6 Helpful Bathroom Aids for Limited Mobility Patients

To carry high quality to the life of individuals with mobility points, the very first thing you need to begin with is offering them with superior toilet aids. As a result of it’s the riskiest space to make use of for folks having mobility points. 

Following aids will guarantee security and promote consolation in your family members. Tell us that are the aids that may assist the sufferers to make use of the lavatory independently and safely.

1. Non-Slip Mats 

Non-slip mats are among the best methods to subtly rework the lavatory and make it a a lot safer place for on a regular basis use for folks with or with out mobility points. Non-slip mats supply further safety for stopping undesirable falls when you are stepping in/out of the lavatory.

These mats are products of particular rubber materials and assist one to keep up grip and preserve the stability. A waterproof mattress protector doubles up the security stage. Waterproof mattress protector doubles up the grip and the mattresses’ soaking capability. This reduces slipping accidents.

2. Bathtub Boards 

These boards assist you to carry the affected person’s legs into a tub. In addition they help regular bathing. One can place these bathtub boards over the tub. These boards include slats that forestall one from slipping. One simply wants to put it correctly, after which can belief the board for the additional bathing help required.

Moreover, be sure that you purchase a board that matches your bathtub’s measurements. Solely then, are you able to place it completely and depend on it whereas bathing. There are numerous supplies you may think about, together with wooden, molded plastic, coated metallic, or a padded choice. 

3. Bathtub Steps 

Bathtub steps are a fantastic addition if one wants a bit of assist stepping into/outdoors the tub however don’t wish to construct the steps completely within the toilet. The bathtub steps are available in a special vary of sizes. These present the affected person with a serving to hand whereas they wrestle with stability points. Be sure to select the correct measurement, materials, and design, so the step won’t slip whereas in use.

4. Seize Rails 

Seize rails are a typical and most useful addition to any toilet or significantly to the house itself. These rails are helpful and straightforward to repair. Seize rails present the additional help for tough actions like getting out or decreasing your self into the tub. It additionally saves you from accidents like slipping within the toilet.

These rails present help and independence to the sufferers. Seize rails must be purchased in a spread of kinds, supplies, and sizes relying on the affected person’s precise necessities.

5. Bathtub Benches 

A shower bench, also called a switch bench, is a toilet accent that helps the aged to get into the tub. It supplies a protected and secure seat within the bathtub, and you need to use this bench to even get into the tub. Many designs additionally include a built-in deal with for further help.

6. Bathtub Hoists 

These aids differ from bathtub lifts as they elevate the affected person’s physique from above somewhat than lifting it from beneath. These aids are costlier than bathtub lifts. Nonetheless, it may be price it as they elevate one excessive sufficient that they don’t must carry their legs to the bathtub rim. You may set up a shower hoist that fixes to your ground, with an applicable design that also lifts the affected person as much as the suitable and required peak with ease.

Another choice right here is to affix the bathtub hoist to the ceiling. For sufferers with restricted knee mobility or hip points, ceiling fixing is a good choice. Relying on the lavatory house and necessities, you will discover a shower hoist fixing that works finest in your family members.

We hope you discovered this text about several types of toilet aids useful. Earlier than putting in any bathtub support, we suggest you seek the advice of a physician for his or her suggestion, as they know the affected person’s necessities and a state of affairs like nobody. Small settings like putting in a bathroom seat with handles, bathe help bars, and so forth., can cut back many accidents. Moreover, aids like toilet seats with handles are available in numerous varieties. Thus, whereas shopping for the aids, be sure you maintain the lavatory measurements and affected person’s necessities in thoughts.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/671718302493638656/6-helpful-bathroom-aids-for-limited-mobility

Benefits of Using a Lightweight Wheelchair

Living with limited mobility can be difficult, especially for the elderly. However, advancements in technology have made it a bit easier. How? By making support devices. Equipment such as folding walking sticks, wheelchairs are some of the common mobility equipment. 

And as we know, out of all, wheelchairs are of great use and can be used by people with different disabilities and for different help. However, carrying it with you while traveling often seems tricky. And as a solution to that problem and many more, there is an advancement called lightweight manual wheelchair. This helpful equipment helps mobility challenges to participate in everyday activities, promoting ease and enthusiasm.

 

Who Should Use Lightweight Wheelchairs?

Starting from who should not use it. Lightweight wheelchairs are not at all appropriate for someone:

• Who weighs more than 250 pounds

• Who are full-time wheelchair users

 

Now let us see for whom these chairs are perfect. Lightweight folding chairs are best for older people and for those who have trouble continuously walking long distances. These chairs are also recommended to those who can only use some of their limbs and for people who have a temporary injury.

Elderlies with limited mobility can even carry a lightweight chair for their use while traveling. A lightweight folding wheelchair can give the feeling of independence while maintaining mobility. Also, you can invest in folding walking sticks for the extra support elderly want while getting up from the wheel chair or performing daily activities.

 

Benefits of a Lightweight Wheelchair?

 

Ease of Storage

One of the most significant benefits of the lightweight chair is that it folds up for easy storage in tiny spaces. This makes daily living space more convenient and less congested. 

 

Easy Transportation

Caregivers can easily transport people of all ages with limited mobility to shorter distances. The collapsible frame in this chair portrays that the chair is light, foldable, and portable to carry it in the car. These frames also help while carrying the chair upstairs or downstairs.

 

Promotes Independence

It may sound strange to include this option. But, the trust is that these chairs do promote the independence of the patient. These chairs do not need a caretaker to push or pull the chair until the patient can move their hands. These are light in weight and don't even need to apply a great amount of energy. A little push will be enough.

 

Additionally, the newest models even have optional accessories like lap trays and drink holders. This makes it more convenient for the elderly to adjust their belongings on the chair itself. Every add-on can easily be taken off and packed separately for convenient transport. This durable chair allows users to participate in daily activities easily and independently.

 

Many Convenient Features

Lightweight wheelchairs come with various features. These features make the use of chairs more comfortable and user-friendly. You just need to make sure your hair has all the necessary features as per your requirement and mobility issues.

 

Armrests

Armrests come in either full-length or desk-length sizes. If someone wants to sit at a table or a desk for a full day in this chair, then desk-length armrests are an ideal choice for them. Here the armrest also comes in a fixed or movable setting. Armrests that can flip up and down will be convenient if one wishes to transfer themselves to a toilet or on the bed.

 

Leg Rests

Leg rests can be regular or elevating. Here, the regular size is adequate for someone having only mobility issues and wanting to rest their legs while sitting in a wheelchair. And the elevating type does not come under standard leg rests. They help people having circulation problems or who have some injuries.

 

Cushioning

Comfort is vital in any wheelchair. And the lightweight wheelchair gives its users the ideal comfort. One just needs to ask about extra padding for leg rests and seating. One can even install shock absorbers to the framework to eliminate the risk and enhance your comfort.

