Key takeaways
- Older adults face unique health challenges that can make daily living more difficult. Common health conditions among older populations include arthritis, high blood pressure, and dementia.
- Assistive devices can help increase independence, safety, and maintain an older person’s dignity as they age.
- ABMS board certified physician and geriatrics expert Dr. Shilpa Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP gave their expert insight and recommended a number of the product types featured in this article, such as canes like the Honeybull Free Standing Walking Cane, bed rails like the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Rail, and BagTeck Jar Opener.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that
Older people face unique challenges and changes to their health, from decreasing strength and dexterity and arthritis or balance problems, to low vision and memory problems.
Assistive devices can help older people cook, wash, and navigate their home and the outdoors more safely and independently. WHO also highlights that assistive technology can increase access to education and employment, reduce healthcare costs, and allow older people to live at home for as long as possible.
While there are thousands of products available that aim to increase independence in older populations, and everyone’s needs will be unique to them, we have selected some of the best and most affordable assistive devices to consider for the kitchen, bathroom, walking, and other daily living activities.
For the kitchen
- Multipurpose jar opener to reduce strain when gripping: BagTeck Jar Opener | Skip to review
- Spill-proof plates for mess-free eating: Providence Spillproof Scoop Plate | Skip to review
For the bathroom
- For stability and balance in the bathroom: Arthritis Supplies Grab Bar | Skip to review
For walking and stability
- Walking cane with adjustable base: Honeybull Free Standing Walking Cane | Skip to review
- For a sturdy walker with storage and a seat: Vocic Foldable Walker with Seat | Skip to review
- For help getting in and out of bed: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Rail | Skip to review
- Anti-slip tape to make stairs safer: LifeGrip Anti Slip Transparent Anti Slip Tape | Skip to review
For medication management and exercise
- Timed medication organizer: Live Fine Automatic Pill Dispenser | Skip to review
- For seated lower body workouts: Cubii Move Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser | Skip to review
For low vision
- Magnifier to make reading easier: MAGNIPROS Patented 5X LED Page Magnifier | Skip to review
- Low cost lighting to make navigating at night safer: Sycees Plug-in LED Night Light | Skip to review
Below, we’ll examine a range of home products, from kitchen aids, bathroom aids, and walking equipment to everyday gadgets that can make life easier and safer for older people.
Here are some other, smaller items you might consider for enhancing everyday life.
- Vocal blood pressure monitor: The NCOA states that high blood pressure is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older people. To make taking regular blood pressure readings easier, you could consider a blood pressure monitor like the Omron Evolv that reads out results.
- Day of the week clock: These clocks remind people what day of the week it is. You can get digital or analog versions. While digital clocks give more information, including the time of day, date, day of the week, and whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, some people may prefer the simplicity of an analog clock with less data to read and understand. You can consider options from American Life or Day Clocks.
- Finger guards for chopping: These guards slip easily onto the fingers and protect the hands against injury while chopping food. They come in packs of four from Promifun.
- Clear labels for rooms, cupboards, and containers: Labels can be especially helpful for people with memory problems who may have trouble remembering where things are kept or which room in their house is which. They are an inexpensive and unobtrusive aid to help people navigate their home more easily, and come in packs of 50 labels on Amazon.
We spoke to Amin about the main points of consideration for those looking for assistive tech.
“When first exploring assistive technology, individuals should consider cost, insurance coverage, longevity, adaptability to changing needs, and ongoing support and maintenance. Understanding the financial implications, funding options, and process for potential upgrades or replacements is needed.
“It may also be helpful to solicit the services of a patient advocate, patient navigator, or social worker to help understand how to obtain the correct assistive devices for one’s needs.”
Amin suggested people:
- Research and compare prices: Assistive technology can range from inexpensive to very expensive, so it’s important to research different devices and compare prices from various vendors and retailers. In addition to the initial purchase, consider ongoing maintenance, repairs, and potential upgrades as technology advances.
- Explore funding options: Many organizations and government programs offer grants, loans, or other financial assistance to help offset the cost of assistive devices. Consider eligibility for programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or state-funded initiatives that may help with assistive device costs.
- Check the insurance policy: Review your health insurance plan to see if it covers assistive technology, and what types of devices are covered. Many insurance plans require prior authorization for assistive devices, so it’s essential to understand the process and prepare the necessary paperwork.
