Getting On with Arthritis

In later life, many people may find that they have some form of arthritis in their joints, which makes straightforward movements somewhat painful. This discomfort can affect dexterity, sitting, standing and mobility.

Managing arthritis is paramount to quality of life and to maintaining a comfortable level of continued independence.

Whilst ageing might have, in the not too distant past, affected quality of life quite severely, technology and equipment available in today’s world allows us to limit the effect of ageing on everyday life.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition which many people will experience in their later years. It presents itself as tenderness, stiffness and swelling in one or more of the joints.

Arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the soft tissue (synovium) in the joints, which then leads to pain and restricted movements around the affected joint.

Stiffness can occur after heavy work or strenuous exercise but can also be as a result of prolonged sitting.

Arthritis pain can feel like a burning sensation but also like a dull ache.

The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at a very early age (in children) but is more often diagnosed between the ages of thirty and sixty.

Cartilage is a form of padding between joints, which stops bones rubbing together and osteoarthritis begins when this tissue becomes ragged or starts to wear away.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability in the elderly.

Before the age of forty five, more men develop osteoarthritis than women though, in later years, it is women who are more likely to develop this form of arthritis than men.

Ways to Manage Arthritis

Regular exercise is a way of keeping the muscles strong around the joints, by keeping the pressure off the bones and / or the joint. Regular exercise can also help reduce fatigue.

Arthritis can be slowed down, or managed, not only by exercise but also by:-

• keeping your weight under control, as excessive weight puts pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees
• living a healthy lifestyle
• controlling your blood sugar levels (healthy eating, drinking plenty of water and also managing stress levels) regular stretching e.g. yoga, a practice which leaves you feeling stronger and more flexible, as well as more mentally focussed
• a healthy diet – steering clear of processed fast foods, alcohol and sugary foods
• eating fish at least twice a week – fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines, are the best source of omega -3, which can help reduce inflammation
• stopping smoking
• squeezing a stress ball, which can improve grip and relieve pain for those with hand osteoarthritis
• sitting comfortably, so as to take pressure off affected joints.

Dexterity

Weakened grip can make people feel unsafe on their feet, as they no longer have that safeguard of holding sturdily on to chairs, tables, or worktops, when walking.

Life is quite often lived in the kitchen and so managing once easy tasks has been well covered with appropriate aids:-

• can pull tin openers designed to open ring pull tins, even with reduced strength
• cutlery with fatter handles, or with Velcro straps, which keep the cutlery in one’s hand, even if the user has a weaker grip. The Velcro fastener also houses a small pocket, into which the knife, fork or spoon handle can rest whilst in use
• two-handled cups share the weight between both hands
• a kettle tipper stand supports the kettle while tilting it towards the teapot or cup
• an under counter bottle and jar opener, which needs only one hand to perform the task
• a tea trolley on wheels, which helps you get drinks and meals safely to the table, without the fear of losing grip on hot items.

Weakened grip can lead to loss of confidence in carrying out everyday tasks, so finding the right aid addresses the need.

Sitting and Standing

Sitting

Our height can dictate the right seat height for us, as the length of our legs will determine the best seat pad height which will support our upper legs along their whole length.

The correct depth of seat pad will support our upper legs right along to the knee joint, allowing the lower leg to bend appropriately at the knee and to comfortably meet the floor.

If a seat pad height is either too high or too low, it will make getting into a standing position much more difficult which, exacerbated by arthritis, could prove somewhat cumbersome and could lead to a fall.

Should the seat pad of your favourite chair be a little too high for you, a footstool can help shorten the distance for you between your foot and the floor.

When purchasing a footstool, buy a folding footstool, as it can be folded away when not in use and, when folded, it is easier to carry, as well as store.

Standing

Difficulty in standing from a chair can also be because of stiffness in the back, weakness in the legs and bad balance.

If arthritis is in the leg joints, the legs may prove too weak to take the individual’s weight and a walking frame may be needed for moving independently around the house.

Walking frames take the weight off the legs and transfer it to the arms and shoulders.

A sturdy, metal, standing aid frame can fit against a chair, bed, car, or toilet. Its adjustable height makes it suitable for people of all heights to comfortably reach a stable standing position.

Leg pain could also suggest excess fluid in the leg veins, so always make your local GP the first port of call.

