Design of Disability Equipment Changing for the Better

The design of rollator walkers is an exciting area of change. New models have better wheels, lighter frames and smoother folder mechanisms. Because most people using this type of equipment tend to be frail or have limited mobility, all of these developments are significant.

Moving On From ‘Bone Shaker’ Walking Aids

Gone are the days of heavy units made of steel. While these were stable, their weight made them both difficult to control and for many people, almost impossible to lift. Disability aids of the 1970s and 80s were frequently ‘bone-shakers’. They rattled down pavements with hard, tiny wheels, heavy frames and frequently had no brakes.

Larger, softer tires have made a big difference. These absorb impact and make a walker a smoother to use. Usually the tires a solid varieties, rather than pneumatic versions found on bicycles.

Many people take their rollators on buses. This means lifting them on and off the bus at either end of the journey. With steel framed models, this is very hard and may need help from a third party.

Weight Counts!

An aluminium framed rollator walker is a different matter. These are lighter and much easier to lift. So whether it is travelling by bus or simply transporting the rollator in the boot of a car, the process is much easier.

Weight has long been a key issue for a variety of disability aids and heavy materials make a poor choice for walking sticks, for example. In the old days, the only readily available metal vaguely suitable was steel, but this was both heavy and prone to rust.

Wood or Metal Walking Sticks?

For many years, wood was the only realistic material for a walking stick. While it remains popular today, aluminium has also become a realistic choice. Aluminium tubing is both strong and rigid, making it great for walking sticks. Unlike steel, it is also light in weight and does not rust.

Metal walking sticks have an advantage over wood because they are adjustable to fit the user. A pin-clip system is common, allowing a lower tubing section to be set at the desired length. While wooden walking sticks adjust in length simply by sawing them down, many people prefer the metal option.

Rubber Feet Don’t Slip!

An important extra part for either wooden or aluminium walking sticks is the ‘ferrule’ at the bottom. These are rubber or plastic feet which make the stick less likely to slip when in contact with the ground. These are particularly valuable when it has been raining.

Ferrules are also required for crutches, along with other disability aids like shower chairs. Anything which involves metal tubing rubbing against hard flooring needs a ferrule to create friction.

Ferrules vary in quality. It is important to ensure it has an internal metal disc which fits against the foot of the walking stick. This is especially vital for aluminium sticks. If this disc is missing, the tubing will rapidly cut through the rubber of the ferrule as the stick is in use. Once the tubing comes through and makes contact with the ground, it is likely to slip against the surface.

Special Handles Spread the Weight!

Another important component for walking sticks is the handle itself. With most wooden sticks, this is quite narrow and can dig into the palm of the hand. This is likely to cause pain as time goes on, especially in those with arthritis of the hands.

Most aluminium models have ‘ergonomic’ handles, shaped to fit the grip of the user. These spread weight evenly, making them more comfortable to use.

The same applies to a rollator walker. It is now common to find models with anatomically shaped handles, making it comfortable to use the walking aids for longer periods.

Most wheeled walking aids collapse down so they can be easily stored or transported in a car or on public transport. Down the years, the mechanisms have improved. Because those using these devices tend to have limited strength, this is a valuable advance. Now, many of them fold up with a simple gentle pull of a lever.

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‘Takes Steps’ To Find the Right Mobility Equipment

Modern mobility aids can make a big impact in some people’s lives. There are many different types available, including a wide range of walking aids. If you have limited mobility through injury, illness or disability, you may find there is something out there which is just right for you.

Crutches, walking sticks, walking poles are all good examples of commonly used aids. On top of these, wheeled walking equipment like rollators are also available. All these devices help with your balance and provide support as you walk. They can help when you are walking inside or outside the home.

Select the Correct Size
 

It is important to make sure you choose a walking aid which is the right size. Consulting an occupational therapist should always be your first port of call. In terms of sizing, as a general rule of thumb, the walking stick handle should be the height of the crease of your wrist, when your arms hang down to your sides. It is the same when you are choosing a walking frame for use at home.

This also applies to the height of the handles if you are using a rollator for outdoor use. It is important to ensure that a rollator is the correct size for you. If it is too small, you will find yourself stooping forwards. This puts pressure on the back.

