Types and Benefits of Pill Boxes

As you age, medications become a daily regimen. There are multiple medicines for you to take, at multiple time intervals. In the morning, at noon, in the evening or just before your bedtime. You need to maintain the timings of your pills as well as its dosage. Pill boxers are thus helpful. You just need to organise it according to your prescription once or twice a month and keep it near the bedside. It keeps reminding you to take your medications on time , helping you not miss a single dosage.

Here are different types of pill boxes that you can choose from according to your needs and also know their benefits. Read further to explore more. 

Types:

1. Weekly Pill Organiser:

The simplest type of pill organiser is a weekly pill box. It has seven sections, dedicated to seven days of the week. These work best for the patients who have to take at least one medication a day. Whether you have one medication a day or more, you can split them between the sections. 

These sections are removable, so while you are travelling, you can carry them with you. It helps to remind you that you need to take your pills for the day and not forget it. You need not carry the whole weekly pill organiser with you even if you are going out for a day. 

Different days have different color schemes printed on the section. So, it is easy for you to recognize and take the pills. 

2. Multiple-dose Boxes:

If you need to take multiple doses of medication in one day and you keep juggling between the medicines then, here multi-dose boxes come to your rescue. You can choose twice a day box, or thrice  a day box, or even four times a day box according to your needs. 

A two day compartment box will have AM and PM mentioned on their top, for mornings and evenings respectively. A three time a day dose box will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner mentioned on them so, you can take them before or after having those meals according to your prescription. A four dose box will have morning, noon, evening, and bedtime written on them. So, that you do not miss your pills. 

3. Special Pill Box:

This kind of box comes with excellent features. It has a push to open button which makes it easy to access for arthritis patients. It is less fiddly and easy to open. 

It is also beneficial for visually impaired people due to large text or braille. You can also find the pill organiser for large tablets. These give you more space for your large pills. Some pill organisers would be small for large pills. 

Benefits:

1. Forms a Checklist:

A written format shows which medication to take and when to take. But you need to organize your medication, because missing a dose or taking a dose twice is not good for your health. It has its own side effects, and sometimes it can be fatal. So, these pill boxes help you form a checklist and maintain a track for your medications. 

2. Automatic:

Medication schedule becomes complex with more pills. As the number of pills increases, you need to remember to take it at the correct time, and the correct dose for it. You need to make this process automatic and smooth for yourself. If your medication schedule is complicated, then definitely you need to do this. It helps alert you when it is the correct time for you to take your pills. 

Conclusion:

Managing multiple doses can be challenging. And if not managed properly, it may pose a threat to life as well. That’s why it becomes critical that you organise your pills in such a way that you do not forget to take them. It is easy to manage pill boxes rather than juggling different medicines and prescriptions. Pill boxes help remind you to take your medicines on time and not miss a dose. 

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5 Orthopedic Aids for Joints

 There are a total of 360 joints in a human body. Joints connect bone to bone. So, if your elderly face any discomfort in any of the joints, you need to take care of them. Any kind of wear and tear, sprain or strain which causes pain is a threat to the body, creating discomfort. So, to help you know the essential orthopedic aids for the joints, read further. 

1. Wrist Brace:

Wrist brace helps protect the wrist where it requires extra support. Like in weight lifting or bodybuilding, it creates pressure around the wrist. So, you need to prevent sprains and strains.

A wrist brace helps you keep the wrist straight and in a neutral position. Arthritis patients or a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome find this as a relief to their wrist as it helps support the wrist. 

Elderly have weak muscles and so picking up things can get difficult for them if done repetitively and worsen their wrist joints even more. So, you need to take care that the movement of their wrist is light and is not straining. You need to give time to the joints so that it can heal properly.

There are many types of wrist brace. You need to figure out which one is required by your elderly, and according to their condition, you need to choose an ideal one. 

2. Ankle Support:

One of the most used body parts of a human body is the ankle. It comes with a whole range of wear and tears. With age, the joints start becoming weak and thus, prone to injuries and natural wear and tear. 

Even the weight of the elderly affects their ankles. Being on the heavier side of the scale puts more pressure on the ankles, leading to swelling, tenderness, acute pain or just bruises. 

Any kind of pain in the ankle is a whole lot of discomfort. To help you support your ankles from injuries, fractures, sprains, and strains, an ankle support is your go to solution. It also helps patients suffering from arthritis and tendonitis, by locking down the joint so that they have limited movement. 

3. Elbow and Heel Protector:

Elbow and heel protector includes sleeves and pads to protect it from shearing. It helps prevent pressure ulcers for patients with limited mobility and for those who are confined to bed. Heel is one of the most common places to develop these ulcers because there are more chances of skin breakdown.

