Safely Managing Bed Rails for Elderly People

 Bathrooms are not the only place in your house which is unsafe for elderly people and people with limited mobility. Falling while getting in and out of the bed is a common occurrence. Bedroom safety is imperative for people who have problems with memory, sleeping, pain, uncontrolled body movement, or those who can not walk safely without assistance. Sometimes, fall-related injuries could lead to either hospitalization or in the worst case premature. So, make sure the bedroom is secure.

Among different aids that people use to reduce falls, bed safety rails or bed sides, are popular. These rails act as a board at the side of a bed connecting headboard with the foot board. They act as a supportive aid by providing stability while sitting or getting up from bed. You can even use it to assist with moving, rolling, or repositioning in bed. They even prevent the chances of the user rolling out of bed at night. Rails will majorly help you with the following things:

• Assist the user with repositioning while lying in bed.
• Prevents the risk of falling from bed.
• Provide strong and dependable support in transitioning to and from the bed.

Generally, bed rails are available in these types:

• Rails with two vertical legs that stand on the floor. It even consists of a board that slips between your mattresses.
• Legless rails have an L-shaped design in which the longer side slips in between the mattresses and the shorter side acts as a supportive hand.
• Swing-down rails are handy. They come with a handy pocket where you can put a cellphone or other items.
• Portable rail is helpful in preventing the user from rolling out of bed.
• Foldable rail is compatible with both sofa beds and slatted beds.

You can adjust the rails both in length and height and are suitable for different types of bed. A bed grab rail serves as a clamp to support the bed frame.

Once you decide to purchase a safety rail as per your requirements, the next step is to figure out how you can install it. Here's what you need to take care of:

There are three ways in which you can install a rail. The first is to attach the sides between the mattress and box spring. Second is to attach the mount to the side of the bed. Third is a free-standing transfer pole between the ceiling and the floor.

How to Safely Install the Rail

• Before using, always make sure that the rails are secure and at the correct place.
• Place the head-end and foot-end cross braces between the fourth and the third springs on the bed for stability.
• See that the arrows on the cross brace are pointing to the center of the bed.
• Make sure the distance between the rails does not exceed the width of the mattress. If this happens, the person can get trapped between the rail and the mattress.

At times, if the neck, or limbs become trapped in gaps between the bed rails because of poorly fitting rails. This can cause several hazards. Other risks involve rolling over the top of the rail, violent contact with the rail parts, climbing over the footboard, and so on. To avoid these risks, take care of the following things:

• The rail is suitable for the bed and mattress.
  
  
• Regularly inspect and maintain the rail to remove potential threats.
  
  
• Eliminate the gaps that could cause entrapment.
  
  
• Approach professionals to carry out risk assessments before using.
  
  
• Select a rail according to the age, size, and weight of the person.

Conclusion

Bed rails or bed sides act as a barrier between individuals and the ground, while also providing a firm place to grip when regaining balance and repositioning the body in bed. To get the best of the equipment, make sure to eliminate all potential risks that could threaten the life of your loved ones.

Source :

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Bath Lift - Maintenance and Care

 Bathing can be very therapeutic. It can relax your body and calms your mind. But for those who are suffering from limited mobility, a simple activity like taking a bath can be difficult. However, much to their relief, there are disability aids like bath lifts available in the market.

The power operated lift with the help of a scissor mechanism, raises and lowers you in and out of the bathtub. You can operate the lift with a hand-held remote. It comes with a suction cup foot which secures the lift into the bottom of the bathtub. The two flaps rest on the edge of the tub which ensures a safe transfer on the seat section of the life. When you descend into the tub, these flaps descend and fold upwards to allow you to submerge in the tub. The flaps will raise and get back to their position once you raise the life.

With this mechanism, the lift offers a mobility-conscious bathing solution. If you have a person with mobility impairment at home then adding a bath lift can be extremely beneficial. This aid does not just ensure comfort and safety but it gives the person the liberty to take a bath at his/her convenient time. They do not need the help of others to get them in and out of the bath and this will create a good impact on their daily routine because now they are getting self-reliant. Secondly, it is a cost-effective way that eliminates the need to install a walk-in bath. The lift, as compared to a walk-in bath, is much cheaper and easier to install.

If you are deciding to buy a bathing lift or already have it, then continue reading the post to discover some best tips to keep your bath lift in perfect shape.

Regular Cleaning: If you want to prevent your lift from serious damage, regular cleaning is important. Every time you finish using the lift, make sure to wipe it and let it dry thoroughly. This will reduce the chances of mildew building up. When there are less chances of the lift remaining moist, it will last long for a considerable time. Toiletries like soaps and other products also increase the chances of blockage in the joints of the chair. So, cleaning regularly will help extend the life and efficiency of the lift.

