Caregiver Product Recommendations

As someone who was a caregiver to both of my parents, one with dementia and one with colon cancer, I used many products and services along my caregiving journey with them. I want to share recommendations for products I used that I found helpful and useful.

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Fall detection system: This was a lifesaver literally for my mother, who wore her pendant faithfully. She suffered a few falls and the service worked well. My mother used Lifeline, but there are many options on the market, including one from ADT. Some services include a watch-like device worn on the wrist, others include a pendant.

If you already have an Amazon Echo or are interested in purchasing one of the low-cost smart speakers, keep in mind that there’s an Alexa Emergency Assist service available.

Products to prevent dementia wandering: Though my mother kept a close eye on my father, he still managed to wander out of the house multiple times. One useful and affordable product is a doorknob cover that can prevent a person with dementia from opening the door.

A chair alarm can also be useful in alerting caregivers when their loved one is on the move.

You could also consider a wearable device with GPS, so if a loved one does wander away, they can be quickly located and returned to safety.

I tried to purchase a similar GPS-based system for my father, who was prone to wandering. Back then, such systems were still an emerging technology. While there are many more options on the market now, challenges remain, such as ensuring the person with dementia will keep the device on them, and understand how to activate the device.

One lower-budget product is a medical alert card that your loved one with dementia keeps in their wallet or purse.

Cellphone: My parents were old school so it took quite a bit of effort to get my mother to use a cellphone. I chose the Jitterbug phone for its thoughtful features designed for ease of use. My mother ended up loving her Jitterbug phone and never left home without it. Before we got her a fall detection system, it was the cellphone my mother was able to reach when she fell in the bathroom.

Bathroom safety: Shower and bathtub grab bars are essential for bathroom safety. I installed grab bars while my mother was recovering from surgery in a skilled nursing facility. In addition to grab bars, a shower bench can reduce the risk of falls, which are common in the bathroom. Don’t forget a nonslip bathtub mat and a bath mat that will provide stability when exiting the bathtub. A raised toilet seat may also be useful for those with compromised mobility. My mother broke her shoulder after falling off the toilet in the middle of the night. A toilet safety rail with handles could reduce the risk of such falls.

Lighting: To help elder loved ones age in place safely, good lighting is essential. My mother was adamant about using nightlights to move safely if she got up in the middle of the night. Having a flashlight that will work when the power goes out is critical as well.

Personal care products: Both of my parents required the use of incontinence products in the latter years of their lives. My mother preferred the Depend brand for its comfort and reliability, but I encourage caregivers to try different brands and styles within their budget.

Because getting into the tub was a challenge at times for my mother, she used things like personal wipes and waterless shampoo to stay fresh and clean between baths.

Adaptive clothing: Being able to dress oneself is an important indicator of one’s overall physical and cognitive health. Keeping things simple can help one stay independent for as long as possible. Slip on orthopedic shoes and adaptive clothing can make these daily tasks easier. I’m also a huge fan of Joe & Bella’s adaptive clothing line.

Nutrition: As one gets older, making sure one gets adequate nutrition is important. My mother loved Ensure drinks. She would have one daily. She was most fond of the butter pecan and chocolate flavors. A juicer or smoothie maker may also be a good option. There is a debate on the amount of sugar such beverages contain, so make sure to consult with your loved one’s doctor about an appropriate beverage supplement to boost nutrition.

Photo by Anton on Unsplash.