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Got Senior Parents At Home? Always Keep These 5 Items Stocked Up

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: October 11, 2022
Last updated: December 7, 2023

As we grow up, we learn from our parents the importance of being prepared. They have taught us from an early age that we need to keep our homes stocked with certain items, in case. Regarding our aged parents, this is even more important. With life expectancies getting longer, our parents are getting weaker. Stock these 5 items in the house to keep them comfortable.

1. Adult Diaper

An adult diaper is for adults with incontinence or other medical conditions that cause them to need help with bowel or bladder control.

Suppose your senior parent has incontinence issues, buy adult diapers for them. This way, they can be comfortable and not worry about wetting their bed or having accidents.

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Different styles of adult diapers are available on the market today. While some diapers fit under clothing, some fit as outerwear. But your parent’s condition will depend on the type of purchase. You should also buy a diaper bag to carry all your supplies when visiting your loved one.

2. Healthy Groceries

Seniors lose weight from illness or medication side effects. So your parents need to eat healthy foods; ensure they have access to them at home. Here are some ideas:

  • Fruits and vegetables are essential. Seniors may also need to focus on getting enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
  • Good protein sources include lean meat, tofu, beans, and eggs.
  • Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • You can find healthy fats in olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

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Every senior’s dietary needs are different. Talking to a doctor or nutritionist is essential to determine what foods are best for our loved ones. With some planning, you can ensure your senior parents are eating healthy and delicious meals that will help them stay strong and healthy for years to come.

3. Alert System

As our population ages, it’s essential to have systems in place to help care for our senior citizens. One such system is an alert system for senior parents. This system would allow you to receive notifications if your elderly parent failed to check in at a particular time.

An alert system for senior parents can be a lifesaver that gives you peace while away. You can install a panic button near their phone so that they can call for help immediately.

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This idea is beneficial if your parent has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It could be dangerous if they forget where they put something. A panic button is also a great idea. It allows seniors to call for help without worrying about losing things.

Motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and hearing aids are also great ways to prevent falls.

Tips to Know Reliable Alarms

  • Choose an alarm with a battery backup. If there is no power, the battery will keep the device working.
  • The alarm must have a built-in speaker. A loud noise will scare away intruders.
  • Make sure the alarm continuously sounds until someone answers.

4. Puzzle Books

Books are hard to read nowadays, but puzzles are still fun and educational. Puzzles help people learn new skills and develop problem-solving abilities. They are also suitable for brain health.

There are many puzzle books available today. Some are specifically for older adults, while others are more suitable for children. Here are five puzzle books that are perfect for seniors who want to improve their mental acuity:

  • Crosswords: Crosswords are one of the most popular types of puzzles. They require logic and memory.
  • Sudoku: Sudoku is another type of crossword puzzle. It requires math and memory skills.
  • Memory Games: Memory games are like crosswords. They need memory and concentration.
  • Word Search Puzzles: Word search puzzles are a lot like jigsaw puzzles. They need logic, creativity, and patience.
  • Number Puzzles: Number puzzles are very challenging. They need math skills and concentration.

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These are only a few examples of puzzle books; many other options are available. Talk to your local library or bookstore to see which puzzles suit your senior parents.

5. Bath Essentials

There are certain bath essentials for senior parents. For example, a good shower chair can help them avoid slips and falls. A handheld shower head can make it easier for them to wash. And a raised toilet seat can help them stay independent and avoid accidents.

Also, their skins become thinner and more delicate, making them more susceptible to injuries. Because of this, choose bath products designed for seniors.

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Find gentle, non-irritating, and unscented products. Also, avoid products with harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or other potential irritants.

Seniors need to take special care to protect their skin from the sun, so look for products that contain SPF or that they can use with sunscreen. Remember to choose easy-to-use products so that your senior parent can enjoy a relaxing bath without difficulty.

Conclusion

As a caregiver to your parents, you always look for ways to help them improve their quality of life. You can stock up on the right items to help them stay healthy, and we hope this list helps you to achieve all that.

Optimize your elderly parents' home environment even further with the gift of clear, crisp sound. Learn about the best hearing aids for seniors in our latest blog post and discover how to enhance their auditory experiences, keeping every interaction meaningful and connected. Ensure their world is filled with rich, vibrant sounds today!

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
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