A heel protector helps prevent the friction that is caused against the skin. It is ideal for daily use and is a quick solution for reducing pressure while protecting the skin. It is one of the best ways to prevent sores, irritation, and pain. It also helps your elbows and heels from not getting any knocks. 

4. Neck Collar:

Aging affects the spine, neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back. This does not mean that everyone at that age develops neck pain. But everyday wear and tear degenerates the condition of the spinal cord. Also, patients with bone diseases, or arthritis are more prone to such conditions. 

Neck collars are also called cervical collars that help support the spinal cord and head. It is one of the most used aids for the treatment of any kind of neck injury or neck pain. 

5. Knee Support:

A knee support is required to support the damaged knee joint. It helps relieve pain and protects the knee from getting injured again. It can be worn for stability and while healing from an injury as well. There are many different types of knee supporters, especially for the elderly. You need to know the exact medical condition of your elderly and figure out which one is an ideal choice for them. 

Conclusion:

It is important to understand that even a small discomfort in any joint disturbs the person. So, you need to have these orthopedic aids handy. Also, you need to consider the condition of the elderly before buying these. You need to ensure that it is being used as in when needed. You also need to ensure that the aid is helping, and supporting the joints, rather than degrading the condition of the damaged joint further.  

Read More : https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/5-orthopedic-aids-for-joints

3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Ramp

 Nearly half of the elderly people find it difficult to use the stairs all by themselves. It is advisable to use a ramp for such people. It helps increase mobility in a wheelchair and make the person feel comfortable. It reduces the risk of injuries, and accidents during their trip. There are many types of ramps like the wheelchair threshold ramp, or folding ramps. You need to figure out which one will best suit your elderly. 

People find the ramps a real boon as it is helpful for the family or for the caregivers of the person using the wheelchair. To help you out, here are three things that you need to consider before buying a ramp. 

1. Size:

The first and foremost thing you need to determine is what is the exact size of the ramp you need. You should make sure that the ramp has a gradual slope and 1:12 is the standard ratio for the same. For one inch increase in the height, the ramp should increase by 12 inches. 

The ramp should not be too steep. You should consider the type of wheelchair the elderly are using for the same. If possible, choose a longer ramp with lesser gradient which is safe and easy for scooters and electric wheelchairs to pass. You also need to take into consideration your ability to lift and move the ramp when not in use. Also, you need to make sure that the ramp is 36 inches wide, only then each type of wheelchair or scooter can pass through it.

2. Material:

There are many options to choose from and each material comes with its own pros and cons. Like a steel ramp can be strong but also heavy to manage. So, it takes more people and more effort to set the ramp and install it which is also prone to rust and so it needs proper care.

 

A regular wooden ramp requires regular maintenance in order to maintain it in a good shape. These are expensive and easy to install. These also look nice as compared to the steel ramps.  

A concrete ramp is the one that lasts for a longer duration. It is an ideal option, though it costs more and is not easy to install. But it has a better lifespan. 

An aluminium ramp is lighter than the steel ramp and is quite strong. It is easy to install and is hard wearing. 

3. Layout:

A ramp has many layouts. You need to decide what layout will best suit you. The layout depends on the location where you want to place it. Depending on that, you can choose the straight ramp or you might need a ramp that turns at 90 degree angle. Also, depending on the amount of space, you need to choose whether you need folding ramps or not. 

Conclusion:

Before you buy a ramp, you need to know all the criteria, whether you want folding ramps, a wheelchair threshold ramp, an aluminium ramp or some other ramp and its size as well. You must know the exact requirement and the condition of the patient before buying a ramp. Also, where you want to place it and what dimension ramp is required differs from location to location. 

You also need to make sure that the ramp can withstand the weight of the wheelchair as well as of the elder sitting on it. A ramp will help improve the mobility capabilities of an individual with physical disabilities. Ramps help them enter and exit a car while maintaining their privacy as well. It also helps the elderly feel a sense of independence by enabling them to access the outdoors on their own terms.

Read More : https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/3-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-ramp

Seniors and Independence – What Needs to be in Place

Ageing happens and it can bring with it a reduced level of independence, as parts of the body do indeed begin to show and feel their age. Caring for oneself may become slower, more difficult and, possibly with failing eyesight, hard to handle.

Quality of life is important to us all. If a senior person has reached the stage of needing support in their own home, there will be several factors to address to maintain safety, health, hygiene and happiness.

Constant reviews on how the individual is managing will be needed, as ageing will continue to reduce physical ability and may also affect mental awareness and thinking.

