In response to my column on products and technology that can keep seniors safe at home, a reader asked, “Are there inexpensive things that I can do to make my home safe?”

Mary Voytek, a registered and licensed occupational therapist, wrote the following: “One thing that saddens me is when I go to a person’s home and discover that they have invested in very expensive renovations to a bathroom, when a simple tub transfer bench would have solved the problem for under $100.” This is just one example of how to make important changes without spending a lot of money.

When we were not sure if my wife’s mother was going to remain wheelchair bound for the rest of her life, we borrowed one from the Scottsdale Senior Center. Jessica Rapp, human services representative at the Granite Reef Center, says they have a Medi-Loan Program sponsored by Concerned Citizens for Community Health that provides equipment.

Check with a senior center in your area to see if they provide or know where you can find what you need.

Written By: William Arnold

Medical Device Resources:
Active Forever, 1-800-377-8033
Foundation for Senior Living, 602-285-1800