 

One of the most beneficial features of lightweight wheelchairs is that one can stay independent. The caretaker can even lift the wheelchair easily into a car, bus, or even a plane. With this versatile folding chair, one can participate in what they love to do.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/671338532707631104/benefits-of-using-a-lightweight-wheelchair

4 Shower Solutions for Elderly and Disabled

Taking showers is a process to refresh your mind and body. However, the danger of using showers with limited mobility can lead to severe conditions. Shower solutions can provide a safe, convenient, and comfortable alternative to a traditional bathtub. The danger of stepping into a bathtub can be eliminated through shower solutions.

While remodeling the bathroom to accommodate the requirements of the elderly or people with restricted mobility, it is vital to consider their long-term needs. And knowing below shower solutions can help you know what is best for your loved ones.

1. Bed Baths

People who are bed-bound and cannot get out of bed or move much find it difficult to take showers regularly. However, in any situation, maintaining hygiene is very important. Therefore, the bed bath, commonly known as a “sponge bath,” is often the only option for people with restricted mobility. This bath can be taken in the bed itself. Thus, this solution is the best way to clean the disabled’s body without making them walk into the shower. Even the caregiver can help the patient with the bed baths.

There are two types of bed baths:

• Complete bed bath - cleaning the entire body partial bed bath
• Partial bed bath -  cleaning only the face, underarms, hand, leg, and genitals/perineal area.

2. Shower Chairs

This is a versatile solution for people with significant balance or mobility issues. One can use these shower chairs for bathing conveniently. You can use a shower chair to your bathing set up in the below ways:

• Fit them as a pull-down option from the shower wall
• Build them into the tub or shower as part of a bathroom renovation
• Place a shower chair stand on the tub or on the shower floor so that the shower water can fall straight on the person sitting there

There are different chairs available for different mobility issues. Varieties include wall mounted shower seats, foldable shower chairs, rolling shower chairs, etc. 

Additionally, you should also include the space factor before making any decision. For instance, a wall-mounted shower seat with foldable settings would take the least space. While the floor-built shower chair might engage more space since it is non-movable.

3. Wall Mounted Shower Seat

The wall-mounted chairs are made up of a quality stainless steel frame. You can also choose a wall supported seat for a sleek look; another option is choosing a chair with folding legs for extra support. Most wall mounted shower seats are available with a white and thick padded seat to provide a comfortable phenolic slatted top or teak to provide durability.

4. Portable Showers

Portable showers, also known as roll-in showers, barrier-free showers, and portable wheelchair showers. It is useful for people who are unable to use a traditional bathroom. Here, the best part is that you can set up a washing area in any part of the house and include privacy curtains. This is the most comfortable solution for people with wheelchairs or any other mobility issues. There are also portable solar showers available as another option.

5. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers have a wide array of options for the disabled and the elderly. You can customize this solution as per your convenience by including your specific needs. You can even convert your existing bathtub and shower combo into a walk-in shower.

If one wants to have any other shower then they will need a caretaker to help them step over a curb or into a tub. But a walk-in shower allows the elderly to do that independently. Let us look at its different benefits:

• Convenient to use for all ages
• Make your bathroom feel spacious
• Easy to clean than standard showers
• Adds a sense of luxury
• Great customization options

Moreover, to know more about what you can add to a walk-in shower, you can set up a meeting with any company specializing in building walk-in showers for people with all types of disabilities. These company representatives will come to your home, measure your space, understand your limitations, and that is it. They will offer you the best solution to solve your bathing problem by adding specifications to your walk-in showers.

Wrapping Up

If your loved one needs any assistance while bathing, then you should buy shower equipment and get them installed in the existing bathroom. You can even add other safety equipment like shower chairs, tub rails, grab rails, commode chairs, bath mattresses, etc. It will level up the safety against slippery floors and save from falling off the balance.

Here, commode chairs also come in various types for you to choose from according to your requirements. And you can fit these equipment in any shower options like a wet room, portable shower custom shower, walk-in shower stall, etc.

Before purchasing any equipment, do not forget to discuss it with a healthcare professional asking for their medical advice.

Source:https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/671249743178088448/4-shower-solutions-for-elderly-and-disabled

Taking the Risk out of Personal Hygiene

A bathroom is a more risky place for the elderly than younger people.

Pensioners usually have a less sturdy body than younger people and age also brings with it other conditions and disabilities which make everyday tasks a little more challenging.

Health changes which can affect safety in the bathroom include balance, mobility, dexterity, strength, grip, arthritis (e.g. joint pain), vision, mental health (e.g. Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss) and general weakness which may accompany illness.

Risk factors in play in a bathroom can include hot water, spilt water, poor lighting and obstacles.

A little thought needs to go into the current working of a bathroom and the changes which need to be made to make it more ‘elderly friendly’.

A more’ elderly friendly’ bathroom helps the individual retain their self-esteem and confidence. Such peace of mind promotes calm and can therefore reduce accidents.

Balance

A weakened balance system can be as a result of illness or disability and can make straightforward tasks need more thought and planning.

An aid to balance can be no more than a walking stick, giving the individual something to rest on when moving.

A walking frame allows the user to place some weight on the frame, whilst taking small steps forward. The user lifts the frame into a forward position and then steps towards the frame, before moving the frame forward again.

A walking frame with wheels allows the user to push the walker forward and may also have brakes to accommodate stopping and parking up e.g. when used outside and standing to chat for a while, or waiting in a queue at a checkout.

Walkers are height adjustable and it is important to get the height perfect for the user, so as to avoid hunching, or avoid the walker with wheels running away from the user and causing a fall.

Taking steps forward can feel rather nerve-wracking and so grab rails at appropriate points around the bathroom (e.g. entering the bathroom, moving towards the wash hand basin, toilet, or bath / shower) can empower the user to move, stand and function more safely.

Grab rails within a bath or shower give confidence to the person, when entering and leaving the bathroom, as well as supporting standing whilst bathing.

Non-slip bath mats in the bath / shower are a must for us all. Whilst water can cause us to slip, spilt bath gel and shampoo can exacerbate the problem.

Having a non-slip mat outside the bathing area is also a must, as it allows the person with balance difficulties to establish a safe footing when stepping out of the bathing area.

Mobility

A walking frame is equally as useful to a person with mobility issues but other individuals who have more serious difficulties may need to make use of a wheelchair to enter and leave a bathroom.

To allow a wheelchair to access a bathroom, the doorframe may prove too narrow to accommodate entry. For moving around the bathroom, a shower chair with wheels could prove the answer.

- Bath

To safely enter a bath, the individual with mobility issues can make use of a bath board. Fixed to the depth of the bath itself, the user sits on the bath board and then shuffles along with upper arm body strength until he / she is able to lower oneself down into the water. Grab rails fitted to the bath board and to the wall will help with getting in and out of the bath.

