Medical Equipment That You Need to Know Before Turning 65
For some, turning 65 is considered one of their life’s milestones. But for others, turning 65 isn’t that entirely pleasant. You will have to deal with all those medical conditions and a lot of things happening to your body.
However, as long as you are all aware of this and you’ve prepared properly, you will be able to handle everything that will come your way.
Here are some of the top medical equipment you need to know as you turn 65.
(See also: 5 Smarts Tips for Elderly Care)
1. Home and Household
A variety of tools for the home can help reduce the risk of any injuries from falling. These support tools include the following:
- Stairlifts
- Chairlifts
- Wheelchair Ramps
- Electric power stairlifts
2. Bedroom Aides
Seniors at home should have a comfortable night’s sleep. New bedding can play such a great role in terms of cleanliness and comfort.
Some new bedding products include egg crate pads and memory foam mattresses that provide a high level of nighttime comfort.
Aside from these, the following can make sleeping time easier to manage:
- Adjustable beds
- Over-bed tables
- Bed railings
- Waterproof mattress/ mattress pads
3. Mobility Aides
Even when you can still walk, mobility aides provide much more additional safety. Mobility aids are very helpful, especially during times when you’ll be on your feet for long periods.
Some of the mobility aide items include:
- Canes
- Walkers
- Transfer Aides
- Manual or Powered Wheelchairs
- Wheeled walkers
- Stairlifts
- Rollators
4. Bathroom Safety Aides
One of the most dangerous places at home is the bathroom. Not only that it requires sound stability to get up and down from the toilet, but also from in and out of the tub.
If you’re turning 65 and still haven’t had any medical equipment in your bathroom, consider investing in the following:
- Shower benches
- Grab bars
- Raised toilet seats
- Non-slip bath mats
5. Health Aides
Aging ones who stay at home and struggle with several health conditions need to invest in assistive devices that could help them manage their daily lives. Having the right medical supplies is one of the first steps in keeping a safe home.
From heat pads to antibacterial moisturizers, and cleansers, there are lots of helpful medical supplies that can help stay healthy and comfortable.
Some of these items include:
- Compression clothing
- BP monitor
- Nebulizer
- Glucometer
- Continence supplies
- Portable/Stationary Oxygen tank
6. ADL Aides
Activities of daily living or ADL aides make a person’s life much easier to achieve. For seniors and aging ones alike to make their ADLs easier, they may need to invest in new clothing such as no-tie shoes, pants with elastic waistbands, and shirts that don’t require buttoning.
Some of the ADL aides include:
- Shoe horns
- Elastic shoelaces
- Easy-grip silverwares
- Grab sticks to reach tall places
- Easy-grip beverage containers
7. Exercise Aides
As you age, your mobility decreases, and exercise could be more difficult to achieve.
Exercise equipment for the elderly is a good help for seniors and aging ones to maintain their range of flexibility, motion, and general physical fitness. Exercise aides are perfect to use while sitting, standing, or lying.
Some of the best exercise aides include the following:
(See also: The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly)
- Handheld exercise balls
- Exercise bands
- Stationary floor pedals
- Leg and arms free weights
How to get medical equipment?
The abovementioned equipment can be big or small and costs vastly. There are lots of websites available online to give you an idea of the right type of equipment for you, what it costs, and where to buy it.
Nowadays, lots of medical equipment are available that you can use right in your home. Not only that it makes life easier to live but it also helps seniors and even physically challenged individuals to remain independent at home.
Safety doesn’t always happen by accident, especially for someone turning 65. It is smart to be proactive by avoiding any falls and other injuries that could happen at home. Even small changes such as removing clutter or using a balancing aid can increase your home’s safety and security.
It will also help you maintain an independent lifestyle in your own home. We hope that the abovementioned medical equipment will help you a lot in terms of aging gracefully as you finally turn 65!
About The Author:
Erica Sell is a Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Aging in aging-in-place specialist based in San Diego, California. With 10 years of experience in the durable medical equipment industry and her professional background, she created Harmony Home Medical (https://harmonyhomemedical.