If the rollator is too large or the handles too high, the user’s shoulders may hunch upwards, which can lead to shoulder or neck pain. Most models have adjustable handles, so they can easily be set to the correct height.

Rollator Wheel Size and Brakes
 

Four wheeled and three wheeled walkers are widely available. The most stable models are those four wheels. But the three-wheelers can be slightly easier to manoeuvre and are usually more compact.

Larger wheels on rollators tend to be better if you need to climb kerbs regularly. Wheeled walkers for indoor use usually have smaller wheels. Modern models have 360 degree swivelling wheels, providing excellent control.

Most rollators have brakes. In most cases these are similar to those found on bicycles. Before making your choice, ensure that you have the finger and hand strength to operate them.

While the mechanisms are usually lightweight, if you suffer from arthritis in your hands, it could cause issues.

Most brakes are lockable. This means you can engage them, remove pressure and they will not disengage. This is a useful safety feature designed to make sure the rollator does not roll away on its own!

Locking brakes are also good if you want to have a rest and use the rollator as a seat. Four-wheeled mobility aids like this tend to have an in-built seat between the handles. Usually there is a back-rest fitted too.

Many of the seats flip up to allow the rollator to collapse down, either for storage or to go in the car boot. Others feature a wire basket underneath the seat, great for small bags of shopping.

Other wheeled mobility aids include substantial items like wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Some people only need this type of aid at certain times. They may find that for the longish journey to the shops they use their scooter, then get out and walk around the shop itself.

They may be able to do this without help, or possibly with the aid of walking sticks or crutches. Some bags for wheelchairs and scooters have special high pockets on the sides made to hold crutches or sticks. The bags usually attach the back of the chair and many are of substantial size, great for food shopping. Side fitting ‘pannier’ style bags are also available. These fit to the arms of mobility scooters, providing extra carrying space.

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How to Aid Recovery After Joint Replacement Surgery

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is conducting more knee and hip replacement operations than ever before. Surgery in many cases provides ageing people with greatly improved mobility. But joint replacements are major undertakings and inhibit one’s range of motion in the period following the operation. In the initial weeks and months of recovery, the individual may need help to aid mobility.

Sitting Down and Standing Up

One key issue in post-op recovery is using the toilet or bath. The process of sitting down and standing back up again can be particularly difficult after hip surgery. The stiffness and immobility associated with the recovery period is significant.

Many people choose to have support rails installed in the bathroom. Positioning them next to the bath and toilet makes the most sense. In addition to this, a disabled toilet seat may make a difference. Some seats are available which raise the height of the WC. This means there is less distance to travel from a standing position to a sitting one and vice-versa.

A standard toilet seat usually has a height of around 16 inches from the ground. Many raised units increase the sitting height by two, four or even six inches. Lower padded seats may fix the existing seat with some kind of strap. Larger units which give a raise of more than two inches, fix to the toilet bowl itself.

Turn-clamps typically attach the seat to the WC, providing a firm sitting platform. It is vital that these clamps are tightly adjusted, making the overall unit stable and safe.

For those living with the stiffness of a new hip or knee, this makes a big difference. Losing one’s range of motion can come as a shock and it is important to take steps to adapt.

Another type of disabled toilet seat features a cut out section. Usually made from firm padded foam, these seats are comfortable to sit on. Sometimes these have the same basic shape as a standard toilet seat. In other cases there is a cut-out section at the font, allowing easy access beneath the body. This makes for easier personal cleansing.

A more specialist cut-out raised toilet seat has a large section missing on one side. This design is for people who are unable to bend their leg and must keep it straight. The straight leg fits into the cut-out area, allowing them to use the toilet.

Another type of seat has arm supports fitted to it. These project upwards on either side, providing two handles which the use can use to lift themselves up or lower themselves down onto the seat. These substantial units fit securely to the toilet bowl itself. A loosing fitting could create imbalance and lead to injury.

These raised seats are ideal of the user has limited range of motion in the lower half of their body, but good strength in the upper body.

Sitting Down at Shower Times

Elsewhere in the bathroom, a shower chair or bath board fitted across the bathtub may help. If standing for the length of the shower is difficulty, a sitting platform could be the answer.

Ensure that any shower chair you opt for is suitable for wet conditions. This means non-rusting parts and drainage holes in the seat. Non-slip feet are also important. These prevent damage to the shower floor and also guard against accidents.

