Things seniors and people with disabilities would find useful

Question

I work as an intern for a place that offers health care like Medicare and such to the county. They’re thinking of items that would help the daily life of those who need it, like seniors and those with disabilities. Do you have any ideas for items that they would find beneficial in their life? We’re trying to think of things to give people and they always buy in bulk quantities, so what do you think?

Answer 1

I know you are looking for items, but every senior I have ever met just wants someone to spend time with and talk to them. Even if it's just an hour or so a day, 2-3 times a week, it can really brighten up  their life to have someone visit them.

Answer 2

A supply of assistive devices that can be lent out would be good - wheel chairs walkers, canes and crutches, dressing aids (like the thing that helps put on socks)  baskets for walkers and chairs, large print books, talking books especially nostalgia related, pedialite (it is not just for kids and has made a huge difference for some of our clients suffering dehydration), ensure or boost, vitamins, info on places to get meds reasonably especially for those who do not yet have medicare D (see www.needymeds.com)  microwaves and micro carts that are wheelchair high,  grippers (the things that help open jars), reachers (they areused to reach and grasp things that are out of reach), Breathing aids from pollution masks to 02 condensors,

large print cross words etc.  book holders, "lap top pulpits"  the folding slanted things you can pull up to a chair and rest a lap top - or tray or book, or aniything on.  They fold and can also be used straight not slanted, very light weight,  lift chairs.   Loner folding wheelchairs for ppl who have a power chair but need to go somewhere in a car not equiped to take the chair, footsies, large handle aka fat handle utensils, bath tub and shower seats, slde rails for toilet, easy to use cell phones, medalert, personal alerts, med organizers, large button phones, the kind that can be programed for 1 number dialing are best.

A call to check service (a friendly call once a day to see if everything is OK w/set up to notify someone if the person doesn't answer.- can be automated but human is better)   Ramps, gripper rails, personal alarm, soft robes, clothing that is easy to put on w/ velcro closures, satin sheets (ease of moving in bed)  flannel sheets, bed jackets, non skid slippers,    Check in an assistive living or assistive devoces catelog.