Foremost, it must always be remembered that human beings are indeed individuals and will have their own ideas, choices and routines.

It is so easy to rush in and get jobs done and dusted, without giving personal attention and interaction with that senior. ‘Knowing’ what this person is all about is the starting point to a successful relationship.

Some of the main areas to address for seniors living independently include safety, eating, mobility, toileting, hygiene and happiness. When all are in place, the individual will feel healthier and happier.

Safety

Homes we raise our families in aren’t always suitable to life in later years. For your senior, check if:

• the senior can still manage two floors, or to comfortably get around their one storey home

• access to a toilet is easy

• lighting is suitable throughout the house

• cooking facilities are within your senior’s range of abilities

• the individual can easily access bathing facilities.

Eating

Eating sensibly must not be overlooked.

- Diet

As once busy households reduce in size, ageing parents may then find it a chore to prepare full meals. Particularly for the senior who lives alone, cooking fresh food may be pushed to one side and eating sandwiches or tinned foods may become the new norm.

Part of the caring process will involve making sure that the senior is on a balanced diet (protein being important in later stages of life) and that they drink enough to stay hydrated.

- Self-Feeding

Illness and disability can make eating an uncomfortable task, particularly if the individual has unsteady hands. Forgetfulness may also mean the senior forgets to eat.

The carer will need to know what is happening for the senior in their care. For example:

• can the individual prepare their own food

• does the individual need help with bringing food to their mouth

• will special equipment help the person with self-feeding.

Special equipment in the form of cutlery with weighted handles (to reduce shakiness) or Velcro straps (to maintain grip), adapted plates and two-handled cups, are some of the items which help maintain a level of independence.

Mobility

Later years can lead to unsteady balance and a weakened frame, as well as aching joints, making walking a painful, and maybe worrying, task. Depending on what mobility aids your senior is using, accessing all parts of the home may sometimes need a rethink.

- Walking Cane

A walking cane tends to be used when support is needed to only one side of the body but may also be used as something to rest on when making short trips from one room to another. Using a walking cane shouldn’t create any need to make alterations to aid getting around, as the cane takes up only a little more space / width than the person him-/herself.

- Walking Frame

A walking frame is held in front of the user and lifted forward maybe twelve inches (30 cm) or so, with the user then stepping towards the frame, before moving the frame forward again to take the next step. Though held in front of the person, a slight re-adjustment of furniture might still make it easier to get around.

- Wheelchair

A wheelchair is needed by the individual who can’t walk, maybe due to accident or illness (e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a wheelchair will mean making an assessment of the whole home, as space will be needed not only to move around in the wheelchair but also to turn. Aisles and doorframes will need to be wider and there is every possibility that moving into more suitable accommodation will prove the cheaper, though not necessarily preferred, option.

- A Food Trolley

Whilst a food trolley is not a mobility support aid, for moving prepared meals from the kitchen to the table or living room, a trolley helps steady the food and allows the senior to have two hands available for pushing the trolley, which can give something firm to hold onto whilst walking.

Toileting

The main point to consider here is that the toilet is easily accessible.

- Toilet Height

An ageing body may mean that the individual can no longer lower him-/herself down to the toilet height, or get back up after use.

The average toilet has a height of 17 inches (42.5 cms.), though it is possible to purchase toilets with a height of 20 inches (50 cms.) and 21 (52.5 cms.) inches. The extra height makes it more manageable for the user to lower him-/herself and also get back into a standing position.

Height can also be increased by purchasing a toilet booster seat, which gives an extra four inches (10 cms.) of height and again makes sitting and standing a little easier.

Make sure a grab rail is at hand, to aid the user in sitting and standing from the toileting position.

- Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence can sometimes happen in later years and, should the individual need extra time to reach the toilet, incontinence products may be the answer.

Incontinence products include incontinence pads, incontinence pants (also called adult pull-ups) and other products.

Mattress protection comes in the form of full mattress covers and waterproof bed pads, the latter making it easier to change the bed quickly, should an accident occur during the night.

Protection can also be purchased for seats and chairs, in the form of washable cushioning, keeping the seat free from stains or odour.

Protective covers can also be bought for car seats, giving the senior peace of mind when travelling.

Hygiene

Hygiene is important to health, wellbeing and self-esteem. Arthritis, a weakened frame, unsteadiness and some illnesses may make getting into a bath unaided a somewhat dangerous task.

- Bath

To aid getting into and out of a bath comfortably, a bath board is a board which bridges the width of the bath and allows the user to sit down on the board, before twisting to get one’s legs into the bath water. For added safety, buy a bath board which can be locked onto the bath itself.

