Pillow Power and Well-Being

Quality of sleep has a big impact on your performance during the day. To achieve good quality of sleep, you need enough hours, a comfortable sleeping position and the right pillow support.

The irregularity of the human body form means that, when lying down, support is not given to the whole body the whole of the time.

Moving During the Night

People choose to sleep in different positions and, starting off in their sleep-inducing position, will move into different positions during the night.

- Sleeping on your Back

Sleeping on your back, a regular pillow supports the head in a slightly raised position, to bring your head and neck in line with your shoulders. Having no pillow could lead to head and neck pain the following morning.

Sleeping on your back is a good position, as it holds the organs of your body in their rightful places and keeps the spine straight. 

Sleeping on your back helps to protect your spine and may also relieve pressure on your hip and knee.

- Lying on Your Side

Lying on one’s side may need a second or third pillow, to raise your head and neck from the lowered position it may find itself in.

Lying on your side puts pressure on that side of your face and can cause a swifter move towards facial wrinkles.

When sleeping on your side, the thickness of your pillow is of paramount importance. If it is too thin or too thick, it will not align your head and neck with the natural position of the spine.

Sleeping on your side places added pressure on that side of your body. With your hip and leg pressing against the mattress, this may disrupt circulation, resulting in tingling and pain, as well as erectile dysfunction.

Side sleeping can also put pressure on your heart and lungs, as well as your stomach.

There is evidence that sleeping on your side helps drain your lymphatic system more efficiently and this could give protection against Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

- The Left Side

Lying on one’s left side may also put pressure on the heart and lungs, as the body struggles to find total support for the curvature between the shoulder and hip bone. Repositioning your heart could cause your heart to turn and could affect natural electrical activity.

There is no evidence that lying on your left side increases your chances of developing a heart condition.

- The Right Side

Sleeping on your right side can cause acid to pass through your oesophagus, causing acid reflux.

- Lying on Your Front

Lying on one’s front brings on the need for the head to be twisted to the left or right, causing stress on the neck itself.

When sleeping on your stomach, it works against the natural curvature of your spine (forcing it to flatten) and gives added pressure to the spine’s muscles and joints.

Getting it Right

The position you choose to sleep in may affect your joints and could also affect how your body rids itself of toxins.

Though we place little thought on the pillow we use, getting the right size, thickness, firmness and even shape can positively affect quality of sleep and health.

Don’t sleep with your shoulders also on the pillow, as this worsens the tilt of your head by lifting your whole upper body and leaving your head curved backwards. This position will cause more head and neck pain.

Sleeping in an uncomfortable position can add more stress to joints and connective tissues.

Beds Aren’t Only for Sleeping In

Whilst a bed is primarily thought of as simply where you sleep, sitting up in bed might be a chosen position for eating and drinking, reading, knitting, watching television and talking to others via the computer and mobile systems e.g. Skype, Zoom and Face Time.

If not sitting in the very uncomfortable position of having one’s legs crossed, sliding down the bed from that sitting position can be extremely annoying. Bending your legs at the knees can help you anchor yourself but gives no real scope for taking advantage of that position to carry out other tasks or needs.

For elderly people with weaker frames, and for people recovering from illness, sitting up in bed will be a longed for position, keeping you more in touch with the active world around you.

Pillow Support

When sitting up in bed, your upper body is upright and supporting your neck and head, or your head is resting against the wall or on the bed headboard. For more mature people, or those recovering from illness, maintaining this sitting position over a period of time, and without some form of support, will cause irritability and pain.

Pillows come in different sizes and shapes, are made of different materials and have different levels of softness and firmness. Pillows are so designed to do what they claim to do. Two specifically designed pillows are the v pillow and the knee pillow / knee cushion.

- Why is a V Pillow Different?

As named, a v’ pillow’ is ‘v’ shaped and its form can stop you rolling over into a different position when you are sleeping. This can therefore promote quality sleeping for your partner as well, who will sleep better without constant interruptions.

A v pillow is firm enough to fully support your head and soft enough to alleviate pressure.

When the v pillow is laid flat on the bed with the v in the uppermost position, it lifts your head and neck into alignment with your shoulders and so prevents head and neck pain.

Having your head supported in a somewhat fixed position, lying on your back will keep facial wrinkles at bay, as the side of your face is not being rested upon for hour upon hour.

When sitting in a chair, wrapping a v pillow around your waist area can relieve pain in your lower back and give you a more sturdy sitting position.

Placing this pillow between your legs when sleeping will help keep pressure off your knees and lumbar spine, by keeping your body aligned.

A v pillow can also be used on top of a regular pillow, raising your head a little higher if you’re already experiencing a stiff neck.

For those with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), coughing during the night can be alleviated by raising one’s head via a v pillow. This position leads to opening the airways, clearing blockages and easing breathing.

Raising your head also helps relieve congestion with such illnesses as cold, flu, asthma and bronchitis.

You can relieve back pain by placing the v pillow under your knees.

V pillows can be made from various materials, including feather, memory foam, polyester and latex.

