photos by:  MEGAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Since opening in 1970, Forsyth Medical Supply in Winston-Salem has offered the most trusted brands – at some of the best available prices – to families across Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas.

While you’re focused on providing loved ones with the safest holidays possible, Store Manager Brenna Chandler shares the staff’s top 10 gift ideas for seniors. Many items are available for both rental and purchase – with rental an ideal choice for loved ones hosting seniors in their home for the holidays.

With their extensive selection and qualified team to guide you, Forsyth Medical Supply provides the perfect environment to view products in person and make the most informed decisions possible for your family members!

1. Lift Chairs – A power reclining lift chair is a game changer for folks who want to maintain independence at home. Not only do lift chairs raise the person and eventually stand them up, some recline flat like a bed and many come with heat and massage. “We work one on one with each customer to ensure the best size (from petite to tall, and even extra wide), the best fabric (people with incontinence issues worry about the fabric) and the features that will work best for their needs,” shares Brenna.
2. Power Wheelchairs – Perfect options for seniors or those with mobility challenges – these motorized wheelchairs have an excellent turning radius which is ideal for tight spaces in the home. Travel-friendly units can break down into manageable pieces to easily lift in and out of your car, and some fold down in one piece. The lightest weight option is only 13 pounds.
3. Rollators – While many people refer to this as a “walker with a seat,” the rollator is ideal for individuals who typically have good mobility but need the extra support of a seat when it’s time to take a break. Styles, heights and wheel sizes vary, and all come with easy-to-use brakes and storage space, allowing the user to keep essentials close by. More than 10 types of rollators are assembled in the store.
4. Shower Chairs – With the bathroom the most common place for home falls, a shower chair can reduce the risk of falling and offer a safe place to sit and bathe. Many styles are height adjustable and include non-slip tips for added stability. 
5. Raised Toilet Seats – Getting on and off the toilet becomes a challenge for seniors, and a raised seat can be easily installed over the existing toilet, giving an extra 3.5” rise to your commode height. Side arms can be added if space allows.
6. Digital Blood Pressure Monitors – Monitoring blood pressure at home is a common task for managing many different conditions and reducing your number of doctor visits. The digital home monitor is the most accurate – when you have the correct size cuff – and the staff can measure the arm and recommend the cuff size to give the most accurate reading. 
7. Fashionable Canes – The most common walking aid is a height adjustable cane. “We have many fun colors, prints and patterns (flowers, patriotic, polka dots, wood grain, etc.) to choose from,” adds Brenna. “We have one customer who has a different colored cane for every church outfit! We know when a customer really likes the product, they use it more often.”
8. Colored Walkers & Accessories – A traditional walker helps older people maintain independence at home, while providing stability from balance issues. These typically have two wheels in the front and tennis balls or glide skis in the back. While you may think of the traditional silver color for walkers, Forsyth Medical Supply stocks pink, blue, purple, black and gold walkers – many with accessories such as cup holders, baskets, trays and bags. 
9. No Rinse Shampoo Caps – Many seniors, especially women, find it a chore to wash their hair weekly, and shampoo caps that include a rinse-free shampoo solution aid with easy washing in between full showers. Full body wipes – that can be warmed in the microwave – are also popular.
10. Gift Card for Compression Stockings – Compression stockings are vital in managing unwanted swelling, increasing circulation and reducing tired, achy legs and feet. The staff measures each customer to obtain the correct fit and level of compression – which can make all the difference. Styles vary from sheer (popular choice for women), men’s cotton-based socks (larger foot portion and padded sole) and fun colors and patterns.  

Forsyth Medical Supply serves clients throughout Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Kernersville, Statesville, Mooresville, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Oak Ridge and Summerfield. Visit their showroom at 3033 Trenwest Drive, Winston-Salem, 336.768.5512 and online at forsythmedicalsupply.com. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.