A bathroom chair allows the user to feel well supported and removes the need to lower oneself into the bath. The comfort of the bath chair can also be enjoyed for those who use a shower over a bath.

A bath chair comes as a seat but other models can include a seat back for more support and also seat arms to make the user feel safer and more comfortable.

For the user who may have difficulty stepping into the bath, a swivel bath chair will take the worry out of injuring oneself.

- Shower v Wet Room

A shower comes with a shower tray, a small lip (around four inches (4 cm) which needs to be stepped over to get into the shower.

For a wheelchair user, or for the person who will feel more confident and independent in a shower chair (with or without wheels), a wet room is on ground level and so allows the user to either walk in, or ride into, the shower area, without having to address the ‘small lip’ hazard.

- Bath Mats and Shower Mats

To stand in a bath or shower, or to stand up from a sitting bathing position, anti-slip bath mats are a priority. Without a bath mat, water and, more so, water mixed with bathing gel or shampoo, can cause one to lose one’s balance and to fall and maybe injure oneself on the way down.

Choose a bath / shower mat which :

• has a textured surface and so allows the user to be able to steady one’s feet
• is easily cleanable – a toothbrush may come in handy for deep cleaning
• has anti-bacterial qualities, to reduce the build up of mould and mildew.
• has drain holes built into it, to allow it to dry quickly.

Also make sure that the floor mat to step out of the bathing area onto also has an anti-slip underside.

- Floor tiles

Floor tiles come in many finishes. Avoid shiny tiles which will promote slipping.

Stone tiles actually absorb small spillages and are therefore much safer to stand on than the shiny versions.

Dexterity, Strength and Grip

Joint pain, arthritis, certain illnesses and even old age itself can cause a lack of strength and a weakness of grip.

- Turning Taps On and Off

Whilst a traditional tap needs strength and good grip to turn the tap itself, lever taps prove better for people with reduced dexterity. Many other designs of tap are available, including push button taps and infrared / sensor designs.

- Opening and Squeezing Toiletry bottles

Bath gel and shampoo bottles can sometimes need two hands to release the liquids inside and so, for the person who needs to hold onto a grab rail to secure one’s safety, wall-mounted toiletry bottles which need only one hand to release the contents will prove a better option.

- Using the Toilet

A standard toilet tends to be 17 inches (42.5 cms.) in height but, for elderly people who find sitting down and standing back up a little difficult, a toilet of 20 inches (50 cms.) and 21 inches (52.5 cms.) makes using the toilet more comfortable and safer.

Added height can be given to a standard toilet by simply purchasing an extra thick toilet seat, which gives enough extra height to make sitting and standing prove more comfortable tasks.

Some designs of shower seat fit comfortably around a toilet bowl and come with a hole cut out of the centre of the seat, allowing for toileting to be done from there.

Reduced Vision

For a person with changing sight, a bathroom needs to be ergonomically friendly.

Avoid clutter, avoid sharp edges on bathroom units and use colour coding to make items easily recognisable e.g. cream walls, orange towels and brown cupboards.

Make use of directional lighting (e.g. spotlights), to highlight the most important areas in the bathroom e.g. the toilet, wash hand basin and bathing area. Poor lighting casts shadows and can cause unnecessary accidents.

Use warm lighting, rather than bright lighting, in a bathroom, as bright lights and the accompanying glare can add to vision difficulty.

Mental Health

Forgetfulness (Alzheimer’s and dementia) and short-term memory loss can make simple tasks become dangerous e.g. forgetting to switch a tap off, allowing water temperature to become too hot or too cold.

Depending on your needs, consider purchasing sensor taps which can switch off automatically when not in use.

For safety against burning and scalding, fit a thermostatic mixer valve, which can supply the free flow of water at the desired temperature.

General Weakness

Illnesses such as flu and other fevers can weaken the body and blur vision. Having grab rails to hold onto and good lighting can reduce the likelihood of slipping or falling.

Summary

Where there’s water, there’s an element of danger. A wet floor in a bathroom can create problems for all but maybe more so for elderly people.

When purchasing a bath chair, be sure to take the measurements of your bath first, so as to allow you to choose a bath chair model which will fit your personal bath size and design.

Directional spotlights in the bathroom can prevent accidents.

Bright lights and the accompanying glare can irritate eyesight and so reduce vision clarity.

Bath mats, both inside the bathing area and out, are so important to us all, as they prevent slipping and can reduce accidents and injuries.

Keep a tidy bathroom and avoid sharp edges on bathroom units, both of which will add to the positive bathing experience.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/taking-risk-out-personal-hygiene.html

Incontinence, Quality of Life and Restful Sleep

Loss of bladder control can come about as a result of diabetes, the menopause, an enlarged prostate, lifestyle and also as a result of other illnesses and certain medications.

Urinary incontinence can cause great embarrassment and also lead to isolation, as the individual affected may find socialising somewhat challenging.

Urinary Incontinence Explained

Urinary incontinence can be classified as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow or total:-

Stress incontinence is when the pressure in the bladder becomes stronger than the strength of the urethra (the doorway to the bladder) to contain the urine content.

Urge incontinence is when the detrusor muscles in the bladder contract too often and create a need to quickly pass urine.

Overflow incontinence can be when the detrusor muscles don’t contract fully and cause the bladder to stretch. This condition is often caused by an obstruction or a blockage, meaning that the bladder cannot completely empty itself and so frequent leaking becomes a possible factor.

Total incontinence means that the bladder cannot contain any urine and the individual passes a lot of urine, or has regular toilet seat riser visits and frequent leaks in between.

Risk factors to incontinence can include regular urinary tract infections (UTIs), age and family history.

How to Reduce Leaks

There are several points that the individual can take into account, to lessen the development of leaking:-

• Smoking can increase incontinence, as regular coughing can loosen the pelvic muscles
• Lifting and carrying can weaken pelvic muscles, so mentally work at tightening the pelvic muscles before lifting weight of any kind
• Fatty tissue from being overweight can put pressure on the bladder
• Efforts taken when constipated can both weaken the pelvic muscles and worsen and urinary infections present. Change both your diet and lifestyle, to reduce the likelihood of constipation
• Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, green tea, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and hot chocolate and can irritate the bladder, making incontinence worse
• Alcohol is a diuretic and so causes you to urinate more often. Cut down on consumption to reduce the effects on the bladder
• Cut down on acidic and spicy foods, as they can worsen incontinence symptoms.

Keeping Dry

Keeping dry means protecting one’s skin and keeping clothes, chairs, beds and bed linen free from dampness, odour, stains and discolouration.

Finding the most comfortable incontinence control during the day helps keep life how it is meant to be.

The most comfortable way of keeping dry during the night will aid restful sleep and make for a more positive day.

