The right equipment will help your parent or grandparent stay safe, move around more easily, and do more on their own.
Use this checklist to see what equipment is best suited to help your loved one:
- Getting around inside and outside the home: Stairlifts, canes, rollators, transport chairs, and wheelchair ramps
- Using the bathroom: Raised toilet seats, shower chairs, grab bars, and non-slip mats
- Getting in and out of bed: Adjustable hospital beds or bed handles
- Sitting down and standing up: Lift chairs
- Moving between surfaces: Patient lifts or transfer aids
- Managing daily tasks: Medication dispensers, personal alert systems, health monitors, and eating aids
You can buy or rent many of these items from mobility equipment suppliers and medical supply stores. Look for stores with trained staff who will help you choose the right equipment. They should also show you how to use it safely.
Mobility Equipment and Assistive Devices
The right mobility aid depends on your family member's balance, walking ability, and difficulty with stairs.
- Stairlifts carry a person up and down stairs while they are seated. They suit people who struggle with stairs but can sit safely during the ride. A stairlift is a practical way to help an elderly person get upstairs safely.
- Canes provide extra support and help with balance while walking. Different types of walking canes suit different needs.
- Rollators have wheels, brakes, and handles. Many rollators also have a seat for resting.
- Transport chairs must be pushed by a caregiver. Transport chairs are useful for people who cannot walk far and have someone available to help.
- Wheelchairs come in manual and power models. Manual wheelchairs can be pushed by a caregiver or moved by the user if they have sufficient upper body strength. Power wheelchairs use a motor to help the user move.
- Wheelchair ramps provide access over steps or raised entrances. A wheelchair ramp must have a safe slope and enough space to use it.
Bathroom Safety and Personal Care
Bathroom aids help older adults bathe and use the toilet with less risk of slipping or losing their balance.
- Raised toilet seats make sitting down and standing up easier by raising the toilet height.
- Shower chairs and bath benches let a person sit while bathing. Bath benches also help with getting into and out of a bathtub.
- Grab bars provide a firm handhold near the toilet or shower. Always ensure that grab bars are installed securely.
- Non-slip mats help reduce slipping on wet floors. Choose mats that stay firmly in place even when wet.
Bedroom Safety and Comfort
Bedroom equipment helps elderly relatives get in and out of bed and stay comfortable.
- Adjustable hospital beds allow you to raise and lower the height of the bed. You can also change the position of the head and feet. Having a hospital bed helps with getting an elderly person in and out of bed and with their daily care.
- Bed handles and bed rails provide support when changing position or getting out of bed. Some rails can trap a person between the rail and mattress. Always choose carefully and make sure the device is fitted correctly.
- Pressure-relief cushions reduce pressure on the skin for people who spend long periods sitting or lying down. Regular movement and skin checks are still important and should be part of a daily routine.
Living Room Equipment
A recliner lift chair helps people who struggle to stand up from a seated position. Its powered lifting feature tilts the seat forward to help them stand. When choosing a lift chair for an elderly person, check that the chair fits them correctly and supports their feet comfortably.
Patient Transfers and Caregiver Safety
Patient lifts use a sling to support and lift someone who cannot stand safely. Transfer aids, such as transfer boards, help people move between a bed, chair, and wheelchair when they can take part in the move.
The right equipment depends on how much your family member can move on their own. Both hired and family caregivers should learn how to use it safely to prevent injuries.
Daily Care, Nutrition, and Assistive Technology
These aids help older adults manage medicines, track their health, and handle everyday tasks.
- Medication dispensers organize pills and remind users when to take them.
- Personal alert systems let users call for help in an emergency.
- Health monitors track readings such as blood pressure.
- Eating aids include easy-grip utensils and special cups that make meals easier.
Choosing the Right Equipment for the Care Plan
Start with the equipment that addresses your parent's or grandparent's biggest safety concerns and daily challenges. Focus first on tasks they struggle with in their daily routines, such as walking, using the stairs, bathing, or getting in and out of bed.
The Cost of Home Health Care Equipment
Costs vary by equipment type, features, and installation needs. Buying often makes sense when equipment is needed long-term. Mobility equipment rentals are a practical choice when needed only for a short time. Renting also lets you try out larger devices before deciding to buy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my home safer for an elderly relative?
You can make your home safer by removing trip hazards, improving lighting, and adding safety features where needed. Our guide to home modifications for aging in place covers more ways to make a home safer and easier to use.
How do I know when an elderly person needs more help at home?
An elderly person usually needs more help if they are struggling with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, or managing medicines. Falls or trouble moving around safely are also signs they need extra support.
What if an elderly parent refuses care equipment?
If your elderly parent doesn’t want to use the new equipment, start by asking why and really listening to their concerns. There is also a range of other strategies you can use when an elderly parent refuses help.
When should I replace elderly care equipment?
Check the equipment often and replace it if it is damaged, worn, unstable, or no longer meets your family member’s needs. A 2024 study in Innovation in Aging found that faulty assistive devices were involved in 10,974 U.S. emergency department cases among older adults from 2016 to 2020.
Who can help me choose the right home care equipment?
Trained mobility equipment specialists can help you choose equipment that fits your family member’s needs.
Essential Equipment for Elderly Care at Home
The right equipment will help your loved one move around safely, use the bathroom, get in and out of bed, and manage daily tasks. Start with their biggest needs and choose equipment that helps them stay safe and independent.
Check the equipment often for signs of wear or damage, and replace items when needed. As your loved one’s needs change, review their equipment to make sure it still provides the right support.