How to Choose an Ideal Threshold Ramp

We all know the versatile uses of a threshold ramp and the benefits of having one. You can even customize the ramp according to your needs and requirements. But knowing benefits and uses doesn’t guide you to choose the ideal one right ? Questions like, How to choose the best threshold ramp? What are the best options to choose from?  Which areas to consider while choosing a ramp? etc. starts popping up in our heads when we are looking for an ideal threshold ramp. So, we have got a complete guide for you including some tips that you should consider while buying a threshold ramp.

Purpose of the Ramp

Purpose is the foremost thing to evaluate. This helps in finding a threshold ramp that suits your requirements perfectly because different ramps are useful for different purposes.

For example,

• If you need a ramp that is soft and smooth, a ramp made of rubber will be a good choice

• If you want a ramp that can carry maximum weight for heavy loading, then aluminium ramps are an ideal choice for you

 In order to not forget any specifications while deciding the purpose, we got pointers for you:

• Consider the usage of the ramp

• Centralize your problems

• Note down your specific requirements

Also, don’t forget to decide your rough budget range. Once you establish the purpose of the ramp, you will be easily able to decide the type of ramp you want.

The Type of Ramp

Choosing what type of ramp is the second important thing to consider. While ramps are available of any construction-strength material, the two most popular types of ramps use either rubber or aluminum material.

There are different types of ramps available in the market serving different purpose like:

• Bariatric Threshold Ramps 

• Adjustable Ramps

• Rubber Threshold Ramps

• Aluminium Self-Supporting Threshold Ramps

• Aluminium Ramps

• Portable ramp

• Permanent ramp

• Suitcase ramp

• Wheelchair ramp, etc.

Size of the Ramp

Besides the availability of different styles and types, ramps come in different sizes too.

Determining the size of the ramp depends on:

• Usabilities

• The weight of the purpose

• Space available

You should measure the ramp sizes using tapes to get an accurate idea. Having an idea about the size of the ramp you want will save you from:

• Many risks

• Unwanted regrets of choosing a wrong ramp size

Weight it will take

The weight of the purpose is directly proportional to the weight capacity of the ramp. It should consist of strong substances in order to uphold the weight of the purpose. You will need to consider the weight of the user and that of the mobility aid. This will help you find the perfect ramp for your use wisely. A strong ramp will be able to hold several hundred pounds strongly.

Durability

Durability depends on the type of material you choose and how often you use it. To increase the durability of your ramp, you should take complete care of it as guided for your particular ramp. Also, ‘what not to do’ information is equally important as ‘what to do’. So, make sure you follow the guidelines properly. Ask for some guarantee or warranty specifications, if provided on that particular item.

Some of the Tips that ton Keep in Mind while Selecting a Ramp:

• Keep your additional requirements list handy, so that you don't miss on any specification while choosing a ramp

• You should also think about the weather conditions it will be able to survive

• Look for a ramp that is easy to install

• Choose the threshold ramp that best suits your needs

• Making the right choice is important

• Take into consideration all pros and cons and make the right decision

These tips will help you cover all the areas that are important to think about before making the final choice. If you take all these tips into consideration, you will surely be able to find the perfect ramp for your threshold. Don’t hurry, take some time to research and clear your head. This will help you in the long run.

Source:https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/654940993348665344/how-to-choose-an-ideal-threshold-ramp

The Wheelchair’s Journey to Today’s Choices and Designs

Crude design designs for a wheelchair were seen as far back as the sixth century in China.

What was then known as an invalid chair was designed for King Phillip of Spain way back in 1595.

The beginning of the twentieth century saw the invention of wheels with spokes and 1916 heralded the first powered model.

From the crude designs of yesteryear to today’s manual and powered models, wheelchairs of today respect the needs of the individual, giving an abundance of choice, as well as being fit for purpose.

Manual or Powered?

Wheelchairs are not only used by people who can’t walk but also by people whose health condition means that fatigue and weakness may make walking too tiring at times or momentarily impossible e.g. multiple sclerosis and ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), as well as rehabilitation after illness or accident.

Today’s models address both permanent and temporary use, as the user’s individuality is paramount to success.

Manual Wheelchairs

The two main types of manual wheelchair are the self propelled and the attendant / transit propelled.

Self Propelled:-

• the self propelled design has large wheels at the rear, to allow the user to be able to make contact with the push rims on the rear wheels, so as to use their upper body strength to steer.
• the self propelled design also often has push handles, allowing someone else to push the chair, should circumstances merit this type of support.
• the larger wheels at the rear make moving over uneven ground and mounting / dismounting kerbs much easier.
• a lightweight self propelled wheelchair can weigh as little as 10 kg. (22 lbs. / 1 stone 8 lbs.), though thought would need to be given to what is expected of such a lightweight model and also its durability for those needs.