Daytime

There are a lot of products available for people who wish to control their bladder upset and get on with quality, daily life:-

- Pads and Pull-Up Pants

Like babies’ nappies, pads and pull-up pants include a hydrophobic layer which, by drawing the liquid away from the top layer of the product, keeps the user’s skin dry. This will contribute to preventing infection and lessening the development of sores.

Pull up pants have a breathable back sheet which supports a flow of air and keeps skin fresher. Easy to use, these pants help the skin remain unbroken from dampness or infection.

Pads and pull up pants come in a range of absorbency levels, from small leaks to more intense incontinence.

- Incontinence Pads

Incontinence pads are more bulky and are used by people with more severe incontinence problems.

An incontinence pad can hold up to two or three times the volume of urine excreted from one full emptied bladder.

One thousand mls. (1 2/3 pints) of urine weighs similar to a bag of sugar. Regular changing is therefore recommended, as a heavy incontinence pad will prove very uncomfortable.

Incontinence pads and pants are in both male and female designs, to allow for a better fit.

Sanitary pads are not recommended as a cheaper option, as they tend to remain wet and can cause sores to the skin.

- Chair Protection

Incontinence chair pads help keep chair seats dry and clean and are easily washable. Always buy several chair pads, so that more than one chair is protected at all times, allowing the person with the bladder upset to move freely from one chair or room to another.

Incontinence chair pads can also be used in the car, to protect the seat from dampness, odour and staining, keeping travelling by car firmly on the list of one’s pleasures.

Night-time

Having to change a wet bed during the night is an experience to be avoided, due to disturbed sleep, cleaning and the time taken for all tasks.

A mattress can be kept dry and hygienic by using:-

• A zipped, waterproof, mattress cover – this covers the whole mattress and can be easily wiped clean and deodorised
• A mattress protector - mattress protectors cover your bed like a fitted sheet and are made from water resistant materials. They protect the mattress from spills, sweat and other allergens.
• A waterproof mattress pad – a waterproof mattress pad does not cover the whole of the mattress but offers protection in a particular area of the bed, from the chest down to the foot of the bed. It is a multi-layered sheet which proves to be highly absorbent. If made of paper, it is disposable and, if made of cotton, it is washable
• Washable incontinence bed pads (also known as reusable bed pads) can be placed either on top of, or under, the mattress protector, to keep the mattress dry from urine spills and other body fluids
• A catheter is a thin tube which, when inserted into the bladder, allows urine to flow freely into a drainage bag which is held at the thigh or calf
• For males, the catheter tube enters the bladder through the penis. For females, the catheter enters the bladder through a small hole made in the tummy.

Catheter Side-Effects

The side-effects of using a catheter include:-

• Headaches
• Chills
• Cloudy urine
• Pain in the genital area
• Blood in the urine
• Foul smelling urine.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence is when you find it sometimes difficult to control your bowels. It affects one in five people aged over sixty five and rises for people aged eighty and over.

Bowel incontinence is not a natural part of ageing but older people are more at risk of developing the condition.

Bowel incontinence can present itself as:-

• When you soil yourself without knowing
• When an urgent need to go can’t be held onto
• When passing wind can lead to some spillage.

If the accidents become regular, this will greatly affect quality of life and socialisation. Your first action should be to seek medical attention. This condition can often be treated with medication, though visiting the doctor should always be looked upon as a priority.

Treatment could include:-

• Changing your diet to foods which are less likely to cause diarrhoea or loose stools
• Medicine to reduce diarrhoea and constipation
• Incontinence pads and / or small plugs which can be inserted into your bottom
• Pelvic floor exercises which can help you strengthen muscles which control your bowels.

There are many causes for bowel incontinence, including bleeding piles, constipation and diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel syndrome), childbirth (which causes stretching of the muscles) and also conditions which can affect nerve endings e.g. a stroke and diabetes.

For bowel incontinence, pads are preferred over and above pants.

When choosing the most effective bowel incontinence pad, look for pads which:-

• Are friendly to the skin – some people are allergic to latex, so take this into account when purchasing
• Give a high degree of comfort (belted pads or smaller pads)
• Have an absorbency which matches the user’s level of need (normal, plus, super plus and maxi)
• Fit close to the body
• Indicate the level of wetness, so as to know when to change the pad
• Neutralise odour, so that you know that others won’t notice.

Active or Inactive?

An active person may make different choices to an inactive person, as to what is the best bowel incontinence pad to wear.

An active person will be better suited to choosing a shaped pad, as this will accommodate movement and general activity.

An inactive person will find an all in one pad the better choice, as they don’t need changing as often and are easier to remove (e.g. fixation or Velcro pads), even when the user is lying down.

Summary

When choosing the right incontinence pad to purchase, points which must be taken into account include are:-

• Whether the user is male or female
• Whether the incontinence loss is mild, average, or intense
• Whether the absorbency level meets the needs of the user
• Whether the person is active or inactive.

Protecting a bed mattress from incontinence will promote restful sleep.

Washable incontinence bed pads are a must for keeping the mattress dry and hygienic.

By addressing one’s personal lifestyle, leaking can be reduced and quality of life can be brought back up to standard.

Always confirm the cause of incontinence with your doctor, as there may be medication which can greatly help with solving or managing the issue.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/incontinence-quality-life-restful-sleep.html

6 Types of Incontinence products

People suffering from incontinence are either suffering from the urinary tract or bacterial infections. Other factors like depression, stress, and anxiety can also lead to temporary incontinence. Managing incontinence is necessary, regardless of whether it is completely treatable or not. Due to the old stigma associated with it, many patients are quite secretive about their incontinence issues. And this is the main reason for the significant lack of awareness about its treatment. 

So, to help you with what can help the incontinence patients, we have a list of products for you to choose that suits you the best.

1. Pads

This incontinence product is made exclusively to manage light or mild incontinence. One needs to wear it inside their underwear. It protects their skin from excess moisture. There are various pads available on the basis of absorbency level, odour, materials, etc. So, you should buy an incontinence pad by keeping your flow and requirements in mind. Thus, these pads keep the skin normal dry and rash free to provide comfort and protection simultaneously.

2. Liners

Liners are for those who are suffering from light or mild incontinence. Just like pads, one can place this product too in the underwear. These too are available on the basis of different absorbency levels.

3. Protective Underwear

Protective underwear is one-piece undergarments with the adjustability of elastic that one can easily put it on and take it off as per requirement. They are available in varying capacity of absorbency and give complete protection from mild to severe incontinence.

4. Adult Diapers

Also known as fitted briefs, adult diapers are for those who are suffering from mild to severe incontinence. They come in a variety of absorbency capacities with adhesive or adjustable elastic. The main advantage of adult diapers is that they come with a breathable cloth-like or plastic sheet on the outer surface. This prevents perspiration that can harm the skin. As a result, you can have normal-dry and healthy skin. There are two types of adult diapers:

- Tape Adult Diapers

Recommended for bedridden patients and who need assistance in everyday tasks such as visiting the toilet or changing clothes.

