Supporting your aging loved ones in their desire to live with independence, dignity and normalcy can sometimes be as easy as Velcro buttons and bendable straws.
Velcro button conversion kits can help people with arthritis
I recently visited the Universal Design exhibit at James Madison University in Harrisonburg Virginia. The exhibit highlighted easy ways to make simple tasks accessible to everyone.
One of my favorites from the exhibit is a button conversion kit from the Velcro company. This ingeniously simple invention leaves a shirt looking “normal” but allows it to be fastened with Velcro instead of buttons. This is a boon to help people who have lost fine motor skills — due to arthritis or other concerns — to deal with buttons but want to dress as they are used to dressing.
Bendable straws are fun and playful and they can help elderly people reach their drink
Another lovely option – bendable straws to help the drink find an easier way to the person. And they are fun!
Below is a video of my visit to JMU’s lovingly-built exhibit on universal design and a video explaining how the Velcro button conversion kit works.
Just look around your home and community. There are lots of ways to make living easier, more joyful, and more “normal” for your elderly loved ones!
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