Maintaining Battery Charger: You do not need to maintain the charging unit. However, make sure to clean the housing once in a while. You can make use of mild detergents and a cloth for cleaning. Make sure water does not enter the charging unit and every time you use it, check if it is completely dry.

Maintaining the Seat Cover: The material of the seat cover consists of antibacterial properties. To keep this quality intact, cleaning the cover is necessary. Make sure you clean the cover at regular intervals using mild detergents without enzyme additives and clean water. Sometimes bath oils and soaps lead to decoloring of the seat. Therefore, maintaining the seat cover will even prevent discoloration.

Transporting: If you want to transport the lift in a car then see to it that you fold it correctly and completely to prevent the structure from getting damaged. Try to reduce excessive movement while shifting the lift. You can do this by using other objects that minimize the sliding.

Bath lift providers generally offer a yearly inspection of the product which includes inspection of all parts, and necessary function tests. Make sure you approach them to conduct periodic maintenance to increase the efficiency of the aid.

Wrapping Up

For people with restricted mobility, disability aids like bath lift is a very helpful device. Its strong and durable materials ensure the best results. However, just like any other product, they require regular maintenance to prevent harmful bacteria and fungus that may lead to a skin infection.

Source :

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/635650283438014464/bath-lift-maintenance-and-care

Things to Consider with Walking Sticks

 Walking sticks are perhaps the most basic mobility aids. They assist with balance and provide simple, easy to control support for those who need it as the walk.

Traditional walking sticks were wooden, and while this is still a popular choice, adjustable aluminium sticks are now popular, mainly because of their lightweight and adjustability.

Here we’ll run down some of the variables with walking sticks and explain a bit about the different kinds available.

Walking stick handles

There are now alternative handles to those on traditional walking sticks, with their curved, relatively narrow wooden handles.

Other old-fashioned handles were made from metal, bone or even ivory.

Depending on the diameter, it is possible that this type of handle can cause pain in the hands, especially for people with arthritis or other conditions which lead to inflammation.

Softer plastics and foam may be found on some walking sticks in order to improve comfort.

Another alternative is the contoured ‘fischer’ design of handle. These have been carefully designed to reflect and be sympathetic to the curvature of the hands and fingers.

The width of the fischer handle is also wider than a conventional stick, meaning the user’s weight is spreadly more evenly.

Stick height

It is important to use a stick which is the correct height. If it is too low, it could hurt your back; too high and it may not provide the necessary support.

As an approximate rule of thumb, the stick’s height from the ground to the handle should come up to your wrist crease when your hands are hanging loose by your sides.

Wooden sticks need sawing to the correct length, while extendable aluminium ones can be easily adjusted.

Aluminium walking sticks

Sticks made from aluminium tubing have a number of advantages which has seen them grow in popularity.

One is that they are very light weight. If you are elderly or have a condition which reduces your strength, a light stick makes for an ideal walking aid.

In its tubular form, aluminium is also extremely rigid and strong, making it a practical material for this purpose.

Most sticks made from aluminum have two shafts: one which slots inside the other.

The length of the overall stick can therefore be adjusted by means of a pin-clip mechanism, which allows the lower shaft to protrude and lock in place at the desired length.

This is an improvement over wooden walking sticks, which have to be cut to the desired length and then can not be readjusted later.

Most aluminium sticks are fitted with handles designed to apply pressure evenly, spreading the user’s weight and making them less likely to cut into the hand.

If you do go for a contoured handle, make sure you choose one which is suitable for the hand you want to hold the stick with. The contours make these sticks appropriate for either one or the other.

Walking stick ferrules

The cap which fits to the end of the walking stick is called a ‘ferrule’.

For use on rough ground, the ferrule maybe metal, while in other cases a rubber or plastic version will be attached.

Metal ferrules are traditional and great for soft ground, but tend to slip on hard surfaces. Rubber or plastic versions are now much more commonly used.

This type will absorb some of the weight of the user, retain its shape, prevent the stick from slipping and protect the end from splintering or degrading over time.

Essential Aids supplies a high-quality range of walking sticks and ferrules, available in various diameters. Most have internal metal discs, which prevent the ferrules cutting through and allowing the base of the stick to be exposed to the ground.

Without this disc, tubular metal sticks are especially prone to cutting through the soft material.

‘Flexible’ ferrules take the concept a step further by containing a spring-loaded mechanism which keeps the bottom of the stick in contact with the ground for an extended period.

They have a flexible neck component which some people feel makes the stick more stable and less likely to slip.

Folding walking sticks

Folding canes are excellent walking aids which you can transport in a handbag or rucksack.

