Making Bathing a More Independent Experience for Elderly People

With age, what used to be straightforward (e.g. opening a tin with a tin opener) becomes more of a challenge than a chore, as we work out how to adapt our lives to meet the onset of old age and the pressure it places on our everyday lives.

Relaxing is a break from daily pressures and, for some, the only place for such ‘me’ time may be the bathroom.

Having everything available in a bathroom to maintain independence adds to the pleasure of bathing or showering and increases self-esteem and confidence.

Some points which may seem little in their own right can greatly add to creating that feeling of independence, whilst adding built-in safety to the overall experience.

Enhancing the Experience

An inflatable bath cushion gives added support to the back and neck and the extra comfort adds to the bathing experience.

Using a bath cushion for disabled people gives extra peace of mind, as the added support helps keep the user positioned and therefore more at ease.

Similar to a hand dryer for hands, a wall-mounted body dryer allows you to dry all of your body, drying parts of the body that limited dexterity might make difficult to reach.

Long-handled washing aids allow the user to reach the feet and also the back without having to re-adjust one’s standing or sitting position, thus helping to avoid unnecessary trips or falls.

Mounted shampoo and soap dispensers make bathing a more stress-free experience, as everything is at hand.

An anti-fog mirror has a special coating which absorbs moisture and so allows the person to view themselves whilst bathing or showering.

Bath Cushions and Bath Mats

There are several designs of bath cushions and bath mats, all designed to give extra comfort and security whilst in the water. Some of these include:-

• A bath cushion ( measurements tend to be around 43 cms ( 18 inches) squared and, when placed on the base of the bath, they can be inflated to give a softer seat in the soothing water
• A cushioned bathmat which is similar in design to a sun bed mattress, lying along the base of the bath and then also forming a backrest-cum- pillow, keeping the user safe from slipping further into the water
• Whilst there are many designs of bath lift and bath hoist, the simplest and cheapest is an inflatable bath cushion, which can lower you into the bath and then raise you back up again, simply by the press of a button. Once in the bath, you can also remove all of the air from the cushion, so as to rest on the bath base itself to enjoy a more natural soak

Bathing or Showering from a Seated Position

A bath board is designed to allow the user to edge oneself into the bath or shower from a seated position, thus preventing falling or slipping when getting in or out of the bath tub.

For stand-alone showers, a shower chair gives added safety and increased pleasure when showering.

Wet rooms are not raised from the floor and so, for a wheelchair user, are much easier to enter than a regular shower unit or bath.

A wheelchair user can take advantage of the shower chair with wheels when entering a wet room, which can also be used to move around the bathroom itself.

A bath bench or bath chair will greatly improve the bathing experience, as some elderly people may have weaker or unsteady frames, or be unable to stand due to illness or injury.

Walk-in bath tubs and the integral seat might not be everyone’s idea of a pleasing bathing experience, though they do remove the worry of falling or tumbling when trying to enter or exit the bath.

The Popular Whirlpool and Spa Experiences

If you have health conditions which would benefit from regular hydrotherapy sessions, a whirlpool bath or spa bath could prove worth its price and so somewhat enhance quality of life.

Some benefits include:-

• When soaked in water, your heart is encouraged to work harder and so it is kept healthy
• It can help reduce arthritic pain and discomfort and so increase motion in your joints
• It can improve your confidence and self-esteem
• By allowing you to relax, it can both reduce headaches and improve quality of sleep
• It can help reduce blood pressure.

The pleasure which the moving water bestows upon you relaxes your whole being and has quite a positive effect on your emotions.

The main difference between hydrotherapy and a spa session is that the spa is about floating or sitting, whereas hydrotherapy means putting in some hard work, as your body moves against the water.

N.B. Hydrotherapy should always be used with caution and, should you have health conditions, always check with your doctor if hydrotherapy would prove suitable to those conditions, before making a purchase.

Bathroom Hazards

As many as four thousand people every year drown in the bathtub, with the bathroom being one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.

Some medications can lead to hypertension and dizziness, which in turn leads to limited mobility, making bathing independently a little more complicated.