The v shaped pillow prevents tossing and turning and so helps protect your spine, whilst reducing back pain.

When trying to read in a semi-relaxed position, the v pillow can support your head and neck and provide sufficient supported tilt, both in bed and on the sofa. Watching TV can also be achieved from that well-supported, semi-recumbent position.

- The Knee Pillow / Knee Cushion

A knee pillow can get the hips into alignment and support the upper leg, taking a lot of strain off your knees.

Some knee pillows are wedge-shaped and both support your legs and keep your knees in place.

Knee pillows made of memory foam give the best support, as your body heat encourages the memory foam to mould to your shape and needs.

Knee pillows should be firm and stop your knees from constantly touching each other.

- Knee Pillow Support and Sciatica

The sciatic nerves run to the base of your lower back, hips and legs and so, when your body is not suitably aligned, you can develop sciatica.

If your hips fall out of alignment (e.g. one leg further forward during sleep than the other), this can place added tension on the sciatic nerves and have you experiencing tingling and numbness in the lower part of the body.

Keeping the body aligned is of major importance for both a good night’s sleep and for your health. A knee pillow is designed specifically with the task of keeping the knees, legs, hips and spine aligned with each other.

- Keeping Pillows Clean

Pillows must be washed at least twice a year, to keep them free from dust and mites and to prevent the worsening of allergies:-

Down, cotton and synthetic - machine-washable, these pillows take quite some time to dry

Latex foam and memory pillows – these need to be washed by hand and then dried quickly, to prevent mould from developing. These pillows can also be dry-cleaned.

If you are a frequent user of the v pillow, the cover itself needs to be washed at least once a week.

Summary

A good sleeping position promotes quality of sleep.

Sleeping on your back is a good position, as it holds the organs of your body in their rightful places and keeps the spine straight. 

When your hips aren’t aligned, they pull on your spine and strain the ligaments.

Aligning your body improves circulation.

The v pillow supports your head and neck and can prevent you rolling over during the night.

Sleeping on your back helps to protect your spine.

Sleeping in an uncomfortable position can add more stress to joints and connective tissues.

Reducing lower back pain will make it easier for you to move around in the morning.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/pillow-power-well-being.html

The Perfectly Ergonomic Kitchen – Professional, Safe and Age-Friendly

A professional kitchen is one that is well organised and is ergonomically suitable for its user.

Ergonomic means that a space is efficient, comfortable, provides a balanced movement around the room and increases productivity.

An ergonomically organised space is gentler on the body, as it helps reduce time and movement.

The user of a kitchen may be a professional chef, a young wife or husband, an elderly person, or someone disabled, to name but a few types of individuals amongst the many who spend time preparing food in a kitchen.

For an elderly person in the kitchen, there may be age-related concerns to address. These could include diminished strength and grip, balance problems, visual changes, arthritis and walking difficulties.

Making an ergonomically friendly kitchen for someone may mean considering age-related changes which have resulted over the last few years. 

An Efficient Kitchen

A perfect kitchen size for an average house size of 1,500 square feet (e.g. two floors of 30 x 25 feet) is 150 to 225 square feet (e.g. 12 x 12 and 1/2 feet up to 15 x 15 feet).

A good starting point for a successful ergonomic kitchen is the triangle effect between sink, oven and fridge.

Having these three facilities in easy reach, with a good worktop in between, immediately reduces the time spent between walking from one area to another.

A U-shaped kitchen, with worktops on three walls, the sink, oven and fridge within these three walls and a central island, creates a perfect working kitchen.

It cuts down on the time spent carrying items from place to place, something which could be an issue for people with reduced strength and weakened grip, balance and mobility difficulties, arthritis and vision changes.

The width of aisles is very important, as age could bring with it the need to use a trolley, walking frame or wheelchair, all of which need sufficient turning space.

Having items within reaching distance, both height and depth wise, will eliminate stretching.

Appropriate lighting (e.g. spotlights on important areas) will make food preparation an enjoyable experience.

What to Keep in a Kitchen and Where

All chefs have items and tools which they use again and again. 

Think of the items you use most often:-

• Most often:-

Cups, saucers, plates, bowls, cutlery, regular drinking glasses, teapot, toaster, kettle and pans.

Keep these items within easy reach. Maybe keep one easily reachable cupboard for day-to-day use e.g. your regular cup and plate, as well as your regular glass and your regular bowl.

Items brought out only when visitors are present could be in a different cupboard, maybe not quite as accessible, or even a different room, leaving other accessible cupboards for food and drink items.

• Least often:-

Bread maker, pasta maker, blender, best tea set, and special drinking glasses.

Keep these items in low cupboards. Bending may be needed to access these items but, as they are not used every day, bending occasionally will prove less of an issue than bending on a regular basis.

Equipment

For food preparation, there are three kinds of equipment in a working kitchen:-

• Large equipment, usually fixed items e.g. oven, hob, refrigerator and freezer. Remember the triangle layout for ease of use.
• Mechanical equipment e.g. blender, bread maker, toaster and food mixer. These items may not be used every day and so don’t need to adorn the worktops.
• Utensils – small hand-held pieces of equipment, of which there are many. 