Most designs have three short sections of aluminium metal tubing which lock together when in use, making the complete walking stick.

The three sections are internally connected via a length of elastic, which keeps them together when they are in their separated state.

Walking stick straps

A loop of material or leather attached to the handle is a useful accessory for walking sticks as they reduce the chance of them falling to the ground.

While this may seem like a minor benefit, reaching items on the floor may actually be a serious difficulty for people with certain physical conditions.

Walking aids with multiple legs

If more support is required than a conventional walking stick can offer, you might consider one with three or even four legs. Essential Aids supplies a range of exactly this type of product.

While these mobility aids are certainly heavier, they offer some key advantages, with stability being top of the list.

Three-legged and four-legged sticks also have the benefit of standing up alone, without having to be rested against something.

As mentioned above, this is a significant benefit to someone who may find it challenging to bend down to floor level.

Sticks with three legs tend to be slightly more maneuverable than those with four, but the latter offers the maximum stability.

This type of mobility aid is not for moving fast. They’re typically used around the home by people who require extra support.

Their legs are usually made from steel, with an upper shafter of aluminium.

Wooden walking sticks - how they are made

Traditional wooden walking sticks are not only supportive walking aids, but can also look aesthetically pleasing.

Chestnut is a traditional wood from which to make walking sticks. It is used because it is lightweight and durable. It is usually harvested as a three or four-year-old sapling.

The sticks are cut to a rough length, the bark peeled and then thoroughly dried out. The wood is then washed, often using a rotating tank, to remove any surface mould or wood decay.

Once stripped and cleaned to the required degree, the sticks are then bent so that they have the familiar curved handle of a walking stick.

This process requires the chestnut stick to be softened. A traditional method towards this end is to use steam. The straight sticks are inserted into a purpose-built machine in which the steaming takes place.

It takes around twenty minutes for the moisture to sufficiently penetrate the wood, making it soft and malleable enough to bend without splitting or cracking.

Long levers and brute force were used in traditional walking stick manufacture, in order to exert enough force to bend the stick.

Other methods are now more common, like mechanical spring-loaded arms which wrap the wood around a ‘form’, which provides the distinctive shape of the ‘crook’ or handle of the stick.

At this stage of the process, the wood is still relatively pliable, so it is then tied into its new shape so it can harden. Now held firm, the bending arm can be retracted.

The ‘straightness’ of the stick’s shaft may then be adjusted by using a traditional tool called a ‘straightening horse’.

This comprises a thick wooden column with various off-shoot blocks which can be used together in order to leverage kinks and small bends out of the stick.

This process requires some skill by the worker and no little strength.

Once the stick has been straightened, it goes into a drying room to expel any moisture from its interior, and firm up its new shape.

With a temperature of around 80 degrees, the sticks remain in this environment for two or three days.

The next stage of the process involves a sanding and cutting wheel. Using this, the stick is cut to the desired length and the tip is made narrow in order to fit the ‘foot’ or ferrule to the bottom.

Also at this stage the wood is ‘de-knotted’ to make it smoother to the touch. This is done by means of a spinning sanding wheel, against which the wood-worker presses any knots to grind them off the surface.

Another sanding machine, which works like a pencil sharpener, is used to round off the handle end of the stick, giving it a softer finish. This is called ‘nosing’.

The stick is then finished with varnish so that it is protected from absorbing moisture and to provide an attractive top-coat.

The final step in the process is to add the stick’s ferrule.

Walking ‘stick-seats’

These inventive devices combine a walking stick with a portable stool. They’re great for short journeys on which you might still need to sit down.

Essential Aids supplies a number of variations, but the basic design involves a round seat which folds against the shaft of the stick as you walk.

When the seat is required, it folds out and locks in place as the individual’s weight is placed on it.

Source :

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/635191445396045824/things-to-consider-with-walking-sticks

All you Need to Know About Threshold Wheelchair Ramps

 Wheelchair ramps are a cost-effective solution to enhance mobility. They enable older adults and people with mobility impairment to move freely and safely. By installing a ramp, wheelchair users can access doorways, raised landings, steps easily.

The threshold in doorways is a raised piece of the door frame. The transition from one side of the door to the other can be challenging for people with limited mobility. For this, wheelchair threshold ramps are available in the market that helps you to smoothly transit from one door to another. You can use a threshold ramp will all kinds of wheelchairs be it traditional or light-weight. It is ideal for doorways, sliding glass doors, and single steps. Most ramps can support up to 600 pounds and they come in elevations between 1 to 6 inches in height. They are available in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes.

Basic Types of Threshold Ramp

Bridging Ramp: it is a lightweight, slip-resistant wheelchair ramp ideal for bridging the gap over most doors.