Attendant / Transit:-

• for users who do not have sufficient upper body strength for the self propelled method of transport, the attendant chair with its smaller rear wheels offers easier steering and manoeuvrability for the person in attendance.
• the transit model is narrower than the self propelled wheelchair, as it doesn’t need the larger and wider wheels which house the push rims.

Powered Wheelchairs

Making the choice between manual and power operated depends on the individual’s upper body strength and individual needs:-

• powered wheelchairs are heavier than manual wheelchairs, as the battery which supplies the power significantly increases the overall weight.
• transporting the heavier powered wheelchair will not be as easy and swift as transporting a folding manual wheelchair.
• depending on the maximum storage of the battery, the user may be able to travel only short distances before a recharge is needed, so thought must always go into the user’s lifestyle and keeping the battery at its maximum charge.
• for people who have limited upper body strength, a powered wheelchair will be the better option.
• storage space and access to an electrical point for charging the battery need to be addressed, before purchasing the right one for you.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair

The right wheelchair will always adapt itself to the user’s needs, rather than the user adapting to the wheelchair design.

If the wheelchair will sometimes be transported by car, the lighter the weight the better.

Some wheelchairs have detachable footplates, as well as detachable arms and wheels, all making lifting the lighter weight easier.

Some wheelchairs fold up by pulling up the seat section and some allow the seat back to be folded down to half its height, making storage a lot easier.

How often the wheelchair will be used is a key factor in choosing the right model, as regular use models are much more durable and comfortable than those used occasionally e.g. for attending the odd appointment.

The tyres on the rear wheels can be either pneumatic (filled with air) or solid rubber. Whilst pneumatic tyres may at times puncture, the wheelchair user enjoys a softer ride than with the solid tyres, which make for a harder trip.

The smaller wheels (castors) at the front of the wheelchair may have a 360 degree swivel, which makes for seamless manoeuvrability.

Whilst the armrests are necessary for support, it is better that they are detachable, as removing an armrest allows for sideway transfers from the wheelchair to another chair, or into a car seat.

Some wheelchairs have pivot armrests, allowing the arm to be swung back rather than removed.

Brakes are usually applied to the rear wheels, though the attendant wheelchair might have the brakes on the pushing handles, for operation by the person in attendance.

Most wheelchair designs can bear weight up to eighteen stone. Users who weigh more than eighteen stone should look for a heavy duty / bariatric model.

When researching wheelchairs for sale, be sure that you have done your homework as to what the user needs and what is expected of the wheelchair e.g. the upper body strength of the user, frequency of use of the wheelchair, terrain and transportability.

The Importance of Getting the Right Seat Size

The right seat width will make you feel comfortable and give you comfortable access to the armrests.

Armrests should be at the right height on which to rest the lower arms, too high causing hunching and too low causing leaning to one side.

A seat which is too narrow could lead to the onset of pressure sores.

The most common seat widths are 16, 18 and 20 inches.

Too wide a seat width will reduce the support to the body and could bring about mild discomfort or serious injury.

With any kind of chair, seat depth should support your thigh right along to your knee. Too short will not allow you to bend at the knee and too long will not support the whole of the thigh.

Other Points to Consider

Standard wheelchairs tend to have fixed chair back heights and the smallest allowance for backrest recline (only five percent).

Getting something more suitable to your personal needs may mean looking at specialist designs.

Headrests give support to both the neck and head and are a sensible optional extra.

Wheelchair cushions as an optional extra not only give extra comfort but also prevent pressure sores, which can develop as a result of sitting for long periods without any real movement.

Be aware that the extra height given by the cushion will mean that the armrest height will need to be raised, to once again support the user’s lower arms.

Depending on the user’s level of risk of developing pressure stores, different types of cushion available include basic foam (low level of risk), memory foam or gel (medium risk) and gel or air-based cushions for higher risk users.

In bad weather conditions, a wheelchair Macintosh can cover you head to toe, keeping you dry and free from the cold.

Designs include sleeves, allowing the user to make or continue his / her journey unaided.

In cold conditions, a wheelchair blanket will cover both the lap and the legs of the user.

For keeping a wheelchair dry when not in use, a wheelchair storage cover will protect the chair and any electrics from the elements.

Covers are available for both folded and unfolded wheelchairs.

Storage bags are an optional but very important extra. With side loops which allow the bag to hang at the back of the wheelchair, capacity is big enough for personal items, as well as a small amount of shopping.

