October 7, 2016

Senior women woman cuts fabric with scissors

People who’ve ever spent time with young children know what a treasure trove of creativity results from a box filled with varied odds and ends. Popsicle sticks, buttons, clothes pins, and paper clips can be transformed from their normal routine uses into princesses, mythical beasts, race cars, or a group of teddy bears – the options are endless!

Continuum of St. Louis believes that simply because we grow older doesn’t mean we’ve got to lose the inventive ability to transform everyday items into something new! In fact, these kinds of creative ideas take everyday objects and convert all of them into helpful tools for older adults!

  • Place a bar of soap inside of an old stocking and hang from the shower, in order to keep the soap from falling down into the tub and creating a slip hazard. And, cleaning with the stocking-wrapped soap provides the added benefit of exfoliation.
  • Wrap rubber bands around glasses in order to improve gripping capabilities.
  • Secure a straw to a drinking cup with a standard wooden spring-operated clothespin.
  • Use a drop of fingernail polish on telephone buttons that are utilized most frequently, such as the “answer” button.

Though high-tech devices tend to be exciting, research has shown that the majority of elderly people are usually reluctant to learn how to make use of them, preferring to utilize things with which they’re presently at ease.

The team at Continuum St. Louis can help your loved one create inventive solutions to improve life at home. Contact our caregivers to learn more about our home care services and to discover more uncomplicated techniques to help seniors improve their quality of life.