Buying products for the elderly is no easy business. For most of us it’s an area where we have little, or no, previous knowledge whatsoever simply because we’ve never before needed to know.
Yet often, we are faced with a situation where the health or mobility of our elderly dependent (ED) - whether parent/s, neighbours or others for whom we have responsibility – is deteriorating. We need to help them to buy – or to purchase for them – equipment which is easy to operate, fit for purpose, and most important, helps them to manage their condition and their day to day lives more easily.
So where to start?
First of all you need to realise that although this is a new problem for you it’s one which many, many other people have had to face already.
This being the case, start with the experts. Ask your ED’s medical advisers for their suggestions. They may not be experts themselves but at least they should be able to point you in the right direction of where to go to for further help.
You might even ask if you could put a card on your GP’s surgery noticeboard asking if anyone with a similar problem would be willing to advise you.
Many conditions e.g. stroke, heart problems, diabetes, also have local support networks so do an internet search, get in touch with national charities, and contact your local voluntary services coordinating organisation to see what information they have.
It does take time, but spending a little time and effort getting some really useful advice at the outset will save you both time and money in the long run.
As with most things these days the internet really is the best place to track down basic information although it’s best not to buy major equipment e.g. a stairlift without having seen it and had a chance to try it out.
It’s not so important with smaller items which you ought to be able to return if they are not suitable, but you have to be sure that large items are exactly right. If not, you will not only have the practical difficulties of trying to get your money back and finding a replacement but you and your ED will have all the associated aggravation and emotional upset also.
Depending on what you need, or think you need, a good place to start your internet search may be the Ricability website http://www.ricability.org.uk/
Ricability is the trading name of the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA), a national research charity dedicated to providing independent information of value to disabled and older consumers. The organisation researches and publishes free, unbiased consumer reports, backed up by a considerable amount of useful practical, information.
Originally founded in 1963, the charity was managed by the UK Consumers' Association, publishers of Which? for nearly thirty years before becoming independent in 1991. Over the years, it has retained the core principles established by its founders which include retaining strict independence of manufacturing and political interests, high research standards and dedication to the interests of consumers.
Click here for more information for the over 50s from in my prime.