Getting In and Out of a Chair

Getting the right seat height can be achieved in several ways:-

• Extra seat pad height. A booster cushion can add an extra four inches (10 cms.) of height to the user’s favourite chair.
• The foam layers in a booster cushion allow the user to get onto his / her feet, as leaning forward encourages the spongy layers to re-inflate and enables the user to move up to a new height.
• Raising the chair. Chair raisers are designed to place the chair legs into fitted shapes (liken it to wearing heeled boots), in which the chair legs can be raised up to six inches (15 cms.) from the ground. For taller people with longer legs, chair raisers allow the thighs to be better supported, rather than the knees rising above the seat pad and creating difficulty in getting into a standing position.
• A folding footstool. For the person with shorter legs, a folding footstool can allow the user’s feet to touch down onto the stool, rather than them hanging limply in the air, whilst also causing pressure and numbness on the thighs.
• Riser recliner chairs. Riser recliner chairs can do the work of sitting and standing for you. At the press of a button, electrically-powered chairs can tilt the user into a standing position and also lower the user into a sitting position.
• Riser recliner chairs offer the user many adjustment choices, getting the best position to suit the user in that moment.
• Getting the chair into that right position can help take the pressure of aching joints, relieve back pain and reduce arthritis pain.
• Riser recliner chairs take away the need to ask for support in standing and so help to maintain self respect and independence.

Mobility

Walking and arthritis don’t come together comfortably.

Walking frames can support the upright body when walking, or when simply standing.

Walking frames are available with or without wheels.

Walkers without wheels would command appropriate upper body strength, to regularly lift the frame forward, ready for the next step forward.

Without wheels, a walker may have three or four legs. In tight spaces, the three-legged walker offers more manoeuvrability.

Frames with wheels need less upper body strength, as the wheels propel the walker forward.

Frames with wheels can be used both indoors and outdoors, helping to maintain an adequate level of independence with most everyday tasks.

For outside use, the four wheel frame offers better stability than the three wheel frame, as it can move more easily over bumpy terrain.

Moving around the kitchen and walking in the garden can both benefit from appropriately located grab rails, just like climbing stairs is supported by the standard handrail.

Summary

Today’s technology lessens the blow of arthritis on our everyday activities.

Remember that leg pain may also be as a result of excess fluid in the leg veins, so always make your local GP the first port of call.

Chair raisers and folding footstools are more economical ways of supporting comfortable sitting and standing. The cost of purchasing a riser recliner chair can be quite prohibitive.

When purchasing a walker, always test them out before deciding which one to purchase.

If you are suffering significant discomfort or find yourself unable to perform everyday activities, a local authority occupational therapist should be able to help.

They will advise on home adaptations or other other equipment or steps available to overcome practical problems.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/getting-arthritis.html

Managing Incontinence and Maintaining Hygiene

Age may cause us to slow down and to take things easy, meaning that regular exercising of muscles doesn’t happen as a matter of course. Muscle deterioration can make easy-to-do tasks become more of a challenge.

Elderly people may also develop bladder problems which, teamed with a change in dexterity and mobility, may make visiting the toilet a slower task.

About one in four elderly people experience bladder weakness and one in ten bowel incontinence.

Onset of Incontinence

Incontinence can appear slowly as a result of a variety of factors:-

incontinence is quite often a result of the weakening of the pelvic muscles but is not a topic which is freely discussed, owing to shame and embarrassment. Regular exercises targeted towards the pelvic muscles can help lessen the condition

a urinary tract infection can often be the cause of incontinence and this is easily treatable with medication some medications for other conditions can cause incontinence as a side effect, so changing that medication to a different one should correct the temporary inconvenience

onset of incontinence can also be as a result of several medical conditions (irritable bowel syndrome, MS (multiple sclerosis), constipation and prolapse), so always make your local doctor the first point of call, to establish individual needs

incontinence can also develop in the later stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Certain lifestyles can cause / exacerbate incontinence:-

smoking – constant coughing can weaken the pelvic floor muscles

lifting – moderate to heavy lifting (e.g. lifting shopping and carrying children) can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles

being overweight – fatty tissue pressing against the bladder can give rise to incontinence

constipation – ‘straining to go’ can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles and can worsen urinary incontinence

too much caffeine – caffeine is present in tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fizzy drinks, green tea, energy drinks, caffeine irritating the bladder and so worsening urinary incontinence.

Whilst caffeine should be avoided, or at least reduced, an elderly person needs to drink between 1 1/2 and 2 litres (2 ½ to 3 ½ pints) of liquid per day, to stay both healthy and hydrated and should not drink less to hide / manage the inconvenience or embarrassment of incontinence.

Special Equipment Available to Manage Incontinence

- Daytime

Incontinence Pads and Pants

Incontinence pads are constructed using the same technology as that for babies’ nappies, the hydrophobic layer drawing urine away from the surface of the pad, allowing the user’s skin to stay dry.

Disposable incontinence pants (sometimes referred to as ‘adult pull ups’) come in a range of different sizes and are also available in male and female designs. Ideal for those with more active lifestyles, they offer different levels of absorbency and can be used for both urinary and bowel incontinence.

An inbuilt back sheet in disposable pants allows a through flow of air, allowing the skin to breathe.

