Most seniors want to be in control of their lives and dread the day when they have to depend on others for basic needs, which is why remote-controlled devices are so empowering for the elderly and bedridden. Being able to remotely control the TV and other appliances is a huge convenience for seniors. Now, with a device called a wireless thermostat, they can also adjust the temperature of the specific room they are in without having to get out of bed or up from their seat.
In a typical home or apartment, there are one or two heating and air conditioning zones that are regulated by a wall thermostat located somewhere in the zone. Because temperature is maintained where the thermostat is located, rooms located far away from the thermostat suffer from uneven heating and cooling. So, for instance, if the only thermostat in the apartment is located in the kitchen, the master bedroom at the end of the hallway will probably feel too warm or too cold.
My cousin’s grandmother is 75 years old and lives alone, but because she’s hard of hearing and an extremely deep sleeper, she was having trouble finding a loud alarm clock that will reliably wake her each morning. None of the various buzzing, beeping or ringing alarm clocks that she tried so far worked. Grandma slept through all of them and began missing important doctor appointments as well as her morning exercise class.
“We are both so frustrated that none of these so-called loud alarm clocks woke her up,” my cousin said. “Now I’m beginning to worry that grandma’s inability to hear her alarm clock will mean she can no longer live independently.”
Looking for an interesting gift idea for Grandma or Grandpa? Then take a look at this list of unique independent living aids that promise to make daily chores a little bit easier and home life a little bit safer. These items make terrific gifts for grandparents and are especially appropriate for independent seniors who are living in their own home, condo or apartment. 