Eating Your Way Out of Old Age

Whilst wisdom might be wasted on the young, that same wisdom helps people cope with physical changes which happen to the older physique.

Ageing weakens the frame and makes once straightforward tasks a little more challenging.

In varying degrees, ageing can bring symptoms of general weakness, arthritis, weakness of grip, shaking hands and reduced dexterity, mobility changes, unsure balance, eyesight changes, joint pain and memory loss.

In older age, it is common to move away from healthy eating and simply eat to keep going. The fact is that eating sensibly promotes a healthier body and mind.

Working in the kitchen may become a chore, so finding the right kitchen aids and utensils plays a big part in bringing enjoyment back into food preparation and consumption, as well as back into entertaining.

Mobility

The kitchen is one of the two most dangerous rooms in a house. Team this with tightness of space and then thought needs to go into making this important room safely accessible and inviting.

For the individual who needs support when walking, there are several ways of making moving around safer:

• a walking cane allows one to move around but could restrict the person when trying to carry a plate of prepared food
• grab rails in appropriate places in the kitchen will allow the user to safely make his / her way around the kitchen
• a walking frame will allow comfortable access in and around the kitchen but it will also restrict the person when trying to carry plates or cups to another room
• a food trolley has wheels and has a place to put food and drink. Pushing a food trolley will allow the user to hold onto something steady when moving from room to room
• a wheelchair user would need a bigger than average kitchen, as turning space may be necessary when moving from one area to another. A wheelchair table accessory will allow the user to safely carry food and drink.

Keeping Moving Around to a Minimum

An ideal, ergonomically friendly, kitchen will display a triangular layout between the sink, oven and fridge, the three most used items in a kitchen. Having these three areas close together will cut down on a lot of toing and froing from one place to another and make working in the kitchen safer and less tiring.

Keep a portion of the worktop right next to the oven clear at all times, to allow you to lift hot items from the oven onto a flat surface both quickly and easily.

Know which items you use most often and have them all in the same cupboard, or at least within easy reach. This will include kitchen utensils, mixing bowls, pans, baking trays, as well as cups, plates, cereal bowls and cutlery.

Getting to Grips with Appropriate Kitchen Aids and Utensils

With weakened grip and reduced strength, ‘easy to do’ tasks can become not so easy. Finding the right aid or utensil can make ‘easy-to-do’ once again within your grasp.

Opening tins and jars can be difficult for us all. Many tins are now ring pull design and some tins come with their own twister key. Difficulty with gripping, because of arthritis or weakened grip will benefit from such kitchen utensils as:

• manual and electric jar openers, which can free the lid on an unopened jar but be sure which design will work best for you, before purchasing
• hands-free tin openers and ring pull tin openers, which now make opening tins easier and safer.

For reaching food items which seem to be a stretch away, a reaching stick or ‘grabber’ can help the user reach items just out of reach, whether they are too high, too low, or at the back of a cupboard that he / she can’t quite reach into.

Holding on to that all important mixing bowl can be aided by purchasing a bowl which has a grip edge or handles.

If you’re going the whole way in preparing your meal, slicing and chopping meat and vegetables may feel out of your comfort zone, so purchasing a rocker knife will give back the confidence you need. Instead of pressing down on a knife, the semi-circular rocker knife does what it says, rocking over the food item to cut it into smaller pieces.

Preparing a meal involves using quite a few kitchen utensils, including scissors, spatulas, a masher, large spoons and ladles, a rolling pin and knives. To cut down on walking, keep all of these utensils close at hand, either in a utensil holder or a drawer.

When placing items into, or taking items out of, a hot oven, it’s easy to burn one’s fingers and wrists on the extremely hot shelf edges. A protective oven rack guard (made from a high temperature resistant fabric) which fits along the length of each shelf can protect you from such burns.

Reduced Vision

Reduced vision can include blurred eyesight, loss of peripheral vision (i.e. being able to see straight ahead but not being able to see much to the right or left, without moving one’s head to accommodate this), sensitivity to bright light and many other changes, which can happen to our eyesight over time.

Spotlights directed to the most used areas of the kitchen will make this room a much safer place. Use warm shades of light rather than bright lights, as glare can create difficulty in focusing.

A magnifying glass will prove priceless for ageing eyesight, helping with reading recipes, packet instructions and information displayed on ovens, microwaves and hobs.

Making a hot drink can become worrying for the person who doesn’t have clear vision. A kettle tipper will take the stress out of lifting the kettle and will prevent burns and scalds, by directing the water safely into the cup.