Utensils

A cook needs many types of utensils:-

• A good quality, chef’s knife - learn how to use knives correctly, not only for professional cutting but also for safety reasons
• Mixing bowls – these are needed for dry, moist, hot and cold ingredients, so have both plastic and glass bowls at your disposal
• Spoons and spatulas
• Cutting boards - remember to use the designated colour for the food item you are cutting and preparing
• Measuring cups, scales and spoons – Americans weigh ingredients in small cups, designed solely for the purpose of measuring, rather than weighing ingredients on kitchen scales.

Utensils Regularly in Use and How to Store Them

There are certain kitchen utensils which are regularly in use e.g. spatula, large spoon, slotted spoon, a potato masher, scissors, bottle openers and can openers. Store these items within easy reach, maybe in a drawer near where they will be used, or in a container on the worktop.

Cooking utensils come in all shapes and sizes and so are difficult to store. They don’t fit in a regular-sized drawer, unless placed diagonally, so these utensils may often be kept on the kitchen worktop in a utensil holder.

Utensils holders for kitchens can be purpose made, or you can make use of an old container (e.g. a flour jar), which will meet the needs of utensil storage. 

Regularly used utensils can also be suspended from a rail on the wall or ceiling. Make sure that the rail isn’t too high to reach and that the hooks from which the items are suspended will not easily fall and cause injury.

Only store regularly used utensils on the worktop and in the drawers and keep less used items (a nutcracker, for example) tucked away until needed.

Drawer dividers can make the contents look more orderly and make items easier to locate. Plastic cutlery trays can divide your drawers, or you can use other kinds of dividers to keep order amongst your knives and forks.

Two shallow drawers are better than one deep one, as the deeper drawer will lead to getting as much in the drawer as you can, a very messy way to work.

A pot rack usually hangs over the worktop space and needn’t be only for pans. Regular utensils can hang there as well, making accessibility easy.

A wall-mounted bar for hanging utensils can also free up some drawer space and make items ready for the taking.

Other Storage

Jars which often take up space on the worktop (e.g. tea, coffee and sugar) could be relocated on wall shelves. The jars should be easy to reach and the worktop will have more working space.

If you have enough space in your kitchen, a portable kitchen island can prove a bonus. With its own worktop, as well as storage areas and places to hang utensils from, it is like a mini kitchen in its own right.

A baking tray and chopping board rack is ideal for keeping these items in place in a cupboard or a deep drawer, freeing up space to store other items. Trays and boards stand vertically and you don’t have to lift several out to get to the one you want.

Safety Comes First

If safety isn’t addressed, the kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in a house.

Make sure that a ‘kitchen suitable’ fire extinguisher is within easy reach for all who work in the kitchen. Seek professional advice on the right type of fire extinguisher, and the best location, for use in your kitchen.

Slip-resistant flooring is worth its weight in gold. Accidents could include slipping on a wet floor, slipping when holding a kettle or pan of boiling water and many other frightening spur of the moment issues.

Wear sensible clothing i.e. nothing with loose straps or belts (in which pan handles could get caught), or clothes so long that they might cause a tripping hazard.

Use different coloured chopping boards for cutting raw meat (red), raw fish (blue), cooked meat (yellow), salads and fruit (green), vegetables (brown) and dairy products (white).

You can’t wash your hands too often. In particular, always wash your hands after touching raw chicken and always rinse cutlery and utensils used for cutting or touching chicken before placing them in the bowl or dishwasher to wash them. Food poisoning can last a long time and make you very ill.

When preparing a meal, keep children, pets and anything else distracting out of the kitchen, not only for your sake but for theirs as well.

Install a water regulator system, to avoid scalds and burns. With age and with certain medications, the skin doesn’t always recognise when water is too hot and so having a regulator is a must.

Avoid any dark areas in a kitchen, by fitting appropriately located lighting e.g. spotlights over the oven and hob.

Summary

A well organised kitchen is gentler on the body, as it helps reduce time and movement.

Organise your cupboard and drawer content to take into consideration any age-related changes you have developed in recent years.

Utensils holders for kitchens can be purpose made or can be an old item which has been recycled (e.g. a flour jar).

Age could bring with it the need to use a trolley, walking frame or wheelchair, so ensure that aisles are wide enough to ensure turning space.

When choosing utensils, take your health conditions into consideration and choose adapted items where appropriate e.g. an electric can opener for a weak grip or arthritis.

Fit appropriately located lighting (e.g. spotlights), both for safety and for enjoying the experience of being fully, even semi-, independent.

Store regularly used items within easy reach and leave low cupboards mostly for rarely used items.

