5 Tips to Improve Seniors' Sleep

Having to wake up repeatedly at night to help adults is exhausting. However, it’s necessary to ensure that they don’t fall, wander around, or get hurt accidentally. There are many reasons for waking up. One is chronic pain. If they’re sleeping in an improper position, it can create extra pressure, increasing the pain. By aligning and supporting their body with aids like knee cushions, you can help them sleep comfortably. It may even reduce the number of times you wake up during the night.

Here are a few tips for adjusting your elderly or disabled’s sleeping position. It covers side, back, stomach sleepers, and various health conditions such as the back, knee, shoulder pain, acid reflux, and more. Before moving ahead, let’s see the importance of comfortable body alignment.

Importance of Body Alignment

With older age, there are many chronic conditions that the elderly have to deal with. These conditions may cause ache and pain while changing the shape or position of the body. Thus, they must align their body in a position that works well for them. 

Besides, the comfortable alignment is different for different people. For instance, seniors with round necks won’t be able to sleep flat on their backs. A comfortable position would be to sleep on the side with spine supported, not straightened out. 

Hence, to avoid any injury, it’s best to consult with doctors before choosing one. 

Note: You can use folded towels or blankets to get the same effect as pillows. Travel pillow can provide comfort while on the road. 

Tips to Improve Senior Sleep

1. For Sleepers (Side, Back, Stomach)

Side sleepers should use enough pillows under the neck. To reduce the pressure, they should add a pillow under the torso. For the upper shoulder, add a pillow under the arm. 

Back Sleepers shouldn’t add too many pillows under the head; instead, add pillows/leg wedge under the knees to neutralize the lower back position. 

As for stomach sleepers, they should avoid sleeping on the stomach. But it’s helpful for people with degenerative disk disease, and hence, for proper alignment, they should use a thin pillow. Not using a pillow would be better too.  

2. For General Pain (Back, Neck, Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

For back pain, it’s best to sleep on the side or back. If you have neck pain, side or back positions are best. However, you must choose the correct pillow height. Avoid sleeping on the stomach as the head is twisted and can cause pressure on nerves. 

To relieve hip pain, sleep on the “good” side by bending knees. Knee cushions work best in easing knee pain. Also, you should sleep on the side with your knees slightly bent.

If your elderly have shoulder pain, make them sleep on their back with a small pillow under the shoulder. 

3. For those on Recliner Chair

Some adults prefer sleeping on a recliner chair. Reclined position is also helpful for those having isthmic spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition where lower vertebrae slip onto the bone beneath it. 

Sleeping in the reclined position takes the pressure off the neck. You can use the bed wedge to mimic the recliner effect. It’s an inexpensive option. For an expensive option, you can consider an adjustable bed.  

4. For Herniated Disk

People with herniated discs should consider sleeping on a side curled in a fetal position. While doing so, switch the sides from time to time to avoid imbalances.

In herniation, a part of the disc pushes out of its standard space and causes weakness, nerve pain, etc. Sleeping in the fetal position with the torso curled opens up the space between vertebrae. 

5. For Heartburn Problems

To relieve the discomfort of heartburn while sleeping, consider sleeping on the left side with an elevated head. Or, use a bed-wedge to incline the head and torso. Avoid using an extra pillow as it doesn’t incline the stomach area, which helps the acid to stay in the stomach area.

No matter what position you choose, aligning the spine properly is essential. Also, focus on aligning ears, shoulders, and hips.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/652324616831926272/5-tips-to-improve-seniors-sleep

A Complete Guide to Bath Aids

 

While living with health or physical restrictions, the last thing we want someone to do is to think differently of us. And even we don’t want to feel differently. As an elder or disabled, we want independence during bathing. 

As a result, thousands of users opt for bathing aids such as bathtub pillows tailored according to their bathroom needs. 

Therefore, we have created a list of bathing aids to help you in your daily bathroom routine. 

1. Bath Lifts

A bath lift is a seat that lowers you in the bath and lifts you when finished. It is a great way to assist the elderly and disabled to get in and out of the baths. It’s the right choice for those who have weakness or pain in their legs or back and are unstable on their feet.

Installing it and removing it is quick and easy. It’s generally secured to the bottom of the bath. 