- Diaper Pants

Suitable for people who do not have any mobility issues and can easily carry out everyday tasks without requiring assistance. 

5. Incontinence Pants

If you are looking for an alternative to wearing pads over underwear, then incontinence pants are the best choice. You can wear incontinence pants instead of underwear and pads. Materials that has the highest absorbent capacity are useful in making this product. It will help in avoiding leakage and will also provide comfort at the same time.

6. Catheters

Catheters are penile sheaths made of silicone. The one end of it is stuck to the penis with non-latex glue, while the other end connects to a bag where urine gets collected. One can hide them comfortably under the patients’ clothing.

However, doctors usually recommend a catheter only when anyone has been through surgical treatment and is not able to make frequent toilet visits because of the restricted mobility for a short time period. Also, doctors do not recommend catheters for long term usage because it may lead to urinary tract infections.

7. Under Pads

Unlike the above-mentioned incontinence products, under pads are helpful to protect beds, chairs, etc from incontinence. They are especially useful to prevent the furniture from incontinence while the process of changing the patient’s diaper is going on. They are like waterproof bed sheets. These waterproof bed sheets prevent the fluid from passing through it.

While choosing the right incontinence for your loved ones, you need to consider two prime factors:

  - Mobility

  - Level of incontinence  

Before you finalize to order incontinence products, we highly recommend you consult your doctor first and take their suggestions seriously.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/669172358760775680/6-types-of-incontinence-products

10 Helpful Kitchen Aids for Your Elderly

Whether your loved ones love to experiment in the kitchen or just want to do some basic cooking, you can always make it easier for them to work in the kitchen by installing some inexpensive kitchen products. When we are young, there can be a few things like opening a jar or reaching the box on the shelf which we may find easy to do, but it can get difficult to perform those tasks, as you grow older. So, to make these tasks easier for them too, there are various pieces of equipment that can help to work independently and safely in the kitchen. Let us have a look at them:

1. Jar Openers

It is an inexpensive and essential aid for any senior’s kitchen. You can easily find various kitchen stores and online shops selling it. You need to look for the jar openers with a no-slip grip, which can open the multiple-sized lids from any smaller items like drink bottles to larger sized items like food jars. This tool is very helpful for the elderly with arthritis.

2. Can Opener

You might know that opening cans with a regular can opener would be almost impossible for seniors with limited mobility or diminished strength which makes it difficult for them to grip things. They can try the can opener with a non-slip grip.

3. Cookie Spritz Gun

For your senior bakers, rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters would be time-consuming and will require more effort. A cookie spritz gun can be helpful here. It has a wide array of disks with different pattern cutouts. They just need to put the dough in the spritz gun, and as the dough will be pressed inside the tube, they will have to pull the trigger. This will send the dough through the disk giving the shape of the pattern cut out to the cookie sheet.

4. Reaching Stick

Also known as a reach grabber, a pick-up tool, or a grabbing stick, a reaching stick is an extendable stick having a grabber at the end. This grabber will help seniors to reach things. This stick is perfect for seniors who cannot reach items on shelves or who cannot bend over for picking the items up from the floor. This stick also helps the seniors with neck or back issues, arthritis, or the ones dependent on the wheelchair.

5. Mixing Bowl with Grip

It is difficult for the elderly to hold a mixing bowl in one hand and mix the batter with the other hand. Because they have less hand strength to hold onto a smooth rim. There are many mixing bowls that come with grip edges or handles. These grips or handles help the elderly to prevent bowls from slipping of their hands.

6. Kitchen Equipment

This equipment is a great way to provide your seniors with all the gentle reminders while cooking. For instance, reminders to take their medicines, this way, even if they are indulged in cooking, they will not forget to take their medicines on time.

7. Cut-Resistant Gloves

Knives, scissors, graters, and other items can cause mild to severe injuries. Here, the cut-resistant gloves can prevent the cuts. It is made of a material like spandex, polyethylene, glass fibre, etc. and thus it can protect your elderly’s hands.

8. Auto Shut-Off Stoves 

There have been numerous times that we forget to switch the stove off. And with seniors, it is a common scenario. So through the auto shut-off mechanism, this stove helps in preventing fires when no motion is detected for a set period of time.

9. Soft Grip Kitchen Shears

A good pair of kitchen shears is able to cut through items as delicate as fresh herbs and as tough as some hard fruit shells. A soft-grip handle in this equipment provides extra stability in the elderly’s hands. And the scissors are useful for other projects around the house.

10. Kitchen Trolleys

These are helpful to easily carry materials from one place to another in the kitchen. The elderly do not have to carry all the things together or have to take several walking rounds over the kitchen for shifting materials. They can gather all the things they need for the recipe in the kitchen trolleys and can move it anywhere they want.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned kitchen aids can help your loved ones to cook safely and easily. You can get this equipment at any local kitchen tool shop or on online shops. Make sure you buy it from trusted suppliers otherwise there can always be chances that the equipment may not work properly which can put your loved ones in danger.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/668725768863580160/10-helpful-kitchen-aids-for-your-elderly

Dining, Sociability and Independence

Aches, pain and reduced mobility are indeed a part of growing old. Failing eyesight and reduced mental reasoning may also present themselves in later years.

Once into retirement, physical duties and responsibilities begin to slow down and life can become more sedentary.

Whilst rushing off to work becomes a thing of the past and rising early becomes a pleasure rather than a chore, the task of nutrition remains equally important to a comfortable and healthy life.

It is said that ‘you are what you eat’ – sticking to sensible and healthy eating will help you maintain your weight, body condition and general health.

Good nutrition is important to physical health and mental balance.

The days of cooking and feeding a family may be behind you. Caring for yourself and maybe a partner is just as important in senior years as it was before.

What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

In order to eat healthily, there are some important facts to adhere to:-

• don’t eat too much
• do not overdose on salt
• eat all categories of food – carbohydrates, protein, fats, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and grain, as all contribute to your health but understand where each fall as regards to the amount needed to maintain good health
• know that sugar is present in many of today’s prepared foods e.g. baked beans, tomato sauce, cereals and bread and that sugar contributes significantly to weight gain
• be aware of your fat intake and keep it low e.g. avoid fatty meat and too much fried food
• avoid, or cut back, on fast foods e.g. fish and chips, pizzas, takeaways and foods with high sugar content.

Bad eating habits lead to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes and many other illnesses, all of which can reduce quality of life and day-to-day functioning.

Good eating habits can keep discomfort and ill health at bay.

The Dining Experience

- Dining Alone

Dining alone can cause the individual to skip the importance of healthy eating, with the idea of ‘why bother cooking for one’. This can lead to relying on fast foods, or simply picking at what’s available in the fridge and cupboards.

Whilst age may bring infirmity in different forms, eating unhealthy foods can bring on many serious illnesses and affect strength and mood. Feeling alone and ‘down’ may lead to lack of exercise and unwanted weight gain.

