as summarized from Health Canada.ca

As age advances, some seniors experience discomfort or fear when doing activities they enjoyed in their younger years. If this is happening to you, an assistive device may help you overcome your difficulties.

Assistive devices are items that ease the strains of daily activities at home, at work, or at play. They include medical equipment, mobility aids, information technologies, practical aids, and gadgets to suit many different needs. Airdrie Pharmasave is an AADL Authorized dealer with a wide range of items in stock to meet your needs, other items can be special ordered on request, simply speak with the pharmacist.

These devices can help you improve your quality of life and maintain your sense of independence. There is also a safety factor to consider. Certain conditions that may occur with age, such as loss of vision, hearing, bone density, or balance can pose serious risks. For example, if you have a poor sense of balance, you face an increased risk of falling, which can result in injuries. However, you can reduce your risk of injury by using an appropriate assistive device, such as a cane or a walker.

The following are just a few examples of common activities and the types of assistive devices that can make them easier and safer:

• Bathing – grab bars, hand-held shower head, bath seat with arm rails, non-slip floor mat.
• Dressing – long-handled shoe-horn, velcro fastenings, sock pullers, rubber gloves (for gripping tight-fitting stockings).
• Preparing food – easy-grip utensils, side-opening oven door, height-adjustable cupboards and counters, automatic-stop kettle, pouring aid.
• Moving/physical activities – cane, walker, wheelchair, slip-resistant flooring
• Using the telephone – loud-ringing phone, flashing light ring indicator, large numbers and buttons, automatic dialling.
• Enjoying hobbies – playing card holder, long-handled gardening tools, television remote control with large buttons and a captioning button, modified keyboard that makes the computer more user-friendly, audio books, magnifying glass.

For certain devices, such as corrective eyeglasses and hearing aids, you should be assessed by a medical professional. Professional assessment is also recommended when purchasing an expensive assistive device, such as a wheelchair – particularly if you think you may qualify for complete or partial reimbursement. Most forms of reimbursement (e.g., insurance, funding agency) require that you get a prescription for the more expensive assistive devices.

Contact your health care provider if you are unsure as to whether you should be medically assessed before choosing a particular assistive device.

• If the device is expensive, ask if you can rent or borrow one to see if it meets your needs before you buy it.
• Be sure to get assistive devices from reliable sources, especially if they are medical devices, such as hearing aids or eyeglasses. Use caution if buying medical devices over the Internet or if buying products second-hand.
• Read and follow all instructions for using your assistive devices. If you have caregivers, make sure they also know how to use the devices properly.

For more information and to read the entire article please visit http://hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/life-vie/seniors-aines_ad-af-eng.php

Other resources include:
Speaking directly to your Pharmacist or contacting your local Health Nurse or Family Doctor.

Helpful links include:
Alberta Aides to Daily Living Program Brochure http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/AADL/AV/forms_brochures/pdf/aadl_brochure.pdf
Alberta Seniors and Community  Support Website http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/aadl/