My uncle and aunt are both in their 70s and live alone in their own home in a Virginia suburb. My uncle is a diabetic who has suffered a stroke and walks with a cane. My aunt recently fell and is temporarily confined to a wheelchair. They have made some adjustments in their home by adding independent living aids. They are able to lead normal lives because of these aids and have avoided having to ask for help from family and friends.

There are several products that fall under the category of independent living aids. Some examples of living aids are vehicle lifts, car seats that swivel outwards and other steppers. There are also bathroom aids products that that can help a person with arthritis grasp things easily. There are also hand bars where people can hold on to for support. My uncle and aunt use a lot of these devices; they find them very helpful and liberating.