An under the seat storage bag has the advantage of a front opening, allowing the wheelchair user to access his / her own belongings without assistance.

These pannier designs even have small individual pockets for mobile phones, keys, money etc.

A smaller pannier bag sits inside the wheelchair and is attached to the armrest, making personal items immediately accessible to the user.

The Importance of Exercise and Keeping Fit

Yoga from a Seated Position

Yoga is a discipline in which almost every yoga pose can be adaptable for use from a seated position. Its benefits include:-

• a reduction in aches and pains.
• strengthened joints, muscles and connective tissues.
• healthier bones and muscles.
• an improvement in posture.
• relief from long periods of sitting, via the yoga poses being performed.
• increased strength and balance.
• a better quality of sleep.

The Benefits of Wheelchair Dancing

Wheelchair dancing has many psychological and physical benefits:-

• dancing is an emotional activity, allowing individuals to express themselves through movement.
• this activity keeps us fit and raises our self-esteem.
• physical activity increases lung capacity, strengthens the heart and also lowers cholesterol levels.
• dancing promotes interaction with others and so increases social skills and inclusion.

Physical activity helps keep both the body and mind fit for purpose.

Summary

When looking at wheelchairs for sale, make sure you have taken everything into consideration:-

The upper body strength of the user the intended use of the prospective wheelchair (e.g. occasional use or for daily living) The weight and transportability requirements (i.e. the lightweight self propelled wheelchair might prove the right one for holidays / travelling use) the user’s weight, as a weight over eighteen stone will mean that the right wheelchair Will be either a heavy duty or bariatric model Storage space and, in the case of the powered wheelchair, access to an electrical point for charging the battery The correct seat width and depth for the user’s weight and frame.

Having all of this information at hand will not only hone your research but make sure your purchase meets your / the user’s needs and specifications.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/wheelchairs-for-elderly.html

Kitchen Gadgets and Equipment Which Help People with a Weak Grip

Using specially adapted equipment is an important part of keeping ones independence later in life.

The modern market for mobility and disability aids is innovative and ever-expanding.

Inventors across the world are coming up with clever practical solutions to the challenges that impaired physicality may throw at us.

As the population of the UK grows older, there is more of a drive than ever to produce living aids to help with every-day tasks.

Physical dexterity issues often arise in later life, leading to difficulty in areas which were previously routine.

In the kitchen, this could mean challenges like chopping food, or holding it steadily in place.

The problems tend to be associated with a loss of balance, dexterity, grip strength or grip precision. 

Arthritis impacts over 10 million people in the UK and is one of the most prevalent conditions in the over 60s.

It leads to joint inflammation and pain or discomfort, especially when a tight grip is required.

In many cases it affects the hands and fingers, which in turn may make it difficult to grip or control standard kitchen implements like knives or forks.

It is important to be aware of the large and ever-growing range of relevant products available, if you or someone you know is in this situation.

If you have access to an occupational therapist, they will be able to advise you on equipment which might work for your specific needs.

Often, simple awareness of the products which may help someone, is the most important part of the process.

An occupational therapist will also be able to help you on the organisational aspect of the kitchen.

If you have limited strength, flexibility or dexterity, standing for any length of time, or reaching to high shelves may be problematic.

If these issues are identified, practical plans can be put in place to make them less impactful on a day-to-day basis.

Creating space to move

If you live alone and use a walking frame to move around your kitchen, it’s important to make space and to make sure any potential obstacles are removed.

Pathways without obstruction are crucial if you are to move safely.

If you are unsteady on your feet and use a walking frame, a kitchen trolley or a rollator in order to move around, it’s even more of an imperative to make sure obstacles do not get in the way.

In the kitchen you might create various ‘bases’ at which you have particular pieces of equipment, where everything for a particular task is within easy reach.

Using a kitchen trolley is equipment many people use to move food and drink around the kitchen or to and from the dining room.

Special kitchen equipment

If you have arthritis or another condition which weakens the wrists, hands or arms, you may find it difficult using standard food preparation tools.

Similarly, if you have a tremor mealtimes may be challenging.

Essential Aids supplies a wide range of kitchen equipment which helps those in this situation.

Many stroke survivors, for example, may be left with the use of a single hand, due to partial paralysis or weakness on one side of the body.

Angled utensils are one such adaptation which may help. These have handles which form an ‘L-shape’ which requires less strength in the wrist to use effectively.

Products like the ‘Right Angled Carving Knife’ fit into this category, making an everyday task just that little bit easier.

