Tips to Organize Your Medications

Adhering to your treatment schedule may not be easy all the time. It may seem like a small issue but it can stretch your treatment period and affect your medical condition as well. So, if you keep forgetting to take the medicine dosage, then this article is for you. We've mentioned ways and tips to help you organize your medications and stay on top of your treatment schedule.

Here are some practical tips you can apply:

Put it all together

Pillboxes can help you keep your medicine schedule on track. The ones with bigger size come with sections for days of the week and times of the day. You can choose between a monthly pill organizer or weekly pill organizer. As the name suggests, a monthly pill organizer will help you track your prescription for a month and weekly pill organizer, for a week. This enables you to sort medicines according to your dosage. They are available in various sizes to hold different medicines. You can store most of the medications in compartments with other drugs for a short period. However, it is important to take advice from your doctor before storing them.

Storage tips:

• Gather all the medications and make a list.
• Fill the pillbox according to the list. Ensure that you have the same pills as per the assigned day.
• Refill it before completely empty.

To ensure that you are taking medications on time, keep a dosage schedule nearby with the medication. Setting reminders in your phone, or leaving post-it notes on the mirror can be helpful.

If you have to take medications frequently, an automatic pill dispenser may help. They also alert you whenever it is time to take the medication ensuring that you stay on track of your treatment plan.

Set reminders

One of the most common yet effective ways is setting alarms or asking friends for reminder calls. You can set it up reminders your watch, computer, phone, etc. to let you know when it's time. You can also ask your friend or a family member to remind you to take the medicine from your weekly or monthly pill organizer. Additionally, there are pharmacies that provide patients with a reminder when it's time to order a refill. Consider inquiring about any additional services that can help you to stay on track with your medication schedule.

Use Medication Apps

There are a variety of apps that can help you manage your medications. You can set up your medication schedule and get reminders on your phone to take your pills.

Make it a Routine

 

Setting your schedule with an activity you do regularly or at a certain time of the day can be helpful. As you add them in your daily routine, you may not forget or skip doses. You can also maintain a diary, journal, or a chart to track your medications and schedules.

Plan for traveling

If you are planning to travel, it is important to ensure that you take enough medicine to last while you are away. Planning this may come handy for several reasons. For example, picking up a last-minute refill can be hard. You may have to pay more for pills, especially if you are overseas. Hence, planning can help you save the extra cost. It is important to pack the pills in a carry bag to save you in delays, lost luggage, etc. cases. Make sure you keep the prescription for your medicine and/or a letter and a list of the pills from your doctor with you.

Buy them in Advance

You can check the pill bottle for the number of refills left. As soon as the label shows low refills, you can call your doctor for a new prescription to take to the pharmacy. This way, you will have the new prescription ready whenever needed. You can also ask your pharmacy if they can email or call before your refill is due. Asking your doctor to prescribe a 60 or 90 days supply of pills instead of a 30-day supply can also be helpful.

Customize the labels

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep track of multiple medicines especially the ones with similar packaging. In such cases, it is ideal to customize the pillbox with your own labels. If required, use larger fonts to rewrite the name of the pill and the instructions. You can also attach the new labels on their covers.

Lastly,

It is important that you keep medications away from children. You can put them in a safe or a locker in your room rather than in a shared bathroom.

Following your treatment plan along these tips will help you recover faster and stay the course towards a healthier body.

Source 

http://essentialadislimited.over-blog.com/2020/01/tips-to-organize-your-medications.html  

Major Types of Mobility Aids Explained

A mobility aid is a device that improves the ability of people to move around freely and independently. They allow a person with mobility limitations to walk without causing much fatigue or pain.

There are a variety of mobility aids available to meet one's needs. From canes, crutches to stairlifts and wheelchairs.

To help you pick a suitable mobility aid, it is important to understand some of the main types and how they might be useful.

Canes

Canes support your body's weight and help in transferring the load from the legs to the upper body. In this sense, they are similar to crutches. However, they take less weight off the lower body compared to crutches and place greater pressure on the hands and wrists.

If you have a balancing problem while walking, a cane may help you walk more steadily.

