As we get older, the physical changes that come with aging may change how we perform simple everyday tasks. Jars become a bit harder to open, and fastening buttons isn’t as easy as it used to be. But that doesn’t mean we can’t change our daily activities to be more adaptive to our needs. You may be thinking this requires high-tech gadgets in every corner of the home, but accessible changes don’t have to break the bank. Read on for easily implementable tricks and tips to aid your everyday tasks.

Reaching items in the refrigerator
Joint and flexibility issues can make it harder to reach items in the back of the fridge. Adding a lazy susan to the shelves will make it easier by allowing you to rotate it, bringing items to the front where they’re easier to reach.

Rubber bands to improve grip
Arthritis and joint issues can make it harder to grip smooth items. Adding ordinary rubber bands to glasses and jars will make them less slippery and easier to hold on to. You can apply this hack to other things as well, like adding foam grips to pens or toothbrushes to make them easier to grip..

Keep soap handy
The last thing you need to do is chase slippery soap around the shower floor. That’s a good way for anyone to fall on their head! Here’s a trick to keep the soap handy, even if you drop it. Cut the leg off of an old pair of pantyhose, drop the bar of soap down into the foot, and tie it to the showerhead or grab bar where you can always reach it.

Keep track of medications and supplements
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you had taken your last dose of a medication or supplement, you’re not alone. Many people have difficulty remembering to take their meds. The easiest solution for this is a simple pill organizer box and a timer. When you take a dose, simply set the timer for the next one. This can help keep you from skipping doses or overdosing by accidentally doubling up. You’ll be able to see with a glance at your box whether you took them or not..

Use rubber gloves to open glass jars
Sometimes all you need to get a stubborn jar open is a little more grip. Putting on rubber gloves will stop your hands from slipping and make the jar easier to open. Little tricks like these may seem small, but they go a long way towards helping you maintain an independent lifestyle. At Ashbridge Manor Senior Living, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that enables seniors to maintain their independence. When it’s time to transition to a senior living facility, contact our professional staff members and we can help make it easy. You can find us at 12410 Milestone Center Dr. Suite 620 Germantown. MD 20876, call 240.413.1428.