Adaptations to Cutlery Helps at Mealtimes

For people with a tremor, reduced strength or range of motion in the hands, using standard cutlery may become difficult. Controlling it accurately can be a challenge, making meal times awkward. Fortunately there are certain sets of knives and forks which have adaptations making them easier to control.

Specialist knives, forks and Caring Cutlery

Conventional metal cutlery tends to be quite narrow. It requires the user to have a precise grip. For people with arthritis in the hands and fingers, this can be painful. Cutlery featuring a wider handle can dramatically improve this.

By spreading the weight more evenly through the hand, ‘built-up’ handled cutlery improves control. People tend to find larger items do not require such a tight grip, which can lead to increased tremors.

Another method of expanding the girth of cutlery handles is by using foam tubing. This is available in different thicknesses and fits to standard cutlery. Wrapping cutlery with certain types of thick tape has a similar affect if used correctly.

Some special knives and forks like ‘Caring Cutlery’, have features which further assist user control. Items in this range have a contoured design which fits snugly in the hand. Its shape also features an indentation on the top, enabling firm positioning of the index finger. This greatly improves control and reduces the impact of tremors.

Other adapted implements, similar to Caring Cutlery, have similar oversized handles. Some come with the additional benefit of ‘directional’ heads. This means the head of the spoon or fork can be set at an angle to suit the user.

If you have a limited range of motion, you may find it difficult to direct conventional spoons and forks into your mouth. The possibility of angling the heads to make the process easier may help.

Using a sock aid or long-handled shoe-horn

As people in their 40s and 50s know only too well, one’s flexibility can rapidly diminish. Just reaching down to your feet can be a struggle after a certain age. Where once you might have been able to touch your toes, now you can barely reach your shins! Whether it is due to back problems joint stiffness, it causes practical problems when getting dressed.

The knock-on impact of this is difficulty in putting on shoes and socks. The act of stretching down and pulling upwards, the action required to pull-on socks, can be hard. There are pieces of equipment available which help with just this kind of problem.

One popular tool for putting on socks uses a plastic ‘channel’. This device comes with two chords attached to one end. The ‘open’ sock fits over the opposite end of the channel to the chord fixings.

Holding a chord in each hand, the user lowers the channel to the floor. The foot then slides into the channel with the opening of the sock at the far end. Holding the chords in either hand, the channel, along with the attached sock, pulls up towards the user. This in turn brings the sock over the foot and up the ankle.

As the sock pulls upwards, the plastic channel of the sock aid naturally runs out of room and disconnects with it. This completes the process.

While these steps are quite difficult to explain on paper, most people get the hang of it with practice. The idea is that one can put on the sock without having to reach one’s feet.

Long-handled shoe-horns are available which assist putting on shoes. Elastic laces might also help. Using these means you don’t have to repeatedly tie and untie your shoes when you put them on or off.

Reaching aids

Another useful living aid for people with reduced flexibility is a reacher. These devices, sometimes known as grabbers or reaching aids, enable the use to reach things which would otherwise be out of their grasp. This can be of great assistance when getting dressed. Reaching down to pull up trousers from ground level is one such practical use.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189365822168/adaptations-to-cutlery-helps-at-mealtimes

Bathroom Aids Giving Support When You Need It

Being aware of the range of bathroom disability aids is important for people looking to retain an independent life in old age. Keeping oneself clean and being able to wash alone is something we all want to do for the duration of our lives. With the onset of certain physical conditions, this is more difficult. Thankfully, special equipment and adaptations are available which make things easier.

Getting in and out of the bath

Many people lose flexibility and strength as they get older. This can make the process of getting in and out of the bath difficult. A bath step placed next to the outside wall of the bath can make it less of an obstacle.

Similarly, a bath seat inside the bath itself raises the height of its floor. This reduces the distance of travel getting and out and puts less strain on the body.

A support rail fixed to the wall next to the bath is also helpful. This provides a point of contact which again helps with lowering or raising oneself. There are also rails available which clamp onto the side of the bathtub.