NB – Items on display anywhere in the kitchen will attract dust and insects, so leave only regularly used ones open to kitchen conditions, as these will be washed on a regular basis.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/perfectly-ergonomic-kitchen-professional-safe-age-friendly.html

5 Types of Bed Covers

What do you need after a long tiring day? Good food and a comfortable bed to lay on? Of course, but laying on the bed can only be relaxing if you have the right type of bed cover. Some can be ideal for your back, while some cannot. You can pick your ideal one from many different beds covers that add a touch of style to your room and comfort to your body. Let us have a brief look at the types of bed covers available in the market:

1. Coverlet

A coverlet is often an overlooked type of bed cover. At times, people own it but are not aware of it. A coverlet is a bed cover placed over the bed sheet and underneath the duvet. It covers the space where the mattress and the bed frame meet. Coverlets are smaller than the bedspreads and larger than the standard blankets that people usually use.

Coverlet gives your bed a modern look. You can leave them untucked and just allow them to lie over the bed sheet giving a relaxed, cozy look. Or you can tuck them with the bedsheet and feel a tailored vibe. 

A coverlet is basically a thin bedding material that often comes pre-filled. You can use these covers all year long to keep you warm. And as they are softer, thin, and lightweight, they are quite suitable to use in summers.

2. Bedspreads

Bedspreads are decorative bed covers placed over the bed sheet or the top sheet. A bedspread will give your bed a traditional look. So, if you want to preserve the old-school traditional vibes, then you can go for a bedspread. Bedspreads are thin and decorative bed coverings. These covers are less common as today people upgrade their decor to more modern styles rather than traditional.

3. Quilt

Quilt is a commonly used bed cover with three layers stitched together. Those three layers are the top, batting, and backing. Here, the top layer is made by a series of complex stitches. These stitches conjoin different fabrics together. Now, this unique stitching is called quilting. It is an age-old form of art.

The inner batting layer consists of the filling. This filing is of wool, cotton, or feathers. And the bottom layer or the backing is of thick fabric. All the layers are then put together by stitching. Quilt offers additional warmth and comfort during winters. It also comes under the most common types of bed covers.

4. Duvet

Duvet protectors are fluffy bed covers filled with synthetic fibers or feathers like a comforter. However, duvets are fluffier than comforters. Moreover, comforters are stitched while duvets are not and come with protective duvet covers.

Duvet covers are removable but not machine-washable. One needs to dry-clean it. Duvets are a perfect replacement for blankets and top sheets. If you find it difficult to make your bed with different pieces of bedding, then a duvet can make your life easier. With a duvet, you do not need a separate top sheet and a blanket.

Additionally, a duvet with a duvet cover delivers the warmth and comfort you want after a long tiring day. Also, talking about comfort, some of us like working in bed on a cozy day. So, this cover supports the over bed table too. Also, Duvet protectors look extraordinarily stylish and trendy. So, if you are planning to give a modernized touch to your bedroom, you should definitely go for a duvet.

5. Comforters

The comforters with a higher thread count (more than 200) fall into a better-quality section. There are different types of comforters that you can choose from. Each of its types has distinct features, including warmth and durability. 

There are various types of comforters like:

• Down Comforters
• Polyester Comforters
• Wool Comforters
• Cotton Comforters
• Silk Comforters

Let us see one of its type in brief:

Down Comforters

Down is a layer made with fine feathers that are present beneath the outer feathers in water birds. This material is soft and light in weight. It offers comfort and warmth of high levels. All this makes down comforters one of the best types of comforters in use.

Down comforters that contain goose down are pretty expensive as they are most comfortable. However, if you desire something a bit more affordable, comforters filled with a mixture of feathers are ideal. As they are less expensive and even offer extraordinary comfort and warmth.

Wrapping Up

I hope this article helped you to choose your ideal bed cover. Different bed cover types serve different purposes, so get your requirement and budget list ready to know which one comforts your bed. Also, make sure that you choose a bed cover that fits to support an over bed table for your elderly or any other personal use.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/663475653967052800/5-types-of-bed-covers

How to Choose A Right Walking Stick

There are several mobility aids available like walking sticks, aluminium ramps, canes, grabs, etc. But the most used one has to be a walking stick. Walking sticks are helpful if you have reasonably good mobility and would like something to give you extra balance and confidence.

Also, it makes walking easier as it helps to reduce pain by providing necessary support. Folding walking sticks are a good solution if you do not need walking aids all the time.

Choosing a Right Walking Stick 

Walking sticks are made from various materials like wood, metal, carbon fiber, etc. Handles of the walking stick also come in various shapes, ranging from the conventional crook handle to a ‘swan neck.’ 

Different materials and different handles will suit different people. For example, some sticks will be perfect for those having painful joints or a weaker grip. While some for the people who prefer the traditional look and that feel of a ‘plain’ wooden walking stick. And some for those who want something a bit more colored, decorative, and patterned sticks.

How to Get the Right Size Walking Stick

It is essential that your walking stick has the right height for you, or else it can be potentially unsafe to walk with. If the stick is too high, it will not give you proper support, and if it is too low, then you will have to forcibly stoop.

You can follow the below steps while measuring a walking stick to ensure you invest in the correct size. Also, it is advisable to have someone else with you to help you with taking an accurate measurement.