Wet floors can lead to slipping and the hardness of the floor can lead to serious injury. Rugs (make sure they have a non-slip underside) can reduce an injury which can be incurred by hitting a hard floor.

Never use a towel rail for support, as their purpose is to hold towels and not to take someone’s weight.

Bathroom doors which lock only from the inside can lead to being unable to quickly reach the person in the bathroom in an emergency. Locks on both sides of the door can give privacy but also swift emergency entrance.

A temperature of 54 C / 120 F is an ideal temperature for bathing. However, due to health conditions, medications or neurological damage, as well as ageing and possibly thinner skin, an elderly person may be unable to register that the bath / shower water is too hot, meaning that even brief exposure to such heat could cause scalds and serious burns.

Using a bath can cause spills to the floor, so adding a weighted shower curtain (tucked inside the bath) as an optional extra can help prevent water spilling onto the bathroom floor.

Safety Measures

Grab rails in a bathroom are safety handles which are placed near the toilet, wash hand basin, bath / shower and any other place deemed necessary, to have something to hold on to whilst moving from one place to another, as well as for steadying oneself during the bathing / showering experience.

Bolts should be used to install grab rails, rather than suction cups, as bolts offer more permanency.

A bath mat inside the bath or shower allows for more surety of step, as not all bath and shower bases have raised imprints to prevent slipping.

Things to Look Out For

Weakened strength or dexterity may mean than twisting taps on and off isn’t an option, so lever taps or tap turners may prove to be the way forward.

Elderly people who use walking frames might have difficulty lifting the walking frame over the door frame threshold; even a half an inch / 1 cm. rise making entry into the bathroom somewhat more difficult.

For wheelchair users, widening the door into the bathroom may need to be addressed.

Again, for wheelchair users, attention may need to be given to the height of wash hand basins and mirrors, which may need to be lowered to accommodate the user’s seated position.

Increasing the Experience for Those with Vision Loss

According to the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind), around one in thirty people in the United Kingdom live with some degree of sight loss and such vision changes can also be supported to improve the bathing experience. Consider:-

Addressing the lighting to support the type of vision loss the user may have (e.g. distorted, blurred, or tunnel vision) would benefit from the installation of spotlights, floor lights and down lights, to give definition to areas within the bathroom

De-cluttering the bathroom of any overload of shampoo and bath gel bottles, so as to make identifying the right one for user easier, or make use of mounted shampoo and soap dispensers

Removing tripping hazards such as bathroom scales or waste bins

Using towels which contrast with the wall colours, to make their location more easily identifiable

Making use of a Smart shower, which allows the user to switch off the shower by voice activation, instead of having to locate the water control point.

Summary

While bathing / showering can be a relaxing and independent experience for most, general weakness, reduced mobility, grip and dexterity, as well as sight changes which come with age, can bring challenges to performing this personal task.

Even the smallest of changes will help an elderly person maintain a dignified level of personal care.

A bath cushion for disabled people gives that extra grip to the body, lessening any likelihood of sliding down into the water.

Before purchasing a hydrotherapy bath, check that your health condition is compatible with using this therapy style system.

Be aware that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in your home and tackle tasks which limited functioning may make more hazardous, highlighting the need for safety measures to be identified and addressed.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/bath-cushions.html

Top 5 Bathroom Aids for Elderly

Stepping into the bathroom is one of the daily chores that we do easily. And that’s why we take it for granted. However, it’s not the same for older people or people with limited mobility. For them, this chore can be painful, unfeasible, and even unsafe.

Thanks to the recent developments in bathroom aids, you can now make your bathroom elderly-friendly. These aids are known to assist your loved ones in taking a shower or use the toilet efficiently, safely, and independently. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the top 5 bathroom aids that can make your loved one’s life easy and safe.

Top 5 Bathroom Aids for Elderly that You Should Know

Tap Turners

Tap turners are a blessing for those older adults who have arthritis, hand weakness, and grip problems. This device comes in different sizes and fits on all kinds of taps. The primary function of this bathroom aid is to offer extra leverage and grip. So, that your loved ones, despite having painful joints, can open and close taps without any hassles. Tap tuners come in prominent colour coded handles, which eliminates any mishaps. Furthermore, you can quickly transfer tap turners from one tap to another.