These have some advantages over wall-mounted grab rails. Not only do they assist with the process of bath entry and exit. As they are usually about waist height, they also help when climbing the bath step, or even standing next to the bath drying off.

Aids to assist with one’s balance are important in bathroom or wet-room settings. Because of the hard wet surfaces, people can be prone to slipping in this environment. While grab rails fixed to the walls or bath itself are useful, large vertical poles are also an option.

Floor-to-ceiling support poles

These fit to the entire height of the room from floor to ceiling and are sometimes equipped with horizontal support rails attached. They provide a purpose-built support point on which the user can lean, assisting their balance. The advantage of this sort of installation is that its position is flexible and does not need to be wall-mounted.

This type of fixture requires installation by a qualified tradesman. It is crucial to use fixings suitable for the specific flooring and ceiling of the bathroom concerned. A floor to ceiling pole is useful to help getting up from the toilet, in and out of the bath or just for support while getting dressed or undressed.

A tradesman is also necessary for a wall mounted shower seat. These fit within shower cubicles and are ideal for those of have difficulty standing without support. These typically have slatted or perforated seats, allowing excess water to drain off. This reduces the chances of the user slipping. Many have patterned indentations on the sitting surface to serve the same purpose.

Many people prefer a wall mounted shower seat because it is easy fold out of the way when not in use. Most designs allow the seat to flip up against the wall. This saves the bother of moving a free-standing stool in and out of the cubicle as and when required.

Some models have fold-down legs which drop beneath the seat when it folds out from the wall. These tend to have a greater weight-bearing capacity than those without legs. They may also feel slightly more stable when in use. It is obviously crucial that you know the weight limit of any wall mounted shower seat before sitting on it.

Bathroom disability aids like perching stools are also useful if you struggle to stand for sustained periods. These are useful for the bathroom sink, for example. Perching stools are tall chairs with a tilted sitting surface. This allows the user to ‘semi-sit’ as they brush their teeth or use the bathroom mirror. Some have armrests and backs, offering extra support. They all have non-slip feet, meaning they will not slide around on tiled bathroom floors.

Perching stools are also useful in the kitchen. Some people have difficult standing unsupported while preparing food at the work-top, or washing up at the sink.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189305913743/bathroom-aids-giving-support-when-you-need-it

Simple Aids to Help Use the Loo!

Being able to use the toilet without assistance and in privacy is not something everyone can take for granted in old age. Numerous illnesses and physical conditions may mean we may require assistance getting to and from the bathroom. Furthermore, incontinence may also lead to new challenges.

Standard Support Rails

In the bathroom, taking a simple step like fitting grab rails in suitable locations might make a difference. These provide points of support when using the toilet. If positioned correctly, they make it easier to sit down and stand up from the WC, by offering a point of support. For those with conditions affecting balance or strength, they can make all the difference.

Grab rails are available in various lengths and finishes so they blend in with the bathroom décor. White and chrome models are the most popular and discreet.

U-Shaped Support Rails

Drop-down grab rails are an alternative to straight versions and flip up against the wall when not in use. Typically they are ‘U-shaped’ and protrude horizontally from the wall. They are available in various lengths, so take care to ensure you select one which fits the space available.

You will often see this type of fitting in disabled toilets, but they can be useful for domestic environments too. It is important that a qualified tradesman fits the rail. He will need to be aware of the material content of the wall and use the appropriate fixings.

Bed Pads

Modern bed pads provide an absorbent layer which protects against urinary incontinence in bed. They are essentially sheets which stop water reaching the mattress, by soaking it up. They have an absorbent core which ‘locks’ moisture within it. As well as keeping the mattress dry, it also limits moisture contact with the skin.

Some bed pads have ‘wings’. These are large flaps of material which you can tuck round and under the mattress in order to hold the pads in place. The pads themselves should be immediately beneath the individual’s waistline.

