Positive Aging Starts
with Daily Activities

Eating, sleeping, bathing, toileting, grooming, moving about, and taking medication are the Activities of Daily Living.

Positive Aging Starts
with Daily Activities

Eating, sleeping, bathing, toileting, grooming, moving about,

and taking medication are the Activities of Daily Living.

A daily routine goes
something like this…

Wake up and go to the toilet

Brush your teeth and wash your face

Shower or bathe

Get dressed

Eat breakfast

Take your pills

All of these are activities of daily living!

Be Aware

Declining hygiene and medication errors may indicate a need for help.

read between the lines

The Risk

Complex chronic health conditions can lead to daily activity decline.

emotional pain hurts too

Smart Solutions

Build a care plan with daily activity autonomy and support

knowledge is power

Find Services

Reach out when early signs of ADL problems emerge.

you’re not alone

Shop for Products

Occupational therapist recommend these product bundles

find comfort

Self-care

Here are some tips on how you can brighten someone’s day.

spread the love

How to use a Voice-First Device for Routines & Reminders

14M

senior adults live alone in US

52%

with multiple chronic health conditions over age 65

29.2%

Americans living alone having difficulty with ADLs

Dressing

Dressing tools play a vital role in mitigating the daily challenges of bending, reaching, and stretching. Moreover, this bundle helps to maximize independence, dignity, and accessibility with our essential aids that cater to various abilities and conditions.

Grooming

Grooming tools act as equalizers, promoting inclusivity and empowering those with poor eye-hand coordination or health conditions to maintain a sense of self-care and personal hygiene. In fact, by providing accessible and adaptive solutions, these tools contribute to enhancing the overall quality of life for those struggling in the realm of personal grooming.

Toileting Bundle

This bundle empowers those who experience difficulty navigating toileting activities. What’s more,  the tools that enhance dignity, independence, and a reduced risk of accidents, contributing to an improved quality of life. Bottoms up!

Medication Bundle

Invest in these indispensable tools to simplify medication management, reduce the risk of errors, and foster independence in maintaining optimal health. Equally important,  using these tools is assurance of  an effective pharmacy control strategy at home.

Perfect caregiver gift

Bathing Bundle

Bathing tools are indispensable in promoting the safety, dignity, and independence of those struggling with poor eye-hand coordination, aging, disability, or chronic health conditions. In addition, these tools contribute to a more inclusive and fulfilling bathing experience for all by addressing specific needs and enhancing accessibility

Eating and Dining Bundle

Promote well-being  and a healthy diet with tools that prioritize accessibility and dignity in eating and dining with others. What’s more, this bundle is a game changer by simplifying the act of bringing food to the mouth. Bon appetit!

www.creditforcaring.com

Sleep Bundle

Experience improved sleep, enhanced safety, and a greater sense of control when illness or activities restrict movement. Equally important, these bed-related aids collectively contribute to a safer and more comfortable environment.

Notes from the Author

Navigating Cognitive Impairment: Impact on Activities of Daily Living

Cognitive impairments are an intrinsic part of the aging process, with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affecting a significant percentage of individuals over the age of sixty. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately eighteen percent of seniors fall under this category. MCI is characterized by early-stage memory loss or other cognitive ability decline, while individuals still retain the capacity to independently perform most activities of daily living (ADL). This essay explores the impact of cognitive impairment on ADLs and highlights resources and tools that can support independence for those living with MCI.

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment serves as a precursor to more severe forms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As individuals age, cognitive functions may experience subtle changes, affecting memory, language, and spatial perception. The Alzheimer’s Association defines MCI as a stage where individuals exhibit early signs of cognitive decline while still maintaining independence in performing most ADLs.

Assessing the Need for Support Services

Physicians play a crucial role in evaluating seniors’ cognitive health and assessing their need for support services or residential care. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) framework is a key benchmark in this evaluation. ADLs encompass fundamental self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and eating. The ability to independently perform these activities signifies a level of functional independence.

The GeriKit Smartphone App

For a comprehensive geriatric assessment, the NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s GeriKit smartphone app proves to be an invaluable tool. This application aids physicians in evaluating cognitive function, health status, and overall well-being, providing a holistic view of a senior’s capabilities and areas that may require support.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL)

Beyond basic self-care tasks, daily living encompasses Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL). These include preparing food, managing household chores, handling laundry, paying bills, attending appointments, and engaging in social events. The ability to navigate iADLs reflects a higher level of cognitive function and independence.

Credit for Caring: Resources for ADL and iADL Support

Maintaining independence and autonomy is a cornerstone of successful aging in place. Credit for Caring offers a wealth of products and resources designed to support both ADLs and iADLs. Occupational and Physical Therapists recommend these tools to enhance the quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Occupational and Physical Therapy Recommendations

Occupational and Physical Therapists play a pivotal role in recommending tools and strategies to support seniors with cognitive impairments in their daily activities. These professionals understand the importance of preserving independence and work towards identifying products that address specific challenges associated with ADLs and iADLs.

Practical Tools to Support Independence

Imagine a plate designed to bring pleasure to eating for an individual with dominant hand weakness or devices that assist in reaching items at various heights safely. Credit for Caring provides a range of tools for dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating, addressing the specific needs associated with each ADL. These practical aids contribute to the overall well-being of individuals living with cognitive impairments.

Cognitive impairment, while a natural part of aging, necessitates thoughtful consideration of its impact on daily living activities. As millions of Americans live with mild cognitive impairment, it becomes imperative to address their evolving needs to support independence and autonomy. The use of assessment tools like the GeriKit app and resources like Credit for Caring exemplifies a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and individuals with cognitive impairments.

Occupational and Physical Therapists play a crucial role in recommending tools that enhance daily living for seniors. By focusing on both ADLs and iADLs, we can create an environment that fosters successful aging in place. As we navigate the complexities of cognitive impairment, the integration of practical tools and supportive resources ensures that individuals can maintain a sense of dignity, purpose, and independence in their daily lives.

Monica Stynchula – CEO / REUNIONCare, Inc.