Doorline-multi Ramp: it provides mobility scooter and wheelchair access over doorway thresholds.

Threshold Standard Ramp: it is a standard wheelchair ramp with an anti-slip surface and protective rubber grips on the underside.

Rubber Ramp: lightweight ramp of rubber that can help you overcome the threshold.

Aluminium Ramp: a folding aluminium ramp for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Fiberglass Ramp: fiberglass threshold ramp is lightweight, non-slip and you can leave it outside without corroding.

Benefits of Using a Wheelchair Threshold Ramp

Easy access to a kitchen: one must frequently go to the kitchen multiple times in a day. Therefore, it is necessary to make the kitchen friendly for wheelchair users. Most users even renovate their kitchens to make it wheelchair-friendly. A threshold ramp will make it easier for you to access the kitchen. You need not worry about slipping or falling.

Safe entry and exit: stepping in and out of the house is difficult for some wheelchair users, especially for the new ones. Purchasing a threshold ramp will enable a safe and easy entry or exit. If you have a foldable aluminium ramp, you can conveniently open it when you need and fold it back after you finish the work.

Safely stepping in the bathroom: a bathroom is a dangerous place for wheelchair users. Having a ramp that allows the user to get into the bathroom or the shower area not just provide safety but also give the person some privacy to enjoy a refreshing bath.

Makes the user independent: just like all of us, wheelchair users wish for a self-reliant life. But somebody must constantly assist them if they wish to get out of the house or climb the steps. Installing a ramp inside and outside the house will provide an independent lifestyle to the user and he/she can move freely without worrying about safety. Secondly, having a portable threshold ramp will allow the person to do other tasks like grocery shopping as well.

Navigate doorways easily: High door thresholds can be risky for wheelchair users because as the height increases, one must put in more efforts to overcome it. A threshold ramp will allow the person to glide over the ramp easily.

Of all the threshold ramps available, aluminium ramps are popular because of their strength, rigidity and relatively lightweight. They will not rust or corrode and can support up to 700 pounds. Most aluminium wheelchair ramps either fold in half or are telescopic, making them easy to store or transport in the boot of a car. Many suitcase-style ramps are made from aluminium. These popular designs fold in half and you can carry it with the help of an integral handle.

Conclusion

Wheelchair threshold ramp is a handy tool that enables you to smoothly move without the risk of tripping while walking. They provide safety for both indoor and outdoor purposes. When buying one, remember that the ramp is durable, strong, and fulfills all your requirements.

Source : 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/635020066248916992/all-you-need-to-know-about-threshold-wheelchair

Shower Boards - Bathroom Safety Solution for Elders

 A shower is an essential part of the day to refresh and relax. But sometimes relaxation could be a tragedy for senior adults as they are prone to frequent falls. The reason for a fall could be either loss of balance, slippery surface or an obstacle on the floor. To prevent this, it is essential that elderly people feel safe when in the bathroom.

Bathroom mobility aids like shower seat and shower chair, adjustable shower head, and more are available to improve mobility in the shower. Investing in a shower board is necessary not just to provide safety but also enhance the confidence in aged people.

Two Reasons Why Mobility Aids are Important

Improves Safety: If the chances of falling in the bathroom are constantly in the mind of an elderly person, then bathroom aids can put them at ease. Making use of support aids will enhance safety by lessening the chances of falling.

Makes you Independent: Shower aids by assisting to get in and out of the shower, makes the person more independent as he/she can enjoy the shower without anybody's assistance. This self-reliance even keeps the person motivated to carry out their own tasks.

What is a Shower Board

It provides a sealed platform over the bath so that stepping in and out of the shower becomes easy. The major aim of the board is to provide a support surface that enables safe showering in a seated platform.

Choosing the Best One

• The size of the board and quality of material will determine how comfortable the board is. For instance, most metal equipment is sturdy while ones made of plastic are not strong enough. It entirely depends on your needs. The below information will help you choose the best board for your loved one.
  
  
• A board of moulded plastic is generally lightweight, and easy-to-clean. It is also a very handy tool that is resistant to damage and works for a long period of time.
  
  
• If you are looking for a smooth surface that enables the person to slide across onto the board, then a wooden painted board is a good option. However, with daily usage, the coating may wash away. So, you have to maintain it regularly.
  
  
• If you want a board for somebody who is heavy then you can go for coated metal. These boards are stronger and heavier and therefore can withstand the weight for a prolonged time. Moreover, the metal coating also provides a smoother surface for an easy glide.
  
  
• Padded boards are best for elders who are bony and for those who suffer excessive pain. The padded cushions will provide a great deal of comfort and decrease pain.
• Checking the weight capacity of the board is necessary because if it is not adequate then the chances of fall despite using an aid increase.
  