Bathtub Safety Rails

A bathtub can be a risky spot in the bathroom. It’s because there’s a high possibility of slipping and falling in and around the bathtub. This risk magnifies when it comes to older people who might end up getting a severe injury with such a fall. You can eliminate or minimize this risk by placing bathtub safety rails.

Bathtub safety rails are simply rails installed around a bathtub. It helps older people to go in and out of the bathtub risk-free by offering extra grip, support, and stability.

Bathtub Pillows

Apart from the risk of slipping and falling, staying inside the bathtub can also have serious injuries to your neck and back. You can avoid this by using bathtub pillows that correctly position the neck and back, minimizing the risk of injuries.

A bathtub pillow is a cushion made up of water-resistant materials. It also has suction cups that offer better grip. The soap and water make the surface of the tub slippery, putting extra pressure on the neck and back to stay in the original position. A bathtub pillow can help to achieve a better grip. It makes it easier to stay in the same position for longer times without any risk of injuries.

Bath Lifts

A bath lift is a medical device that mechanically lowers and lifts the individual from a bathtub. Bath lifts are best suited for people who have arthritis or any other mobility issues. Generally, bath lifts are operated with the help of a battery and controlled with a button device. These devices are easy and quick to install. You can also remove and store it easily, allowing other people to have easy access to bathing.

Raised Toilet Seats

Sitting down and standing up can be challenging for the elderly as it requires a significant amount of muscle strength and flexibility. Raised toilet seats can make these actions easier for older adults. This aid is suitable for those older people who suffer from back trouble and are otherwise totally dependent on their caregiver to use the toilet.

Conclusion

If you’ve an elderly member in your family who often finds it difficult to go to the bathroom, then you must buy and install bathroom aids to eliminate the risk, pain, and discomfort. Today, there’s a wide range of bathroom aids available that serve different functions. You can choose the bathroom aid that serves your elderly member the best.

The benefits of bathroom aids are immense. Apart from offering comfort and safety, it also enables your loved ones to become independent in doing their chores. Furthermore, it also enables them to maintain their hygiene routine, thus improving their overall hygiene.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/657389452846612481/top-5-bathroom-aids-for-elderly

Top 6 Types of Mobility Aids

People with restricted mobility face several issues in their daily lives. These issues ultimately affect their quality of life. But all thanks to the technological advancements in mobility aids, things have improved for good. Now, people with limited mobility can move to fair distances with ease, comfort, and free of any stress or pain.

Today, there are a plethora of mobility aids available that can offer a solution to diverse mobility challenges. In this article, we will list the top 6 types of mobility aids that can enhance mobility and freedom in your or your loved one’s life.

6 Types of Mobility Aids that Can Enhance Mobility

Canes

Canes are arguably the most common type of mobility aid used by people who require a particular device to support their walking. It supports the body weight and helps the person transmit the load from his legs to the upper body. People who face problems in balancing or are at the risk of falling can use canes for risk-free mobility.

People can also use additional accessories like walking stick ferrules. While choosing ferrules, one should pick PVC and rubber walking stick ferrules over the metal ones. It’s because the former makes the stick shock-resistant, offering jerk-free mobility.

Reacher Grabber

Reacher grabber is a tool that helps people with restricted mobility and dexterity to retrieve items. It functions as an extension of the arm and helps the person to reach the needed items quickly. Reacher grabber for elderly comes in various lengths and features. For example, it comes with a magnet that makes collecting coins and other metal objects easy.

Walkers

Walkers are meant to offer stability and support to the user with restricted mobility. It’s convenient for those people who have limited mobility and don’t have enough strength to use a cane. Walkers comprise a metal framework consisting of four legs, making it a stable walking aid for the person. Sometimes, it also comes with wheels on the front two legs to make the forward movement easier.