- Shared Dining

Dining can be a social activity and much more fun that eating alone.

Shared dining has so many benefits, including:-

• cooking becomes a pleasure, as well as an interest
• being in the company of others creates social interaction, which can lift mood and lead to planning ahead
• when cooking for two, food can work out cheaper
• preparing food can be a shared activity and a form of exercise.

Preparing Food and Task Limitations

For the young or non-disabled person, preparing food is straightforward. Opening tins and jars, carrying pans of boiling water from oven to the worktop and reaching up or bending down for items needed (e.g. tins, sauces, pans, plates and bowls) can be performed with comparative ease.

For an elderly or disabled person, preparing food may raise questions and / or limitations. Such conditions which may need to be addressed may include:-

• weakened grip and reduced strength– arthritis is a common condition which can lessen our ability with certain tasks. Lifting items such as pans full of water and cups of hot tea can become risky, the first for the danger of scalding or slipping on a wet floor and the second for burning oneself. Opening tins becomes a challenge.

Adapted aids include two-handled pans and cups, specially-designed tin openers and bottle and jar openers for those with weakened grip and reduced strength.

• shaking hands and diminished dexterity - tremors caused by stress and anxiety and also by Parkinson’s disease are conditions which may cause hands to shake. This will make tasks a little more difficult but will also affect confidence and self-esteem.

Weighted items can help reduce shaking and two-handled items can promote a stronger grip.

• unsteady balance and walking difficulties – arthritis and general ageing may mean that support (e.g. a walking stick or walking frame) may be needed to stand upright and to move over short distances. A small kitchen may make manoeuvres difficult.

Making your kitchen ergonomically friendly will reduce the need to move from one place to another. For example, keep the worktops next to your oven and hob free from clutter, so that lifting food from the oven and moving pans from the hob can reach a worktop with minimal time and fuss.

• reduced vision – different eye conditions change vision in different ways e.g. tunnel vision, blurred vision and discomfort with bright light. Old age also causes a need for spectacles, as short and long distance ability change focus. Reading recipes and following menu instructions won’t be as straightforward as before the eye condition developed.

A magnifying glass may help with reading menus and food instructions. Having a spotlight directed towards a particular area (e.g. to the control buttons on the oven, microwave and hob) will make working in that area much more comfortable and safe.

• reduced mental ability - dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, lack of confidence and loss of short-term memory, may lead to being unable to remember the sequence of tasks to prepare food. All could lead to failure of the task in hand but could also cause danger (e.g. working with hot water and hot oil, as well as a hot oven and hob).

Come to terms with what you can still do for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help in tasks which are no longer straightforward to you. Taking on the supportive role in the kitchen may prove to be more within the individual’s abilities than taking on the main responsibility of ‘cook’.

The Tasks of Eating and Drinking

Seniors may find motor movements for eating and drinking to be somewhat impaired, due to the ageing process e.g. weakened grip, shaking hands and diminished dexterity.

Visual changes may make eating and drinking feel like a challenge e.g. blurred vision (cataract issues) and failing eyesight (macular degeneration and glaucoma).

In order to find solutions to make the dining experience still bring pleasure, the distinct needs of the individual should be sought. For example, how does the person’s new way of life affect how they manage the dining experience?

- Weakened Grip

Weakened grip, maybe through arthritis, will make holding cutlery and cups less safe than in earlier times.

Identifying fatter handles on cutlery, as well as Velcro straps which fasten to the hand and also pocket the cutlery item, can make cutlery more secure for the eating process.

- Shaking Hands and Diminished Dexterity

Shaking hands and diminished dexterity may benefit from two-handled cups, to give more confidence in lifting drinks.

Using cutlery with weighted handles can help reduce the intensity of tremors.

Weighted holders, which can be used for cutlery as well as toothbrushes and other items with handles, can also be purchased.

Eating with a spoon may not be the individual’s ideal but will save spilling food before eating.

Adapted plates and bowls heighten the experience of dining independently.

A scooper plate is simply a plate with a lip on it, designed to prevent food from finding its way over the edge of the plate. Individual bumpers and guards can also be bought separately, to attach to average shaped plates and bowls.

Plates and bowls sometimes fidget on the table. They can be secured by a anti slip mat, gripper feet, or suction bases. For the individual with shaky movement, suction-based plates and bowls will prove the better experience.

- Reduced Vision

For the individual with changing vision, knowing where food is on a plate can severely impede the dining experience. Where does one scoop with a fork, or cut with a knife, will be a question which will come to mind.

Explaining where food is on the plate (e.g. mashed potato at four o’clock (the position of that food on the plate), meat at twelve and carrots at nine) is a life saver for those who wish to be independent.

Partitioned plates-cum-bowls can keep food items separate and help the person with the visual impairment to access the food item by pushing towards the partition wall.

- Reduced Mental Ability

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be so difficult on the individual and their partner or carer:-

• eating habits change; food preferences may change and regular favourite food might be rejected
• the function of eating may become slow and erratic
• a reduced desire to eat may become a worry.

When supporting a person with eating, the encouragement and support given will be so individually tailored, as each individual with reduced mental ability will present themselves differently

Do what’s best and what works for the person you are supporting and encourage as much independence as possible, via special eating aids (e.g. cutlery, cups, plates and bowls) available.

Summary

Being social is for most people a human need and instinct.

Age and illness can alter a person’s ability to perform what were once easy and straightforward daily tasks.

Nutrition is a key player in maintaining fitness and health.

Understand what you are eating and where it falls as regards to the amount needed to maintain good health.

Dining can be a social activity and much more fun that eating alone.

With conditions which come with age (e.g. weakened frame, shakiness and reduced vision), all of which can affect the dining experience, seek suitable special aids to allow the person to maintain as much independence as possible.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/dining-sociability-independence.html

Age, Independence and Safety in the Bathroom

Hygiene is an important part of our personal health regime.

Age, onset of arthritis, loss of energy and strength, mobility and dexterity changes, as well as major illnesses due to weakened immunity systems, can make everyday activities a struggle.

The bathroom is one of the two most dangerous rooms in a home (the kitchen is the other) and our senior years make it more difficult to feel safe in a bathroom.

Shaky hands and weakened grip, as well as unsteady balance and lack of mobility, will affect many tasks in the bathroom e.g. cleaning teeth, toileting, shaving, bathing and showering. Tailoring solutions to the individual’s needs is paramount to overall safety and independence.

Depending on a senior’s health issues, special aids and adaptations should be identified to keep bathing or showering as independent and safe a task as possible.

Changes in eyesight can also present difficulties.

Staying Safe

Possible risks in a bathroom include:-

• locking oneself in the bathroom
• falling because of a weakened frame e.g. unsteady balance, or general weakness due to illness
• slipping on a wet floor
• being unable to stand from a seated position e.g. after toileting
• falling in the shower after standing for too long a period
• slipping when entering or exiting the bath or shower
• not recognising how hot the water is on the skin.