  
• Using the correct length is also very important. If it is too short then it will not provide enough support. If it is too long than expected, there are chances of the person tipping forward if he/she sits at the very edge of the board.

Once you purchase the board, the next step is to learn the proper way of using it so that the person feels safe. For this, the first step is to put the board securely in a place by tightening the screws. If the board has a handle, position them at the edges. After installing the board, the next procedure is to assist the elderly person especially if he/she is using the board for the first time. Help them sit down safely and encourage them to take a shower without any worry.

Conclusion

If you have an elderly person at home, purchasing mobility aids like a shower board will provide a great deal of comfort while using the bathroom. It will make bathing an easier and relaxing experience.

Source : 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/634652452748165120/shower-boards-bathroom-safety-solution-for 

Rolling Over the History of Wheelchairs

 Wheelchairs and ramps are vital pieces of equipment for those with severely reduced mobility. They provide a method to access the home and the wider environment for people whose physical condition means they are unable to walk.

The history of wheelchairs is a long one. While it’s impossible with any degree of certainty to pinpoint when the first wheelchairs were used, there are some known historical landmarks which give us indications of their earliest appearances.

Wheelbarrows in China

The wooden wheelbarrow is documented to have been invented in China around the first Century AD. While it’s plethora of goods-transporting properties would have been its likely day-today role, it’s obviously practicality for transporting a person would not have gone unnoticed.

While not necessarily a ‘chair’ in the strictest sense, the wooden wheelbarrow could easily have supported a person for a ride, albeit a bumpty one!

There is in fact evidence that the Chinese used wheelbarrows to transport disabled or injured people in the shape of an engraved image dated AD 525.

Philip II Spain’s wheelchair

Documentary or pictorial evidence of wheelchair use is then absent for over 1500 years that followed, until a sketch of Philip II of Spain in 1595. It depicts the king seated in a chair which appears to have small wheels.

The image also shows a resting platform for the king’s legs and what looks like an adjustable backrest. At the time, documents describe it as an ‘invalid’s chair’.

Steven Farfler’s self-propelled ‘wheelchair’

While Philip II’s chair was self-evidently propelled by a servant, documented proof of the first wheelchair which could be described as ‘self-propelled’ - powered by its occupant - would come around some 80 years later

At just 22 years of age, English watchmaker Steven Farlfer came up with an innovative box-like design which used arm power for its propulsion.

Farfler, who was himself without the use of his legs, produced what drawn images suggest was a stable chassis with three wheels.

The front wheel had protruding handles at its axel, allowing the user to lean forwards and rotate them - in doing so turning the front wheel and propelling the contraption forwards.

The ‘Bath Chair’

The spa waters of English city of Bath enticed many disabled travellers in the 17th and 18th Centuries who believed its waters had therapeutic effects.

And it was here that in 1783, John Dawson invented a mobility chair which he eventually named after his hometown. Indeed, the appearance of this chair is perhaps the first which has visual ancestry with modern wheelchairs.

The ‘Bath Chair’ had two small wheels at the front and two much larger rear wheels, in some ways similar to today’s self-propelled wheelchairs.

The chair could also be mounted on four wheels and pulled by a horse, a donkey or even a dog. Other versions could be pushed by an attendant in the conventional way.

Some Bath Chairs had wooden levers acting as steering mechanisms which could be controlled by the rider.

While there were other designs of wheelchairs during Dawson’s lifetime, it was his which dominated the market in the first 40 years of the 19th Century.

Versions were produced with hoods and even some with glass windscreen-like front panels.

With solid wooden wheels, one of the characteristics of Dawson’s chairs was that almost all the models were uncomfortable to ride. As things developed, models were produced with footrests and adjustable backrests, but the ride itself remained bumpy.

In the second half of the century, manufacturers aimed to improve the comfort of their products.

Evolution towards the modern wheelchair

A patent was taken out in 1869 for a wheelchair which was in many ways foreshadowed modern versions seen across the world today.

The patented wheelchair again had the large rear and small front wheels, the difference being that now the rear wheels were intended to allow the user to propel them without assistance.

In their first incarnations, this came with drawbacks. For one, there was no second rim to allow the user to grip and push. Instead the user would push the wheel itself, meaning it could be a muddy business, depending on the weather!

Engineers soon realised a way around this problem was to fit a second ‘pushing rim’ with a smaller circumference, to sit outside the existing wheel.

This meant the user could propel the wheel with the arms and hands without having to grip the same rotating surfaces that contacted the ground.

During the great and widespread period of technological innovation through the 19th and 20th Centuries, various design tweaks and innovations were introduced.

Wheelchairs became less bulky and there was a greater emphasis on comfort.

