How to Choose the Right Walking Stick

Feeling dependent on others to move from one place to another can be mentally as well as physically straining. Most of the time it's either after small knee/leg surgery or an injury or due to old age. In such scenarios, walking sticks or any other mobility aids can provide better stability and balance.

Pro tip: Using a walking stick on the strong side of your body shifts your weight to the stronger side which makes it easier to move freely.

For the right support and balance, it is important to invest in the right kind of walking stick as well. Before choosing, you need to consider factors like stick's height, your weight, type of your injury, your requirement, etc.

So, in this article, we'll explain some important factors to consider while choosing the walking stick.

Choosing the Right Type of Stick:

Single Point Sticks

This type of sticks has a single support point at the end. They are the most common type of walking cane available in the market to provide balance while walking. People also use them as hiking poles, pilgrim's staff, etc. for trekking and hiking purpose. So, if you have minimum requirements of walking aid, then this can be your best match.

Multiple-point Sticks

This includes quad, tripod, and other multiple point sticks. These sticks having several points provide better support and balance than a single point stick. If you need assistance with stability and balancing than these can provide the highest level of support. Also, the large base quad stick is helpful for those who need extra stability with a wider area of support.

Folding Sticks

Folding sticks are the single point sticks that you can fold. These come in handy when you want to store them away while not in use. You can easily carry them anywhere in a handbag as well. These sticks can be your support on the go.

Sticks with Seats

These are medical-grade sticks with seats to provide sturdy support and help you move around easily. You can unfold them whenever you need to rest and sit down.

The Height

If the stick is not of the correct height, the support that you should get from it might not be ideal.

Here is how you can measure the correct height for your stick:

1. Avoid wearing heightened footwear when determining the measurement.
2. Use a wall for support and to stand straight.
3. Ask someone to assist you with the measurements.
4. Measure the distance from the ground up to your wrist bone

Then comes The Handles

The common materials used in handles are foam, rubber, plastic, and wood. If you are looking for a sustainable solution, then wood and plastic are better choices than foam. However, if you are experiencing pain in your hand than the foam or rubber can provide more comfort.

Another tip is that the size of the handle should support your overall body weight. Users with joint pain can prefer a handle with a larger grip. The right sized handle also helps in relaxing your overall body and prevent joint deformities.

Here are the types:

Crook:

Its rounded handle that allows plenty of space to find the most comfortable position. It also makes it easier to hook over the arm or other places. It can be convenient when opening doors, entering into lifts, and other similar situations.

T-handle:

Users with weakness in their hands can benefit a lot from this type of handle. They reduce stress and hand fatigue.

Fritz:

These sticks are similar to T-handle sticks but come with an extra curve. It provides better comfort to users and reduces hand pressure. Also, it is among the most used handles for walking sticks. People consider using it because of its style and it is a boon for people with arthritis.

Offset:

These are the sticks question mark shape handle. It distributes the user's weight over the body of the stick to provide better support. If you have wrist problems or have problems holding the cane with firm grip, then this is the best match for your needs. Although almost all the type of quad sticks are available in this type of handle.

Don't forget the Tip

The tips at the end of the walking sticks are usually of rubber and are on the bottom of the stick. It absorbs the weight of the user and grips the floor well.

There are two types of tips available:

Single Tip: It helps the user maintaining the balance and suitable for those who need less pressure on their legs while walking.

The Quadruple Tip: The sticks with this kind of tips can handle more bodyweight. So, if you have severe pain problems in your legs or joints then prefer using sticks with quadruple tips.

Bottom Line

Mobility aids are to reduce your discomfort. But when you choose the wrong type, it might increase your pain. Hence, make sure to consider all these aspects in your checklist and seek a professional's advice in case of any specific problems.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189523920328/how-to-choose-the-right-walking-stick

How to Select Perfect Bath Aids

Using the bathroom is everyone's basic need whether you are a senior, toddler, or a millennial. But it can become a real challenge if you have some medical condition or mobility limitations.

Well, it doesn't have to be a challenge. There are many products available such as bath aids which can make life easier for these people and let them follow their daily routine. That too without anyone's assistance.