Types:

• White canes: These assist people who are visually impaired. They are longer and thinner to help you detect objects coming in your path. Generally speaking, they are not strong enough to lean on.
   
• Quad canes: These provide a wider base and greater stability. They have four feet at the end of the cane.
   
• Forearm canes: They offer extra support to your forearm by distributing most of the weight from the wrist to the arm.

Crutches

You can use crutches individually or in pairs. They transfer weight from the legs to the upper body, helping the user maintain an upright posture. You can use this type of mobility walking aid for short-term injuries or in some cases on a permanent basis.

Types:

Axillary (underarm) crutches: Suitable for short-term injuries, you can place one part of it against the ribcage under the armpits while holding onto the handgrip.

Lofstrand (forearm) crutches: A user can place the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and hold a handgrip. This style is more common for long-term users.

Platform crutches: The user's hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. These are suitable for people with a weak hand grip due to arthritis or cerebral palsy.

Walkers

Also known as Zimmer frames, these mobility walking aids contain a metal framework with four legs to provide stability to the user. Basic walkers have a 3-sided frame that surrounds the user. When a user lifts the frame and places it further in front of them, they can step forward to meet it before repeating the process.

Some types of walkers have wheels or gliders on the base of the legs which allows the user to slide the walker forward. This helps people with limited arm strength.

Different types:

1. Rollators: These devices consist of a frame with four wheels, handlebars with a seat to provide rest to the user when needed. They also have hand brakes as a safety measure.
2. Knee walkers: These devices allow the user to rest their knee on a padded cushion and propel themselves forward with their stronger leg.
3. Walker-cane hybrids: This type of mobility walking aid has two legs rather than a full-frame. You can use it either with one or both hands for better support than a standard cane.

Wheelchairs

These can help people who can't put weight on their lower limbs or are unable to walk.

A user can manually propel the wheelchair themselves or have someone assisting them to push it. Then there are electrical wheelchairs too. Sports wheelchairs can assist a player in performing well in specific sports.

Mobility scooters

This mobility aid is increasingly popular in the UK and enables someone to get from A to B without having to walk.

They contain handlebars or steering wheels to control direction, footplates to let users rest their feet.

This can be beneficial for people facing issues using a manual wheelchair due to limited upper body strength or flexibility.

Before buying a mobility scooter, it is important to know the rules to use these devices on roads or pavements. If using one for the first time, training is a must.

Important to Note

While these mobility walking aids provide several benefits, using them incorrectly can be dangerous. Hence, before using mobility aids, book an appointment with a doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to learn how to use them properly.

Source : 
https://essentialaids.blogspot.com/2020/01/major-types-of-mobility-aids-explained.html

4 Safety Steps when Using a Shower Chair

A morning shower can charge you up for the day and an evening shower can soothe you after a long tiring day at work. However, the elderly or individuals with balancing issues may find it troublesome to stand and shower. Thanks to the bathroom aids available on the market today, they can take a shower with lesser trouble.

A shower chair is one of the most popular bathroom aids. It's a blessing for those with mobility and balance issues. However, it is advisable to follow some precautions before using a shower chair.

Steps to Ensure Safety While Using a Shower Chair.

1) Proper assembling and height adjustment
Ensure that your shower seat:

• has no missing parts.
• is not making unexpected noises while moving it.
• doesn't wobble around.
• has parts locking and latching on properly. 

If you suspect missing part, contact the manufacturer or distributor to resolve the issue before using it.

After assembling the chair properly, the next important step is to adjust its height. As a general rule of thumb, it should be neither too high nor too low. It is recommendable to set the height of the seat panel to the centre point between the person's posterior and back of the knees.

2) Check the bathroom floor for slipperiness and obstructions
The floor of the bathroom should be slip-resistant. Ensure that you have washed off and dried the floor properly before use. It is advisable to use a slip-resistant mat beneath your feet and shower seat to prevent slip injuries.

It is also imperative to check the floor for any small obstructions. Small things like nails, balls, toys, etc. may cause you to tip over while getting up from or sitting down on the shower seat and you may get injuries.

