Living Room

Making living rooms comfortable

+ISSUES, RISKS AND NEEDS

Living room is where the life of the home is. However, a senior may face difficulties while relaxing in the living room due to a number of conditions that arise with aging. Sitting or resting on the couch or chair for long hours can be painful in case of Osteoarthritis, spondylitis, slipped disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal injury, sprains or strains. Pursuing your hobby in leisure like reading, knitting, stitching, playing cards etc. can also be difficult if affected by limited mobility in hands due to Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dupuytren's Contracture or neurological disorders like Parkinson's Disease, Ataxia etc. Paraplegia, Quadriplegia and post surgical or post stroke recovery also puts constraints on mobility. If the floor of the living room is of highly polished marble or granite, the seniors are at high risk of accidental slips and falls.

+WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Caregivers must ensure that their elderly loved ones are comfortable and secure while relaxing in the living room. Some assistive aids like Adjustable back rest, buckwheat hull cushion can be helpful to rest comfortably for prolonged hours. Supports and wraps like Abdominal binder, lumbosacral belt, soft cervical collars relieve pain via warm compression. Heat therapy products like orthopaedic heating belt, infrared massager and lamp, hot and cold gel pack, foot warmer also help in pain relief. For seniors with limited mobility in hands, free hand document holder, desk clamp, ergonomic crochet hook, round and long loom set, magic needle, soft table top scissors, playing card holder and similar products can help to enjoy their hobbies more easily. Aktive reacher with hook allows them to reach for a nearby object independently without assistance from the caregiver. To make the living room floor more secure, anti slip floor polish and floor solution can be used as well as grab rails can be installed at crucial corners and turning points. Music is one of the best ways for relaxation. Music cards or CDs comprising of Indian classical music, old Hindi film music, spiritual and devotional songs or chants, poetry recitals can take care of the emotional well-being of your loved one.