Folding seats are available which collapse back against the wall of the shower cubicle while they are not in use. This makes them excellent space savers and they often an ideal solution if more than one person uses the shower. Because they bear the whole of someone’s weight, it is important a qualified tradesman installs them. They will take into account the types of fixing required and assess the wall for suitability.

A free-standing shower chair on the other hand, will usually have an aluminium frame. This is a lightweight metal and less likely to corrode than steel. In most cases it is easy to move these chairs in and out of the cubicle as required.

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Think About Alternatives When Using The Toilet Becomes Hard

Toileting aids used outside of a conventional bathroom play a part in the lives of many people in the UK. Certain physical conditions reduce mobility, making using the WC more difficult. Fortunately there are options to make life easier.

Commodes

In these circumstances, a commode chair might be a useful piece of equipment. For those spending extended periods in bed, it may become a routine-use item.

Before deciding which one you need, consider carefully the space you have available. As they tend to be next to a bed, it is wise to measure the area to ensure it is adequate. Many models are available with discreet designs, blending in with the room’s existing furniture.

Some commodes are foldable and easily stored away in a cupboard when not in use. Usually this type has a steel or metal frame with plastic components. Make sure you select one which is easy to clean.

Bear in mind that in many cases you will need someone to help you fold and unfold the chair. This person will also need to empty and clean the commode pan after use.

Many people need a carer to assist you in getting on and off the commode. It is important the commode chair is stable through this process. Transfer boards are useful to bridge the gap between bed and chair.

Think too about the height of the bed. In terms of its compatibility, it is helpful to ensure it is not unusually high or low. Grab rails fitted next to it may in some cases make patient transfer an easier process.

A commode chair can be an essential piece of kit if you find yourself unable move upstairs at home. Reduced mobility can make staircases serious obstacles. Some in the elderly community find the first floor of their house is impossible to reach, forcing them to sleep downstairs.

In most houses the bathroom is upstairs, which presents its own problems. In these circumstances, someone may choose to use a commode downstairs. For these situations, wooden framed models provide a good option. Many of these are attractive pieces of furniture which are not noticeable. A lid, doubling as a seat, covers the aperture.

Aids to raise the height of a toilet seat

People with many conditions associated with aging find it difficult to use the toilet. The reasons for this can be manifold, but the problem often boils down to difficulty in sitting down and standing back up.

There is potential to alleviate this problem by using equipment like support rails positioned next to the WC. These provide a stable hand hold for the user, increasing their sense of safety.

A toilet frame does a similar job of supporting the individual to access the WC. These move out of the way when not in use.

There are other methods to reduce the distance of travel which sitting down and standing up requires. A common one is the use of a raised toilet seat.

These devices fit either to the toilet bowl itself, or the existing seat above it. Some have clips which fit under the rim, while others have Velcro straps which attach to the seat.

Typically they are foam-filled constructions, with a wipe-clean outer layer. Others are hollow plastic shells, providing a more rigid platform on which to sit. Foam-filled varieties have adequate rigidity, but provide a slightly softer seat.

Both types of raised toilet seat reduce the distance required to sit down. In many cases this reduces the strain on the body, making the toilet easier to use. Most models are available in more than one size. Commonly, these devices can raise the sitting height of a toilet seat up to around five inches.

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Making Bathrooms Safe and Accessible For the Elderly

Adapting one’s bathroom for use in later life requires planning and an awareness of the options. Losing flexibility, strength or balance can all lead to issues. High quality equipment is now available which improves both safety and mobility. Sustaining independence in the bathroom is important to many people and selecting the correct aids can help.

Sitting Down in the Shower

A folding shower seat fits to the walls of your wet room or shower cubicle. They are stable when in use and save space by folding back against the wall when not required. It is important to fix the seat at the correct height, so make sure you think carefully before installation. In the UK, your occupational therapist should guide you in terms of its best position.

An OT should also be able to advise you on the positioning of any bathroom grab rails. Locate these at points which complement the folding shower seat. For safety reasons, it is crucial that a qualified tradesperson installs both the seat and grab rails. They need to understand the materials of the wall and the appropriate fixings. A poorly fitted seat or rail can easily lead to a fall and serious injury.