Generally speaking, handles with a larger diameter are easier to control if you have a tremor in the hands.

Narrow knives, forks and other eating and food preparation tools may be too light or require too much of a squeeze to be comfortable.

Along with some other brands, ‘Good Grips’ utensils and cutlery go some way to solving this problem.

This is a range of kitchen equipment featuring large, comfortable handles. The grips also have a soft-touch surface, making them a pleasure to use!

Their extra size makes them more controllable than most of the alternatives, especially for people with reduced dexterity.

The Good Grips Swivel Peeler, for example, is a potato peeler with an oversize handle and a swiveling head. This product receives excellent customer feedback, as does the Good Grips Y Peeler. 

The Y shaped version has the wided, splayed cutting section which some users prefer.

The Good Grips handles work so well that the manufacturer also uses them for other tasks requiring precise manual dexterity. There is, for example, a dressing aid which uses the same type of oversized grip.

Known as a ‘Button Hook’ it helps the user fasten buttons without requiring them to pinch and control the button with their finger tips. 

Again, this is an action which many people with certain conditions find either painful or difficult.

Also within the Good Grips range are their knives and forks. As with the peelers mentioned above, these have the trademark large, built-up handles.

Knives, forks and spoons are available, making these cutlery sets a good choice for many who find standard cutlery difficult to use.

Special jar, bottle and tin openers

Opening stiff lids is a problem for many people, not just those with reduced grip. For those with arthritic fingers, it can be a huge practical problem.

Essential Aids supplies a range of devices to overcome this issue, helping the user get more purchase on the lid they are trying to open.

Good Grips make a good quality jar opener, which has an open wedge design along with the tried and test oversized grip.

The jar lid slots inside the wedge of this kitchen aid, where small teeth hold it in position. The handle then provides leverage to turn and twist the lid from the jar.

It is ideal for removing lids with diameters from 13 to 95mm (½ to 3 ¾ inches).

Using increased leverage is a fundamental part of most openers at Essential Aids, like the simple and popular ‘Turn Key’, for example.

This is designed to twist off tops commonly found on orange juice cartons. 

Like the Good Grips lid opener, its jaws clamp on the lid and the long handle provides leverage to turn it.

While the two gadgets mentioned here serve only one purpose, several available at Essential Aids are able to tackle more than one type of lid or top.

The ‘Multi Use Opener’ for instance, is the Swiss Army Knife of openers. It has numerous jaws, angles and clamps which lever, twist and wedge different kinds of lids open.

Opening tins of food is another challenge with increased difficulty for those with arthritic fingers. 

Conventional tin openers require a fairly tight grip and power in the fingers in order to lock the jaws in place and to turn the handle.

This is another device which the Good Grips team have put their mind to, producing a tin opener with large-diameter levers and strong locking jaws.

The levers do not dig into the hands as standard tin openers might, and are fair more comfortable in the hand.

While that is great for conventional tins, many cans are now fitted with ring pulls more associated with fizzy drinks.

The upside of this is that in theory they don’t require any extra tool to open.

Again though, this is not the case if you have painful arthritis or weakened fingers.

The ‘Can Key’ from Essential Aids is a simple gadget which overcomes this issue.

Its special shape allows the user to effectively jemmy the ring pull upwards, with its oversize handle providing leverage to complete the job.

While the devices mentioned so far use leverage, an alternative are those which help you gain extra purchase on a lid, in order to twist it off.

The popular and simple design of the ‘Bottle Opener and Knob Turner’ is in this category.

Made of a rubberised plastic, it fits snugly over a conventional twist-off bottle top and its ribbed interior grips the plastic, making it easier for the user to turn.

For larger lids like those on jam jars, the ‘Dycem Jar Opener’ is a good option.

It has a conical design, the widest section of which fits over the lid. 

As with the bottle top opener, it provides great purchase, making twisting much easier than with the hand alone.

Spreader boards and food preparation stations

Essential Aids has a whole section devoted to food preparation aids, among which are special chopping boards with unique features.

Holding food in place to be sliced, chopped etc, is a challenge if you have reduced dexterity, balance or a hand tremor.

Food preparation boards come with spikes, raised lips and clamps, all designed to help keep food under control and prevent it slipping around on the worktop.

The popular ‘Food Workstation’ for example, has numerous inventive features, allowing the user to grate, slice, spread and do a host of other tasks.

It also has an extra-large clamp, allowing mixing bowls to be held firmly in place.

An innovative kitchen aid like this provides an excellent example of how one piece of equipment can make a huge impact towards keeping independent at home.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/kitchen-gadgets-equipment-help-people-weak-grip.html