Disposable and washable bed pads are available. The washable versions usually need to be on about 95 degrees in the washing machine. Do not wash with conditioners or softeners, and tumble dry on low heat. Disposable pads are less robust and designed for just a single use.

Chair pads work in a similar way to bed pads. Instead of fitting on a bed, they fit beneath the body with the person is sitting down. Again, they protect furniture from any water leakage by soaking it up. Like bed pads, chair pads are available in varying degrees of absorbency.

If you are living with a condition which makes it difficult for you to make the trip to the bathroom, you might want to consider using a commode. These allow you to go to the toilet without having to reach the bathroom itself.

If you do need one, in many cases you will also require someone to help you. Most models feature a bucket which slots in beneath the seat. This then slides out after use allowing emptying and cleaning.

The processes of getting on and off this equipment is also much safer with the help of a carer. Unless fixed to the floor, commodes have the potential to tip over.

If you do have assistance, you might opt for a mobile version. With the bucket removed, many models are able to roll directly over a conventional toilet. If you are struggling to move to and from the bathroom unaided or get on or off the toilet once there, this type of commode might be just what you need.

Most models have similar wheels to transit wheelchairs. This means they are easy to control in domestic environments. Other static models are attractive wooden units which look very similar to ordinary furniture. This makes them discreet in appearance.

Other static models have metal tubing frames which is easy to wipe clean and disinfect. Most have seats and lids, similar to standard toilets. Many have raised armrests and backrests, aiding balance and stability.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189204260513/simple-aids-to-help-use-the-loo

Making Sure Crutches ‘Fit’ For Purpose!

If you find yourself needing crutches following injury or an operation, make sure you adjust them to size. Ensuring these mobility aids are not too long or short is important in order they are safe to do the job intended. The steps needed for this depend on the type of crutches you have.

Adjusting Axilla Crutches to Size

It is critical that crutches are set to the correct size for your height. Most have adjustable pin-clips to adjust the length.

If you are using Axilla crutches, the single vertical shaft at the foot is adjustable. Axilla models are similar in style to the old-fashion 'pirate’ versions. That is to say they have a horizontal pad at the top, which fits under the user's armpit. They also feature a second, lower pad, where the hand grips.

Some models of Axilla crutches do not have an adjustment for the distance between the higher 'armpit pad' and the lower hand grip pad. Others allow the lower handgrip to be set at different heights. This latter design is much better for the comfort of the user.

To size correctly, let your hands hang naturally by your sides. The level of the lower pad should be about the height of your wrist.

If you then grip the lower pad with your hands, your elbow should have a slight bend in it. With your hand resting on the lower pad, a small gap of around a couple of inches should remain between the armpit and the upper pad.

When using this style of elbow crutches, it is important to avoid slumping your upper body so that its weight bears down through the armpits onto the top pad. If too much pressure focuses on this area of the body, it can lead to nerve damage. This may result in a loss of sensation and strength in the arms, hands and fingers.

Modern crutches, including Axillas, are almost all made using aluminium tubing. This metal is both lightweight and rigid, ideal for use in the manufacture of mobility aids. It is also non-corrosive, so it is not prone to rusting in the elements. Its weight means that it is easy to maneuver, even for those with reduced strength.

Adjusting Forearm Crutches

Another popular style of elbow crutches are ‘forearm’ models. These have a ‘cuff’ at the very top, which fits around the user’s forearm. They then have two sections of tube, which meet at the handle, around hip height.

Some models of forearm elbow crutches are ‘single adjustable’. This usually means the only adjustment is to the length of the lower vertical shaft. This can be set to a particular height by using a pin-clip, similar to those found on axilla crutches.

Other forearm crutches are ‘double adjustable’. With these you can set the length of the bottom shaft as in the examples above, but you can also adjust the length of the upper shaft. This is the length of tubing between the arm cuff and the handle.

These double adjustable models can therefore be more precisely set to size for the dimensions of the individual. Make sure the cuff is set too high as this could make it dig-in to the upper arm.

