Many individuals prefer scooters to wheelchairs. First, scooters are electric. Second, they look less like a medical device than a standard wheelchair; they don’t automatically connote the idea that the person using the scooter is either sick or injured. It is, however, important to choose the scooter that works best for your loved one. There are bariatric, three-wheel, four-wheel and portable scooters.

Three-wheel scooters are best for those who live or work in small places. Since there is only one front wheel, three-wheel scooters have a smaller turning radius than four-wheel scooters. The Pride Rally 3-Wheel Scooter is a great indoor/outdoor scooter with excellent maneuverability. The Pride Go-Go Traveller Scooter is also ideal for tight spaces, but it has an added feature: it is possible to change the color of the scooter with ease. This is a great option for those who are creative or get bored easily.

Four-wheel scooters are a bit more stable than three-wheel scooters, making them ideal for outside use and bumpier terrain. However, they do have a larger turning radius than three-wheel scooters. Pride Mobility offers many different four-wheel scooters, including the Pride Revo Scooter, the Pride Legend Scooter and the Pride Rally Scooter. Golden Technologies and Drive Medical offer several different options as well. The Drive Odyssey is built with a more rugged construction, so it’s great for nature lovers and outdoorsy types.

Portable scooters are perfect for those who need to take their scooters with them on a daily basis. They are ideal for people who work outside the home or spend a great a deal of time going from place to place. Many portable scooters can be taken apart and easily reassembled, enabling the user to take the scooter from one location to the next. The Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller Scooter, for example, can be taken apart into four pieces— the heaviest piece only weighs 22 lbs! Not all portable scooters can be disassembled though; instead, they are lightweight. The Drive Hawk 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter is the perfect example. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate.

Owning a scooter can make a huge difference in your loved one’s life. For those who have trouble walking, a scooter makes it possible to get around without struggling. You definitely can’t go wrong with a Pride scooter or another trusted brand. Plus, being able to get from one place to another without help is a sure way to boost your elderly parent’s self-esteem and confidence.

The most efficient way to select a manual wheelchair is to consider the exact needs of the person who will be using it. Otherwise, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different options, and some individuals may purchase a wheelchair that isn’t really what they wanted. As a starting point, there are four different types of manual wheelchairs: standard, transport, lightweight and bariatric. Within each category, there are different colors, dimensions, and specific features.

It is imperative to select a wheelchair that compliments your loved one’s size. A lightweight wheelchair is ideal for smaller people who may have trouble maneuvering a standard wheelchair on their own. The Drive Cruiser II is one of the lightest wheelchairs available—it only weighs 36 lbs! Conversely, larger individuals can benefit from having a bariatric wheelchair. These wheelchairs have wider seats and are built to be especially durable. One wheelchair, the Invacare 9000 Topaz, holds up to 700 lbs.
It is also important to assess whether or not the person using the wheelchair wants to be able to maneuver it on his own. For those who don’t have much hand or arm strength, a transport wheelchair may be sufficient. Transport wheelchairs have small back wheels, as opposed to the standard ones that are designed to pushed by the person in the wheelchair. The smaller wheels make it easier to move the wheelchair in tight spaces, such as an apartment or crowded office. Additionally, transport wheelchairs are substantially lighter than standard wheel chairs.  The Invacare Bariatric Transport Chair and the Drive Aluminum Transport Wheelchair are both high quality options.

Some seniors prefer wheelchairs with special features, which ought to be taken into consideration when making your selection. Some wheelchairs, such as the Aluminum Lightweight Transport Wheelchair with Cable, come with hand brakes, making it safer to travel over bumpy terrain. Additionally, certain standard wheelchairs can be converted into transport chairs. Buying one of these chairs, such as the Drive Pollywog Wheelchair/Transport Chair, is a great money saver for those who need two different types of wheelchairs.

