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Elderly Assistive Devices
Assistive devices for older adults
Our experienced, knowledgeable Care Professionals can implement and manage helpful, innovative devices that make home life safer, easier, and more comfortable for elderly people.
Assistive devices can make a huge difference in helping older adults maintain independence and safety at home. From mobility aids to everyday tools for daily living, these devices support physical health and quality of life. Let’s explore the most useful assistive devices for the elderly and how they can make daily tasks easier.
Why might an elderly person need assistive devices?
Assistive devices exist in many areas of life for all ages, but some simple devices can be extremely useful for older adults who suffer with disabilities, mobility problems, cognitive issues, and more. In the UK, 45% of adults over State Pension age live with a disability, and 93% of those aged 65+ live with at least one health condition, so assistive devices can help to make everyday life more efficient and comfortable.
Assistive devices might include magnifying glasses for vision issues, technology that helps with communication, home adaptations like grab rails, or mobility aids like wheelchairs. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.5 billion people around the world use assistive devices to improve their quality of life.
What assistive devices could help an older person?
Many assistive devices have been designed over the years to address almost any imaginable need, whether something simple like getting from A to B with a walker, or something more technological that helps an older person communicate or solve challenges at home. Some examples of potential assistive devices for older people might include:
- Mobility aids like canes, walkers or stair lifts
- Reach extenders
- Bathroom devices like shower chairs
- Hearing aids, amplified phones, or dementia-friendly phones
- Audible clocks and screen readers
- Smart devices and personal alarms to detect falls
- Adapted utensils for cooking
- Doorbell signalers
- Nightlights to reduce fall risk at night
- Electronic pill dispensers for medication management
- Communication boards to write on
Does your elderly loved one need assistive devices?
Many older people prefer to remain in their homes as they age, but they may require assistive devices to help manage their health, leisure activities, safety, communication and more. If your elderly loved one is showing signs of potential care needs that aren’t being met, you may choose to bring in an experienced caregiver to support them, or look into assistive devices that could help to maintain their independence at home.
Signs that your loved one may need help include:
- Losing weight
- Lack of personal care
- Loneliness
- Confusion
- An untidy home
- Frequent falls
- Struggling with social engagements
- Difficulty managing daily tasks
- An increased reliance on others
If this is the case for your relative, they may benefit from certain assistive devices.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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My mum receives excellent care from Home Instead. They are all very caring, friendly, organised and help my mum to feel happy, safe and well cared for in her own home. The carers are very good at communicating with the office and in turn the office are great at communicating any concerns to me as situations arise.
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Home Instead provide first class care. My care professionals are patient, kind and very reliable. I am very happy with the service they provide.
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Get in touch How to get started with assistive devices
Starting to utilise assistive devices can feel overwhelming for both older adults and their families, as they may require some knowledge of technology, or renovation of the home. However, often these additions are life-changing for older people who can continue to live independently without risk.
You can arrange a Care Needs Assessment with your local council to find out how they can help you. For more information about what is best and how to purchase certain assistive devices, you can also speak to your GP or a home care agency like Home Instead who can advise on sourcing or installing assistive devices. Keep in mind that those who are registered as disabled or live with a chronic health condition may be able to claim back VAT.
Research from Age UK finds that around 2 million older people in England now live with at least one unmet need for social care, and many people who require assistive technology often use more than one device. Having the support and experience of a professional caregiver can help make it easier and less stressful to get started with assistive devices.
Our dedicated Care Professionals can create a personalised package of care that may include the use of assistive devices designed to help maintain independence at home as much as possible. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so whatever needs your loved one has, we can help.
Advice & Support
FAQs
- What are elderly assistive devices, and how do they help?
Elderly assistive devices are tools or equipment designed to support older adults with mobility, daily tasks, and independence. Examples include walking aids, grab rails, hearing aids, and adaptive utensils, all of which help improve safety and quality of life.
- What types of assistive devices are available for the elderly?
Assistive devices range from mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and stairlifts to daily living aids such as dressing sticks, jar openers, and raised toilet seats. There are also devices for sensory support, like hearing aids and magnifiers.
- How do I choose the right assistive device for an elderly loved one?
The choice depends on the individual’s specific needs, such as mobility challenges, vision or hearing impairments, or difficulty with daily tasks. Consulting with an occupational therapist or healthcare professional can help identify the most suitable options.
- Are assistive devices for the elderly covered by the NHS or local authorities?
Some assistive devices may be provided or subsidised by the NHS or local authorities, depending on the person’s needs and eligibility. Private purchase is also an option for those who require specific or additional equipment.
- How can home care support the use of assistive devices?
Our experienced home Care Professionals can assist by ensuring the proper use of assistive devices, helping with setup and adjustments, and encouraging regular use. They can also monitor the elderly person’s needs and recommend additional or different devices if required over time as conditions change.
Diane Williams , Head of Quality & Standards
I have worked with Home Instead since July 2016 as a member of the Quality Team, taking the role of Head of Quality & Standards in 2020.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.