• Wear your regular walking footwear
• Place the base of the stick on a flat floor, approximately 15cm from the side of your foot
• Stand in an upright position
• Let your arms relax by your side with a slight bend at the elbow
• The top of that stick should be at the level of your wrist joint

If you do not have a stick to hand, then you can simply measure the distance starting from the bottom crease at the wrist down to the floor. Round up your measurements to the nearest cm. This will tell you the height you should look for while choosing a walking stick. 

Below are the different types of walking sticks you can choose your ideal one from:

Different Types of Walking Sticks

1. Folding Walking Sticks

You can carry this type of stick easily in a bag or in a shopping trolley or can carry it in the car. These sticks are light, easy to fold or unfold, and reasonably compact when folded. 

2. Tripod and Tetrapod Walking Sticks

If you require a little more support, then you can try a tripod (three-footed) or a tetrapod, also known as a quadruped (four-footed) walking stick. They space the feet apart to give a wider base to the walking stick. The neck of the stick is either straight or with a swan-neck.

3. Walking Sticks with Folding Seats

Walking continuously for a longer time can be tiring, and can also put a strain on the sensitive muscles or joints. A walking stick with a foldaway seat (also known as stick seats or folding seat canes) can be a useful aid. It allows you to sit down for a rest whenever needed. Also, you should look for one that is height adjustable.

Walking Stick Accessories

Walking stick ferrules

These are rubber feet on legs almost present in all sticks and walking frames without wheels. It provides a solid grip while walking so that one does not slip even on slippery land. One should check the ferrules regularly to ensure that they have not worned out or damaged. If the ferrules are damaged then you can go for replacement ferrules. They are available in different diameters on hardware shops, mobility shops, and online stores. 

A walking stick clip

This can fit to a level surface, like a table. This clips the stick in place when not in use and prevents it from falling to the floor. 

A wrist strap

It is attached to a walking stick is an inexpensive way by which one can avoid dropping or losing the stick. It can also help to keep both hands free, like while shopping or using a phone.

Concluding

I hope the article helps you choose the right walking stick for your loved ones with any mobility issues. Also, you can add aluminium ramps to cover the height and with the help of walking stick ferrules, your loved ones can easily climb up the height by avoiding stepping upon it painfully. Make sure you confirm the walking stick you choose with your physician once to ensure more safety.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/662915572923760641/how-to-choose-a-right-walking-stick

5 Types of Recliner Chairs

Ever since recliners came into the market, they have been in the limelight of popularity and demand. This is due to the comfort they can provide. Recliners are not only a great living room addition but also a relaxing mood lifter. There are various types of recliners available. This means that you should be aware of which type you want or is ideal for your purpose. While choosing a recliner one should look if it:

• Fits your interior decor
• Caters to your orthopedic problems
• Satisfies your purpose

We know it is overwhelming to choose a recliner. But you don’t have to worry at all now as we got you a long list of options to choose from.

1. Push-Back Recliner

Oftentimes, you may not even be able to recognize a push-back recliner as a recliner. These recliners do not have a button to push or lever to pull. If you want to recline the seat back, you will just need to exert some pressure onto the back of the chair. And since they are not bulky, you can easily move them around from one location to another.

Talking about their look, modern push-back recliners have a sleek look. This makes them look like a regular armchair. Many push-back recliners do not feature an extended footrest, thus, an ottoman is commonly useful as a replacement.

2. Two-Position Recliner

The name here is itself self-explanatory. The recliner has two main positions – sitting up straight and reclined towards the back. Once you pull up the lever on this chair, its back will immediately start to recline back along with the rest of your body.

These riser recliner chairs are more affordable than other types, but they require more room in the area you place them in. Since these reclines need a far back stretch, you won’t be able to put them right against the wall. The position of your two-position recliner should be well thought out before purchasing it.

3. Power Lift Recliner

If you want complete control over how much you want to recline or how much you want your footrest lifted, then a power lift recliner is the best choice for you. They feature a powered button with which you can control how far back you want your recliner to be. Also, the forward positioning on a power recliner makes it easier for you to stand up after sitting down for a while.

This way you can rest in the most comfortable position possible. These riser recliner chairs are the perfect fit for people with physical limitations.

4. Swivel Recliner

These are one of the most advantageous types of recliners for many different types of people. These recliners are able to do a full 360-degree spin with the person still in the seat. How? Because the recliner is attached to a wide circular base. Being able to spin around and still be in place can help those with physical disabilities, elderly people, nursing mothers, etc.

Even though these recliners may take up a bit more space than other recliners, the added mobility benefit makes it worth the size difference.

5. Lift Recliner

It is the most suitable for elderly, arthritis patients, or someone with any other medical condition that requires physical assistance. These have powered remotes that are able to lift the chair up and forward. The mechanism helps patients to stand up from the chair easily. With the remote, users of the chair can also lower the chair all the way back and sleep comfortably.

In order to reduce leg swelling, you can lift the leg-rest of these recliners to an elevated position. There are also shoes for swollen feet available that can provide rest to your swollen legs and protect them from any further damage. The shoes for swollen feet come in various sizes and for different purposes, so choose your type wisely.

