An elderly care business is a service that helps seniors with activities of daily living. This can include transportation, running errands, and helping with household chores. Many times, elderly care businesses also offer personal care services, which can include bathing, dressing, and grooming assistance.
In 2019, the elderly care products and services market was valued at approximately $832.8 billion. It is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2020 through 2025. The growing sector offers a variety of possibilities for businesses serving the elderly. But with so many items on the market, how can you know which ones are appropriate for your business?
Here are five types of products you’ll need to consider:
Transportation equipment
If you’re going to provide transportation for your seniors, you’ll need a reliable vehicle. This could be a car, van, or even a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. You’ll also need to make sure your vehicle is appropriately insured and that you have a valid driver’s license.
If you have a client in a wheelchair who wants to go places in a car, you’ll need to have a wheelchair ramp. Ramps come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing one that will fit the client’s needs and the vehicle is important. For example, a van wheelchair ramp will be different than one for a sedan.
Home care products
You’ll need some basic supplies if you’re providing home care services. This includes cleaning supplies, personal care items, and safety equipment. Doing it yourself without any previous experience can be difficult, so investing in some quality home care products might be a good idea. This way, you can ensure that your clients get the best care possible.
For example, let’s say you’re helping a client with bathing. You’ll need a bath mat to prevent slips and falls. You might also need a shower chair or transfer bench to help your client safely get in and out of the tub.
Communication devices
Suppose you’re providing care for a client with dementia or Alzheimer’s. In that case, it’s crucial to have a way to communicate with them. This can be difficult, as they may not be able to speak or understand what you’re saying. But various communication devices can help you communicate with your client.
One option is a picture board. This is a board with pictures of different objects, people, or places. You can use this to point to what you’re trying to say. There are also apps available that can help you communicate with your clients, like:
- Proloquo2Go: It allows you to type in what you want to say, and the app will speak it for you.
- LAMP Words For Life: Designed for people with aphasia. It has a word-prediction feature that can help you say what you want.
Mobility aids
If your client has difficulty walking, you’ll need to provide them with a way to get around. There are a variety of mobility aids available, including walkers, canes, and scooters. You’ll need to make sure you choose products that are durable and easy to use.
For example, the best lift chair for seniors is the one that offers a reclining function. This allows them to sit down and get up effortlessly. It is a device that gently lowers someone to a standing posture or raises them into a sitting position without causing harm. It has the look and feels of a regular recliner, making it extremely relaxing.
Another mobility aid is a scooter. This can help your client get around quickly without walking long distances. Scooters come in various sizes and styles, so you’ll need to choose one that’s right for your client.
Safety products
Safety is always a top priority when providing care for a senior. Various safety products are available, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency alert systems. You’ll need to make sure you choose products that are easy to use and meet your client’s needs.
For example, if your client is hard of hearing, you’ll need a smoke detector with a flashing light. This way, they’ll be able to see the alarm and know when there’s a fire.
You might consider getting an emergency alert system if your client has Alzheimer’s or dementia. This can help you track their whereabouts and ensure they’re safe.
To sum up
Choosing the right products for elderly care clients can be tricky. You’ll want to consider various factors, including safety and ease of use. But most importantly, you need to consider the needs of your client. This way, you can be sure you’re choosing products to help them live a safe and comfortable life.
