Everyday Items that Improve Mobility and Safety

You really cannot be too careful, particularly in today’s world of social distancing amid the pandemic. There are some basic items that consumers should have on hand that will improve safety and increase mobility in the home- as well as protect the individual when they venture out. Set yourself up a basic kit including items that can be accessed at a moment’s notice or taken in-hand when leaving the home environment.

You likely have some items laying around the house that could potentially protect you- or someone you love- from becoming injured or ill. From a nasty fall to COVID-19, it pays to set yourself up with a kit of basic items and essentials that can be used to prevent and protect users in these times of uncertainty. Furthermore, discuss mobility aids and equipment with providers to determine if these devices may create a safer home environment that preserves independence, autonomy, and accessibility for years to come.

Some everyday items that can improve mobility and overall personal safety include:

Grabbers and Reaching Tools

When you think of mobility aids, it is easy to consider things like stairlifts and walkers, but there are many simple tools that can greatly assist in access. Reaching or grabbing tools extend the individual’s reach, which helps them avoid nasty falls or loss of balance when going about everyday life. These items allow users to access the items that they need- whether up high or down low- while lessening the risk of a debilitating injury from a fall in the home. Did you know that injuries and health-related complications are a major compromise to independence? Reduce this risk by investing in a simple grabber or reaching tool; talk to a mobility aid vendor in the area to learn more.

Rubber or Latex Gloves

The world has become a very unclean place; wearing a pair of protective gloves can protect you from picking up germs and bringing them home. Think about how many hands touch common items that you see in the grocery store, at church, in a taxi- anywhere that you go; provide yourself with a protective buffer between you and every other person that you encounter and wear a pair of rubber or latex gloves. These are not uncomfortable to wear- particularly if you take care to buy the right size. Furthermore, they are discreet and subtle so nobody will look at you funny if you wear a pair when out doing your daily errands. Buy a box at a medical supply store to keep on-hand, pun intended.

Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan used to be a common item found in the home, usually on the dining room table. People are discovering the convenience of adding one of these turntables to cabinets and drawers to make items more accessible to reach and easy to handle. Some modern cabinet companies will install Lazy Susan’s in cupboards so that items never get pushed to the back, out of reach, or the homeowner. Buy a couple and add them to the cabinets that you use the most- in the kitchen or bathroom, for instance- and stop bending and reaching for the things that you need.

Face Mask

It is hard to believe that the world has come to this, but everyone is wearing a face mask in public places now. While it is not easy to find inexpensive face masks in traditional venues, like medical supply stores, right now amid the pandemic, it is easy enough to fashion one out of hair elastics and a scarf or bandana. If you sew, stitch yourself up a couple with a basic online tutorial to show you how.  Typically, dollar stores and discount retailers are perfect places to find face masks that will protect you and those around you from transmitting germs, saliva, and illness to one-another; if supplies are low, check back and stock up when supplies allow.

A Flashlight

A flashlight with working batteries (check them periodically) is something else to keep in your kit. This can illuminate and help make the home more accessible- while also preventing a fall from a lack of proper lighting.

Bleach

Keep a gallon of bleach on-hand to quickly sanitize surfaces, apparel, and linens. Bleach is a rare commodity when consumers are worried about COVID-19, so try to always keep a gallon for your own protection, as needed.

Hand Sanitizer

Always carry a small amount of hand sanitizer with you and be vigilant about sanitizing when leaving and returning to the home. Use the sanitizer when out in public or after handling things, like store products or money, and after touching your face. This small step can save you from carrying germs and potentially contracting an illness, like Coronavirus.

Cash

While cash is not necessarily an item that helps you be healthy or mobile, it is something that can help in the event of an emergency or crisis. Even a few bucks tucked away can be a real lifesaver if you need to leave the home, pay for a cab, or rent a hotel room due to circumstances or unforeseen situations. Remember that not everyone is accepting cards right now, so a bit of cash could come in very handy.

Want to learn more about how mobility aids can make the home environment a safer place to be? Talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; they have been serving Bay Area residents for years, and offer convenient needs assessments to help pinpoint the best mobility solutions for their clients and customers. Stay safe; call or visit to learn more today.