A bath board is more suited to individuals who still have sufficient upper body strength to manoeuvre themselves into, and out of, the bath water.

Having a grab rail attached to the wall inside the bath space and on the wall just outside the bath, will again give added safety to the user who wishes to enjoy one’s ablutions independently.

Once the user’s feet are outside the bath and firmly on the floor, the individual can remain seated there to dry oneself.

Always have a bath mat inside the bath to prevent slipping and one outside the bath for the same reason.

- Shower

A bath board can also act as a shower board, allowing the user to be seated on the board whilst showering.

When sitting on a shower board, think about placing a grab rail close at hand, to give peace of mind to the user who is showering independently. Better still, shop for a board which comes with a grab handle attached.

A mounted, folding shower seat can fold up against the shower wall when not in use and so won’t cause issues for other people who prefer to stand when showering.

For more comfort and more safety, a folding shower seat can also come with a back-rest and armrests.

Folding shower seats also come with two legs and can take weights of up to 18 stone (115 kgs.).

Happiness

Some may say happiness is the most important factor of all.

Leaving one’s own home to live in a more appropriate accommodation, or to enter into a care home, takes the individual from practiced comfort and places them into a new and ‘foreign’ environment. Happiness disappears and the individual has to make do and mend with his / her changed circumstances and lifestyle.

Happiness involves socialising, still being needed, having interests and keeping active.

Any movement or physical activity will keep the body more supple, prevent or delay the onset of pain and keep your senior healthier and happier for longer.

Summary

For the ageing person who wants to continue living in their own home, it may be necessary to assess whether their home still matches their needs.

A carer needs to look at the main factors of a safe and fruitful future, including safety, eating, mobility, toileting, hygiene and happiness.

Changes in levels of mobility may mean that a walking aid will be needed to support the senior’s independent lifestyle.

Remember that, for the ageing person, dexterity and mobility might make getting to the toilet a slower task.

Social interaction and still being needed are important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Read More : https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/seniors-and-independence-what-needs-to-be-in-place

Males and Urinary Incontinence

 Urinary incontinence means accidental leakage of urine and can be a symptom of another condition.

Whilst the onset of urinary incontinence increases in later years, it can come on at any age.

With urinary incontinence, men and women experience similar symptoms, all pointing to a change in bladder control.

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

• urge incontinence is when it may become an urgent need to quickly pass urine
• stress incontinence is when the pressure in the bladder makes it impossible to hold onto the bladder content any longer
• overflow incontinence can be caused by a blockage or obstruction, which prevents the bladder from fully emptying, resulting in frequent leaking
• mixed incontinence is a combination of stress incontinence and an overactive bladder and can occur as a result of a prostate operation
• total incontinence means that the bladder can no longer hold onto urine, leading to regular toilet visits and frequent leaks.

Urinary incontinence can also be because of enuresis, which is the accidental passing of urine by someone who can normally control their bladder. This condition affects one per cent of the general population and can be caused by a genetic link, an overactive bladder, or smaller functional bladder capacity (when the bladder has a lower capacity for the amount of urine it can hold).

Diagnosis of Cause

To assess the cause of urinary incontinence, your doctor will first address your medical history. Taking samples of both urine and blood will help with establishing the cause.

Once the cause is known, bladder control issues are very treatable.

Urinary incontinence can be brought on by diabetes, as well as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). In men, it can also be brought on by an enlarged prostate and also prostate surgery. For both sexes, it can also be brought on by causes unknown, so establishing the reason is extremely important.

Other causes can include:

• a chronic cough
• a bladder infection
• obesity (extra weight places pressure on your bladder)
• constipation
• loss of sphincter ( a ring of muscle which acts as a valve, to open and close a tube and, in this case, the internal urethral sphincter) strength
• an obstruction in the urinary tract
• neurological damage (diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect your brain’s signal as to when to urinate)
• weak pelvic floor muscles
• a side-effect of some medications
• lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking, insufficient physical activity).

Managing Incontinence

There are several ways in which we can help ourselves prevent or control urinary incontinence:

- Managing Fluids

Drinking smaller amounts during the day, as well as planning drinks around any planned social activity times, will allow you to manage toilet breaks to fit around your needs for that day

Try to sometimes hold on to the need to visit the toilet, as delay training can help strengthen your muscles

When visiting the toilet to urinate, hang around a little longer to ‘go’ again, as this will help towards fully emptying your bladder and stave off any urgent need to go again soon.

- Lifestyle Choices

Some lifestyle choices / well-established habits can have adverse effects on our health:

smoking irritates the bladder and smoking-induced coughing can also cause leakage

caffeine (present in tea and coffee), soda and alcohol can all have adverse effects on bladder control

lack of activity leads to both weaker muscles (to include loss of sphincter strength) and obesity.

