Estate Living Magazine Retirement Living - Issue 40 April 2019 | Page 41

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
PANIC ALERT: No one should be
without a wearable panic button.
Available as a watch or pendant, these
handy gadgets send an alert to a control
room that is staffed around the clock,
letting an operator know that you’re in
trouble and need help – great in case
of a fall or any other accident. Look for a
device that can operate independently
of a cell phone for added convenience.
mylifeline.co.za
BATHROOM BASICS: Much as
everyone loves a warm soak, the bath
can pose a real hazard. Remove the
threat with a device to measure bath
temperature, and that sounds an alarm
when the water is near to overflowing.
Helping hands
SAFER THAN STRETCHING: Battling to reach
the top shelf of the pantry? The handy reacher
removes the risk associated with climbing ladders,
while ensuring that you don’t experience strain on
the lower back – a problem commonly associated
with bending and stretching.
TABLE STAND MAGNIFIER:
KETTLE TIPPER: A must-have for tea
and coffee lovers, the kettle tipper makes
it possible to pour hot water without the
need for lifting a heavy container, while
also removing the danger of spillage and
potential burns.
BUTTON HOOKS: When your fingers
are no longer as dextrous and agile as they
used to be, fasteners can pose a challenge.
Button hooks remove the hassle. Look for
one with an attached zip hook so that it can
do double duty.
Is there any greater pleasure
than a cup of coffee while you
read your favourite book or
newspaper? Then again, is
there anything more frustrating
than straining your eyes to get
a better view of the letters?
The table stand magnifier is the
answer, instantly enlarging the
print of all reading material, and
all completely hands-free. You
could also opt for a standing
magnifier – choose a model
with built-in LED to make night-
time reading a cinch.
Healthy home
IPAD STANDS: Ideal for days when your
hands are a bit crampy, iPad stands make
it easy to read (or watch) any content
from just about anywhere – mount your
stand on your desk or on the coffee
table, or use it in bed or on the couch.
myistore.co.za
HOME CARE PRODUCTS: There is such a huge range of fantastic products out there that
will help take the edge of ageing, or help you through a period of illness or injury that it’s
not easy choosing. So it’s worth contacting a company like Primacare, wo can guide you
through the process and recommend the products most suited to your needs – whether it’s
an adjustable bed with an orthopedic mattress, or a pair of crutches you’ll need while your
sprained ankle heals. And, here’s the best part, if you don’t want to buy – or want to try one
or two different products before you buy – you can rent. Primacare is a registered service
provider and can supply the relevant documents for medical aid claims. primacare.co.za
R
FINDING YOUR FEET: Director Baz Lurhman once advised: ‘Be kind to
your knees. You’ll miss them once they’re gone.’ Anyone who has tried to
bend down to put on a sock or shoe will attest to this truth, so make life
easier with a sock aid – a device that that makes it easy to slip on a pair of
socks – as well as an extra-long shoe horn.
KNIVES AND TOOLS: Arthritis can make it difficult to
get a good grip on ordinary cutlery handles. The answer?
Knives and forks with bendable handles, which are soft to
the touch and easy to use. Alternatively, universal built-up
handles may be attached to any utensil – from cutlery to
pens and pencils, toothbrushes and even hairbrushes – to
make them less fiddly. It might also be time to upgrade the
kitchen scissors to a self-opening pair that springs back to
a closed position after every use – ideal if you feel that your
hands are lacking strength.
UBERASSIST: Many older people prefer not to drive, but
that doesn’t mean remaining housebound. The latest service
available from uber, uberASSIST, has been designed for
people who have limited mobility, ensuring ease of access
without compromising on safety. uber.com/go