- Locking Oneself In

Privacy is a human expectation, particularly during self care in a bathroom.

Locking the bathroom door is a natural thing to do and expect.

-Solutions

A double-sided lock will allow the individual to have the promise of privacy, with the inbuilt safety element of help being at hand in an emergency.

- Falling

Age brings instability and falling does happen. Knocking against a hard surface (e.g. the corner of a wash hand basin or pillow for bathtub) may cause bleeding and even unconsciousness.

-Solutions

Place grab rails in appropriate places and close enough together to allow the individual to hold another grab rail before letting go of the other.

Depending on the size of the bathroom, a walking frame could give support to the individual, if there is enough turning space available.

- Slipping on a Wet Floor

Washing, as well as shaving, at the wash hand basin can make the floor wet.

Stepping out of a bath or shower can leave quite a lot of water on the floor. Slipping could cause broken bones, as well as damage to any part of the body in the resulting fall.

-Solutions

Choose floor tiles which have rough, rather than shiny, surfaces, to reduce the chance of slipping.

Stone tiles absorb spilt water, reducing the likelihood of slipping.

Grab rails will again prove useful in the bath / shower (entering and exiting) and immediately outside the bath / shower, to steady the user during changing location and to hold onto whilst drying oneself, or preparing to sit down.

- Being Unable to Stand from a Seated Position

Rising from a seated position on the toilet can be a challenge for people with balance problems or weakened frames. Weakened grip can also contribute to the difficulty.

-Solutions

The average toilet has a height of 17 inches (42.5 cms.) and it is possible to purchase toilets with a height of 20 inches (50 cms.) and 21 (52.5 cms.) inches. This extra height makes it easier to get into a standing position.

An extra thick toilet seat can also give extra height, making standing a little easier.

A shower chair with wheels can fit around the toilet bowl. Some designs have a hole cut out of the shower chair seat, so that toileting can be done from there.

Appropriately placed grab rails will steady the individual when getting into a standing position.

- Falling in the Shower after Standing for too Long a Period

Falling in a shower could lead to banging one’s head and upper body against the shower screen and possibly breaking bones.

-Solutions

Appropriately placed grab rails will give the individual the support needed when standing in a shower.

Using a shower seat will take the pressure off the legs and allow for a more pleasurable bathing experience.

A shower mat is a must, to give the user a firm footing with the wet shower base.

- Slipping When Entering or Exiting the Bath

Slipping when entering or exiting a bath could prove fatal.

-Solutions

The importance of grab rails can’t be underestimated.

For bathing comfort, a bath board can be attached to the width of the bath, to allow for easy entry and exit.

For added safety, choose a bath board which can be locked into position.

A bath mat inside the bath is a must, to prevent the user slipping when getting in or out of the water.

- Not Recognising Water Temperature

Ageing can lead to thinner skin. Thinner skin + medication for some health conditions, as well as neurological damage, may lead to not recognising that water is too hot for the skin.

-Solutions

Fitting anti-scald mixing valves in the bathroom will eliminate the dangers of scalding and keep the individual safe whilst bathing or showering.

Bath, Shower, or Wet Room – Which is Safest?

When it comes to bathing or showering, for most of us, it’s down to personal choice.

One can relax in a bath but cannot get the same ‘sprawled’ pleasure from time spent in a shower.

When health problems come into the picture, a bath or shower may not be a choice available to the individual. The following points may need to be addressed:-

• the individual who has epilepsy may feel safer in a shower; being unconscious from a seizure could prove fatal in a bath of deep water
• having a balance difficulty might rule out standing whilst showering
• climbing into a bath may prove unsafe for people with weakened frames, general weakness, poor grip and shakiness
• bathing can lead to splashed water finding its way to the floor, making slipping and falling likely
• a shower screen keeps water from the floor, as it acts like a barrier whilst showering or bathing
• if a shower is your choice, space within the bathroom may be needed for opening the shower screen outwards, to allow the individual to enter and exit the shower or shower-over-bath facility.

- Bath

Baths now come in different designs, shapes and sizes, including short, regular and long baths lengths, round baths, P-shaped baths and jacuzzis. Each has its own merits but all depends on the space available.

- Shower-Over Bath

By fitting a shower screen over the edge of the bath, the bath now twins as bath and shower.

A shower screen can be either one pane of glass, or a folding shower screen.

One pane of glass needs space within the bathroom to be opened outwards, for both entering and exiting the bath-cum-shower.

A folding shower screen needs less space than a single pane, as folding it reduces its width.

A sliding shower screen is two panes of glass which, when entering or exiting the bath-cum-shower, slide side by side next to each other.

- Shower

Standalone showers need not much more than a square metre of floor space.

With a full shower door, there will need to be another square metre free in front of the shower for the shower door to open to full capacity.

Some showers come with double panel bi-fold doors. Due to their folding ability, they need less clearance space in front of the shower unit.

- Wet Room

Wet rooms don’t have a door and the floor is angled to go down slightly towards the back of the showering area, so as to keep used water flowing down the drain and not out of the front of the showering area.

Entry into a wet room doesn’t have a risen floor to tackle and so the individual can enter the shower in a shower chair which has wheels, or in a wheelchair.

Eyesight Changes

With age as well as with disability, changes in our vision can make tasks take longer and be somewhat more difficult.

Colour contrast can play a big part in getting around e.g. white walls and blue towels. The contrast in colour makes identification easier.

Spotlights directed to important areas (e.g. the light switch, the toilet, the shower / bath and the wash hand basin) will make working in those areas more comfortable.

Light from above is less challenging than wall lights which can shine in one’s face and cause discomfort.

Summary

Personal hygiene is paramount to good health.

For safety and security in the bathroom, take your health conditions into consideration for safe bathing and showering.

It is important that shower screens are made of thick, toughened, safety glass.

Quality glass looks good for longer.

Shower screens now come with handles, shelves and towel rails, making ergonomic use of the space available.

A folding shower screen allows more space to the individual for entering and exiting the bathing area.

Clean the glass after every use, to prevent soapy films building up and to keep the screen looking good for longer.

Consider fitting anti-scald mixing valves, to be certain that water doesn’t become too hot for safe bathing / showering.

For elderly, infirm and disabled people, a double-sided lock makes a lot of sense, as seconds of delay with entry could change the outcome for the worse.

Ambient lighting is more comfortable to all.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/age-independence-safety-bathroom.html

Top 5 Accessories for the Mobility Scooters

One can travel from point A to point B by using mobility scooters, but what about the comfort. Imagine if the person wants to take multiple things at the same time from kitchen to their bedroom and they don’t have much space. Imagine how dangerous the journey would become when they are strolling around the uneven surfaces. 