So, always make it a habit to declutter your bathroom floor before using it.

3) Watch your movements

Monitoring movements right from sitting, showering, and standing up in the bathroom is crucial. So, it is important to follow the precautions as described.
Precautions while sitting

• Use sturdy support like a grab rail on the wall to sit down. If you don't have grab rails in place, you may need someone to assist you.
   
• Position yourself properly. Avoid sitting on the edge of the sitting surface as it may cause the chair to tip over.

Precautions while showering

• Don't reach for things beyond your comfort level while showering. This attempt may cause your chair to topple.
   
• Don't risk your safety to grab something you might have dropped. You may tip over and hurt yourself. It is advisable not to hurry and make sudden movements. Be patient and don't over-reach.

Precautions while standing up

• Holding on to a sturdy support like a grab rail is advisable.
• Don't concentrate your entire weight on only one side of the chair. For instance, if you grab the armrest on only one side, it may lead to an uneven weight distribution. This may cause it to topple.
• Don't hurry while standing up. Take your time, position your feet and balance yourself properly.

4) Routine maintenance and cleaning
Cleanliness tips

• Never use harsh detergents to clean your chair. Use mild detergents and soft scrubbers instead.
• Clean residues from beneath the chair regularly by wiping off after use.
• If possible, allow the chair to dry off properly between uses. 

Maintenance Tips

• Read the manual carefully to understand the basic maintenance instructions.
• Keep checking for signs of damage or rusting. If you suspect any of them, replace the part in which you find it. Most chairs designed for use in wet environments have non-rusting components, but it is always worth checking.

Summing it Up
A shower seat is one of the important bathroom aids that make showering easy for people with mobility or balance issues. However, just like with all other aids, this would be helpful if used properly.

Source : 
https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/190359619673/4-safety-steps-when-using-a-shower-chair 

How to Buy The Right Wheelchair And Its Accessories

As a person grows older, they may start having issues with walking, balancing and standing. Similarly, a person who has become temporarily immobile due to an accident or a disease can also have problems standing for long periods.

In such scenarios, a mobility aid can be of great help to move around independently and confidently. One such mobility aid is a wheelchair.

If you are planning to buy a wheelchair, you need to be well informed when choosing its model and accessories. With a wide range of wheelchairs out in the market, choosing the right model may be a bit tricky. So, it is important to understand which points to consider while buying a wheelchair.
 

Things to Consider while Buying and Using a Wheelchair
 

1 ) Consult a physiotherapist
 

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, the first thing you should do is to consult a professional. They will assess your body type, posture, and strength. Accordingly, they'll guide you on which type of wheelchair would be suitable for you.
 

2 ) Performance of the Wheelchair

The performance of a wheelchair depends on a number of factors.

• Weight and Foldability
  
  The weight of a wheelchair plays a crucial role in its performance. It impacts both its ease of use and transportation.
  
  Besides the weight of a wheelchair, its foldability is also important to consider. You can easily take a foldable wheelchair anywhere with you by placing it in the boot of a car. This makes it suitable for transportation over long distances.
  
  
• Durability
  
  The longevity of a wheelchair depends on the level of stress it can withstand. So, always go for popular brands when buying a wheelchair. You can consult your physiotherapist for this as well. They may suggest a few good brand names to you.
  
  
• Stability The reason for considering stability while buying a wheelchair is that an unstable chair may tip over on slopes or slanted surfaces.
  To ensure stability, the tip-angle of the wheelchair should be as small as possible. Furthermore, the load on its rear wheels should be as high as possible.
  
  
• Manoeuvrability The minimum space a wheelchair requires to turn around, the better is its manoeuvrability. A wheelchair with a minimum turn-around width is most suitable for tight spaces like public toilets, office cubicles, or narrow corridors.
  

3) Sitting Comfort
 

• Seat Width
    The seat should be wide enough to accommodate your posterior properly. It should let you move and reposition freely without increasing the risk of developing pressure ulcers. As a general rule of thumb, it should be equal to the distance between the widest part of your thighs plus around 2 cm on either side.
  