Crutches

Like canes, crutches also transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. A person with restricted mobility can either use it as a single unit or in pairs. Crutches can work well as a temporary walking device and are generally used after a leg injury. As compared to canes, crutches can be cumbersome, obstructive, and challenging to use.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are suitable for those who cannot walk or those who shouldn’t put weight on their lower limbs. It can be manually propelled by the user or pushed by someone else. In an electric wheelchair, the user can travel moderate distances without any manual work or external assistance. Wheelchairs are undergoing several technological advancements. In 2016, a wheelchair was designed that could operate through neural impulses. Wheelchairs are suitable for those users who have highly restricted mobility and are required to travel greater distances.

Mobility scooters

Mobility scooters are a suitable device for those who cannot use manual wheelchairs. Although mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs, the former is a bulkier machine. It’s designed to be used outdoors. Mobility scooters have a seat mounted on 3, 4, or even 5 wheels. This device is powered by a battery and comes with steering wheels to control direction.

People considering mobility scooters should also consider getting the training. It’s because the rules for driving mobility scooters are different in different places.

Conclusion

Today, you can find a wide range of mobility aids for all kinds of mobility restrictions. Using these aids can extend freedom and improve the quality of life for you or your loved ones. While choosing the mobility aid, you should consider the pros and cons of that device. You should also consider the magnitude of the mobility restriction and other factors that will help you choose the most suitable and compatible mobility device.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/657214698396303360/top-6-types-of-mobility-aids

5 Shower Solutions for Eldery and Disabled

Taking showers is not just an activity; it is the process of refreshing your mind and mood right? But people with limited mobility, including the elderly are unable to shower often because the limited mobility makes the process of showering unsafe and hard.

However, today there are a variety of shower options for the disabled and elderly. And to help you know which shower setup is right for you or your loved ones, we got 5 shower options to choose from:

1. Bed Baths

The bed bath, known commonly as a “sponge bath,” is often the only option for someone who has restricted mobility. People who are bed bound are not able to get out of bed or move much.

But in any situation, hygine is extremely important. So, the best way to deal with that is to go with a bed bath. These can be taken in the bed itself. If you need, another person can help with the bed baths.

2. Shower Chairs

This is a versatile option for elderly or people with limited mobility. From a garden tub to handicap accessible shower rooms you can use them or fit them anywhere. There are various ways to add a shower chair to your bathing setup:

• You can place a shower chair stand on the tub or on the shower floor straight under the shower
• You can also fit them as a pull down option from the shower wall
• You can even built them into the tub or shower as part of a bathroom renovation

Later, you can add to it or keep it as it is, your situation or requirement changes.

Here are some basic requirements to use a shower chair like:

• You must be able to sit upright without any support
• You also make sure that you get on and off of the shower chair carefully. Of course you can take someone’s help for that if needed.
• You will need to supplement a shower chair set up with grab bars and hand held shower heads

3. Portable Showers

Portable shower stalls are the other option for people who are unable to use a traditional bathroom. You can set up a washing area in another part of the house including privacy curtains. This is the most convenient solution for people in wheelchairs.

4. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers offer a wide array of options for the disabled and the elderly. You can customize it as per your expectations to make it the perfect shower solution for your specific needs. You can even convert your existing tub and shower combo into a walk-in shower.

A main advantage is that you get to choose from panel and door combinations. You can add built-in shower seats and easy to grip handles as well.

To know more about the specifics of a walk-in shower, you can set up a meeting with a company that specializes in walk-in showers for the people with limited mobility. They come to your home, measure your room, and understand your situation. Then, they’ll offer you a solution to solve your bathing problem.

5. Wet Rooms

A wet room is an entire bathroom, designed and covered to be both waterproof and slip resistant. This makes it a good option for both situations- whether you stand or use a wheelchair.

Designing the entire room with all-round safety is possible with this setup. All surfaces are waterproof. A central drain is built for the water to drain away quickly. The floor is set up without any thresholds or barriers to wheelchairs.

You can also customize this setup adding your specifications too.

You will need to change your home for this. It requires contractors, permits, and other materials. But, when done right, these are easy and safe to use.