So, let's explore how you can choose these products for your loved ones if they are facing any medical or mobility issues:

1. Bath Seat:

If you struggle to bend and get up from the bathtub then using a bath seat can be beneficial. By using it, you can sit on a raised surface. It makes bathing easy for you without needing to sit directly in the tub.

A seat like this may be available in different heights, sizes, and shapes. Such bath seats provide the extra height to the user which makes it easy for them to get out of the bathtub. If required they can use a handrail for a better grip. Additionally, some come with back supports that provide extra comfort while bathing. Bath seats with back support are ideal for the elderly.

2. Bath Board:

Similar to a bath seat, a bath board lets you sit in the bathtub. It has a seat surface on which you can sit down and swing your legs. Make sure to be in a balanced sitting posture while using it. Some of its basic features:

• There are various sizes for a bath board available so you can choose one which fits according to the size of your bathtub
• Easy to adjust and remove

3. Swivel Bather:

A swivel bather is useful when sitting over the bathtub. These bath aids swivel around to help you get your legs into the tub easily. This makes it getting into the tub easy. The seat easily fits over the bathtub and has a seat that swivels and helps you get into the bathtub without lifting your legs. This bathing aid also comes in different sizes and some of the types are specific to certain requirements. Like swivel bath seats for short users, tall users, or users with weak legs.

The main features of a swivel bath seat:

• You can easily move it in a bathtub
• It has adjustable width and can fit in all tubs easily
• It supports your legs while swiveling and therefore makes it easy to get in and out of the tub
• They do provide corner bath options

4. Grab Rails:

They are useful to provide grip when a person wants to stand up or sit down. They help an elderly person to be steady when sitting down as well. These grab rails are also known as handrails. It is useful when you need to have a firm grip in order to maintain your balance during the shower or dressing.

Final words:

Choosing the correct bath aids as per your requirement is all you need for that comfort and support for your daily bathing routine. It will also help you to maintain personal hygiene and prevent any accidents.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189892949408/how-to-select-perfect-bath-aids

Your Guide To Toilet Aids

This article talks about some of the most basic types of toilet aids or also known as independent living aids. These aids help the elderly, injured and others who have difficulty in the toileting area. 

The main purpose of these disability aids it to provide confidence, independence and a level of comfort to people in carrying out their daily hygiene tasks. There are many varieties available in the market and each of them has unique functionality. Therefore, while purchasing, one needs to understand the different types of toilet aids and see which will fulfil their requirements.

So, let's first look at the four basic types available and try to know them in detail and understand their individual use: 

1. Handrail:

The handrail is among the most versatile toilet aids. They are also known as grab rails and grab bars. This disability aid can be of use pretty much anywhere around your house. You can use it in your toilet area as toilet aid, bath or shower area. These are most useful to people who have a hard time changing their position from sitting to standing.

Mostly, handrails are of heavy-duty metals or ABS plastic. You can easily install one to the walls using screws or suction cups. They provide extra support and make a person feel secure while they are transitioning from one position to another. It can be of use mainly in the area where the risks of falling are more, like slippery or wet floors.

Here are some scenarios where handrails are useful:

• If the person has knee or joint problems.
• If they have undergone surgery recently and are not confident about their movement.
• If they experience shortness of breath or dizziness.
• If the person is old and has weak legs and cannot support their own body weight.
• When the surface is wet or slippery, like in a bathroom.
  

2. Toilet Support Arms:

Similar to handrails, you can use these support arms on the side of the toilet seat and help a person to get on or off the toilet. Toilet support arms are more useful compared to handrails because of the additional support and convenience they provide.

The scenarios where toilet support arms would be a perfect fit:

• If the person has an issue in their leg or knee.
• If they recently went through a surgery.
• If they are not confident moving on their own and need support in changing into positions.
• In case they need better support than handrails

3. Raised Toilet Seats:

These go over an existing toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet seat. People use this type of toilet aid when it is difficult for a person to sit down or get up. The raised toilet seat helps the user to decrease the distance while changing their positions. This makes it easy for them to do their daily tasks without the need for a nurse or anyone else.

When to use this toilet aid:

• If the person needs help in getting up or sitting.
• If they have undergone some surgeries or have knee or leg issues.
• If installing a movable toilet suite is not a feasible idea.

4. Bidet Seats:

This toilet aid is useful in cleaning the posterior after using the toilet. They are extremely useful for people with limited mobility and seniors. This seat makes it easy for the person to maintain personal hygiene without requiring any assistance.