While choosing one, remember, you should be able to lift your legs safely over the side of the bath while seating. Maintain your balance while it lifts you up or down.

2. Bath Cushion

A bath cushion, just like a lift, helps you get in and out of the bath. It does it by inflating and deflating. 

It’s best for those who often travel as it’s compact and lightweight. The inflated design provides plenty of room when lowered in the bathroom. It’s also a good option for people that share a household with others. 

Bath cushions are affordable alternatives to making permanent renovations in the bathroom. 

3. Bath Boards

When you need external support, a bath board can help. It is a waterproof board that crosses the tap of the bath to provide an area to sit. It helps you support yourself when you lower yourself on the lower seat.

If you have a shower, you can double it up to a shower seat. However, you need to sit safely and hold your balance while lifting your legs over the side.  

4. Bath Seats

A bath seat provides a lower sitting position without submerging you completely. It’s often used in combination with a bath board. You can even use it independently, but it requires strength to pull yourself to a standing position. 

You can use the seat and board together to create a step-by-step submerging in the bath. You can then remove it with the help of a carer and stretch yourself to relax. 

When movement is limited, a swivel bath seat will offer you excellent support. It doesn’t lower you into the bath. If you have difficulty lifting your leg, you can combine it with leg lifters, manual straps. 

5. Walk-in Baths

People with limited mobility should consider a walk-in bath. It has a door at the front or side for easy access. The bath is empty and fills once you sit down. Thus, it feels a bit chilly when water drains out before you step out. 

There are various designs and models available in the market, each to suit the customers’ needs. Walk-in baths are easy to use. They have thermostatically controlled temperatures to ensure safety.

6. Shower Chairs

Showers are tricky when you’re choosing to bathe. They require stability and balance in the body. For the elderly or disabled, bathing in a shower is a challenge. To combat this, there are shower chairs and stools available. These aids enable users to sit down and relax while taking a shower. 

7. Bathroom Safety Mats

This is the most important thing when investing in bath aids or bathroom safety accessories. 

We know that wet floors can cause slips, hurts, and accidents. It can be worse for the elderly or disabled. That’s why your bathroom floor must have safety mats. They provide the person with a grip and help them from slipping. 

You may be surprised to know that safety mats take minutes, whereas walk-in baths require a maximum of one day for installation.

Summary

If you have an elderly/disabled at home, renovate your bathroom with aids such as shower chairs, safety mats, bath lifts, bath cushions, etc.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/disabilities-articles/complete-guide-bath-aids-1809115.html

Make Shopping Convenient with a Shopping Trolley Bag - Essential Aids UK

 

Whilst shopping trolley bags are available to all, for people with mobility problems, limited lifting capacity and also elderly people, these useful aids go the extra mile in shopping comfort.

The stability that a shopping trolley bag gives is transferred to the user, who can then walk more steadily with the trolley to hold on to.

For people who use a walking stick, carrying shopping will put their body frame off balance and so a shopping trolley bag can drop the shopping weight to a supported ground level and lessen the strain on the user.

A full shopping trolley bag can fit comfortably in the boot of a car, though lifting it into the boot depends on the lifting capacity of the user, or if assistance is available for this task.

Size Really Does Matter

Shopping trolley bags come in different widths (ranging between 25 and 62.5 cms. (10 and 25 inches) and so knowing its main purpose will help you decide which is right for you.

When identifying the maximum capacity of each shopping trolley bag width, take your lifting capacity into consideration, before buying.

The wider the bag, the heavier the weight when empty and so the heavier it could be when packed with items, due to the extra space available to fill.

Shopping trolley bags have different handle extension lengths, so a smaller length may be better suited to the shorter person and the longer one to the taller.

Handle lengths range between 75 and 97.5 cms. (30 to 39 inches) and also 100 and 122.5 cms. (40 to 49 inches).

Getting the right handle length is of paramount importance, to avoid arching one’s back with too short a handle, or pulling the trolley bag at a low angle with too long a handle.

The weight of shopping trolley bags tend to range between five kgs. (11 lbs.) and twenty five kgs. 55 lbs. / 3 stone 13 lbs.). The smaller the bag, the less it holds.

The Shopping Trolley with Seat

Some shopping trolley bags come with a seat facility, ideal for if you get breathless and need to take a minute, or if you prefer your return journey to be split up into manageable chunks.