Resting It Down

When it comes to chairs, reclines have been the first choice for quite some time, and nowadays, you can easily find one serving many different purposes. There are other types of recliners too for massage, gaming, theatre, etc. Before picking a recliner, you should do some research and have a look around at all of the models made for your desired purpose.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/662463693370638336/5-types-of-recliner-chairs

Handling the Changes Brought with Ageing Joints and Bones

Arthritis stiffness and pain affects how we enjoy life.

Weakened joints, reduced grip and the accompanying build up of pain, are but a few of the changes our bodies incur with age.

Damaged cartilage, loose ligaments and inflamed connective tissue (synovium) can cause stiffness and pain in joints, making completing daily tasks quite a feat.

When the cartilage in the joint starts to wear down, the constant rubbing together of the bones can cause the bones to change shape.

A slight change to the norm can make jobs more difficult and cause a rethink on how to perform particular tasks.

Looking after our joint health can both lessen and delay onset of stiffness and pain.

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis shows itself as inflammation and deterioration of the joints. In the UK, around five million people have some level of knee arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

Osteoporosis shows itself as broken bones, which can occur from a fall of less than standing height. In the UK, over three million people have osteoporosis.

Hands

Arthritis in the hands usually starts between the ages of thirty and fifty, though it can start earlier.

Dull pain and burning are common early symptoms, though the skin disease, psoriasis, is also an early indicator. Other symptoms include stiffness, numbness and tingling.

- How to Help Yourself

When and where possible, push items rather than lift them.

If you have reduced strength in your hands, try to reduce necessary grip needed on items e.g. use wider (or cushioned) cutlery handles, so a holding grip can be reached with less pressure.

When lifting heavy or bulky items, use the palms of your hands and not just your fingers. 

Doing hand exercises in warm water can help make the exercises easier and can reduce pain. Adding a quarter of a cup of Epsom salts to a bowl of warm water can help reduce swelling.

Applying something cold (e.g. ice cubes) will both reduce swelling and numb the area.

Applying something hot (e.g. a hot water bottle) will increase circulation and flexibility, as well as loosen up the muscles.

Legs

Leg pain can refer to pain anywhere between your pelvis and your foot.

Arthritis in the leg can show itself as swollen joints, weakness in the joints and muscles, a change in walking comfort and style, rashes and skin changes, as well as a reduced range of motion.

Osteoarthritis is caused by normal wear and tear but can also be brought on by injury or infection to the joints.

- How to Help Yourself

Look at the ergonomics (layout) of your home and work towards reducing foot fall. For example:-

• designate one kitchen cupboard and part of the worktop to things you use most often - this will cut down on walking and so reduce stress on the hip, knee,and feet joints.
• plan what jobs need to be done upstairs and reduce going up and down stairs to a minimum.
• try not to stand in the same position for too long a period, as this will affect your knee joints, which will be bearing the brunt of your full weight.

Excess weight bears heavily on joints, particularly the hips, knees and feet joints, as they have to endure the extra pressure when you are standing or walking.

Feet

A human foot contains more than thirty joints.

Osteoarthritis affects the feet in one in six of people who are aged over fifty.

Osteoarthritis often affects the big toe joint and this is sometimes referred to as gout.

- How to Help Yourself

Wear sensible footwear. Look for:-

• room for your toes to move comfortably
• bendable rubber soles, as these soles give cushioning to your feet
• shoes or boots that are flat soled, or only house a small heel, allowing pressure to be placed evenly over the whole of the foot, rather than forced onto the toes.

Overall Care

Understand pain – when performing a task, if you feel pain starting to present itself, take a break before the pain becomes full on.

Losing weight will significantly reduce your chances of getting osteoarthritis in the knees.

Give joints a break from activity, by changing to another task which does not involve the same joints.

Rather than rushing, spend a little longer on tasks - break a job up into several parts by taking breaks away from it, so as to stop pain creeping in.

In the kitchen, locate most used items within easy reach – this will cut down on moving around and possible falls.

Not using muscles can cause them to waste away - regular exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints, helping you to retain a range of movements, as well as prevent stiffness and pain.

Cut down on smoking - smoking can have a negative effect on bone mass, which may lead to osteoporosis. Nicotine slows down the creation of the cells which form bone and so slow down the healing process.

What to Consume and What Not To

You are what you eat and knowing what to eat and what to avoid can make a big difference to how you experience arthritis pain.

Amongst other healthy foods:-

Enjoy:-

• oranges (fresh fruit or juice), as vitamin C can stave off the progression of osteoarthritis
• bananas - high in magnesium and potassium, bananas can alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation and also increase bone density
• pineapple – this fruit is rich in vitamin D and is said to reduce pain and swelling in osteoarthritis
• green vegetables and herbs, such as kale, spinach, broccoli and parsley, all contain high levels of calcium and so can slow down bone loss and cartilage damage
• grains, pulses and nuts, poultry and oily fish – these food choices can reduce inflammation and pain.

