In Australia it has been stated that by 2020, more than half the population over 15 years old will be 45 years or older. Elderly care will be a growing industry requiring more funds from the government.

As the baby boomers approach retirement, more and more will prefer to stay at home and remain independent as long as possible. All of us would. There are a few products I've found that would make life easier for our parents as they get older.

In the bathroom, these products are available to ensure the safety of your aged relative, while making the process of taking a shower or bath an easier experience.

1. The "bath board" is a strong plastic seat that fits on the rim of the bath tub. It has a handle to help position yourself and holes in the seat to prevent pooling of grey water. It has some rubber clamps to prevent it from slipping and also has an inbuilt soap holder.
   
2. The suction hand rail is portable and can be used for home or when you are travelling. It is very easy to attach and remove. It does need to be used on a non-porous surface, so tiles in your shower are ideal. It can be used for other applications where you need assistance entering or exiting, eg inside a car window.
   
3. The bath mat is probably one of the most important additions you need to make to your bath or shower. It's a slip resistant surface with suction caps on the base. If you have a latex allergy, check the kind of rubber from which the mat you are buying is made.
   
4. The "shower chair" is the equivalent of the bath board for your shower. It has adjustable legs so you can vary the height and rubber tips to prevent slipping. Again, it has holes to prevent pooling of grey water as you use it.
5. The long handle scrub makes reaching those cliched "hard to reach" areas on your back easier to reach! Also, if you have trouble bending over the long handle will assist. It makes a big difference to someone's confidence when they are able to keep showering independently. You can get 2 - one for use in the shower and a second one for applying any creams afterwards.
6. When using the bath board (Item 1) especially, you would want to have a bath with an extendable shower head - for obvious reasons!

These everyday aids can be used by anyone but are particularly beneficial to people that suffer from arthritis and need assistance with their handling of small products and their mobility.

1. The auto handy bar is a nifty little tool that you place in the door lock to help you get out of your car. This one actually comes with a seat belt cutter and a side window breaker for emergencies.
2. The easy reach seatbelt extension handle reduces the strain on your shoulders from twisting trying to reach the seatbelt. It can be attached to either side (passenger or driver) and is easily removed if you are a passenger in someone else's vehicle.
3. This jar opener is great for people with arthritis as it helps open the jar with minimal fuss.
4. This 7 day pill organizer is one that my parents are using already. It is great for people who suffer from some memory loss to check that they have taken their medication on that particular day. If you know you have to take medication for life (eg for blood pressure, cholesterol etc), it is worth getting into the habit of using this while you are younger.
   
5. This pick up tool is useful for reaching items on the ground if you have trouble bending over. You often see it in movies where people doing community service are picking up rubbish. My friend has one he uses to help clean up his fish tank...
6. This key turner is designed for people with limited hand mobility, usually arthritis sufferers (not to pick on that group too much!) It's as simple as pulling out the key you need and using your whole hand to turn it in the lock rather than fumbling with a few fingers.
   

Do you know of another elderly care products that can make life easier for the elderly or even for those that require general assisted living care? Please let me know below, thanks!