Folding wheelchairs

One of the chief issues with wheelchairs has always been their rather awkward size and shape. This makes them intuitively difficult to transport or efficiently store.

There was therefore a motivation to solve this problem. The idea of a folding wheelchair was the brainchild of American engineer Harry Jennings in 1932.

His design of metal tubed frame which could fold down to a much smaller width when not in use, is fundamentally unchanged to this day.

Jennings came up with the ideal for his friend Herber Everest, who was himself disabled and needed a wheelchair which he could transport by another new invention, the motor car.

The ability of a wheelchair to fold down so that it will fit easily into the boot of a car remains one of the most important factors in chair design today.

Jennings’ ‘x-brace’ mechanism is still commonly found both in wheelchairs and children’s pushchairs.

Motorised wheelchairs

While the start of the 20th Century saw improvements to the design of wheelchairs to make them more comfortable, it was in 1916 when UK engineers first saw the potential to make ‘automatic’ models.

Their initial ‘motorised’ chairs never found much commercial success and it wasn’t until after the second world war that the first electricity powered wheelchairs were invented.

The high number of parapletic war veterans generated demand and inspired the notable Canadian engineer George Klein to invent the electric wheelchair.

Klein had a diverse impact on emerging technologies - as well as his work on electric wheelchairs, he also invented the first microsurgical staple gun and had a hand in the development of nuclear reactors.

The aforementioned Jennings and Everest got in on the act and in 1956, becoming the first to mass produce an electric wheelchair.

Ramps for wheelchair users in the UK

Ramps have been used since time immemorial as ancient builders slid and later wheeled materials to where they were needed. They would, for example, have played a large role in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge in the west of England.

Modern wheelchair ramps, whether for use in a public or domestic setting, have developed alongside wheelchairs themselves as they have gained wider usage through the centuries.

Following World War II the importance of accessibility was widely recognised, with a significant number of war casualties being confined to a wheelchair.

From 1950 there was growing advocacy for greater accessibility in public areas and since then it has lead to laws preventing impaired access leading to discrimination against disabled people.

After the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, laws are now in place to ensure public buildings are accessible to wheelchair users.

In 1999 UK companies were told they needed to make changes to ensure wheeled access, and then in 2004 to adapt the physical characteristics of their property to accommodate wheelchairs.

Folding wheelchair ramps and other portable models have become fundamental accessories for many wheelchair users.

Available in various sizes, modern versions are lightweight and easy to transport in the boot of a car.

Most ramps for wheelchair users tend to be made of aluminium. This is because of its low weight, high rigidity and non-corrosive nature.

For portable ramps, it has largely replaced steel as a construction material. The steel ramps used in the mid to late part of the 20th Century were strong and reliable, but also heavy and prone to rust.

Fibreglass and strong plastics are still popular for small wedge-type ramps around the home. They’re excellent for bridging doorway thresholds, for example.

Folding wheelchair ramps, or ‘suitcase ramps’ usually fold down the centre and lock out flat when in use. Many models have a carry handle mounted in the middle, leading to the ‘suitcase-like’ appearance.

Also supplied by Essential Aids are ‘channel ramps’. These are another form of portable ramp and as the name suggests, come in pairs of aluminium ‘channels’.

These are particularly good for wheeling chairs and even mobility scooters onto large vehicles or in situations where it’s imperative that the wheels do not slip off to the side.

The channels typically have high lips to each side, guiding the wheels and ensuring there’s no possibility of them falling off as they roll.

One advantage of this style of ramps is that they tend to be telescopic and reduce down to at least half their extended length for storage or transportation. This makes them excellent alternatives to folding wheelchair ramps.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/634393510719684608/rolling-over-the-history-of-wheelchairs

Riser Recliner Chairs for Elderly People: All You Need to Know

For people with back problems or other physical conditions inhibiting mobility, raising and lowering oneself to and from a seating position can be challenging. Stiffness or reduced strength often leads to discomfort and a new assortment of practical obstacles.

Armchairs and sofas in the living room may be difficult to get up from. This type of furniture tends to involve a low sitting position, making the distance of travel from sitting to standing up again fairly significant.

Essential Aids supplies a range of products which tackle this problem in different ways. Some have the objective of raising the height of the user’s sitting position, while others provide a point of leverage to help the user pull themselves up.

Chair and bed raisers

These items are positioned beneath the chair or bed immediately under the legs or feet. They are substantial ‘blocks’ of either wood or robust plastic and have a cut-out where the feet of the furniture can sit without sliding around.

The net effect of this is to raise the height of the item of furniture by the size of the block. Essential Aids supplies the ‘Wooden Bed/Chair Raisers’ which are available in blocks of 10cm or 15cm and are sold in packs of four.