- Weight Awareness

Obesity causes pressure on the bladder and, indeed, on all of the body i.e. muscles, bones and organs. Losing weight will go a long way to improve your health overall.

The two main points to address are diet and increased physical activity.

Diet

Standard advice on a good diet plan is to reduce fats, cut back on carbohydrates and eat more of a ‘Mediterranean style’ food plan i.e. enjoying vegetables, fruit, pulses (e.g. lentils, all kinds of beans, peas, barley and chickpeas) and salad ingredients (e.g. lettuce, chard, rocket, watercress, tomatoes and onions)

A Mediterranean diet does not mean still being hungry after eating but reducing fat and carbohydrate intake.

Processed foods (including takeaways) are high in fat and sugar and so should be avoided, or kept to an absolute minimum. Many tinned foods also hold high sugar content.

Be sensible about what you choose to drink, as some fluids prove to be irritants and so exacerbate urinary incontinence. Excessive drinking will also fill the bladder quicker and so lead to more frequent needs to urinate.

Increased Physical Activity

Physical activity does not have to be heavy going; start off light (walking and gardening) and build up your level when it feels right for you (walking longer distances, swimming, or taking up a sport).

Swimming is said to be an excellent activity for overall health, as it uses all of your body’s muscles.

Products Available to Manage Male Incontinence

There are several products available to help with urinary incontinence, allowing day-to-day living to continue without issue. Such products could be any of the following:

• Incontinence pads designed specifically for men. No longer bulky, incontinence pads for men are unnoticeable and give great comfort and confidence. Using similar technology to that used for producing babies’ nappies, the hydrophobic layer pulls the wetness away from the surface of the pad and allows the user’s skin to stay dry and free from irritation. Make your choice of incontinence pad by checking the product details, as cheaper products could prove more expensive over time. Look for pads which last for up to six hours, which means the user will be less inconvenienced by a need for frequent renewing. A high level of absorbency is a point to look for, as this helps neutralise odours.
• Disposable incontinence pants for women (also known as adult pull-ups) prove a good choice for people with active lifestyles. These come in a variety of sizes and give added protection, if the elastic edging fits closely around the penis and scrotum.
• Washable incontinence pants for men come in normal boxer, brief and Y front styles, simply having a built-in absorbent layer for any needs during the day.
• A catheter is a thin tube which is placed into the bladder via the penis, to allow urine to exit the bladder. This device can prove somewhat uncomfortable to wear and can sometimes cause infection.
• An external catheter involves catching urine flow in a bag attached to the user’s leg, through a tube which is attached to the penis via a condom-like fitting. During night time hours, the bag can be placed outside the bed and then re-attached to the user’s leg for daytime use.
• A drip collector is a waterproof pad which fits over the penis and works best with men who have constant but minimal leakage. Underwear needs to be close-fitting, to hold this padding in place.
• A Cunningham clamp is worn on the penis, to prevent urine from escaping and is removed when the user wishes to empty his bladder. Uncomfortable at first, this item is re-usable and so may prove to be a more economical option.

Other Incontinence Protection to Consider

For people who can get caught short quickly, or have total incontinence, it is advisable to also use protection on seats and mattresses.

- Seat Protection

Protective seat and chair pads don’t draw attention, as they simply look like extra cushioning or padding. Waterproof pads will protect the seat from damages such as odour and staining and keep the chair in usable condition for longer.

Seat protection is also available for use on car seats.

- Mattress Protection

A fully covering mattress protector is good practice for all, as it keeps the mattress free from sweat, as well as any spillage of bodily fluids or drinks

Washable bed pads give an added layer of protection and, should an accident happen during the night, the pad is much easier to change than the full mattress protector. Look for bed pads which have waterproof backing and check product details for the level of absorbency.

Summary

Urinary incontinence can affect all ages, though later years may lead to a higher likelihood.

Getting the right size of incontinence pad or pants will increase levels of protection.

Incontinence pads for men are designed to be worn inside close-fitting, but also comfortable, underwear.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity will help you lose weight, will tighten up your muscles and will also reduce any constipation, all taking pressure off your body and encouraging smoother, all-round, functioning.

When choosing incontinence pads for men, as well as for women, always check the product details e.g. the size, whether they are washable, their absorbency level and how long a pad lasts for your type of incontinence.

Seat and mattress protection are sensible purchases, as they will cut down on work and will protect the item they cover against odour and staining.

Read More :  https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/males-and-urinary-incontinence