Permanent User Crutches

One drawback with adjustment mechanisms is that the crutches can produce clicking and squeaking noises when in use. For people using them a lot, this can be an irritation. To get around it, ‘permanent user crutches’ are available. Rather than having the multiple pin-clips, these require cutting to the desired length.

This is another benefit of aluminium. While its tubing is lightweight and strong, it is also easy to cut with a common hacksaw. Once the shaft is at the correct length, the rubber foot, or ‘ferrule’, fits to the bottom of the tube.

Hand Comfort

Most forearm crutches tend to have a standard horizontal handle at hip height. These however can cause pain by digging into the user’s hand. To combat this problem, ergonomic handled models are available. These have wide grips with shaped contours, sympathetic to the hand.

This design spreads weight more evening through the palms and forearms, reducing discomfort. These crutches are popular with people using them for sustained periods.

Source:https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189053621548/making-sure-crutches-fit-for-purpose

Stay Open Minded to Stay Independent!

Getting used to wheeled mobility aids is a reality for many ageing people in the UK. Walking sticks, wheeled walkers and wheelchairs are important tools if you have reduced mobility. Conditions like Arthritis and others associated with old age lead to stiffness and pain in the joints. This makes walking unaided more difficult.

If you need a walking aid of some kind, the next stage is learning how and where to use it. Previously accessible routes may become less so if there are high kerbs or steps to overcome, for example.

Relatively lightweight items like a walking stick or rollator walker require less planning than the use of wheelchairs. Even larger aids like scooters require more consideration. One thing in particular to think about are mobility scooter ramps.

Even scooters with the largest wheels do not cope with climbing high kerbs. Ramps may be necessary if you have a kerb to negotiate on a regular basis. If you are transporting a lightweight scooter, you might want to consider ramps to transfer the back of a large vehicle.

There is a wide range of ramping equipment available. For kerbs and single steps, one-piece models are usually sufficient. If loading onto a vehicle, channel ramps are a good choice. These come as two separate ramps, with a ‘channel’ design. Each is just over the width of the wheel, with raised edges either side.

These edges keep the wheels on track and prevent the scooter falling off to the side. Many channel ramps are telescopic. This allows them to collapse down in size when not in use. It means they can be more easily stored or transported in the boot of a car.

Case Study – Grace, 81, from Rickmansworth

Sally required mobility scooter ramps for a step leading to the side return of her house. She wanted to store her scooter behind gates for security reasons. Although the obstacle was only a single step, it was too high for the scooter to climb without a ramp.

Initially Sally considered a permanent concrete wedge which need building by a tradesman. She decided against this idea because she felt its appearance would not fit the rest of the driveway.

Instead she went for a one piece aluminium ramp. While Sally leaves it in place most of the time, with the help of her son, it is easy to pick up and store as required. Its length is five feet, which gives a gentle incline. The ramp has a grip pattern milled into the rolling surface, ensuring tyres do not slip when it is raining.

With the width providing around four inches either side of the scooter’s wheels, the one piece ramp is ideal for the space available.

Inside the house, Sally uses either her walking stick or a narrow walking frame to move around. Strategically placed grab rails next to the toilet and bathroom sink are there to assist her balance. She also has a hand-rail next to her back door, which has two steps down to the garden patio.

She has a relatively small house and lives alone. Because she has trouble climbing stairs and worried about the potential to fall, she had a stair-lift installed.

While she is able to get around indoors without a wheeled walking aid, for short journeys outside she uses a rollator walker. It features brakes, a shopping and large wheels. It also has a seat, which allows Sally the luxury of the odd sit down to rest when she needs to.

She also has a walking stick which collapses down in to sections which she can carry in her handbag. When she arrives at a shop, she parks her rollator walker on the pavement and uses her stick inside.

For longer journeys the scooter is ideal, but Sally does need to consider her route before travelling. She knows where there are mobility scooter ramps for access to the shopping centre, for example.

She is also very aware of the distances she will need to walk with her stick when she arrives. She makes sure these are short enough for her to manage.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/188898621568/stay-open-minded-to-stay-independent