When choosing a wheelchair for your elderly parent, remember that finding the best fit can substantially improve his quality of life. An Invacare wheelchair is often a great choice, but it’s definitely worth the extra time to determine your loved one’s exact needs before making the final purchase.

Power wheelchairs are great for those who want to travel quickly without the help of others. For most individuals, they are more useful than a standard wheelchair since they can move faster and don’t require much energy to operate. However, choosing the right electric wheel chair is important. Wheelchairs with rear vs. mid wheel run differently; each has its own pros and cons. There are also bariatric electric wheel chairs.
Rear wheel wheelchairs are sturdier and tend to run faster than other types of electric wheel chairs. They can reach speeds of up to six mph and they are less likely to tip over under extreme conditions. Thus, a rear wheel wheelchair, such as the Drive Geo Power Wheelchair, is perfect for those live or work in fast paced environments. Pride Mobility and Drive Medical both make high-quality rear wheel wheelchairs.

If your senior parent needs to be able to maneuver in small places, such as an apartment or tight office, a mid-wheel power wheelchair is probably best. It has the smallest turning radius, between 24 and 26 inches, which is seven inches smaller than the most compact rear wheel. This type of electric wheelchair is not ideal for going over bumpy terrain though, as the chair can get stuck on the front or rear casters, preventing the middle drive wheels from touching the ground. However, the more compact size makes mid-wheel wheel chairs ideal for many users. The Golden Compass and Pride Jazzy Select are both popular options.

Some individuals who use wheel chairs travel a great deal, perhaps between the home, office, and various social gatherings. For these seniors, having a portable electric wheel chair is crucial. The main difference is that they are lightweight, which makes them easier to lift between the ground and the trunk of a car. This weight difference is important because it means less people are needed to help move the chair. A few chairs, such as the Jazzy 1107 Transportable Power Wheelchair, can be easily disassembled, allowing the wheel chair to fit in particularly small spaces.

Electric wheelchairs come in many different styles, with a multitude of different features. Thus, there really is something for everyone. Purchasing a power wheel chair can greatly improve your loved one’s quality of life and give him the freedom he desires. Being able to move from one location to another without help is something most of us take for granted. By purchasing an electric wheelchair for your loved one, you can help him restore his sense of independence.

Many seniors can’t live safely on their own without some daily help. If this is the case for your elderly parent, it may be time to start looking for trustworthy in-home care.

You can begin the search by asking friends and family if they are looking for a job in caregiving. If they are, you may have just saved yourself some time. Most people, however, do not know someone who is both qualified and looking for a job. With on-line databases of caregivers, this isn’t a problem. On Sittercity.com and Care.com“ providers post profiles and potential employers can look at them.

If you choose to use one of these websites, please remember that not everyone on these sites has the same qualifications. Some people are new to the job, while others have been doing it for years. Ideally you want someone with past experience, especially if the caregiver is involved in medical care, such as dispensing medicines or scheduling doctor’s appointments. When deciding who to interview, only choose people who have already had a background check. This helps you filter out anyone who has had any trouble with the law. It may also save your great-grandmother’s antique china set from being stolen when your parent isn’t watching. Also, try to avoid interviewing someone who can’t provide any references from previous employers. This is a red flag that something went wrong in the past.

When it comes time to interview your prospective candidates, it is imperative to cover certain topics. Be sure to have the candidate elaborate on past experience. This will help you determine how much training you will need to provide before this person is ready to take care of your parent. Keep in mind that is possible to hire someone who is overqualified. Someone who simply needs help in the kitchen doesn’t need a retired RN to care for him on a daily basis. Someone with dementia, however, might. Ask the candidate to describe how she responded to an emergency in her past. This can help you gauge whether they panic or take control in emergencies. Ideally, you want someone who can think on her feet when the unexpected happens. It is also important to discern how passionate this person is about the job. You probably want someone who will be attentive, forming a bond with your parent. Someone who is constantly texting or checking her email may only be doing the bare minimum for your parent.