Avoid:-

• sugar – this processed ingredient can increase joint and muscle inflammation
• coffee -the boost that coffee can give you to start off the day is not the best start, as too much caffeine can weaken your bones
• excessive alcohol – alcohol disrupts normal gut functioning and can cause inflammation
• saturated fats – these fats increase inflammation and also heighten the risk of heart disease
• processed foods and takeaways, as these are heavy in processed sugar and fats.

How Does Exercise Fit in with Living with Arthritis?

Not using joints doesn’t help the problem. Exercise does.

Swimming and other aquatic exercises allow you to exercise the joints whilst having no weight on them.

Stretching exercises make you use muscles you may not use very often and will help maintain ligament health. Consider yoga as a beneficial pastime, for both physical and mental health.

Alternate between sitting and standing, as prolonged periods of either will lead to stiffness and pain.

Medical Intervention

Over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can successfully reduce the pain and swelling which comes with osteoarthritis.

Voltaron gel may be recommended, as this treatment has fewer side-effects than aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

Steroids like cortisone are powerful in reducing pain and inflammation. Doctors may agree to a round of three injections, a break from this treatment then needed before another round will be given.

Surgery is also an option, though this is if all other treatments don’t provide solutions. 

Surgery would involve fusing two bones together, or joint replacement.

Your GP will need to advise you should you be considering any medical treatment.

How to Handle Present Pain

Some arthritis medications can affect the skin, leading to bruises, bumps and lesions.

Whilst trying to manage arthritis by conventional methods, there are also some useful products which can both alleviate pain and protect joints.

- Knee Cushions

When you sleep, arthritis pain seems to be more noticeable, as the body is not truly aligned (not in a straight line).

Knee cushions (knee pillows) are designed to align the spine and to adjust the legs and knees into a more comfortable position for sleeping or relaxing.

Body alignment improves blood flow and so more nutrients are sent to where they are needed, which reduces pain.

- Body Protectors

Protecting skin is of vital importance to good health.

With age, the cells which make up the layers of our skin reduce in size and number and the fatty layer under the skin reduces, giving us less cushioning from the impact of daily life.

Different types of arthritis can affect the skin in different ways e.g. rashes, lesions and torn skin.

Body protectors for the skin cover the frail surface and provide much needed cushioning to prevent tears.

Full leg sleeves can protect frail skin and also stop knees rubbing together when walking.

Full arm sleeves can protect thin and frail skin from tearing.

Summary

Smoking has a serious negative effect on bone healing and so contributes to the onset of osteoporosis.

Before taking a regular dose of aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, consult your doctor first, as there can be a risk to cardiovascular health.

If you are not getting enough appropriate vitamins in your diet to promote strong bones, take multivitamins to supply you with calcium, vitamins C, E and K, as well as folic acid.

If you experience arthritis pain, don’t later attribute any new pains to arthritis, as well. Always seek the advice of your doctor, as pain can come from other health conditions and diagnosis should always be sought in the early stages.

Body protectors can give extra support and protection where needed.

Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints, helps you to retain a good range of movements and can prevent stiffness and pain.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/handling-changes-brought-ageing-joints-bones.html

Making the Bathroom Safer and More Manageable for Elderly People

As is with the kitchen, the bathroom is classified as one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.

Eighty one percent of accidents in the bathroom are as a result of falls.

Falls can be due to wet or slippery floors, slipping on or tripping over mats, objects or furniture causing obstructions and also because of health problems e.g. fainting, dizziness, changing eyesight and changes in mobility.

In later years, senior people with health conditions may need adaptations and specialist equipment in the bathroom. These needs may be as a result of weakening grip, balance problems, mobility difficulties, sight deterioration, arthritis, lack of confidence and many other age-related changes in health.

Falls

Whilst a young adult may be able to withstand a fall, the more elderly person may break bones, receive a more significant blow to the head due to less agility and grip to save oneself from the fall and be more likely to suffer from shock and its sometimes severe consequences.

The most common causes of falls are wet and slippery floors, shiny tiled surfaces which offer reduced safety and mats that may move underfoot.

Falls can happen in the bathroom itself, as well as within the bath or shower.

Bathroom floor surfaces are most often tiled. Pay attention to the tile finish i.e. a matt or stone finish is safer than the shiny tile, as spilt water is less likely to cause slipping on the rougher surface.

Small mats on that same shiny surface can slide under one’s feet and cause a bad fall.

Always check that the mat you want to purchase has a non-slip underside.

Addressing the flooring in a bathroom will be a major factor in preventing falls.

Steadying Oneself In and Out of the Shower / Bath

When you’re unsteady on your feet, getting in and out of a bath has its own dangers. Getting one leg out and onto the floor can unbalance the individual and lead to a fall.

For walk in showers, a shower chair gives the user better balance in the sitting position and will help avoid falls from any weakness in the legs.

For wheelchair users, a wet room is the ideal situation, as there is no step to mount upon entrance.

A shower chair on wheels can be used to enter the wet room and can also be used to move around the bathroom.

