Mobility and Independence

Clothing and dressing aids — adaptive fashion that preserves dignity

This article provides general information about adaptive clothing and dressing aids. An occupational therapist can assess your parent's specific dressing challenges and recommend solutions. Clothing choices should balance ease of dressing with your parent's preferences and dignity. My mother stood in front of her closet looking

Adaptive eating and drinking aids — maintaining independence at meals

This article provides general information about adaptive eating aids. If your parent has difficulty swallowing or eating, they should be evaluated by a doctor, swallowing specialist, or occupational therapist. Swallowing difficulties can be serious and require professional assessment. Watching my grandfather struggle to grip his fork was one of those

Mobility and Independence

Wound care supplies and equipment — managing at-home treatment

This article provides general information about wound care and home management of wounds. Your parent's specific wounds should be evaluated and the care plan determined by a doctor, nurse, or wound care specialist. Always follow professional medical guidance for wound care rather than using home remedies. The first

Mobility and Independence

Communication devices — when speech becomes difficult

This article provides general information about communication devices and strategies for when speech becomes difficult. Your parent's speech and swallowing concerns should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist or neurologist. Communication needs vary widely and require individual assessment. My uncle's stroke didn't steal his

Mobility and Independence

Vision aids and low-vision solutions — beyond stronger glasses

This article provides general information about low vision aids and vision assistance. Your parent's vision care should include evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. A low vision specialist or occupational therapist can assess specific needs and recommend appropriate tools and strategies. My mother called me one afternoon near

Mobility and Independence

Hearing aids and assistive listening devices — technology options and costs

This article provides general information about hearing aids and listening devices. Your parent's hearing needs should be evaluated by an audiologist. Over-the-counter hearing aids have different regulations than prescription hearing aids, and what works depends on your parent's specific type and degree of hearing loss. My

Mobility and Independence

Compression stockings and circulation aids — the unglamorous essentials

This article provides general information about compression therapy and circulation aids. Your parent's specific medical condition and compression needs should be determined by their doctor. Never start compression therapy without medical guidance. There's nothing glamorous about compression stockings. They're not fashionable. They're

Mobility and Independence

CPAP machines and sleep equipment — the nightly routine

This article provides general information about CPAP machines and sleep apnea equipment. Your parent's specific condition, treatment plan, and equipment needs should be determined in consultation with their doctor or sleep specialist. My mother finally admitted something one evening after I'd noticed her nodding off mid-sentence

Mobility and Independence

Oxygen equipment at home — concentrators, tanks, and portable units

This article provides general information about home oxygen equipment. Your parent's specific oxygen needs, prescription, and equipment choices should be made in consultation with their doctor and oxygen supplier. The first time I heard my father's oxygen concentrator humming in his bedroom, I thought about all

Mobility and Independence

Medicare and medical equipment — what's covered and the approval process

This article provides general information about Medicare coverage and approval processes. Coverage details and eligibility vary by individual circumstances, plan type, and location. Always verify current coverage with Medicare directly or consult your parent's insurance specialist before making equipment purchases. I remember the moment my mother's

Mobility and Independence

Durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers — how the system works

This article provides general information about the durable medical equipment system. Insurance coverage and specific requirements vary by plan and provider. Your parent's healthcare provider and their insurance company can provide specific information about what's covered and what process to follow. At some point, you'

Mobility and Independence

Bathroom safety equipment — grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilets

This article provides general information about bathroom safety equipment for older adults. Your parent's specific bathroom safety needs should be assessed by an occupational therapist or healthcare provider who can evaluate their mobility, balance, and bathroom environment. The bathroom is the danger zone. It's where hot