Against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding elderly care market, a growing array of age-friendly smart healthcare aids has gradually made their way into seniors’ daily lives. Designed to meet the elderly’s needs for home-based care and safe, convenient living, these devices have become indispensable “helpers” for the aging population. Meanwhile, leading enterprises are ramping up efforts to innovate smart healthcare products, fueling the surging popularity of elderly-friendly smart care solutions.
For households with bedridden seniors, electric nursing beds prove to be a game-changer. Armed with an intelligent control system, these beds allow users to adjust the backrest angle from 0° to 70° at the touch of a button, seamlessly transitioning from a flat-lying position to semi-reclining or sitting. This flexibility caters to diverse nursing needs of bedridden elderly, such as assisting with meal times and turning over in bed. The integrated height-adjustment function can lift or lower the bed to a user-friendly level, enabling seniors to get out of bed with ease. For caregivers, adjusting the bed to an optimal height also streamlines standing care routines, boosting efficiency significantly. Some high-end models are equipped with intelligent inflatable anti-decubitus mattresses, which promote blood circulation and effectively reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in bedridden seniors. All in all, intelligent nursing beds are a boon for both the elderly and their caregivers—they lighten the load on care providers while ensuring greater comfort for seniors.
Wheelchairs are another widely used category of elderly care aids. For semi-disabled seniors, wheelchairs are essential for maintaining mobility and getting out of the house. For relatively active, younger seniors, electric wheelchairs are recommended for their superior performance and user-friendliness. For frailer, older seniors, however, manual wheelchairs with high backrests that support full reclining are a better fit. Such high-back designs are particularly suitable for paralyzed seniors, allowing them to lean back or lie flat freely, thus maximizing comfort and practicality.
Bedridden or paralyzed seniors often face difficulties with daily activities like using the toilet and eating. This makes it crucial to select appropriate toileting aids to support their needs, while also easing the workload of caregivers. Urinals, for instance, are ideal for seniors with limited mobility or those confined to bed. Available in a wide range of styles priced from tens to hundreds RMB, urinals should be chosen primarily based on material quality and safety. Opt for products made of skin-friendly, antioxidant silicone that causes no irritation. Look for anti-spill designs to prevent leaks and spills, and transparent bodies marked with clear capacity scales—this makes it easy to monitor urine color and output, which is helpful for health tracking. Note that some urinal models are gender-specific, so choose accordingly.
Installing portable adult commodes in bedrooms is also a must. For seniors with restricted mobility, walking to the bathroom can be a strenuous and risky task, with potential hazards like falls or dizziness, especially when they are home alone. Therefore, high-quality portable commodes with comfortable seating and sturdy armrests are indispensable additions to elderly care setups.
Elderly care is a long-term and demanding commitment. The proper use of elderly care aids can not only greatly improve the efficiency of caregiving but also elevate the quality of life of the elderly, empowering them to live with greater dignity and comfort.