While less stable than a fixed folding seat, freestanding shower stools and chairs are also available. If this is your choice, make sure the floor of the shower is flat enough. Many shower trays have quite deep grooves or undulations, making them unsuitable for a freestanding shower seat. Again, your OT should be able to help you.

Accessible Baths

For people who still like a soak in the bath, special bathtubs are available. Many elderly people find it hard or even dangerous to climb in and out of a normal bath. Walk-in baths have a door cut into the side. One factor against this type of bath is that they require filling while the person is already in and the door sealed shut.

For many people making a conventional bath more accessible is a more practical solution. Stable bath steps can make it easier to make the step into the bath. These have non-slip stepping surfaces, reducing the chance of slipping in the wet.

A bath seat sits within the bathtub itself. These effectively raise the height of the bath’s floor, meaning less distance of travel for the user. Most seats have suckers on their feet which stop them slipping. A grab rail fitted to the wall immediately next to the bath may provide a valuable point of support when using either bath steps or a bath seat.

Some baths are available with an integral moulded seat at one end. While these do require more installation budget, they work in the same way as temporary seats, enabling the user to sit at a raised height.

Walk-in Showers, Baths, Lifts and Hoists

For people with severe mobility restrictions or reduced strength, hoists and bath lifts are available. These are substantial pieces of equipment and physically carry you weight in and out of the bath. An OT would need to assess you for this type of equipment.

A walk-in shower is another option, if getting in and out of the bath is difficult. These have shower trays which are level or almost level to the ground, meaning there’s no step as you walk in. Suitable internal grab rails work well in combination with this type of shower.

Easy-turn Taps

Controlling temperature and the flow of water on or off can also become hard if you have lost strength in your hands or fingers. Conventional taps may stiffen over time and become difficult to turn. Large single lever taps provide more leverage and are a good alternative.

If you live in the UK and have a disability or chronic condition preventing you using the bath, you may be eligible to get a grant to adapt your bathroom. Contact your local social services if you think you might qualify. An OT who is fully aware of your situation would be able to advise you in this area.

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Inventive Aids Can Make a Difference at Mealtimes

Meal times can be one of the challenges of living with certain disabilities. Loss of fine motor control in the hands and arms makes using cutlery more difficult. Keeping forks and spoons steady enough is tough if tremors and shaking are significant.

Using standard knives, forks and spoons can be hard for people in this situation. Many find their narrow handles tricky to grasp or control with accuracy. Luckily, special disability aids are available which help.

Bendable and Curved Cutlery

Being unable to angle a fork or spoon into the mouth is a common problem. Sometimes using cutlery with an offset head is of benefit. Some forks and spoons have the head angle fixed at just off 90 degrees. Others have bendable heads which can be set to the angle most comfortable for the user to direct properly.

Curved cutlery serves a similar purpose. It generally has a sweeping curvature through the handle and head, making it easier to direct into the mouth without too much wrist flex.

Using ‘non-straight’ cutlery can also help with slicing food on the plate. Again, controlling conventional knives can be difficult. L-shaped knives use more of the palm of the hand and don’t need the finger control of standard knives. This type of knife, which has the handle and blade at 90 degrees to each other, retains the wrist in a more stable position.

‘Rocker knives’ are another alternative if cutting food is difficult. These have large, curved blades. Rocking them back and forth on the plate’s surface cuts the food, reducing the amount of downward pressure required.

Table knives with ordinary, fairly dull edges can be difficult to cut food with if you have diminished co-ordination or strength. Serrated blades are sometimes preferable as you may find they cut through food more easily.

Cutlery with Special Handles

The handle of a metal piece of cutlery is usually quite narrow. For some people with reduced motor-control, wider, heavier handles are easier to hold steady. Foam tubing is available which fits over standard handles. This makes them wider and easier to maintain in a stable position.

Some ranges of cutlery have handles which are ‘built-up’, or oversized, for just this reason. These wide-handled items require less pressure from the fingers to hold and control.

Weighted knives and forks do a similar job. Their extra weight means they are less prone to shake in the hand, making control easier.

Wider handles also tend to be gentler on the hands for those with arthritis. The condition often afflicts the fingers and the tight pressure required for knives and forks can be painful. Some have contours which are sympathetic to the fingers, making them more comfortable to use.

