Aging gracefully is much easier if you have the tools to make aging easier. There is no doubt that we age quietly and sometimes don't notice the changes until an accident happens. Then we shake our heads and wonder what the heck happened and how it happened so quickly.
Now if you've been looking after an aging relative for a while you might notice those changes in them quicker than you realize those changes are also happening to you too! Your focus is different when there is an elderly person in your own home.
Somehow we focus all our efforts on making them comfortable and safe. We forget about making ourselves comfortable and safe too!
When my mother was living with us, we invested in night lights so that she would be able to get to the washroom and back to her bedroom without any troubles. They worked great and we were very happy that it solved a problem that we had not thought of before. She loved that they stayed on all the time as well. So long as she was happy we were happy too!
Now, my mother is no longer living with us(she is in long term care), we are the ones that seem to be aging quicker. Or it could be that we are noticing the changes when we don't have anyone else to concentrate our efforts on.
The point is that we are in need of extra help in the night time now as well. Our needs are a little different than my mother's were. Our aging journey seems to be more focused on extra mobility needs. So while we still have the night lights in place, we needed some light that would actually illuminate the surrounding area so that we could get our bearings easier.
My husband has a problem with balance and waking in the middle of the night for a potty break was very difficult for him. Putting his feet on the floor was not enough. Balance can be helped with visual aids. Hence we were on the look out for something that would illuminate without waking the partner still sleeping. It had to illuminate enough so that walls and other obstacles would be clear and yet not such a glaring light to interrupt his sleep pattern either.
We found a night light that is rechargeable, motion detecting, and cordless! Recharging is done with a USB cable and each time it's charged it last a few weeks (3-4) depending on how often it is needed through the night.
We bought a two pack of these motion detecting lights, but I see now that they are available in a 3 pack as well. For less than $20.00 you are able to give yourself and your other half some well needed peace of mind and a clear path to that washroom. I love that the light only stays on for a few minutes and then goes off. Unlike nightlights that are plugged into the wall that stay on all the time.
Peace of mind when you are aging is priceless and there are many tools to make the transition easier. This in my books is one of them!
The picture shows you what the light looks like off and on. We have them mounted on the wall above the doorway to the washroom so that both the floor in front and the floor of the bathroom are well illuminated when needed. The light is not so glaring that it wakes your brain up. So a quick trip the loo and back into bed, close your eyes and continue sleeping. It is working very well for us and I'm sure it would work for you too.
Pleasant dreams everyone and may you never trip on your way to the loo at night.