A shower chair with lockable wheels adds more safety to bathing alone.

For people who are unsteady on their feet, a bath board can make it a lot easier to get into the bath. With the bath board fixed to the top of the bath, the procedure is to:-

• sit on the bath board, with your legs still on the floor
• turn and move towards getting your feet into the bath
• edge along on the bath board, to be within the bath tub space itself
• with the use of grab rails, ease yourself into the water
• reverse the procedure for getting out of the water.

A specifically-designed grab handle can be fixed to the bath board (at the side furthest from entry into the bath), or a grab rail can be attached to the wall at the appropriate position, to make entering and leaving the bath a less worrying feat.

A non slip bath mat which attaches itself to the bath base or shower base via suckers can be a lifesaver. For those who can stand in the shower, or for climbing into the bath, the non slip bath mat gives you a safe base to stand on, builds user confidence and also steadies the individual when climbing out of the bath / shower.

Toilet Height

The standard height for a toilet tends to be around 17 inches (42.5 cms.).

Age brings with it a weaker body frame, which makes sitting down and standing up appear a challenge. Altering the height of the toilet can make these manoeuvres easier and safer.

A height of 20 inches (50 cms.) to 21 inches (55 cms.) proves safer for seniors, as stooping is reduced and the distance to regain full upright posture is also reduced.

Extra toilet height can also be accomplished by fitting a thicker toilet seat.

A toilet booster seat can also be easily clipped to the original toilet seat and add up to four inches (10 cms.) to the overall height of the toilet.

Booster seats are easily detachable for cleaning and also for using the toilet at its regular height.

Some shower chairs with wheels are also designed to be positioned over the toilet. With a horseshoe aperture cut out of the shower seat, using the toilet can be done from there.

Changes to Eyesight

Ageing eyes make reading glasses a common need amongst elderly people but age also brings other changes to eyesight (e.g. macular degeneration, glaucoma, clouded vision, loss of peripheral vision and loss of three-dimensional vision).

Changes in eyesight create a need to adapt to new circumstances, in order to support residual vision for the task in hand.

Identifying the exact location of light switches, and maybe dropping them to a more accessible height, can be supported by lighting being directed towards them.

Bright lights will not necessarily be the right choice for someone with a visual impairment. Choosing calmer lighting may prove more appropriate, as well as more soothing.

Larger light switches, as well as strongly coloured switches, will prove more identifiable.

Brightly coloured towels which don’t blend into the wall colouring will help the individual locate the towels more swiftly.

For personal grooming, a magnified mirror might prove useful e.g. shaving, cleaning your teeth and applying make-up.

Other Safety Concerns

A fall could lead to the individual bumping his / her head or upper body against a bathroom fixture. Look for wash hand basins and cabinets with rounded corners, instead of sharp ones, to lessen the chance of broken skin causing bleeding.

Fit grab rails in appropriate places (you can’t have too many), to give mobility security to the individual when moving around in the bathroom, or even when standing still e.g. to clean one’s teeth.

Appropriate places for grab rails include entry into the bathroom, near the toilet, outside the shower / bath, inside the shower / bath and at the wash hand basin.

Grab rails can be fitted horizontally, diagonally and vertically, available space or the task in hand maybe dictating the best position to employ.

Give serious thought to storage in your bathroom. Keep regularly used items at arm’s length, avoiding any need for the elderly person to have to stretch or stoop to reach what is needed.

Slide doors, or even no doors at all, may be more appropriate on bathroom cupboards, as opening and closing doors sometimes involves stepping back, to give room to the door.

Whilst the individual in the bathroom will wish to lock the bathroom door for privacy reasons, a double-sided lock can ensure quick entry into the bathroom in emergency situations.

Medication as well as ageing can cause neurological damage to the skin, leaving the person unable to register that water temperatures may be far too hot for them. An ideal temperature for bathing is around 45 C / 113 F and anything hotter could lead to serious burns and scalds.

Getting the right, preset, temperature for bathroom taps is a safe way of reducing the risk of burns or scalds. A mixer tap also has an advantage over two taps, as achieving a safe temperature involves using only one hand.

If the bathroom door is not wide enough for a wheelchair to enter, transferring to a shower chair with wheels for entry, and for moving around in the bathroom, could be the answer.

Choose grab-style handles for cupboards and drawers rather than knobs, as these can also serve as grab rails for holding onto.

Mirror height may need to be adjusted for those working from a wheelchair or shower chair, as standing up to use a mirror at a regular height could lead to a fall.

Summary

Even a slight change can make a big difference.

Non-slip flooring in a bathroom will be a positive measure in preventing falls.

For a shower over a bath, two grab rails at different heights will be needed, one for getting out of the bath, the other for standing up in the shower and for getting out.

A shower chair with lockable wheels will prove much safer than a shower chair without locks on the wheels.

Sliding doors on cupboards will make access both easier and safer.

Contrasting colours and also light direction will help people with visual changes navigate and locate with more ease.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/making-bathroom-safer-more-manageable-elderly-people.html