A plastic alternative is the plastic ‘Leg-X Furniture Raisers’. These are tubes which fit over the furniture’s feet, with internal removable blocks making provision to set the height at the required point. The maximum height for these raisers is 9cm.

Booster cushions

As the name suggests, these are extra thick, extra firm cushions which boost the height of a sofa or armchair. The ‘Harley Booster Cushion’ is a good example of this type of product.

Made from dense polyurethane foam and available in two thickness options, it can boost the height of a seat by either 10cm or 13cm.

Mechanical riser cushions

These devices physically lower or ‘push’ the user from a sitting position into a standing one. Most are either electric or hydraulic powered.

The ‘UpEasy Powered Lifting Cushion’ for example effectively turns a regular chair into an automatic rising chair. Its hinged mechanism supports 100% of the user’s bodyweight, up to a maximum of 21 stone.

It has a non-slip base which stays in position while the user is gently lifted. A hand-held panel enables easy control of the lift while it's in action.

The seat is intuitive to operate, needing only gentle upward pressure on either of the power levers as it lifts the user effortlessly towards a standing position.

An alternative to the plug-in UpEasy Cushion is the standard ‘UpEasy Lifting Cushion’. Rather than using electric power, this device deploys an internal hydraulic arm which provides the necessary push to help you stand up from a sitting position.

It is most useful when using an armchair, where the person is able to rest their hands on the arms in order to maintain balance.

Because the UpEasy Lifting Cushion doesn’t need external power, it is an excellent choice for someone who may need it away from the home. Weighing in at just 5.4kg and with an integral carry handle, it is a practical and portable riser cushion.

It comes with a washable and wipe-clean blue cover and has internal padding to improve comfort.

Armchairs which tilt the user forwards

If you’re looking for a more substantial piece of furniture which helps you stand up, riser recliner chairs may be worth consideration.

Some of these aids for mobility have in-built seating cushions which, similar to the Upeasy portable devices, physically push the sitter upwards as they stand up.

One such example is the ‘Longfield Easy Riser Lounge Chair’. With its high back and armrests, it offers excellent support, but its key feature is the seat rising functionality.

It has a smooth, spring-loaded mechanism which gently lifts the user as they rise.

As with the riser cushions, the user needs to rest their hands on the armrests in order to maintain balance.

If you’re looking for a powered option, the ‘Rise and Recline Chair with Dual Motor’ is a premium piece of furniture which both reclines and fully tilts upwards and forwards as required.

If you have restrictions in your movement, this makes getting up from a sitting position a much easier process.

The chair features a battery back-up and the mechanics are both smooth and quiet. It is highly practical for use both in domestic settings or in care homes.

The extensive padding is constructed using memory foam, allowing it to mould to the contours of the body, enhancing comfort and support while reducing pressure on localised areas. This feature is excellent it is likely to be used for sustained periods of time.

This mechanism of this chair allows it to lift up and tip forward with smooth efficiency, providing an easy, no-effort route from sitting to standing.

It is suitable for users weighing up to 23 stone and is available in four attractive colours. As well as the tilting action, it also reclines, all controlled by means of an intuitive hand control unit.

Support rails for armchairs and sofas

Using a rail or grab handle in front of you is one way of getting up from a sitting position. We’ll come onto this in relation to the bedroom shortly, but there are also support rails available which assist in the living room.

Fitting a rail in a suitable spot for a sofa or armchair is a challenge, as wall mounted rails, unless they protrude significantly into the room, are unlikely to be practical.

The inventive ‘CouchCane’ finds a way around this problem by using the weight of the chair itself to provide a stable foundation for the support handle.

This product has a horizontal section which fits under both the front and back legs on one side of the chair. This is attached to an upright pole of around three quarters of a metre in height.

The horizontal section uses the weight of the furniture to hold the CouchCane in place. The vertical bar has a robust handle at the top, giving the user something solid and stable to hold as they lower themselves into the chair.

As they rise to their feet, the user can use the handle to pull themselves upwards and forwards.

The key feature of the CouchCane is that it provides support in just the right place - in front of the user. This enables them to use their upper body strength to pull themselves from a sitting position to a standing one.

The handle itself is cushioned to the touch and is adjustable in height between 725 and 800mm.

Getting up from a sitting position in bed

While the CouchCane and riser recliner chairs are excellent products to help with getting to one’s feet in the living room, in the bedroom, different equipment is needed.

Transferring from a sitting position to standing or from sitting on the side of the bed to standing up can be a real challenge for some people living with certain conditions limiting their mobility.

If the individual has enough upper body strength, sometimes a ‘bed rope ladder’ may make a difference in getting from lying down to sitting up.