When searching for the best incontinence pads or appropriate underwear, always check what the product provides, as the cheaper products may prove more costly in time taken on more frequent changes.

Products can be disposable or washable, so always check which will be most cost effective for the temporary or long-term needs of the individual, as well as which proves to be most suitable / comfortable.

Shop for incontinence pads which will last up to six hours, so that the wearer will be more comfortable for longer and less inconvenienced by constant changing.

Incontinence pants offer various levels of protection so, again, check what the product provides and establish that they will offer the wearer what he / she needs. Note that a high level of absorbency helps to neutralise odours.

Seat Protection

For people with limited mobility, getting ‘caught short’ may happen from time to time. Incontinence accidents during the day may also happen, so look towards protecting seats which the individual uses regularly.

Waterproof (whilst also washable) seat and chair pads will protect upholstery from incontinence damage, minimise odour and will keep that favourite chair going for much longer.

Seat and chair pads are discreet and don’t look out of place in the home environment, posing simply as extra padding / cushioning for the user.

NB – When bladder incontinence is extreme, the use of a catheter (a flexible tube used to empty the bladder) may prove to be the only true option. Inserting and removing a catheter can only be done by professional healthcare workers and trained caregivers.

- Nighttime

Trying to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Whilst it is necessary to drink enough water to stay hydrated, try to refrain from drinking too much liquid in the two hours leading up to bedtime.

Remember that alcohol, and also drinks which contain caffeine, can irritate the bladder and lead to worsened urinary incontinence.

Our body recognises a need for sleep. Keeping to a regular routine as to the time to call an end to the day will indeed help with quality of sleep. Such a routine may also prove to lessen any need for sleeping tablets.

Mattress Protection

Mattress protection not only protects the mattress from damage from incontinence accidents but also keeps the mattress dry when an elderly person needs bed baths e.g. due to lack of strength or mobility, or during periods of weakness through illness.

Washable Bed Pads

Whilst a mattress protector is a good method of hygiene for all people, a washable bed pad provides extra padding for people for whom incontinence has become a concern.

Washable bed pads add a comfortable layer of highly absorbent thickness which holds accidents within the washable bed pad itself, preventing all of the dampness from reaching the user, the mattress or overall mattress protector.

A washable bed pad holds the liquid within its fibres and allows the user to sleep more comfortably and for longer. Washable bed pads fit all bed sizes i.e. single, double and king and can be used on top of, as well as under, the whole bed mattress protector.

Look for washable bed pads which have waterproof backing, keeping the bed dry underneath the pad.

Before purchasing, decide what level of absorbency is best for the user.

Whilst it might be commonplace in all households to change bed linen once a week, the use of washable bed pads for those with incontinence concerns will help limit the number of times that the whole bed linen will need to be changed.

Washable bed pads can be cleaned in the washing machine and some types can be tumble dried. Remember to read the product details before purchasing.

Bed Baths

Feeling clean and fresh contributes highly to the quality of our day.

When supporting a person who is confined to bed with having a bed bath, line the bed with several layers of towels, or a washable bed pad, to prevent the bed becoming damp. This will cut down on the need to have to change all of the linen on the bed.

Cover the individual with a towel, both for modesty and for warmth. Reveal only the part of the body which is being tended to, for the same reasons.

Help the individual roll over, so that all parts of the body can be accessed.

Dry the person thoroughly and apply moisturiser and / or powder, for both protecting the skin and for added comfort.

Washing the bed pad will be a quicker and more convenient process than having to change all of the bed linen (and maybe also washing the whole bed mattress protector) on the bed.

Limit bed baths to two or three times a week, as the individual’s skin may develop irritable skin or bed sores, if the skin is damp too often.

Summary

If you believe a loved one is experiencing incontinence, approach this topic gently with the individual, not only to cope with incontinence but also to ascertain if the condition can be cleared via medication. Putting the individual’s mind at rest will make the new routine easier to manage and complete.

If getting enough sleep is proving difficult, look at lifestyle changes (e.g. not drinking within two hours of going to bed, having a regular bedtime etc.), before opting for sleeping tablets, which can become addictive.

If bowel incontinence needs to be addressed, adding more fibre to one’s diet (e.g. more fruit and vegetables, wholemeal bread and oatmeal) will help to improve this inconvenience. Eating more fibre will also minimise constipation which, in itself, can weaken muscles and adversely affect incontinence.

Using washable bed pads and seat pads, and changing them regularly, will stem any build up of unpleasant odour within the home.

Avoiding caffeine can go a long way towards handling incontinence.

Presence of bedsores must be managed, as worsening of this condition (maybe starting as reddening of the skin and leading on to deep damage which may expose bone) can prove fatal.

Remember that cheapest isn’t necessarily the best route to take, as product performance is much more important.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/managing-incontinence-maintaining-hygiene.html

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