Once the interviews are completed, you can pick your top candidate and train her. Many of the providers on Sittercity.com and Care.com“ are available to start work immediately, so you don’t have to wait for them to be ready for you.

Many seniors aren’t as mentally sharp as they once were. They find it more difficult to remember things and focus. However, brain training programs can help seniors increase their mental fitness and stay on top of their game. Posit Science produces three different brain games. They focus on auditory processing, visual processing, and safer driving. All games can be ordered for a MAC or PC and are easy to use, even for computer novices.

Seniors can sharpen their auditory system with the Brain Fitness Program, which was designed by scientists from the Mayo Clinic and top universities. The program includes six auditory exercises, which can improve memory by up to ten years, leading to better memory, sharper focus, and faster thinking. One activity involves listening to a story and then answering questions about it. This is a fun way to strengthen narrative memory. Another game involves matching processed sounds to each other, which trains the brain to process common sounds with fewer errors. Seniors who play this game love knowing exactly what they heard, as opposed to second-guessing themselves.

InSight is designed to strengthen visual processing. It was also designed by a team of well-qualified scientists. The program includes 5 different games that increase visual processing by up to 300%. Imagine being able to see better and react faster! One game, Bird Safari, trains the brain to process information more quickly. The game involves identifying birds from California, Florida and Costa Rica as quickly as possible. Master Gardener is enjoyable too. In this game you match garden related pictures to one another after they appear on the screen. This exercise helps improve working memory.

DriveSharp can increase your confidence and safety driving. Jewel Driver and Rod Tour are both fun and beneficial at the same time. They serve two purposes. First, they increase reaction times, reducing the risk of an accident. Second, they help you develop your peripheral vision, and can increase your useful field of vision by up to 200%. You only need to play for 20 minutes three times a week in order to get results. Chances are, you’ll want to play even more!

Brain training can help seniors feel young again, increasing both their sense of freedom and confidence. This independence is especially important, as many seniors fear being unable to take care of them selves as they age. However, brain games can help seniors lead a fulfilling, healthy life.

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If you have a chronic illness or take prescription medication, you should consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. If an emergency arises, a Medical ID bracelet can help save your life by expediting treatment and avoiding misdiagnosis. Paramedics are also trained to look for a patient’s medical identification bracelet, and more than 95% of them do, so wearing an ID bracelet really is the way to go.

Many Medical ID bracelets can be engraved; if you have this option, be sure to take advantage of it. The three most important things to include are any chronic illnesses, life-threatening allergies, and prescription medications. For example, those with kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiac conditions should all wear medical bracelets. If emergency medical professionals know about these conditions, they can be sure to manage them while treating any other problems. In other words, knowing the full picture from the start can reduce complications later. If there’s any extra room on the ID tag, add an emergency contact that can further elaborate on your medical history.

Caregivers should also wear medical alert bracelets. If anything happens to them, the person they are caring for will still get the help he needs. This is especially important if the care-receiver does not have the means to seek additional help. Ideally, a caregiver’s bracelet should identify the person as a caregiver. It should also include the caregiver’s name, the care-recipient’s name, the caregiver’s relationship to the care-recipient, the care-recipient’s needs, and who to contact in the caregiver’s absence. That sounds like a lot of information to cram onto one bracelet, but it can be easily simplified. For example, on the front of the medical bracelet you can write, “I am a family caregiver. Helen Marie,” and on the back you can write, “Grandmother Sue has Alzheimer’s. Will need help. Call 123-456-7890.”

Medical alert bracelets come in different styles for both men and women. Charm bracelets are popular, as are stainless steel bangles. Both can be worn with other jewelry to form one cohesive look. Other than emergency medical professionals, few individuals will notice the medical emblem at all. Beaded bands are also a nice option for those who would prefer not to wear a plain silver or gold chain. Men can try medical bracelets that have leather or rubber wrist straps.

Order a medical bracelet today. It can save your life or the life of someone you love. Plus, it’s always comforting to know that you are prepared for an emergency.