Memory Loss

Memory loss is something that may come with age. This could be random forgetfulness, or might be brought on by lack of sleep, worry or stress. Forgetfulness can also be because of conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

In the kitchen, a pan boiling dry and food being burnt in the oven happens to us all.

Using a kitchen timer can save the hard work which comes with cleaning up the mess that forgetting can create. Purchase one which you can carry on your person, so that it remains with you, wherever you are.

Preparing the Table

Shaking and reduced dexterity, weakened grip, reduced vision and other changes which can develop in later years may mean that identifying appropriate cutlery and tableware will help the user maintain his / her independence for longer.

For weakness of grip and reduced strength, shop for serving dishes and cups which have two handles. Sharing the load between two hands can make the task easier and safer.

Shaking hands can be helped by carrying weighted items e.g. a heavy mug will stay steadier than a light teacup.

For reduced dexterity and weakened grip, look for cutlery with wider handles, or use Velcro hand straps, which will keep your cutlery attached to your hand during the eating process.

If the individual has reduced dexterity, a scooper plate, or indeed a modern-style pasta bowl (a plate with a raised edge used for pasta meals) will stop food being worked off the end of the plate.

To stop cups and plates fidgeting on the table, secure them to a silicon gripper tablemat, or use tableware which has suction grips.

For individuals with vision loss, a compartmentalised plate or bowl allows for food items to be kept in place, making it easier to both scoop the food up and know where different items are on the plate.

Entertaining

Most people are social by nature and age brings with it fewer people passing over the doorstep.

Loneliness can bring on depression and stress. Good company releases ‘happy hormones’, which include oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, all of which give a boost to the day.

Eating in company is much more stimulating than eating alone. Inviting a friend to enjoy a meal, whether made from scratch or bought readymade, will prove to be a natural tonic.

Summary

Consider fitting grab rails in the kitchen, to aid moving around safely.

Store kitchen gadgets, utensils and tableware in easy to reach areas, to help you cut down on toing and froing during food preparation.

Bear in mind that utensils in a utensil holder will be open to the elements and so these utensils should be washed regularly and not only after use.

When making the kitchen workable for you, think of your needs and what will bring passion back into the cooking process.

Try to get into the habit of making extra food, as freezing what is left can provide you with a quick meal at a later date, whilst saving on gas or electricity and also on the preparation time and washing up.

Entertaining lifts the spirit. Preparing a meal for more than just you will bring added bonuses. 

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/eating-way-out-old-age.html

Relaxation and General Health

In today’s world, it can be very hard to find a moment in the day to relax. Finding and using that time will make huge differences to how you function in your current lifestyle.

Relaxing can help lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, minimise oxygen consumption by slowing down the breathing rate, reduce muscle tension and calm brain activity.

Making time to relax can have a positive effect on arthritic pain, anxiety, depression, infertility, cancer, insomnia and even ageing.

The relaxation response can improve the immune system and also increase attention levels and decision making.

It can therefore be seen that fitting relaxation into your day will have a very welcome and positive effect on your general health and how you are as a person.

Maybe for some, the only place to relax is in the bath.

The Magic of Bath Time Relaxation

Bathing is so important to our health. Whilst the bathroom is classed as one of the two most dangerous rooms in the house, the room itself can provide a lot of elements which make life pleasing.

An inviting bathroom can offer many comforts:

• away from the clutter found in other rooms, the bathroom can quickly bring on a relaxed feel
• quieter colours give the eyes a chance to relax
• a bathroom can quite often be a light-filled space, raising the mood, especially on cold winter days
• for the fully independent adult, the bathroom can be the room in which to escape the world, be responsible only for oneself and enjoy that ‘me’ time
• relaxing in a bath is more relaxing than being in a shower, as your body is fully recumbent and can relax more fully
• using your own personal toiletries and perfumed goods make the experience so personal
• whilst in a state of such tranquillity, the thoughts of the day can either float away, or be re-assembled into better ideas for the next day
• in complete relaxation, the brain can sometimes solve problems which seemed to be unsolvable (hence the famous ‘eureka’ moment of Archimedes in the bath tub).

Choosing the Right Bath Tub

Bath tubs come in different shapes and lengths. Those which are suitable will depend on the size and layout of your bathroom, as well as your personal needs.

Always measure up the space available in the bathroom, before purchasing the bath tub for you.

Take your height, and the height of other users, into consideration, when purchasing the right bath tub length.