When going for a daily stroll, the shopping trolley with seat can carry your few items (e.g. packed lunch, coat, glasses, purse and maybe a book) and supply you with a seat to enjoy the occasion.

For the shopping trolley with seat, check that the seat height works for you, as taller people might find its height to be a little too low to ease down onto.

If travelling by bus, a shopping trolley with seat can provide somewhere to sit whilst waiting at the bus stop.

Always check the maximum weight capacity of user that particular brands of shopping trolleys with seats can take, to avoid injury to the user or damage to the shopping trolley with seat itself.

Some brands of shopping trolley with seat can now offer an insulated shopping trolley food bag, which can rest on the seat.

Occupational therapists recommend light exercise and the shopping trolley with seat can encourage and support gentle exercise for people with slight balance problems, as well as help people in need of rehabilitation to build up the strength lost from accident or injury.

Design Features

Some shopping trolley bags are foldable, making for easier packing and storage and, when out shopping, can be carried until needed.

Shopping trolley bags come in two, four and six wheel designs.

Some shopping trolley bags have an inbuilt facility of stair / step climbing, which could prove very handy to those who have steps to their property.

Some frames might be made of light aluminium alloy construct, which makes the overall weight of the fully packed item more manageable.

A small interior pocket is an added advantage in a shopping trolley bag, as it allows you to know where keys, money, phones and glasses are, without rummaging through the whole bag.

These bags have many different closing styles, including a lid, a seat, velcro, a drawstring and a zip, so there’s plenty of choice out there.

The waterproof or wipe around facility of shopping trolley bags mean that they can both look good and be serviceable for years to come.

Some shopping trolley bags have reflector strips attached, a safety element if walking in failing light.

If you use a walking stick, or like to have an umbrella constantly available, some shopping trolley bags have an outside pocket designed for placing such items in, when not in use.

The big wheels on shopping trolley bags help iron out the bumps on an uneven surface, saving you having to steer round holes in the road or pavement, should the trolley bag have small wheels.

Some models sport a lifting cord, allowing you to raise the handle into position without having to bend down.

Some models have a parking brake, which will be the mode to be in when standing still or sitting down.

For those with arthritic hands, check that the handle gives you a comfortable grip e.g. a rubber or spongy hand grip

Once classed as an item for the elderly, the shopping trolley bag now displays many styles, colours and designs and is becoming popular with all ages.

Using a Shopping Trolley Bag

Shopping trolley bags are usually pulled but sometimes pushed. Your physical needs may prefer one method to the other.

Two-wheeled models are easier to use when mounting stairs.

Be sure that getting the tilt needed for using the shopping trolley bag is easy to achieve and beware that, when full of shopping, getting that tilt may not be so easy.

If the shopping trolley bag of your choice sports twin fixed wheels (two pairs of wheels on a pivoting axle at the front), this makes turning on the spot easier, swivelling rather than having to push and pull small motions like an eight point turn, to turn your shopping trolley bag around.

Shopping trolley bags are not designed for leaning on and so should never be used for that purpose.

Like a suitcase on wheels, having the shopping trolley bag too far away from the body can cause the risk of others tripping over it, so always be diligent.

Convenience

When having to wait in a queue at a checkout, having a seat to sit on can make the world of difference to your shopping experience.

Children feel hindered by carrying things and, should you be responsible for the school run, popping satchels, packed lunch boxes, gym kits and books into a shopping trolley will save the day.

When shopping, it’s sometimes the case that two hands are just not enough e.g. lots of separate bags, or holding a child’s hand as well as shopping bags, highlighting that a shopping trolley bag is useful to all.

Using a shopping trolley bag rather than carrying shopping will take the pressure off the user’s back, neck and upper body, arms and legs.

Versatility

A shopping trolley bag can easily team up as an overnight bag, holding everything you could need for a one or two night break.

When working with people with disabilities, having a day out can involve carrying special aids (e.g. drinking cups and specially-designed cutlery, cushions and computers), as well as medication. A shopping trolley with seat could provide storage for all items, plus a seat for occasional use.

For those who enjoy the open air, taking your own seat with you can only be a bonus.

