These days, more and more independent elderly parents are living in their homes. They opt for living in a familiar environment to save money and reduce stress. But, if the house doesn't have the necessary home safety products, it may be dangerous for them. First, let's decide if your parents need these items. NOTE: the links on this post are affiliate links, and if you choose to purchase a product by clicking through to my affiliate, I will receive a small referral fee at no additional cost to you.
Deciding If Your Parents Need Accessibility Products
While not all parents will talk to you about what they need in their home, it would help them feel better and more secure if they had some of these items. But, how do you figure out what they need? Here are tips on how to determine if these accessibility products are necessary.
- Listen for the signs from your parents:
If a parent complains about particular tasks or doesn't want to do a job, ask them why they don't want to do it. It could be that something bothers them about doing this task. Make a note and do some research. I found several sites online that market directly to older people and their children to help them feel more independent. There are also medical supply stores that also carry these items. When my dad was sick, I visited one near me, and they had some great products to help him feel more independent. - Walk around the house with them and ask them if particular tasks (i.e., taking a shower, going to the restroom, cooking, etc...) bothers them. They may not think it is an issue until you bring attention to them about it.
Be sure to make them aware that you are only asking to make them feel more comfortable not to say they can't do it the way they have been doing it. These tips keep your parents feeling in control of their home as well as, allowing them to make it even better for them.
Now that you have determined that you will need a few of these items in your parent's home, here are six gift ideas that will help them feel more independent.
Practical Gift Ideas for Elderly Parents
Doorknob extenders:
These are affordable for your parents that have regular handles in their home. They help them open the door easier. Round handles are difficult for them to use, especially if they have arthritis.
Use these on doors that are often closed, such as the front and back door, basement door, bedroom door, etc...
Key holders:
Some elderly people may have issues holding keys so finding them a gift that will help them maneuver the key into the keyhole is a great option. This gift will help them make these small tasks more manageable and less frustrating. Getting a necklace that they can hold their keys also helps them not lose them in their purse.
Wrist/Ankle Weights:
When your parent sits a lot, they may be losing muscle. This item helps if your parent is weak and sit often. They can sit and use them, and it will help them feel stronger. There are different weights, but this one is 1 lb. I would start with lighter weights for beginners.
Grabber tool:
Ideally, it would be awesome to have everything within arms reach, but that doesn't happen most of the time. This is great to help your parent in the kitchen and closets/garages. It will give them the independence to do things on their own instead of waiting for you to come and get something down for them.
Anti-slip Safety Strips and Shower Bars:
These products below are ideal for older tubs or showers that don't have them or are worn. You can add them directly to the bathtub to help a parent feel more confident. Be sure to install them properly. Some of the shower bars need to be mounted with secure fasteners before use.
Grips to help open jars and other stuff:
I have these in my kitchen, and they work great. I primarily use the red rubber jar grip because it helps with opening jars. With a little turn, it pops the lid and opens up quickly.
Lighting in the dark areas of the home:
As one gets older their eyesight may be going, so keeping the areas they visit well lit is essential. Some examples of places that need more light are the stairs, walk-in closets, basement, laundry rooms, and driveways. Here are some products you can get to lighten up these areas from Amazon(affiliate links).
Slippers or Socks that Have Grip.
Picking the right slippers will help your grandparent stay safe when they are in their home. Find ones that have a grip bottom and can strip tightly. Make sure to pick the right size before buying them. And, give them a receipt so if it doesn't fit, they can exchange it for a different size.
Silverware and Cups that is Easy to Grip
If your elderly parent or your grandparent has issues gripping things like cups and silverware, you can try giving them some specially designed silverware for them. Here are some I found on Amazon (affiliate).
Large Print Calendars gift ideas for elderly parents
Usually the elderly have a lot of appointments, so why not help them keep those appointments by getting a calendar with large print on it. I found these on Amazon.
To help them feel at home, it's great to give them something to remember family members, especially the grandkids. Below we are sharing some of the additional gifts you can give to your parents from the kids.
An Electronic Picture Frame with the Grandkids Pictures.
These picture frames are great to safe space in the grandparents home. It beats having lots and lots of picture frames cluttering up the surfaces. You can even mount some of these on the wall so it keeps surfaces cleaned.
I hope this post helps you buy gift ideas for the elderly parents in your life. If you want more information or wish to read about my "Helping your parents" series, please feel free to click below.
Downsizing Posts To Help You and Your Parents
Visit the CDC's Booklet on Elderly Home Safety for more information.
For a complete list of Home Fixes by season, check out this link from AARP. It is comprehensive and helpful to see what hazards are in each room of a person's home.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
I've been delighted to read your site since the launch.
These are wonderful tips and ideas. I've recently had to deal with some of these challenges with my parents. It's not easy, but being proactive is the key.
I agree! They feel better when they can handle living alone. Foster their independence with items to assist not items that are a reminder they are getting older. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. =)
These are fabulous ideas for buying for the elderly. it's always so hard because they seem to have everything. These items should be very useful for them.