Everyone wants to make their parents happy. We try to do that in many ways, by looking after them, giving them gifts and asking them if they want something. But what will actually make them happy is when we give them something without them asking for it. We are not suggesting big things like buying a car, but small things like giving them a lift to their satsangs, buying your mom new chappals and so on.
Below are some of the products that can be really useful for the elderly and make their life easier.
Hearing aids: You are watching a movie and your mother constantly interrupts by asking, “What did she say?” You answer her but the questions continue. Hearing loss is common problems that all seniors face. Mostly everyone treats it lightly and does not go to the doctor. But there are many behavioral issues that come with the loss of hearing, like feeling left out of the conversation or some misunderstanding due to poor hearing, you may even snap at them when they ask you to repeat what you said.
Studies show that only one in every five people who need hearing aids, are actually able to get them. So take your parents to a specialist and get their ears checked. If the doctor prescribes hearing aid, convince your parents how useful it will be for them and make them wear it. These devices are so small these days that they will hardly be seen from outside, hence, no need to worry.
Blood Sugar Measuring Device: Your father has been a diabetic since years now but his blood sugar is still not in control. You are worried about the many risks uncontrolled diabetes can bring, like, risk of heart disease, stroke, poor vision and kidney problems. Hence you need to constantly keep his blood sugar level in check and a device that solves the problem of visiting the diagnostic centre every time, is the 'Blood Sugar Measuring Device'.
These devices are made in a way that they are easy to use and are affordable as well. Through regular checks, you can monitor your father's blood sugar level and make efforts to tackle it.
Walking sticks: This is a symbol long associated with old age and everyone accepted it. But times have changed and now the good old walking sticks are not always embraced by everyone. What needs to be understood is that the walking stick is not a symbol of fragility and old age; in fact it is a symbol of independence. Walking sticks give a kind of independence to elderly to walk without the support of anyone, without the fear of falling.
Pill organizers: It becomes difficult for your parents to see the labels and names of medicines, and they also get confused as to which medicine to take and at what time. At sometimes, you may not be present to give them the medicines they need.
Pill organizer is the perfect solution to this problem. It has a number of small compartments with the days of the week and time given. All you have to do is keep the pills one day of the week and you are done. If there are difficulties in getting pill organizers you can make your own organizer by taking a box that has lots of compartments and keeping their medicines in different compartments.
Cordless phones: Imagine a scenario when your mother is in the bedroom resting and the phone rings, by the time she reaches the living room, the ringing stops. This must have happened several times with your parents. And when they do that, there are chances of tripping over something and falling. You can prevent all these scenarios by getting them cordless phones. You can also get them mobiles, but sometimes it becomes too complicated for aged parents to understand the technical functioning of mobile phones.
Bathroom stool, Bathroom mats: Bathroom is often the place where chances of slips and falls are more with regard to aged parents, so this is one area you have to secure against falls. Bring a bathroom mat that prevents slipping. Also keep a stool that has a medium height for your parents to sit and take bath. Add handles or bars for them to hold on to, in the bathroom.
Railings: When knees get weak and legs make it difficult to walk, then climbing stairs is really a tiresome job. In such cases all you can do is to assist your parents by putting up railings on the stairs. In case you live in buildings, ensure that your society is senior citizen friendly.
When you take care of these small things, you parents will really feel loved and cared for. It is like a small return gift for all that they have done for you…