With that being said, there are many mobility scooter accessories available in the market that can help in enhancing comfort and reducing risks. Let’s have a look at them.

5 Accessories for the Mobility Scooters

Bags for Scooters

Imagine traveling outdoor on the mobility scooters, and you want some stuff with you along. But you can’t take it as there is no room available to keep them. Here the scooter bags come into the picture. 

Have you seen wheelchair bags before? If yes, then you can easily identify the scooter bags. These bags used in mobility scooters are beneficial to carry a couple of items at once just like the wheelchair bags.

Be it any mobility device you use; you should not leave these fantastic bags behind. These bags are excellent accessories for mobility scooters and offer extra comfort to carry personal belongings. 

Mobility Scooter Organizer

If you search for the top mobility scooter accessories, you will find that the mobility scooter organizers are very popular.

This accessory has around 8-10 pockets. With this, you can carry your essentials like drinks, mobile, books, and other stuff. Furthermore, it is highly adjustable and can be attached with much easiness.  Its innovativeness makes it popular among other mobility scooter accessories.

Its robust design lets you keep the stuff with maximum protection. For instance, sometimes it has front pockets to store personal items and side pockets to keep the drinks as it has a card lock to hold them upright.

Cup Holder for Drinks 

One of the best accessories on the mobility scooter you can have is a cup holder. A cup holder is the best to carry your refreshing drink anywhere with you traveling on the scooter or wheelchair. You may think all the cup holders are the same, but they are not. They could be in various sizes, features, usage, materials, and much more.

But how do you know which cup holder is best for you? You can use the best cupholder on the rollator, walker, wheelchair, and scooter while holding the bottle of different sizes. The cup holder should be easy to install, and it should also allows for 360 - degree rotation. Also, it should have lock clamps to hold your drink in place.

Sun Shades for Scooters

The summer period could be a delightful time to stroll out to enjoy the weather. But the sunshine can be too hot or harmful, which can cause burns. We are pretty sure that you are not ready for the sunburns.

After all riding your scooter needs to be enjoyed during this period. That is why it is appropriate to consider this product along with the other accessories. Such shade gives an excellent experience, and it is known to withstand harsh environmental conditions. 

Foldable Ramps

Going around the compound or any other place of choice at any time seems to be a great idea. Although sometimes rolling over the steep slopes within the compound can be hectic, making the traveling experience uncomfortable. 

But fortunately, foldable ramps act as a solution to this problem. One can keep the ramp before the slope so that the scooter users can roll over easily. The best part is such ramps are foldable due to their robust design. Foldable ramps offer a comfortable experience while strolling outdoors on uneven surfaces.

Conclusion

After researching, the only task remaining is making deliberations and choosing wisely which accessories to buy. No one wants to buy something that will wreak in a few days. Everyone wants to seek the maximum benefit and the value of money invested in the scooter accessories chosen. So, right from traveling with the multiple items outdoors or driving on the uneven surfaces above accessories will give you the maximum comfort.

Source:https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/665372269783236608/top-5-accessories-for-the-mobility-scooters 

7 Travel Essentials for Elderly

Many 'seniors' took their retirement from a long, busy, successful career and now have the time, energy, and the resources to take vacations – on their own, with a partner or, with a family. And, many seniors are in excellent physical condition to take on whatever adventure may come their way throughout their travels!

As they age, their 'must-haves’ while traveling change considerably as compared to when they were much younger. Gone are the days when they could 'sleep anywhere no matter the conditions or noise.’ And gone are the days when they had mobility or body issues.

So, while they still may be in great physical shape, now there are things they need to be concerned about. Like a travel guide that becomes necessary to ensure their vacation is as comfortable, stress-free, and fun as it can be!

For promoting easy-breezy travel for your loved-one seniors, consider the following tips as useful travel gear options:

1. Rolling Luggage Bag

You should invest in lightweight luggage that is on rollers for more accessible transport. Because carrying large and heavy pieces of luggage at every place they go would be more than difficult for them. They also need to learn to pack light and smart. This will save them from handling and carrying many bags while traveling.

2. Small Travel Bag

Make a check-list of all their medication with dosage details. Once done, pack all their necessary medications in a tiny travel kit. Make sure you opt for a small handbag to keep all their medications. This way it would be easy to have the medicines on time without any hustle. Also, pack enough medications to last the entire trip and a little extra in case the trip may get delayed by a day or two.

3. Compression Socks

Proper fitting compression socks will help their body to keep the circulation flowing properly through legs and feet. Because thrombosis can be dangerous on different levels in the elderly.

4. Neck Travel Pillow

You don't want your loved ones to wake up with a stiff and sore neck after a sleep in the flight while travelling, right? Well, a neck travel pillow makes it far more easy and comfortable to get some rest and even sleep while they are flying. They can rest their heads on the neck pillow. This pillow supports their neck to stay relaxed without making it stiff and sore.

5. 'Essentials'

Items like personal toiletries, medications, glasses, etc., need to be kept without fail. These items vary from person to person. Pack their medications in their original prescription bottles or in a weekly pill organizer. Remember to pack their glasses and contact lens with its solution.

6. Luggage Locks

We all know that pickpockets are deft and quick. They can steal their passport and money before they know what happened. Thus, to save your elderly from this, buy luggage locks and save their daypack and purse. They just have to lock their luggage by forming a code on this lock. So that only they can open the luggage by decoding it.

7. Voltage Converter and Plug Adapters

In case the elderly are traveling overseas and using electronic equipment or plug-in appliances, they will surely need plug adapters. Some hair dryers, laptops, travel irons, and cell phones are dual voltage, but others may need a voltage converter.

Thus, always guide them to check the label on each item they plan to bring. If the device's label says "Input 100V-240V 50 / 60 Hz," then the item is dual voltage and needs only a plug adapter. If they don't see this information on an electronic device or appliance, then they should never plug it directly into any foreign wall outlet. Instead, they should use a voltage converter to "step down" the 220-volt current. Because without the voltage converter, the chances are that it will damage the device.

Packing It Up

I hope this was helpful to assist your elderly with traveling aids. Also, make sure that their stay has every facility they need. Like elderly bath with ramps and non-slippery floor, over bed table, lamplight, 24 hours’ assistance, etc. Items like an over bed table can easily be available in stay locations. But ensure to check the availability once. Here are just some last but crucial items not to forget: 

• Carry identity credentials and health insurance cards
• Make copies of important documents and notes, including your medication list, doctor's name and number, allergy list, identification, photo id, and passport
• Extra pair of glasses
• Umbrella and rain jacket
• Elderly pads (if required)
• Sweater or light jacket
• Additional hearing aid batteries
• Mobile phone
• Hat and sunscreen
• Mini first aid kit 
• Comfortable shoes
• Eye-mask

I hope they enjoy their trip comfortably and safely with these traveling aids.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/664920928649707520/7-travel-essentials-for-elderly