4 Different Types of Commode Chairs

 It is important that as a caretaker, you make every corner of your house adaptable to ease the lifestyle of your elderly. As these people are dependent, you need to deal with their decreasing mobility. It is important that you include all the necessary equipment in their surroundings that they require. One such piece of equipment is a commode chair. It is a great tool to facilitate both comfort and care. 

A commode chair is mainly used by people who have difficulty walking or are incapable of walking on their own. These chairs are used the most these days. A commode chair is a portable toilet, with a removable pan that needs to be emptied and washed properly after each use. Keep reading further to explore four different types of commode chairs.

There are mainly three types of commode chairs which are portable commode chairs, static commode chairs and bariatric commode chairs. A portable commode chair can be carried anywhere, has wheels, and occupies a very limited amount of space. Static commode chairs are the ones that do not have any wheels, and have detachable arms. Bariatric commodes are made for more durability. They carry up to 600 pounds of weight, and are wider in size which makes it more comfortable for the elderly to sit on it. 

1. Invalid Medipedic:

Invalid medipedic commode chairs are designed for the people that suffer from knee pain, arthritis, or any other mobility issues. It is foldable and has a tight grip to ensure that it does not move while in use. It comes with an excellent hand grip as well and is user friendly. It comes with an antimicrobial plastic seat that helps provide a large base of support, and facilitates balance and stability when in use. Also it comes with rubber floor grips that help ensure that there is no falling and slipping on the floor. 

2. Invalid Commode to Cover:

Invalid commode chairs with cover comes with a cover on top, so you can close it when not in use. Also, it has adjustable height to ensure convenience. Other features are the same as that of the invalid commode chairs listed above. It includes a seat top and handles that help you keep the grip.

3. Commode Walker:

Commode walker is a type of commode chair that is useful for those who have backaches and joint pains. It has a backrest and an adjustable height feature. It does not occupy much space and is durable. It also helps patients who have recently undergone surgery or have some nerve problems in their lower body.

4. Wall Mounted Commode:

This is easy to install, ensuring the users safety when they use it. The searing space of the wall mounted commode chair is large enough, so that all body types of people can use it.  Also, it can be minted on the wall when not in use. This is light in weight so that the elderly can pull it from the wall when they need to use it.

Conclusion:

There are many different types of commode chairs available in the market. A raised toilet seat, commode walker, and many more. You need to choose the ideal one for your elderly. A commode chair or a raised toilet seat helps offer autonomy, so that they do not need to compromise on safety, irrespective of their medical condition. It helps them in the toilet without anyone assisting them. It also helps preserve privacy, and this a much safer option because they help reduce the chances of suffering a fall or an injury, especially during the night time. Also it helps assist the elderly everywhere as it is portable, therefore it can be taken while traveling.

Read More : https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/4-different-types-of-commode-chairs

3 Benefits of Using Foot Rests

There are many benefits of using footrests. But there are three major reasons that you should not miss. Foot rests work best for the elderly and other jobs that require constant sitting or standing. Even if your work does not require constant sitting, then because of your lifestyle, you tend to spend most of your time in front of your devices, watching Netflix or football matches. There you need to use the footrest for your own benefit. Read further to explore more benefits of using footrests. 

1. Increases Support to Your Back and Upper Body:

Researchers show that individuals using footrests are able to function better on a daily basis. A foot rest helps alleviate back that improves upper-body mobility. It helps you make you feel more productive. It helps you improve your posture, even while you are sitting, by straightening your back and opening it for your lungs to breathe freely.  

Even when you are standing, your posture needs to be perfect or correct in some way. While standing, you need to put equal pressure on both your legs and keep your upper body well supported. A good footrest improves your posture immensely. 

Footrests help while you are moving or just static. It helps keep your feet grounded all the time, titled in a neutral position that encourages more support to your back, shoulders, and hips as well. Therefore, it helps you feel relaxed, stay responsive, and productive all day by maintaining your posture, making you feel energetic all day. 

2. Helps you Stretch and Relax:

These days, the lifestyle of people is such that barely-there is room for any physical activity, even in jobs or while you are at your home. Thus, we sit almost all day, creating history. 

On average, an office worker sits for about 15 hours a day in front of the devices. It makes the body form a default posture that is not good for your body, as it is a monotonous posture. Thus, you need to use a footrest to help stretch your back and shoulders properly. A static footrest helps keep your feet in an ideal position, making you feel more active to function better. It also helps you massage your feet, which allows you to roam places.  

3. Better Blood Circulation:

If you have an adjustable footrest, then it allows you to set an ideal angle for yourself. Footrests directly impact your posture and, eventually, your health. A good posture helps align your body to function optimally. 