Scenarios where one can use Bidet Seats:

• If the person has limited mobility and it becomes difficult for them to take care of their personal hygiene.
• If they are experiencing back problems.
• If the person has a shoulder or arm problem and is not able to make proper hand movements.

Now let's look at the most common features you must consider while purchasing them:

1. Length: You must consider the length of the handrails or toilet support arms, as while installing them it is necessary to see how much area they will occupy. It is important to measure the distance from the wall to the toilet seat to ensure that these aids are reachable.
   
   
2. Weight: Toilet aids use different materials like aluminum, brass, plastic, rubber, etc. and each one of them has a different capacity to deal with the weight. Hence, while purchasing you need to make sure the weight capacity these toilet aids can handle.
   
   
3. Installation: There are various types of options available while installing a raised toilet seat like portable, clamped and bolted. Similarly, while installing handrails or toilet support arms you can use clamps, suction cups or screws. Therefore, during installation, you need to make sure the type of installation that will be perfect for you considering situations like slippery handles or floor.
   

Final words:

Toilet aids are a helpful accessory for many people, be it someone old, or people who have gone through surgery or ones who are suffering from joint issues. It is helpful to them for personal hygiene and for any person who doesn't want to be dependent on others for their day-to-day tasks.

Source : 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189822015708/your-guide-to-toilet-aids

How to Choose The Right Adapted Cutlery

Freedom is something that has a different meaning to it for every individual. Be it the freedom to think, move, work, eat, etc. it all depends on the person. It could be one of the most important things for them. Dependency on others is something most people don't like.

Just imagine being dependent on other people for something as basic as eating or moving from one place to another. It could be emotionally straining for anyone.

Generally, this dependency comes with old age, any major disease or injuries like fractures or sprains. In such scenarios, it becomes difficult for people to carry out daily tasks and they have no other choice but to be dependent on others.

Luckily, there are companies and organizations that work day and night for people facing such difficulties. You can get special products that help fulfill the basic needs of these individuals so it becomes easy for them to carry out their day-to-day tasks without being dependent on others. Such products give them a sense of confidence, independence, and accomplishment which makes the whole experience less traumatic.

These enhanced products include some of the most essential daily items that we need to carry out basic tasks and activities like eating. There are is adapted cutlery that helps people eat even with tremors, lack of steadiness or any hand injury.

Choosing the right adapted cutlery for a particular usage can be difficult as there are many different types available. So, let's look at a few things you must consider while purchasing:

• Dexterity - is it easy to hold the cutlery securely?
• Firmness - do they require heavy cutlery to steady their movement?
• Angle - do they need assistance while intaking food?
• How do they eat? - Do they eat one-handed? Or are they a left-hand person?
• Colour - If you have a huge family then it is advisable to have adapted cutlery in a different colour for easier differentiation.

Luckily, today in the market there are various types of cutlery available. This makes eating comfortable and pleasant. Such types of disability aids help a person to be independent and can help them emotionally as well.

Let's have a look at the different types of adapted cutlery.

Weighted Cutlery:

This type of cutlery is ideal for individuals with tremors or diseases like Parkinson's. The handle can control the utensils and keep them steady. This, in turn, minimizes the chances of spilling food.

The handle is heavy compared to standard cutlery, but the design is such that it becomes comfortable to hold and does not cause any pain in the wrists. This type of cutlery is useful to prevent tremors and from losing control.

Angled Cutlery:

This type of cutlery is perfect for an individual dining with one-hand or for people who lack a certain level of dexterity in their primary arm. The design is such that it becomes easy for them to scoop food in the spoon or fork. While using this type of adapted cutlery a person doesn't need to twist their arm or put in extra effort to intake food or even take care of spilling.

Some of the pieces of such cutlery are moldable while some have a particular fixed angle. Both have particular use cases. This type of cutlery has a pivoting joint between the handle and the head which helps keep the head horizontal regardless of the position of the handle.

This type of cutlery is useful for people suffering from tremors or arthritis because of which it is difficult to hold anything steady.

Good Grip Cutlery:

The design of this cutlery is such that it provides users with a good grip. The handles of this cutlery enable a person to hold the cutlery firmly even when a particular piece is wet.