Popping to the corner shop can provide stimulation to elderly people who receive few visitors. Having a trolley bag with seat can provide the shopping space, a seat to sit on and the opportunity to mix casually with neighbours who are going about their daily business, as well as provide balance and walking support for the short trip out.

Summary

Transferring shopping weight away from the person and onto a shopping trolley bag gives more stability and balance to the user.

Unless you have assistance when shopping, when choosing the right size shopping trolley bag width for you, take your own personal lifting capacity into consideration, before buying.

Left unfolded, a shopping trolley bag doesn’t take up much room in the house, though it could also be left in the car boot for the next trip out.

Shopping trolley bags are ideal for those who use walking sticks, as the trolley bag reduces the pressure on the body and gives more stability and balance to the user.

Using a shopping trolley with a seat can enhance social interaction, as travelling short distances becomes more within your reach.

Shopping trolley bags are versatile – if it can be used for a purpose, why not do just that?

Essential Aids supplies a range of shopping trolleys, as well as other walking aids like rollators and wheeled walking frames.

Models include those with three and four wheels, some with shopping baskets built in underneath the fold-down seat.

Source : https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/shopping-trolley-bag.html

Folding Mobility Scooters – A Gateway to Maintaining Independence

 

Limited mobility can reduce independence and mobility scooters can make performing tasks independent

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much easier e.g. moving from room to room, or shopping locally.

Using a mobility scooter will allow for exercising a greater level of independence in all situations and will enhance quality of life and inclusion.

A folding mobility scooter is simply a mobility scooter which can fold up for easy storage and for travelling purposes.

In comparison to other mobility scooters, folding mobility scooters are lighter in weight, allowing for easy lifting and carrying.

The birth of the first mobility scooter took place around 2005. These would have had to be dis-assembled, making smaller separate parts which could then fit into the boot of a car.

Folding mobility scooters can easily be stored in the house, on a train, in a car boot and on aircraft and cruise liners.

Some folding mobility scooters are so designed that, when folded, they can be pulled along like a suitcase on wheels.

Folding class 2 mobility scooters have a speed adjustment facility, should you wish to reduce the maximum speed of 4 miles per hour.

Manual or Automatic

There are two types of folding mobility scooter – manual and automatic.

Manual folding mobility scooters are simply folded into a smaller size, for easy storage and carrying.

Automatic folding mobility scooters fold with the flick of a button.

Automatic folding scooters have a manual option override, in case the battery dies, making automatic folding out of the question.

Manual folding mobility scooters are cheaper than automatic folding mobility scooters, as they have fewer electronic parts.

For those who lack the strength to fold a mobility scooter, the automatic model will prove the better choice.

Automatic folding mobility scooters usually have more features than the simpler manual model, hence the higher price.

Batteries

Batteries for mobility scooters can be purchased for around thirty pounds, inclusive of VAT.

Batteries for mobility scooters give periods of low current, as opposed to car batteries, which give short bursts of high current.

As with wheelchairs, mobility scooters require two batteries.

It costs very little to fully charge a mobility scooter battery but check that the monthly cost is within your range before purchasing.

Depending on what model you choose, a mobility scooter can do between 15 and 25 miles on a fully-charged battery.

Scooters with bigger batteries allow for a longer travel range (i.e. how many miles on a full battery) than do smaller batteries, so the user needs to be aware of its purpose and needs before purchasing.

The lighter the weight of the scooter, the smaller the battery may be and so the travel range (miles on a fully battery) may be lower than wished.

A flat battery can take between eight and twelve hours to fully charge.

Never leave a battery on permanent charge, as this can damage its power. If charging overnight, always unplug first thing in the morning.

The only batteries which are questionable for airline travel are lithium batteries, as these must not exceed the maximum of 300 amp hours. All other sealed batteries are allowed on airlines but always make a point of checking before booking flights.

Batteries can last up to two years but can last up to three years, if they are well-maintained and correctly charged.

Choosing the Right Scooter for You

Always be mindful of the overall weight of a folding mobility scooter, as it has to fit in with the lifting capacity of the scooter user or their assistant.

A lightweight mobility scooter can weigh as little as 17.8 kg (39.16 lbs. / 2 stone 12 lbs.)