Footrests help boost blood circulation, adjusting your foot to get naturally inclined to a defined angle. A study shows that the angle of the footrests that the IT professionals use is directly linked to the amount of swelling in the legs and ankles. When the angle is too flat or too steep, it is found to be less oxygenated in the toes of the feet. Then there, you need to get shoes for swollen feet. 

Dynamic footrests have the ability to encourage movement all day, significantly enhancing lower body circulation. An ideal angle for the footrest differs from person to person. A footrest is at its maximum use when the angle is set between 15-30 degrees.  

Conclusion:

Foot rests are better than shoes for swollen feet. After all, it helps avoid these swollen feet situations overall. Footrests work best in the case of the elderly and for those people whose majority of the day is spent standing or sitting at a place. It helps improve posture, improves blood circulation, and allows your lungs to breathe freely. It also helps you relax and stretch your feet, making them more flexible. You should use footrests for the betterment of your health.

Read More : https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/3-benefits-of-using-foot-rests

5 Things to Consider While Looking for Wheelchair Ramps

Public buildings, hospitals, restaurants, and many other places have wheelchair ramps. But, you need to be sure that it is safe to use. Especially when buying for personal use for your elderly, then you need to make sure that it helps them by sufficing all their needs and makes their process easy.

To get the ramps in your budget, you just need to search “Aluminum ramps for sale ” or ”used aluminum ramps for sale,” and you will get them at much lower rates as compared to their market price. Read further to explore what six things you need to consider while buying a wheelchair ramp for your elderly.

• Ramp Material:

There are a number of options for selecting ramp material today. Majorly there are two options. First, aluminum ramps, and second, wooden ramps. Concrete ramps and steel ramps are barely used. You can choose from all the available options by knowing their pros and cons. It specifically depends on the requirements, the amount of time the user will spend on the ramp and other factors that include the mobility issues of the user.

• Slope and Angle:

In general, the ramp must have a 1:12 slope ratio. In simple terms, it means that there must be a one-inch rise in the ramp for every 12 inches of length. The reduced inclination is easy for wheelchair users and safer to use, especially in icy climates, where there are more chances for them to slip and fall. Hence, an angle must be maintained, and it is preferable to include an elevator or other wheelchair lift for the same purpose.

• Permanent or Portable: 

You need to make sure that the ramp is based on the needs of the user. If it is for home entrance, then it needs to be strong and permanent. But if you are taking it for traveling purposes, then it needs to be portable and lightweight so that it is easy for you to carry.

• Weight Capacity:

Different kinds of wheelchair ramps tend to offer different weight capacities. If the user of the wheelchair is on the higher scale of the weighing machine, then you, as a caretaker, need to make sure that the ramps, as well as the wheelchair, can bear the weight of the elderly. You need to make sure that the ramp should be able to hold the elderly with the wheelchair, so you need to calculate the weight limit accordingly.

• Cost:

Wheelchair ramps are expensive. Thus you need to look for other options as well. Rather than buying a new one, you can just type “aluminum ramps for sale,” and then you will have your options for a much lower price as well. If you want a wheelchair ramp, then first you need to build it and then install it. Basically, it needs to be of proper size and material, and it needs structure as well.

Conclusion:

There are a number of things that you need to take care of while buying a wheelchair, as well as the ramp for it. You need to make sure that it is easy to install, light in weight, and suffice the needs of the patient. You need to make sure it is of proper material, style, length, and weight can hold more weight than the user along with their wheelchair, and is easy to use. You also need to make sure that the patient has two types, one that is permanently fixed at the house of the user and the other one that needs to be carried while traveling. Also, the material used should go along with the weather like a snowy and rainy place will have a more slippery surface. Thus you need something to add an extra grip to the ramps. Whereas in normal situations, less grip can also fix their issue.

Read More :  https://essentialaids.mystrikingly.com/blog/5-things-to-consider-while-looking-for-wheelchair-ramps

Staying on the Rails of Independence

 As one gets older, one’s body changes and a descriptive way to think of this is that the elasticity of our bones and muscles starts to lose strength and power.

Whilst many people will be able to remain independent throughout their lives, there will also be some who need to look for support to maintain or, indeed, hold on to, a satisfying level of independent self.

Tasks once easily within our grasp become a little more bothersome and items once easy to lift become a little too heavy, or awkward, to lift or move.

Balance and walking, as well as sitting and standing, all become a chore and failing eyesight, as well as a change in hearing capacity, affect our overall confidence to be an independent self.