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It can be difficult for seniors to cook healthy, well-balanced meals, as it may be impossible for them to get to the grocery store on their own. Decreased hand-eye coordination can make it tough to operate kitchen appliances safely, and for those with poor vision, cooking becomes a dangerous chore. However, there is an alternative to cooking at home or eating out. Food delivery services offer healthy meals that simply need to be heated in the microwave or oven.

Meal delivery has several benefits for seniors. First, it ensures that nutritional needs are met. Since the elderly are generally not as active as their younger selves, they don’t need to consume as many calories as they once did. Prepared meals have a healthy 300-500 calories per serving and are low in fat. Additionally, meals delivered to your loved one’s home eliminate the need to go grocery shopping, which is great for those who can no longer drive and don’t have easy access to public transportation.

Food experts have created diabetic friendly and low-sodium meals.  Both meal types have nutritionally balanced portions, ensuring that your loved one gets the nutrients he needs to feel his best. All nutritional information is available, making it easier for diabetics to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, eating diabetic friendly meals is healthier than relying on medication alone to control diabetes. Low-sodium meals are also offered by home delivery services. Many seniors aren’t as sensitive to taste as they once were, so they tend to add salt when cooking on their own. However, seniors should limit their sodium intake. These specially prepared meals rely on herbs and spices to flavor food, reducing the need for salt.

Prepared meals are delicious and have plenty of variety. Meat options include chicken Florentine, sliced ham with cranberry sauce, and stuffed pork chops. Vegetable sides include butternut squash, an asparagus medley, and broccoli. Breakfast is also offered, and select options include apple blueberry compotes, tomato basil omelets, and cinnamon apple oatmeal. Seafood, pasta, and Mexican dishes are also offered, as are vegetarian options. There really is something for everyone.

Having meals delivered to your home really does make life easier, especially for seniors. The food is both nutritious and tasty. Plus, cooking time is ten minutes or less. Ordering prepared meals is the perfect way for caregivers to help someone who is living at home while simplifying their own lives at the same time.

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Elderly people are more inclined to trip and fall, or otherwise injure themselves at home. Unfortunately, these injuries are harder to recover from at an older age. Luckily, there are many simple precautions that can be taken to greatly reduce the risk of injury.

There are some tasks that can be done in any living area of the home:
• All rugs and loose carpets should be either tacked or taped to the ground. This will prevent seniors from tripping on turned-up corners or scrunched rugs.
• Electric cords should be secured to the wall or placed under rugs so no one trips on them.
• Sharp corners on tables or countertops should be covered to avoid serious injury in the event of a fall.
• Staircases should have railings on both sides that are strong enough to support a person’s full body weight. Ideally these railings should extend beyond the top and bottom steps. Read the rest of this entry

As individuals age, they often need a bit more help with their day-to-day activities. The question then becomes whether or not that individual should continue to live at home or move into an assisted living residence. Home care is a great option for the elderly and has many benefits.

1. Seniors who live at home are able to maintain a level of freedom that would not be possible at an assisted living residence. For many, this freedom is synonymous with maintaining dignity, which is something many individuals fear loosing as they age. Similarly, those who receive homecare can come and go as they please—for whatever reason.They can also choose their own meal times.

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Long distance caregiving poses some unique challenges, as it is difficult to physically check-in on your loved one in their own home. Instead, you must rely on periodic visits and the reports of others. However, there are solutions to most concerns.

Concern: Your loved one can no longer leave his home to go grocery shopping or tends to buy unhealthy foods.

Solution: Help your elderly family member set up an online account at a grocery store, so he can order from home and have his groceries delivered. You can even order for him if you’d prefer to choose the food items yourself. If you’d rather order pre-made meals, DineWise.com delivers meals nationwide. They have options for people on special low-calorie, low-fat, or low-sodium diets. This is the perfect solution for diabetics or those with high cholesterol.

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