- Research product durability and life span: Some assistive technologies are designed to be durable and long lasting, while others may have a shorter life span.
- Factor in potential repairs and maintenance: Be aware that assistive devices may require repairs or maintenance at some point, and factor those costs into your budget. Inquire about the availability of ongoing maintenance and repair services, and any warranty or guarantee periods.
- Consider second-hand options: If cost is a major concern, consider purchasing used assistive technology, which can be a more budget-friendly option.
- Choose adaptable devices: Look for devices that can be adjusted or modified to meet changing needs as they evolve over time. Some assistive technologies are designed with modular components, allowing for customization and upgrades as needed.
- Seek expert advice: Consult with professionals like occupational therapists or assistive technology specialists to assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate and adaptable devices.
- Access training and support: Ensure the vendor or manufacturer provides adequate training and support on how to use the device properly and troubleshoot any issues.
- Stay informed about advancements: Keep abreast of new technologies and potential upgrades that could enhance the device’s functionality and effectiveness.
If you have Medicare Part B, you can get coverage for certain items classed as durable medical equipment (DME). DME generally refers to equipment that is used in the home and for medical reasons, is for someone who is sick or injured, and is designed for repeated use.
Some of the items Medicare covers include:
- blood sugar meters
- canes
- commodes
- continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
- hospital beds
- walkers
- wheelchairs
After you meet the Part B deductible, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your DME. You may have to rent or buy the equipment. Medicare may also cover 80% of Medicare-approved repair costs if you own Medicare-covered equipment outright.
If you rent Medicare-covered equipment, Medicare will make monthly payments. The length of the payments depends on the type of equipment you rent.
You must get a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional and get items from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. If a healthcare professional or supplier does not participate in Medicare or does not accept the assignment for your item, you may have to pay full price.
You can check Medicare-enrolled suppliers in your area on the Medicare website. You simply need to provide a zip code and enter the type of equipment you’re looking for.
»Learn more about Medicare coverage for DME
Amin recommends slowly adding new assistive devices to your daily life. By taking your time to figure out what you need and how it will work in your day-to-day life, you reduce the risk of using unsuitable equipment and spending money on items or solutions you may not use long-term.
It can also reduce overwhelm in older people getting used to new routines, pieces of equipment, or technology around the house.
As Amin explains, you can consult with a primary care provider to determine what may be best for your needs.
“A primary care provider can assess a patient’s needs and limitations, provide recommendations connecting with relevant resources. The provider can offer guidance on proper usage and safety precautions related to the equipment by assessing specific needs and limitations, providing recommendations, and connecting them with community resources.
“Having an understanding of a patient’s scope of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) can also be helpful to provide context and proper guidance to the patient. […] The assessment of both ADLs and IADLs can characterize the patient’s scope of independence and identify areas that may require further external support to ensure patient safety.”
Assistive devices for older people can include mobility aids such as walking sticks, scooters, wheelchairs, and crutches. Hearing aids, memory aids, trackers, and medication organizers can also help older people enjoy more independence as they age. Many older people may also adapt their bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens to make moving around the house easier with grab bars, ramps, stability mats, lifters, rails, and more.
There is no definitive data on which assistive device is most commonly used. Some of the most common assistive devices are likely to be those that help with communication, such as hearing aids and screen readers, or those that help people get around, such as walking canes and wheelchairs.
Yes, Medicare Part B will cover durable medical equipment (DME). You must have a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional, and the DME supplier must agree to the assignment. Types of DME covered by Medicare Part B include walkers, wheelchairs, breathing equipment, commodes, blood sugar meters, and hospital beds, among many more items.
Assistive devices can help older people maintain independence and reduce the risk of injury. Common assistive devices include mobility and reading aids, and home adaptations like grab bars, handrails, and devices to make cooking and washing easier and safer.
Medicare Part B will cover many assistive devices if they fall under the durable medical equipment category. Medicare may also pay for repairs and replacements.
Geriatrics expert Dr. Shilpa Amin highlights the importance of working closely with a healthcare professional when exploring assistive devices and integrating equipment slowly so people can understand their needs and find the right equipment for them.