Help Available

The most common options available to elderly individuals receiving personal and / or physical support with tasks not now comfortably within that individual’s range of activities include:

• Residential homes and nursing facilities - whilst help can sometimes come in the form of moving into a care home, most potential individuals opt for remaining in their own home, as comfort will dramatically reduce from own home to care home allocation of personal space.
• Care in one’s own home - opting for care within the home may come from social services and delivered by a responsible social care worker being in attendance at particular times of the day, to give support with tasks such as food preparation, help with eating, toileting and also personal care.
• Support from family and friends - another option is that the individual remains in his / her own home, with support being provided by family and / or friends.

It should be noted that, whilst family or friends may seem the better option, receiving this care can sometimes negatively impact the relationship, as the personal title of daughter, husband, grandson or best friend can evolve into that of personal carer.

Trying to Remain Fully Independent for as Long as Possible

With careful monitoring, knowing at what stage an elderly person needs support and for what task(s), special physical aids can help with personal tasks for that individual’s needs.

Tasks which may come into question may include ordinary everyday needs, such as washing and ironing, housework, shopping, medical appointments and administration of medicines, preparing and eating healthy food (avoiding snacking), cleaning one’s teeth, personal hygiene, bathing and showering, shaving, grooming and toileting.

Onset of Age-related Conditions

Many types of illness or injury can make sitting and standing become monumental tasks.

Asking for help with sitting and standing in any room but the toilet or bathroom is an easy ask, and can provide willing help from the person nearby. The person needing help feels comfortable in asking for support and the supplier of the help is not only happy to help but can also feel good about providing that help.

Asking for help with toileting and personal hygiene needs is more difficult, leaving the asker feeling more vulnerable and viewed as not able to cope. Someone coming forward to offer help is a bigger issue, as it can leave the supplier of that help with a regular task to carry out, thus impacting on their own life diary.

When Support is Needed

The slowing down of physical agility may affect balance, walking, sitting and standing.

Being unable to get to the indoor place you need to reach with ease can affect purpose and mood (e.g. showering becomes a chore and food preparation is reduced to cereal or a sandwich).

Being unable to reach the toilet in time can reduce self-esteem and also lower morale.

The Kitchen and Food for Thought

Moving around a kitchen means that balance is extremely important, as the kitchen can be a dangerous place if you lose balance. Fit grab rails within reaching distance of each other, so as to support the body frame whilst moving around and completing tasks.

Have regularly used items and foods within reaching distance, so as not to cause the need to climb or stretch.

Eat sensibly; healthy food maintains health, self-esteem and morale.

If vision is changing with age, fit spotlights in the right places, to make food preparation and cooking both safe and more pleasing.

The Bathroom and Accessibility

Whilst most homes have an upstairs bathroom and toilet, not all homes have a downstairs loo. Difficulty or slowness with mobility can prove a concern for reaching the toilet in time.

Access difficulties need to be addressed e.g. creating a one storey home, by either bringing the bed downstairs, or taking food preparation facilities upstairs.

For concerns with balance, have grab rails fitted within easy reach of each other, to allow the user to move comfortably within this room.

Fit grab rails at the entrance point (to steady oneself when switching the bathroom light on or off), at the wash hand basin (washing, shaving, cleaning teeth), near the toilet and both inside and outside the bath / shower area.

Fitting one or two grab rails within the shower and bath space can prove invaluable for one’s balance when standing in the shower, as well as steadying oneself when getting in and out of the bath.

Other accessories which offer a heightened element of safety in the bathroom include:

• A non-slip bath mat in the bath or shower tray
• A non-slip mat on the floor outside the bathing area
• A bath board, designed to fit across the bath, allowing the user to sit comfortably on the bath board, before swinging one’s legs into the bath water
• A drop down shower seat, which is attached to the shower wall
• Water temperature control (ageing skin can sometimes be unaware of extremes of temperature)
• For those with failing eyesight, spotlights directed to the main areas in the bathroom will make privacy a simpler task.

Toileting

Being able to manage toileting independently really is a game changer for people who will accept help with most other tasks.

Weakening muscles and bones, arthritis in joints and the onset of other disabilities (e.g. Parkinson’s disease) may make bending at the knee a difficult and painful task.

The purchase of the right disability aids can make toileting a once again achievable task and give the ageing individual safety in the knowledge that he or she can ‘still manage’.

Toileting Accessories

The standard toilet comes at the height of 17 inches (42.5 cms.). Higher toilets of 20 inches ((50 cms.) and 21 inches (52.5 cms.) mean that the user does not have to lower his/her body so far and so should find it easier to get up from that heightened sitting position.

An extra thick toilet seat can also give a little elevation, making toileting more comfortable.