  
• Back Width and Backrest Height
    Generally, the back width should be equal to the widest part of your back for maximum comfort. The backrest height should be as per your convenience.
  
  If you need minimal support to sit, you can set the backrest's height up to the bottom of your shoulder blade. And in case of more support, keep it up to the top of the shoulder blade.
  

4 ) Wheelchair Accessories
 

It is always good to equip your wheelchair with some useful wheelchair accessories to get the most out of it.

Here are some common accessories to equip your wheelchair with:

• Safety Belt Some people like to use a safety lap belt. It is useful as it prevents you from falling out of the wheelchair on rough ground.
   
• Backpack It comes in handy as it lets you carry things around. Be it a food item, water bottle or a small umbrella; you can store them all.
   
• Table Tray A wheelchair tray is of great help to anyone who uses a wheelchair. You can use it for meals, books, laptops, etc. This makes it a practical accessory for day-to-day use.
   
• Gloves Wheelchair gloves prevent damage to your skin or hands from self-propelling, starting, and stopping the wheelchair. They also provide a firm grip in wet weather.
   
• Rain Cover or Poncho It is important in the winter as it protects you from getting wet when it is raining.

Summing Up

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, considering the above points would help buy a suitable device. It is equally advisable to consider using wheelchair accessories as required to enhance its utility.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/190322358708/how-to-buy-the-right-wheelchair-and-its

Choosing the Right Pressure Relief Cushion and Neck Collar

Ranging from a minor sprain to a severe fracture, any type of injury can affect a person's ability to function normally. During such conditions, using aids can help a person to relieve the pain and make them feel comfortable.

For instance, a person can use a neck collar to alleviate pain if they have a sprain in their neck. Similarly, a bed-ridden person might use a pressure relieving cushion to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.

However, if not used properly, these aids which should relieve your pain can actually aggravate it. So, it is necessary to understand what things to keep in mind to use these aids properly.

Things to Consider while Using a Pressure Relieving Cushion

• Position the Body ProperlyIt is important to adopt a correct posture when sitting down. This reduces the pressure on the person's posterior.
  
  The reason for this is when you place the pressure cushion on the top of an armchair, sofa or on any other sitting surface, its dimensions change. The increase in height may leave the person with their feet dangling in the air.
  This, in turn, may increase the weight on the individual's seat, increasing pressure rather than reducing it. This leads to a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers. With this in mind, it is vital that the person's feet have proper support above floor level.
  
  
• Choose a Suitable Chair
  It is good to provide an appropriate pressure relieving cushion for people spending long periods of time sitting down. It is, however, equally important to ensure that the chair itself is suitable.
  
  What if you choose a chair that is too wide to give postural support or let them reposition freely? In such a situation, a person will have no choice but to make extra efforts to reach armrests or get postural support. This may increase friction and they might start feeling uncomfortable.
  
  
  So, it is important to make sure that while choosing a pressure relief cushion, you pick the right chair as well.

Things to Consider while Using a Neck Collar

Based on the hardness of the material there are two types:

• Soft Collar
• Hard Collar

A Soft Collar fits around the neck and jaw of the person. This type of collar does not completely immobilise the neck but restricts its movement. Additionally, they are a kinesthetic reminder for the person to reduce neck movement. Since it supports the chin, it minimises muscle contraction against gravity forces to keep the head in a normal position. To get relief from neck pain or discomfort, a soft cervical collar can be helpful.

On the other hand, hard collars contain firm materials like plexiglass. They restrict movement in flexion and extension. They not only support the chin but also the occiput. If a person needs greater stability and support, hard cervical collars can be useful. They generally are the best for a person with a severe neck injury like a fracture or accidental trauma.

It is crucial that you seek the advice of a medical professional with first hand knowledge of your condition before using a cervical neck collar.

Conclusion

A pressure relief cushion or a neck collar can provide comfort and help reduce pain. Understanding your specific requirements is a foremost consideration when choosing an appropriate aid. Proper research before buying a pressure-relieving cushion or collar can be helpful and they can be an adjunct to a person's treatment.

Source :

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/190135451803/choosing-the-right-pressure-relief-cushion-and