Flexible handled cutlery loosely fastens to the hand and reduce the chances of dropping it. These items have extra-long, bendable handles which wrap around the wrist, holding them in place.

Another clever idea is having a fork and a knife built into one item of cutlery. This inventive solution is ideal for people who only have the use of one hand.

Some disabilities affect the bite reflex. This can be quite dangerous if the person bites down too hard on a metal fork or spoon. Special cutlery is available which has an extra-tough plastic coating, so the individual is less at risk of damaging their teeth.

Disability aids like this often go hand-in-hand with non-slip mats which prevent bowls and plates from sliding around on table tops. Scoop bowls or those with high sides are also useful at mealtimes, if food is prone to spillage.

Using a Chair Table

For people who have difficulty standing up and sitting down from an armchair, a chair table of some kind might be a solution. These items allow the user to remain sitting down in a low chair without needing to rise.

A chair table which sits in your lap can be unstable, so it is better to have a more solid surface if possible. These work in the same was an overbed table you might see in hospital wards, but are lower and designed for armchairs or even sofas. They slide or roll beneath the furniture and provide a stable surface from which to eat.

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Mobility Equipment Gets People Moving Again Outside The Home

One of the factors which takes its toll on many people in old age is the difficulty associated with getting out of the house. A person might lose their mobility for a host of reasons, whether it be arthritis or another chronic condition. This may lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which itself brings new problems. The isolation which afflicts some elderly people can get worse under these circumstances.

It is important therefore to maintain one's independent mobility for as long as possible. While many elderly people resist using mobility aids, it is better to keep an open mind to their benefits. Many people struggle with the self-image of using this type of equipment. It is also possible that they fear becoming reliant on it.

Different Kinds of Walking Aid

For some, these barriers are simply too great and they never overcome them. Others find that the practical benefits of special equipment outweigh the negatives. A simple walking stick, for example, provides support when travelling short or medium distances.

Some sticks have special weight-distributing handles, made to increase comfort. These are especially good for those with arthritis in the hands, who find conventional grips dig-in to the palm and fingers, causing pain.

If a normal stick does not provide enough support, tripods or tetrapods might be the answer. These have a single shaft branching out at the base to either three or four legs. This provides a wider, more stable contact with the ground. While not as light as a normal walking stick, modern materials keep the weight manageable. The height of these mobility aids is easily set via a pin-clip in the shaft.

Another piece of equipment to help with mobility outside the home is a rollator. These wheeled walking frames often have integral seats with a shopping basket underneath. They allow the user to lean on them with both hands as they walk. On many models, bicycle-style brakes help keep the walker under control. Rubber tyres and large wheels make rollators suitable for pavement use.

Four wheeled models tend to feature a seat: useful if you need a rest halfway through a journey. The basket is also useful as it removes the need to carry a heavy shopping bag by hand. It is easy to transport most rollators in the boot of a car. The seat flips up and the frame collapses down.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

A wheelchair is a traditional aid to mobility which many people use when they lose the ability to walk unassisted. Broadly speaking, there are two types of wheelchair, attendant-propelled and self-propelled.

The latter is only suitable for those with good upper body strength. Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels, rotated by the person in the chair. These wheels have an outside rim which when pushed down, turns them and propels the chair forwards. Wearing padded gloves makes it less likely injure one’s hands.

Attendant-propelled chairs do not have the large rear wheels so require an assistant to operate.

It is important to plan your routes carefully when using a wheelchair. If you are using a self-propelled model, the gradient of any wheelchair ramp needs to be fairly shallow. Steep ramps require a lot of strength to push oneself up.

In order to ensure a shallow gradient, using a long wheelchair ramp is usually the answer. The drawback is that longer ramps require more space, so it needs careful consideration. It is not unusual for a climb of relatively few steps to need a ramp of six or seven feet.

Mobility scooters are another option for keeping on the move outside the house. While these are large and some quite expensive, many people find them invaluable. They require space to park at home and regular maintenance.

A standard wheelchair ramp may not be strong enough for mobility scooter. Check the weight capacity of any ramp before using it.

The advantage of a mobility scooter is that it can travel relatively long distances. Some models are suitable for roads rather than pavements. These come with headlights, indicators and wide, comfortable seats. Shelter covers are also available which fit over the top of the rider.

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