Automatic pet feeder: How can someone with impaired balance feed their pet more easily?

Pets provide great comfort, especially for those who live alone. However, if you have limited vision, limited mobility or impaired balance, bending over to refill feed bowls several times a day can be very difficult. There are a number of automatic dog and cat feeders available. Below are direct links to some examples that you may like to explore:

• Healthy Pet Simply Feed by PetSafe (at Amazon Canada) is a battery-run automatic feeder (perfect for cats and small to medium dogs) that can schedule up to 12 meals a day. It allows for flexible meal sizes or portions (1/8 cup to 4 cups) and will accommodate both dry and semi-moist foods of various shapes. The device costs about $180 to $200 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
• Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder by PetSafe (at PetSmart Canada) is perfect for both cats and dogs and allows you to fill up to five 1 cup portion sections on an electronic timer. This device costs about $70 to $90 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
• For more options, you might also want to read the article The 7 Best Automatic Cat Feeders from allaboutcats.com.

Are you or another person able to stop by to refill the device for your grandmother as needed? If not, you may want to: set the bowl or device on a stool to raise it up slightly higher; place the bowl near a sturdy counter or handhold so your grandmother can steady herself; or place a chair beside the bowl so she can sit while managing the food.

Reduced balance can also be a risk factor for falls. Your grandmother may benefit from completing a BC Government falls risk questionnaire to determine her risk of falling as well as actions she can take to prevent falls and remain independent.