Some lightweight scooters can weigh as much as 31.82 kgs. (70 lbs. / 5 stone), the heavier weights relating to wider frames and heavier batteries.

When choosing the right scooter weight for the user, work on a difference of fifty pounds between the scooter weight (the higher of the two weights) and the user’s weight (the lower of the two weights), to avoid any risk of hurting the user or damaging the scooter.

Compare the scooter seat width to the width of the user’s comfortable chair at home, when choosing the best fit.

Some scooters don’t come with armrests, so decide the importance of these (e.g. the user’s body stability) before purchasing. Armrests will add a safety element when the scooter is in motion.

Be sure that the measurements of the scooter you buy will fit into the storage area you have planned for it and will also fit into the boot of the car.

Different scooter models offer different maximum speeds, so the user needs to be sure of their requirements before purchasing.

Using a Scooter

Lightweight mobility scooters are not for use on the road, unless for crossing, or if there is no pavement available at certain points. Their real purpose is for use indoors, on pavements and for general light shopping.

Carrying another person on a mobility scooter is not allowed.

Lightweight scooters are classed as class 2 and only class 3 can be used on roads.

You do not need insurance for a mobility scooter, though it is advisable to have something in place for personal injury, damage to the scooter, or injury to others.

Mobility scooters manage best on the flat but can cope with hills of up to ten degrees incline.

Mobility scooters should be regularly serviced, to be sure that you are getting the best out of them and to prevent untimely breakdowns.

Water on a mobility scooter can cause both electronic and mechanical damage to a scooter and can also cause corrosion and rust. If open to the elements, keeping the scooter covered or under a canopy is essential.

The most common breakdown problem with a mobility scooter is the battery.

The hard wearing tyres can last for hundreds of miles.

The ignition switch is a part which may occasionally need attention.

Class 2 Mobility Scooters

A class 2 scooter is sometimes referred to as a 4mph (4 miles per hour) scooter, which compares to normal walking speed. The mobility scooter is to be used indoors and on the pavement and not on the road, except for crossing, or if no pavement is available.

There is no legal requirement to tax a class 2 mobility scooter.

The battery can be easily removed and so charged wherever possible.

There are no class 3 lightweight scooters on the market, though technology may visit this need in the future.

Class 3 Mobility Scooters

A class 3 mobility scooter is sometimes referred to as a road scooter and has a top speed of 8 mph (8 miles per hour), twice the speed of walking.

Class 3 scooters are fitted with front and rear lights and also wing mirrors.

One does not need a driving licence to use a class 3 mobility scooter but knowledge of the Highway Code is advisable.

A class 3 mobility scooter doesn’t need tax but the user still has to register ownership with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

The battery is not removable and so the owner needs a charging point for the vehicle e.g. outside the house or in the garage.

Class 3 scooters are not suitable for indoor use and cannot be used on a motorway, or in bus or bicycle lanes.

Summary

Class 2 and 3 mobility scooters can only be used by people with disabilities and from the age of fourteen and upwards.

Take all needs into consideration, before deciding which model, or whether a class 2 or class 3 mobility scooter, is the right one for your needs.

The maximum speed for a class two mobility scooter is 4 mph (four miles per hour) and is 8 mph (eight miles per hour) for class 3 models.

If the user manages alone and without assistance, attention must be paid to the weight of the mobility scooter for lifting purposes.

Whilst getting used to the controls on a class 3 mobility scooter, starting out on the pavement at 4 mph will give you a chance to understand the controls, before going for the higher speed of 8 mph on a road.

Owning and using a class 2 mobility scooter will greatly improve the user’s current level of independence, both indoors and out.

When looking at mobility scooters for sale , be fully aware of measurements for the preferred seat width and also the folded down measurements for storage, both inside the house and in the car boot.

Whilst mobility scooters for sale can be second hand, always be sure of its condition and working order, before purchasing.

It is recommended that there is a difference of fifty pounds in weight between the user (the lighter of the two weights) and the mobility scooter (the higher of the two weights), to ensure the safety of the user and the life of the mobility scooter.

Whilst tax is not needed for a mobility scooter, it is advisable to take out insurance, to cover any situations that might arise over time.

NB – For interest, class one is for wheelchairs, which can only be used indoors or on the pavement.

Source : https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/folding-mobility-scooters.html