A toilet frame for elderly people oozes independence. With all-round support, even the weaker-framed individual can feel safe when alone for this personal task.

Toilet frames are lightweight and the supporting arm height can usually be adjusted, catering for both shorter and taller body frames.

A shower chair with wheels can prove useful, as its frame can fit round the toilet bowl. Some shower chair designs come with a hole cut out of the seat, allowing the user to use this support when using the toilet.

A shower toilet gives the user the comfort of washing and also drying one’s bottom, as well as flushing the toilet. For users who find cleaning themselves after toileting an awkward task, this toilet ticks all the boxes.

If accessing the toilet is not an easy task because of mobility reasons, a metal-framed commode chair might be the answer. The seat features a potty container and a lid, making it presentable in any place in the home.

For extra comfort, a cushion for toilet seat and commodes can make sitting more comfortable and also warmer. One cushion will not fit all, so make sure you choose your toilet frame or commode seat, before purchasing the cushion.

Summary

Appropriately placed grab rails will steady the individual when moving around, as well as when sitting down and getting into a standing position.

Toileting habits may change with age (e.g. incontinence) and finding the most suitable toileting aids can make ‘being caught short’ less of a likelihood.

Purchasing a toilet frame for elderly people is a wise move, as it takes a lot of the worry out of wondering how safe your individual is, when out of your sight.

A cushion for toilet seats gives added comfort, as a cold toilet seat can make one jumpy upon contact with such an extreme temperature.

When purchasing a shower toilet, take note that installation may mean making alterations to the bathroom, to accommodate the toilet + shower system.

When choosing between residential or nursing care, home care, or receiving support from family and friends, it must not be forgotten that a very important element of quality of life is social interaction with others. An important point to therefore address is whether quality of life will still be maintained within the option chosen.

Read More : https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/staying-rails-independence.html

A Mobile Hold on Independence in Later Years

For the elderly person (or person with reduced mobility) who lives alone, a mobility scooter will go a long way to keeping independence still in the picture.

A mobility scooter can be either class 2 or class 3:

• a class 2 mobility scooter is used on the pavement and can be used up to a speed of four miles per hour (4 mph)
• a class 3 scooter is often referred to as a road class scooter and may look a little more like a car than a mobility scooter. It is more spacious, can be used at speeds of up to eight miles per hour (8 mph) and can be driven on the road, though must not exceed four miles per hour (4 mph) on the pavement.

A condition for using a mobility scooter is that the user has either a physical disability or limited mobility, due to age, injury, or a medical condition.

Mobility scooters can travel on an incline of six to eight degrees, though heavy duty scooters can manage up to 12 degrees.

A mobility scooter can be used in the rain but drive more carefully and be conscious that heavy rain may affect the electrical controls.

About Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters come as three-wheeled, four-wheeled and portable.

A three-wheeled scooter will be more compact and prove best for indoor use, as it manoeuvres more easily around corners. Three wheels are not as stable as four wheels and so try to avoid using a three-wheel design on grass, gravel, or uneven surfaces.

A four-wheeled scooter is best for outdoor use. It is also a wider scooter and may have larger wheels.

A lightweight, travel, mobility scooter can be a boon for socialising, as it dismantles easily and can fit into the boot of a car. Some can be very light in weight though, if considering purchase, it pays to check the weight of the individual pieces, and also its maximum user weight, to be sure it matches the potential user’s requirements.

A mobility scooter does not need liability insurance, though it is recommended that a user does take out insurance, as it can be used in the case of theft, damage to the vehicle, or negligence claims which could be made against the user.

You don’t need a licence to drive a mobility scooter but you may still need to register it with the DVLA. A mobility scooter does not require that road tax be paid either.

Mobility scooters can carry maximum weights of between 250 and 350 pounds (depends on the make). If the user weight exceeds 350 pounds, a heavy duty bariatric mobility scooter can take weights in excess of that weight.

Tyres

Tyres for mobility scooters can be either pneumatic or solid.

Pneumatic tyres house an inner tube which is filled with air. These tyres offer shock absorbing benefits and so give a smoother ride.

For general guidance, tyre pressure should be set at 2 – 2.4 bar (30 – 35 psi). Underinflated tyres may negatively affect your control of the scooter. Over inflated tyres could burst, possibly hurting you and maybe damaging your scooter.

Solid tyres need no maintenance but don’t offer as smooth a ride. As to wear and tear, solid tyres do not necessarily last any longer than pneumatic ones.

Once you have selected the mobility scooter which most matches your needs, seek advice on puncture proof tyres and whether your lifestyle (i.e. preferred terrain) might indicate that these tyres would prove a better choice.

