With February now underway, many of us are preparing for Valentine’s Day. Needless to say, it’s very special day for couples. However, the annual celebration of love can also be about showing appreciation and care for all of the special people in our lives. While flowers and chocolates are classic gifts, it’s just as important to offer truly meaningful experiences to those we care about. For older adults, there isn’t much that is more meaningful than comfort, safety and independence.
For seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, thoughtful and practical gifts can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. This Valentine’s Day, consider offering gifts that promote accessibility, mobility and well-being. It will help your loved ones feel supported, valued and cherished.
Make relaxation and comfort a priority.
Mobility challenges shouldn’t prevent someone from enjoying their daily routines. This Valentine’s Day, consider offering your loved one thoughtful ways to make mobility easier. Stylish and functional walking canes come to mind. Choose a cane in his or her favourite colour or design to add personality to practicality.
As well, help your loved one to stay warm and comfortable. Heated blankets are especially good at doing the trick. Absolutely perfect for chilly evenings, heated blankets provide warmth while soothing aches and pains. Ergonomic pillows are great gifts too. They offer ever-important support for neck and back pain, promoting restful sleep in the process. Also, power lift recliners are excellent additions to the homes of anyone with mobility issues.
They help to both provide comfort and reduce pain. A power lift chair recliner lets its user find the most comfortable position with just the touch of a button. Some lift chairs recline all the way back to a sleep-ready position while other models even offer additional recline positions. When you’re done relaxing, the same button that got you there will lift you right back up to your feet again!
Invest in technology to keep loved ones connected.
It should go without saying that social connection is essential for well-being. Of course, this is a particularly true statement when you consider seniors who live alone. If you have such a loved one in your life, consider offering him or her a simple-to-use tablet or smartphone. Now, we know what you’re thinking. Older folks often have issues with modern gadgets. However, devices with larger screens and easy navigation make video calls and messaging effortless.
What about some smart speakers? We’re talking about products like Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub. These devices are voice-activated so they won’t require much effort at all from the seniors in your life to use them. They can play music, set reminders and even control lights or thermostats. Digital photo frames make awesome gifts too. Upload family pictures remotely to keep loved ones updated with special memories.
For some help, look into the Connecting Families Initiative (CFI). It’s a Government of Canada program that offers discounted Internet services to eligible Canadians. “Those who qualify can also request a low-cost digital device, while supplies last,” informs their website, “This initiative is administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), while Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across Canada voluntarily participate in the initiative.”
Promote self-care.
Self-care is an important part of aging well. Consider gifts that encourage relaxation and well-being. For example, massage cushions or foot massagers help to relieve tension and improve circulation. Aromatherapy diffusers emit soothing scents like lavender or eucalyptus. They help to create a calming atmosphere for your loved one.
Perhaps, a subscription to an audiobook or music service would be a wise choice. For those who love stories or music, a subscription to a service like Audible or Spotify can provide endless entertainment. How about enrolling your elderly loved one into an exercise program? As Spectrum Health Care affirms, engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits for seniors.
“Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle strength,” notes their website, “Opt for activities that suit your abilities and preferences, and consider seeking professional guidance from a qualified fitness trainer or physical therapist.”
Modify the home to promote independence.
The majority of older adults wish to age in place. After all, who doesn’t feel more comfortable at home? In fact, the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) reports that “recent surveys in Canada indicate that more than 80% of older adults prefer to age in place and pay for support as needed.” If your loved one wants to maintain independence at home, a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift could be an accessibility upgrade.
For example, adding grab bars in the bathroom is a simple and effective way to enhance the safety of your elderly loved one. These sturdy bars enable better stability and balance in a room notorious for its slippery surfaces. Non-slip bath mats are also a wise choice. They make those bathroom surfaces a lot less slippery, helping to reduce the risk of falls.
A bed safety rail is a wonderful idea for seniors who aren’t so steady on their feet. It provides extra stability for getting in and out of bed with ease. NICE also recommends installing a ramp with handrails to the front door; removing area rugs and fixing all carpets firmly to the floor; and ensuring good lighting, especially on stairs and landings.
Get in touch with Advantage Home Health Solutions for help!
Valentine’s Day is a chance to show how much you care about your loved ones, no matter their ages or mobility levels. At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we’d love to help you show your loved ones just how much you love them. We strongly believe in making life easier and more independent for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. If you’re looking for mobility aids, home safety modifications or expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Go ahead and give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page. Let’s work together on making this forthcoming Valentine’s Day a very happy one for everyone you love!