The purpose of these disability aids is to make sure that everyone is able to carry out at least the basic activities without being dependent on other people.

Wrapping it up:

There are many companies and organizations that research, develop, and sell such products. But before making any investment in such products make sure you go through genuine sellers and purchase proper items.

Choosing the right adapted cutlery matters a lot as you don't want to make the user feel more dependent and worse with the wrong cutlery.

So, make sure to keep the above-mentioned points and types of cutlery in mind while making the decision.

Source: 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189750203563/how-to-choose-the-right-adapted-cutlery

How to Deal with Swollen Feet

Various factors such as travelling, surgery, or overuse, etc. can cause swollen feet. During pregnancy, it is very common. However, swelling in the feet can make you uncomfortable and might keep you from moving freely.

In this article, we are going to talk about the ways of relieving the pain caused by swollen feet based on your symptoms.

But first, let's see when you need to skip home remedies and consult a doctor right away.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you find the following symptoms along with swollen feet then consult the doctor immediately:

• Swelling accompanied by fever
• Pain in the swollen area
• Chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Shortness of breath

Here are some of the issues that can lead to swollen feet:

1. Edema:

When the body retains extra fluid in tissues because of leaking of blood from small blood vessels results in puffiness and swelling of the tissue under the skin. It shows up either on your feet, ankles or legs.

Mostly Edema will heal on its own. Here are some options for treatment:

• Limit your salt intake
• Lay down with your feet and legs higher than your heart
• Take diuretic medications
• Practice Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
• Wear support stockings
• Adjust your prescription medications

You might come across other symptoms like stretched or shiny skin, increased abdominal size, difficulty in walking, etc. In such a case, we recommend you consult your doctor.

2. Pregnancy:

Foot swelling is common during pregnancy as the body continues to hold water, blood and other fluids. If you have been standing for most of the day, it could be the reason for swelling as well.

Here is how you can take care of it:

• Use pressure cushions for your legs while resting
• Avoid wearing high heels
• Stay in cool rooms
• Avoid wearing tight footwear or socks
• Avoid or decrease salt in your food

If you notice other symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, etc. then you must reach out to your doctor.

3. Alcohol:

Alcohol is one of the major reasons why you may have swollen feet because your body retains more water after alcohol intake. Usually, such swelling lasts only for a few days. If it lasts longer, then it can point to signs of problems with your liver, heart or kidney issues.

Some ways to treat swollen feet:

• Limit the consumption of salt
• Start drinking more water
• Use pressure cushions while resting with your feet elevated
• Soak feet in cool water
• Use shoes for swollen feet

4. Hot Weather:

Your feet may swell during hot weather because your veins expand to naturally cool down the body. The fluid passes into nearby tissues. This, in turn, cannot pump the blood to the heart properly, which results in swollen feet or ankle.

Here, I have mentioned some of the precautions you can take:

• Walk every day for a few minutes
• Use shoes for swollen feet
• Do leg exercises
• Make sure to drink more water
• Use pressure cushions while resting your legs

5. Lymphedema:

Generally, cancer treatment causes Lymphedema due to damage or removal of lymph nodes. As a result, your body conserves lymphatic fluid and this causes swollen feet. Other symptoms like heaviness, lack of movement, aches, etc. are also signs of lymphedema. While it is not possible to completely cure this disease, one can take steps to reduce swelling. If the problem is severe then you should see your doctor.

Following are some steps you must take while dealing with lymphedema:

• Pneumatic compression
• Bandage to wrap up your feet or leg
• Some mild exercise for fluid drainage

6. Injury:

Injuries like broken bones, ankle sprains, etc. result in swollen feet. People often recommend rest, ice, compression and elevation to help foot injuries. Many times, swollen feet occur due to an ankle sprain. In such cases, it is good to get medical help directly and try to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Consult a doctor immediately if your leg has become extremely stiff or you experience numbness. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor might recommend a prescription for pain relief.

Final words:

Having a swollen foot is common but if it lasts beyond a certain amount of time, we recommend you seek professional help. The potential remedies mentioned here may help in less severe cases. While moving, wearing special shoes for swollen feet may give you instant pain relief. Soaking legs in hot water regularly is effective as well.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/189715932878/how-to-deal-with-swollen-feet