Wrapping Up

If you or your elderly loved one needs help while bathing, then buying equipment to the existing bathroom can be a great idea. To increase safety and are helpful to people with limited mobility issues, equipment options like:

• Shower chairs
• Shower transfer benches
• Tub rails are available

For people with milited mobility, then you might need an elaborated solution. The best shower option for them is:

• Custom shower
• Wet room 
• Walk-in shower stall
• Portable shower

Before making any decisions, don’t forget to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional asking for their advice too.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/656570401571356672/5-shower-solutions-for-eldery-and-disabled

Quality Night, Quality Day

During the Night

Age brings with it less activity and a more sedentary lifestyle, when all of the rushing around has become a thing of the past.

Lack of sleep can lead to more accidents and clumsiness, as well as making social and family situations less enjoyable / manageable.

Not enough sleep during the night can then lead to nodding off during the day, disrupting any plans laid out.

The Elderly and Sleep Patterns

According to research, 10 to 30 percent of adults live without adequate sleep.

As with all ages, the recommended sleep allowance is seven to nine hours per night though, for different reasons, elderly people don’t always achieve that.

When it becomes dark, our bodies produce melatonin, which allows us to become ready for sleep. The older we get, and a drop in production of melatonin, means we tend to struggle with falling asleep quickly and go in and out of sleep during the night.

Broken sleep may lead to medication being seen as a route to solve such sleeplessness.

Insufficient sleep can cause:-

• a slowed down ability to learn new things and to remember information
• poor balance
• craving unhealthy foods, packed with ingredients to boost energy levels e.g. sugar-packed foods
• a negative change in mood, leading to a depressive state and also to dementia
• heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Studies into REM (rapid eye movement) and memory loss have shown that such deprivation can lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Sufficient sleep can lead to:-

• an improvement in cardiovascular health i.e. the health of the heart and blood vessels
• being more alert and ‘with it’ during the day
• a better appetite
• being less reliant on some medications
• enjoying a better quality of day
• a lower chance of feeling depressed
• a better memory
• better balance and fewer chances of falls and/or injuries.

Tips for Sleeping Well

Once the busy lifestyle has gone, elderly people can achieve a better night’s sleep by following a few pointers:-

• if you nap during the day, try to limit it to only twenty minutes and don’t nap too late in the day (nap before 4 o’clock)
• stick to a regular bedtime hour, so that your body can adjust itself to your needs
• try to keep away from screens (e.g. television, computers and mobile phones) for at least one hour before going to bed, as the ‘blue’ light emitted can affect your body’s natural sleep pattern
• regular exercise can help you feel more ready for bed, thus enhancing the quality of sleep
• avoid tobacco and caffeine in the hours just before bedtime
• keep the temperature below 75 F / 23.9 C and consider using air conditioning or a fan, to keep you cool (if you can tolerate the resulting noise).

Different Types of Bed Bases

There are different types of bed bases, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Box Spring Base

A box spring bed is a wooden bed base filled with spring coils which are covered with a layer of fabric.

The sprung area promotes a flow of air and promotes cooler sleep.

This type of bed base is not compatible with heavy mattresses (e.g. memory foam and latex).

Wear and tear of this type of bed base might present itself as a sagging mattress.

Foundation Bed Base

A foundation bed base is covered in wooden slats which are usually about two or three inches apart.

The lack of springs in this bed base will make the mattress feel firmer.

A foundation base will last longer than a box spring design.

This stronger bed base is compatible with most mattresses.

Adjustable Bed Base

An adjustable bed base allows for the top or bottom to be raised or lowered, to hone in on where the most support is needed.

This bed base design is more sophisticated and may also include voice control options and massage settings.

Is Your Mattress Keeping You Awake at Night?

There are so many designs of mattresses, that it’s difficult to find the right one for you, or you and your partner. Certain mattresses can go that extra mile for elderly people and people with arthritis, aching joints and bad backs.

A hybrid inner spring mattress is made up of individually wrapped coils, which contour to your body and don’t wake your partner, should you need to get up during the night.

Mattresses boasting an upper layer of memory foam or latex help reduce the pressure on aching joints. Latex may be the better choice of the two, because it is naturally cool and so aids restful sleep.

A latex mattress adjusts to the curves of the sleeper, whereas memory foam sometimes just sinks under the weight.

