The AARP Long-Term Care/Independent Living Program offers information about these tools and gadgets and where to buy them. Here are examples of gadgets that could help you or someone you love:

For help with seeing
• Tactile knobs for stoves with raised dots to indicate settings
• Magnifiers for televisions and computer screens
• Voice-activated automatic telephone dialers

For help with hearing
• Telephone amplifiers with adjustable tone, pitch, and volume
• Flashing-light phones, doorbells, and smoke alarm adapters
• Cordless headphones for televisions and audio devices

For help with remembering
• Electronic pill boxes with an alarm that signals when to take medication
• Telephones with memory dialing and spaces for photos of people frequently called
• Timed faucets that automatically turn off water

For help with getting around
• Long-handled "reachers" for retrieving items on low or high shelves
• Lever-style adapters that make it easy to turn door handles and faucets
• Widened tub edges and grab bars to make getting in and out of the bath easier

Want to know more? Visit the AARP website for ideas about these and other products and where to go to buy them.