Choosing Personal Mobility Scooter Accessories Which Work for You

There are many mobility scooter accessories that can enhance the use of a mobility scooter, both for indoor and outdoor use:

Mirrors – when changing direction in your mobility scooter, mirrors mean that you do not have to twist your body to look over your shoulder and will keep you safe from hurting yourself physically, as well protecting others nearby, or damaging your scooter.

Travel bags come in various shapes and sizes:

• A rear travel bag attaches to the back of the scooter seat and some designs offer additional pockets inside, as well as exterior side pockets. Bags with high visibility piping will make travelling after daylight safer.
• Scooter side bags make it easy to access items needed quickly e.g. a mobile phone, money and medication.
• A pannier bag is designed to fit over the armrest of a mobility scooter and its handle allows the bag to be used for carrying, as well.

Weather Conditions can be handled with ease:

• A weatherproof poncho keeps the scooter user dry in wet weather, with hands free to drive.
• A weatherproof scooter cape keeps both you and your scooter dry in wet weather. A transparent panel over the control panel allows you to continue on your journey.
• Scooter / storage cover – if your scooter is momentarily parked in wet conditions, a scooter cover will protect it from the elements. Scooter covers are also ideal for when storing your scooter when it is not in use.
• A waterproof panel cover protects the control panel, should you be out and about when it starts to rain. Your hands will fit snugly underneath, to allow you to continue your journey. It will also give you peace of mind that the electrics are safe and dry, should you be in a building when it starts to rain.
• Sun canopy – when purchasing a sun canopy, check that it is made of a durable fabric, so that it can also protect against rain and snow.

Other mobility scooter accessories include:

• Lap straps – a lap strap is a sensible accessory to purchase, as it helps the user maintain posture and prevents falling out of the seat, should the user encounter a bump in their path.
• Crutch holders –a crutch holder is attached to the universal fitting on the scooter, with the crutch or walking stick being held in place by Velcro strips. Some scooter bags have high side sections, specifically designed to allow for carrying crutches or walking sticks.
• Ramps - a ramp can help make access to cars easier and facilitate entry to some buildings which make access a little difficult (e.g. even just one step).
• Oxygen tank holders – though not needed by all mobility scooter users, this holder can fit to any mobility scooter that has an under the seat accessory bar.
• Phone and accessory holders – this small bag can be attached to either armrest, via Velcro straps.This small pocket can make phone, cash, credit cards and medication easily available.
• Headrests – not everyone will feel a headrest to be important and so it is a matter of deciding whether your health condition might benefit from this extra support to head and neck.

Going the Extra Mile

Enhancing the travel experience with mobility cushions or sheepskin seat covers will make sitting much more comfortable and will also reduce the likelihood of developing pressure sores from sitting over prolonged periods.

Mobility cushions come in different materials:

• Foam cushions conform to the user’s body shape and so offer some stability when in motion. Foam cushions come in a variety of thicknesses.
• Gel cushions are made up of a gel pocket which is surrounded by foam. This material enhances pressure distribution and so gives a comfortable experience. Gel cushions may require an element of maintenance, as kneading the cushion may be needed to redistribute the gel.
• Air cushions give both shock absorption and pressure relief. Air cushions require an element of maintenance, as air cells can deflate on occasions.
• Honeycomb cushions can soften when heated and harden again when cool. This material allows for even weight distribution and provides shock absorption features, as well.

Summary

Please note that mobility scooters are not allowed on ‘cycle only’ paths.

Whilst a class 3 mobility scooter can be used on the road, it is much safer to drive on the pavement and only on a road, when no pavement is available.

Always make sure your battery has enough charge for the journey you will be making.

Using a mobility scooter to climb hills will drain the battery faster.

When choosing your mobility scooter, take into consideration that, if you intend to use it indoors, you need to measure door width against scooter width, to be sure that it can pass through relevant doorways.

For the tyre pressure which exactly matches your mobility scooter, check the psi rating on the side of the tyre, refer to the user manual, or contact the supplier for advice and guidance.

If using the scooter for a prolonged period, enhance the sitting experience by using mobility cushions or plush seat covers.

When looking at the array of mobility cushions available, bear in mind that too high a cushion might inhibit your ability to get your knees under a table or desk height.

Make sure that you accessorise your scooter with items which feature high visibility markings, to help others see you when you are crossing a road, or travelling by road (class 3 only for travelling by road).

Always remember that you will be using your scooter amongst walkers, people with pushchairs, runners, cyclists and dog walkers. Take care at all times.

Read More : https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/mobile-hold-independence-later-years.html