It attaches to the foot of the bed and extends horizontally on top of the bedclothes. The person in bed then uses the rungs to gradually pull themselves into a sitting position.

While the ladder is an excellent and inexpensive bed mobility aid, you might want to use it in conjunction with other equipment.

Handles which fix to the bed and protrude vertically for example may make a big difference both with getting into bed and getting out of it again.

Essential Aids supplies a wide range of this type of product. What most of them share in common is providing a firm hand hold, assisting balance as the person transfers to or from the bed.

The popular ‘Smart Rail’ for example fits to the bed and is supported by two vertical legs resting on the floor. They support a horizontal grab rail which is positioned midway along the length of the bed.

The rail uses straps to fix securely to the bed - fitting beneath the mattress, creating a firm hold and secure balance point.

The handle part of the rail extends around 18 inches across while the overall height is 30 inches from the floor.

This particular rail, along with other similar items, can also be used as an aid to sit up in bed after laying down flat.

If you are away from home and need to bring a portable rail with you, the ‘Bed Rail Advantage Traveller’ is worth consideration.

This device uses the weight of the mattress to secure it in place and provides an upside down ‘U-shaped’ support rail.

Its beauty is that it requires no assembly to use. Simply unfold and slide the horizontal section between the bed and mattress and rail section protrudes upwards as required.

It is 22 inches high from the bottom of the mattress and is 17 inches wide. The Advantage Rail also comes with pockets, useful for books, remote controls etc.

Aids for mobility like the Advantage Rail - which are inexpensive and easy to transport - may make a practical difference to people’s lives.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/634026680234770432/riser-recliner-chairs-for-elderly-people-all-you

The Benefits of Using a Pill Box Organizer

 Confusion over what medicine you have taken and what you need to take is a common thing. Especially for elders, due to ageing, the problem of forgetting becomes worse. Also, forgetting medicines lead to serious health implications.

In such a case, having aids for the elderly such as a pill organizer will be of great relief. A pillbox or a pill organizer serves as a helping aid to store scheduled doses of medications. They usually come in square-shaped compartments for each day, but now compact boxes which are cylindrical or pen-shaped are becoming popular. Some latest boxes even have multiple sections for different times of the day.

Importance of taking pills on schedule

Taking medicines on time is crucial for the success of any treatment. One must have medicines regularly and on time to make sure that he/she is getting the benefits of the drug. Secondly, to control chronic conditions and for overall long-term health benefits, it's essential to take medicines as prescribed is important to control chronic conditions or overall long-term health benefits. If you are suffering from chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, psychiatric illnesses, and others, missing medicines can be worse. When a person who is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, misses a dose, then it often results in hospitalization. If you are suffering from diabetes, then a missed dose could result in further complications.

Physicians describe taking prescribed medications properly as adherence to a drug regimen. Doctors and pharmacists often recommend using pillboxes in order to improve adherence. Sorting pills according to when you should take them; makes taking medicines on time easier to remember.

Continue reading the post to know more about the benefits of using medicine organizers.

Easy Organization: Boxes for medicines are available with separate sections for days of the week and times of the day. This helps you to easily organize and sort the medicines on the basis of your daily/hourly requirement. This will bring peace of mind and reduce the stress of checking if you have taken the tablets or not.

Serves as a Reminder: Everybody gets so involved in daily activities that forgetting medicines is a common occurrence. To avoid this, the best practice is to use a medicine box. Moreover, if an elderly person lives alone and who does not have others to remind of medicines, these boxes can be of great help. They just require someone to organize a week's work of tablets and then they can consume the tablets daily.

Variety of Choice: Boxes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes with different levels of pill compartments. You can choose the best that suits your needs.

Convenient Usage: These boxes are very convenient to use even for those with arthritic hands. The lids of the box open with just a small pull action. Moreover, there are lids that open automatically with a gentle push of a button.

Other advantages of this aid for elderly include:

• Easy management of complicated doses
• Reduction in wastage of medication
• Maintains autonomy and independence of elders
• You do not have to handle medicine bottles
• At any time, you can make sure if you have taken the medicines
• You do not mistakenly take a double dose of medicines

To increase the efficiency of a medicine organizer, set up an alarm on your cellphone. This will remind you when it's time to take your pills. Many pharmacies provide a patient reminder system. Ask your local pharmacy if they offer such service. For those who have just started to take medicines, the process can be difficult. One way to remind yourself is to link the pills with certain activities that you do daily. You can even maintain a diary to write down medicines and their schedules.

Wrapping Up

Pill box is an essential aid for elderly which is helpful for keeping your medicines in order and it makes you free from worries to take pills on time!

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/633848596153892864/the-benefits-of-using-a-pill-box-organizer