A latex mattress with lumbar support gives protection to one’s back during sleep, with an added comfort of feeling hugged during the night.

Natural latex is breathable, helping to keep the body heat down whilst sleeping.

A good / therapeutic mattress should allow the user to disperse his or her weight evenly, thus reducing any unwanted pressure on joints, as well as on the whole body frame.

Mattress Toppers – a Simpler Option

An easier approach to making sleep more blissful is to cover the mattress with a mattress topper.

Whilst mattress toppers feel thick enough to be mattresses in their own right, they are for the purpose of topping a mattress, so as to increase the firmness and softness experienced during sleep.

Memory foam mattress toppers make the bed firmer, whilst a topper made of down will make it softer.

A memory foam topper supports your needs and movements during the night and doesn’t disturb your partner in the same bed.

Mattress toppers tend to be between two and four inches thick, the thicker options giving better back support.

Memory foam toppers adjust with your body and weight but can warm up quickly. They are still an excellent choice for neck, back and hip pain.

The dense material of mattress toppers can affect air flow, leaving you feeling damp and uncomfortable, also interrupting your sleep.

Doctors may recommend a firm mattress, as it supports your spine and relieves pain and pressure points, whereas a soft mattress will allow you to move into a difficult sleeping position, thus exacerbating pain already felt.

During the Day

Sitting comfortably during the day is important, as sleeping well at night and a regular day can be full of ‘ups and downs’ in different chairs in the house.

Depending on a person’s general strength, their back and their legs, some run-of-the-mill seats can prove too hard to tackle e.g. the seat pad is too low to get down to, or too hard to give comfort.

Arm weakness and unsteady grip can make standing up from a chair quite a challenge.

Chairs which have the ability to help the user to gently lower oneself into a sitting position, and to also stand safely, take the stress out of these moments and reduce mishaps and injury.

Riser Recliner Chairs do the Work for You

As well as a bad back and arthritis, there are many health conditions which may arrive with age that can make getting in and out of a chair an uncomfortable experience.

A riser recliner chair gives you support while you sit and helps you stand more easily.

At the press of a button, a riser recliner chair can adjust its position to suit your needs, adjusting your posture to meet the activity in hand.

Sitting still over long periods of time can hamper blood circulation and can also cause pressure sores.

A riser recliner allows different sitting positions, which can’t be enjoyed in an ordinary chair.

In a powered riser recliner chair, different chair positions simply at the press of a button can relieve unwanted pressures and give peace of mind.

Some superior powered riser recliner chairs can offer motor massage, keeping the body a little more agile and safe from back pain and pressure sores.

Riser recliner chairs can be made to measure, guaranteeing even more comfort when lounging.

Fabric and colour can also be tailored to match your preferences.

Points to Address When Choosing a Riser Recliner Chair

The height of the backrest must also support the user’s head, so measure the chair from the top of the seat cushion to the top of the backrest, to check that it is equal or more than the prospective user’s needs when seated.

The width and depth of the seat cushion should support the user’s frame and be neither too wide nor too narrow.

A dual motor design means that the user has separate control of the backrest and the footrest, allowing you to choose the right support for back and legs, independently.

A single motor design means that there is only fixed action available to the user.

If a powered riser recliner chair is in constant use, it will add a noticeable rise to the price showing on the electricity bill.

A powered chair will last longer than a manual one but is subject to breakdowns, which wouldn’t occur with a manual model.

Depending on frequency of use, a powered chair can last between ten and twenty years.

Summary

Develop a bedtime routine which allows you to improve your quality of sleep.

Avoid taking sleeping tablets, as they suppress sleep ability over time.

Take time out to check the suitability of your bed base and mattress and how / if they match your health, as well as mobility, needs.

A mattress topper may prove to be a simpler solution to getting a better night’s sleep.

Riser recliner chairs take the toughness out of sitting and standing and also reduce aches, pains and falls.

Using the power buttons to alter your sitting position and move pressure from one place to another will greatly improve blood circulation and also reduce the frequency of pressure sores.

Quality of life means looking after oneself and a good night’s sleep will lead to a better day.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/best-mattress-topper-riser-recliner-chair.html