The Senior Scene

There are times when using overhead lights or task lamps is not an option. Mr. Beams Stick Anywhere Night Lights are the solution, according to their maker, Wirless Environment (mrbeams.com). The company says its night lights are the most versatile LED lighting solution for areas where an outlet isn’t accessible. Featuring built-in motion and light sensors, Mr. Beams can be used to light stairways, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas of the home that need to be safely navigated in low-lighting situations. Powered by four AA alkaline batteries, the Mr. Beams Stick Anywhere Night Light provides 10 square feet of lighting coverage and can be installed in less than five minutes, with no electrician required. The light instantly turns on when it detects motion from up to 15 feet away. Available in three-packs and six-packs, the light sells for $39.99 and $54.99, respectively.

One way of taking care of an elderly person, especially those living alone, is with a medical ID bracelet.  Hope Paige Medical ID Marketplace offers what it calls fashionable medical accessories that blend in with everyday pieces and will only stand out to medical professionals in case of emergency. Each bracelet can be customized with an engraving on the back to alert EMTs to medical conditions and provide other information. Retail stores that sell the bracelets include Walmart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Albertsons, Amazon and Target. More information, including styles and a design-your-own option that includes cords and charms, is at www.hopepaige.com. Hope Paige is based in Pennsylvania.

The makers of Tapestry, a platform enabling seniors to connect online with friends and family, say it is more accessible with the release of the new iPhone/iPad app. Previously available on Android phones and tablets only, the app lets seniors stay in touch with loved ones through a single Tapestry account, where they can share photos, messages, and even check the weather. The new app includes an integrated help feature and an extra layer of security that e-mail alone doesn’t have, with a private messaging feature available for selected family and friends, said Andrew Dowling, Tapestry’s founder and CEO. “Seniors who have never even used a computer before can be comfortable using our app,” he said. The Tapestry app is available to download from the App Store, free of charge.

The Read Without Glasses Program by Dr. Ray Gottlieb