modify your ordinary toilet with comforting bidet features.

Improves the quality of life

Take back your independence and clean in comfort with the new standard in bathroom hygiene. Bidets can provide the ability to enter the bathroom alone with safety and confidence. For many seniors, a bidet improves their quality of life with just one use.
Click Here to see our huge selection of bidet products on Senior.com.

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Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money
Home Improvements

Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

If you are spending more than 10% of your income to keep your home above 21°C, then you meet the World Health Organization’s definition of fuel poverty. This disproportionately affects the elderly, who tend to be on a lower income, live in older homes and spend more time indoors. Combined with weakened health, seniors are also more likely to become seriously ill due to an inability to heat homes. However, this can be tackled by making energy efficiency improvements. This eco-friendly solution could knock thousands of dollars off a senior’s annual fuel bill, helping them to stay warm throughout winter, while limiting their carbon emissions. Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money

Cavity Wall and Attic Insulation

If you are looking for low upfront costs, but monthly savings, then insulation is the way to go. Around 25% of heat is lost through the roof, while a third escapes through the walls. This can be fixed by filling in the roof and cavity walls with insulation. Many older homes lack sufficient insulation or have insulation made of inadequate materials and installed incorrectly. This leaves seniors paying for heat which leaves the house almost immediately. Improving the sustainability of your property can help to lock in this heat, so that the heating is turned on less often and to a lower temperature.

The exact amount of savings depends on a variety of factors including how much insulation you have currently and how large your house is. On average, you can expect to save 15% on energy bills used for heating and cooling by fully insulating your home, with a 117% return on investment. This means that an upfront cost will be fully paid for within a few years and you can spend the rest of your retirement with reduced fuel bills.

Switching to an Energy Efficient Boiler

The boiler has the biggest effect on your monthly bills, with heating taking up 90% of your energy usage. However, many older boilers have an efficiency rating of below 80%, meaning that more than 20% of the energy required is not put towards adding heat, yet it is still being paid for. Replacing an old boiler can be expensive, but it will have the largest effect on reducing your bills, not to mention your carbon emissions.

Upgrading from a boiler with an efficiency rating of 56% to one with a rating of 90% will reduce your carbon emissions by 1.5 tons each year. In financial terms, this means a reduced monthly bill of 35%-45%. This will mean that upfront costs are covered much more quickly and savings are more dramatic. Switching to a renewable energy source such as solar should be your next step towards a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy bills.

Seniors living in a cold climate are at risk of becoming ill if their home is not properly heated. However, without the right insulation and energy efficient boiler, bills can be unaffordable. Try to find the funding for the home improvements, so that you can enjoy savings over the long term and live comfortably into retirement.

By Jackie Edwards

Now working as a writer, Jackie started her career in finance and banking, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and she looks after her parents who live close by. Her father is beginning with the early stages of Dementia and Jackie feels it important to research as much as possible into helping seniors live their final years in comfort.

Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money

Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money Eco Home Improvements to Save Seniors MoneyEco Home Improvements to Save Seniors Money

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Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Home Improvements

Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

 
Fingers crossed. A friend is trading her suburban house for an urban condo, which means the baby grand has to go. It has had no takers. At the last minute, I see a post from a gentleman who orchestrates neighborhood events seeking…a piano! He can handle the move and tuning. I rush to contact both people and arrange an introduction. They share a dream of keeping the music going; neither can fathom a baby grand being left at the dump. It might work out. Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Welcome to the new world of downsizing…where anyone can be a matchmaker.
Downsizing a large household used to mean filling two or three dumpsters for the landfill, but only after the kids gathered up the bulk of the furniture and heirlooms. The elders of the family streamlined their material worlds for easy living. The mantle was passed to the next generation of hosts of large family gatherings along with all the trappings. The legacy remained intact, staying in the family.
Lifestyle changes and concern for the environment have altered the way people see the bountiful home. Millennials, coping with less money and space, are saying no thanks to traditional decorating. As a result, yesterday’s collectors find themselves scrapping the plan to give everything to the kids as they embark on an angst-filled search for anyone who might take their stuff. And to make matters worse, it now seems one needs a crash course in waste management to navigate the landfill.
As a downsizer, It is okay, perhaps essential, to take a moment to mourn whatever piece of the past might get lost as you face your belongings. But do not panic. Remind yourself again and again that you are lightening your load to free your spirit and renew your own vitality. Embrace the process in ways that serve you best and engage with others to expand your understanding of the possibilities.
Pay attention to your own feelings as you explore new surroundings. Find the best of your belongings to take with you so that you have what you need and what you love. Then build a community to help you take that deep dive into the discard pile from your material world. People from local charities, consignment shops, and online message boards in your neighborhood can become your new best friends.
And remember…your family may not want your stuff, but they can still help. Cleaning out the house can be a nostalgia-fest with your kids, your siblings, cousins, friends, anyone you need by your side. Learn to say yes to anyone offering help with the sorting and packing, and enlist the tech-savvy to gather research on remote donation sites or specialty recycling. Soon you’ll be strutting your stuff – even at the landfill – like a pro. Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Kathleen Wright operates Essentially Yours, a downsizing company in the Greater Boston area where she lives with her husband. After careers in healthcare and education, she is hoping to help clean up the planet one house at a time.

Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?

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