Decide whether the bath tub base should be smooth or textured. Textured bases and those with a matt finish will go a long way to preventing slipping, when getting in or out of the bath.

For users who may have balance or mobility difficulties, choosing a bath with integral grab handles is a must.

Choosing the Most Appropriate Accessories

Depending on a user’s health, balance, strength of grip and mobility, several extras will lead to a safer and more independent experience. Items could include:

• grab rails attached to the wall within the bath space and also the wall just outside the bath tub, to allow the user to safely ease him- / herself in and out of the bath
• mixer taps, to get the water to the right temperature
• specially-designed tap handles, which prove suitable to those with weakened grip
• a rubber bathmat inside the bath, to aid standing and prevent slipping
• a bath board or bath seat, to allow the elderly and people with balance issues to get safely in and out of the bath water
• mounted toiletries, cutting down on the need to bend to pick up soap or shampoo.

Appropriate accessories will enhance the bathing experience, making it smoother and fuss free.

Thinking Outside the Box

Whilst these accessories are regular items for bathrooms, thought should also be given to how your head and neck are doing on the upper edge of the bath, as well as against the wall behind your head.

The upper edge of a bath can cause your head to bend too far back. If the wall is immediately behind the edge of the bath, this will cause your head to be upright, as there will be insufficient depth to tilt back slightly.

True relaxation means also relaxing your head and neck, leaving the muscles of the entire body with less to do. Supporting your neck and head over the top of the bath is therefore a must, as it will help align the whole of your body, whilst lying outstretched in the water.

Supporting your head and neck will lead to the whole of your body resting and all muscles will reduce their tension.

A bath pillow can give that very important support to your neck and head and also enhance comfort.

Bath Pillows

Bath pillows come in different shapes, so as to match against different bath designs and whether the bath position is freestanding or against a wall. Some bath pillow designs can also support your upper body, making a smooth transition between your shoulders and your neck.

Choose a waterproof bath pillow, as these are less likely to lose their shape.

Choose one which also has suction grips, which will hold the pillow tightly to the bath at neck position.

Look also for a bath pillow that will be mildew-free and also has an attached hanging loop, to allow you to hang the bath pillow to dry.

Bath Mattresses

A pressure-relieving bath mattress may complement the experience. Adding a plush feel to the bath base, extra support is given to your body, which can reduce pain on pressure sores and bony areas.

A bath mattress may be filled with gel, which helps remove the abrasive feel of the body against the bath base.

Suction cups will help keep a bath mattress in place and will give extra security when getting in and out of the bath water.

How Soaking in Hot Water Can Improve Your Health

Relaxing in warm water is said to ease pain by loosening your muscles. Getting into a good position in the first place will be important to overall relief.

Hot water increases the body temperature and relaxes the muscles. Using hot water to encourage the flow of blood and improve circulation gives more oxygen and nutrients to the body and has a similar effect as to having a mini workout.

Relaxing the muscles soothes us both physically and mentally.

Daily hot baths can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Having a warm bath at night can help you sleep better. After getting out of the warm water, your body temperature drops and this encourages the production and release of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

When nasal passages become inflamed from colds and flu, the steam from a hot bath gets your face and nose muscles moving, which in turn can release any blocked mucus and encourage a swift recovery.

A fever is the body’s way of heating up the body temperature to fight off bacteria and infections. Research has shown that regularly relaxing in a hot bath raises the body temperature and can increase the production of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight off infection.

What ‘Relaxed’ Feels Like

Being relaxed is an overall state of calm and can be recognised in:

• a feeling of cleanness and openness in your body and mind
• mind chatter slowing down to a halt
• slower and deeper breathing
• a sense of peace and warmth
• a feeling of hope and of new ideas and possibilities.

Pleasing Things to Have at Hand

Adding a touch of luxury can help you sink into that relaxed mode. Think: a glass of wine, a bubble bath, gentle or soothing music you truly appreciate, a book, scented aromas and soothing oils or, if possible, pure silence.

Steer clear of loud music and mobile phones, as neither induce peace or clearness of mind.

In busy households, having a lock on the bathroom door may be needed to keep noise at bay.

Summary

Fitting relaxation into your day will have a very welcome and positive effect on your general health and how you are as a person.

Relaxation can help slow down your speed of life, improve your immune system and increase your attention levels.

For individuals who are not fully independent, an appropriately accessorised bathroom can give extra support.

True relaxation includes relaxing your head and neck, leaving the muscles of the entire body with little to think about but relaxing.

A bath pillow and bath stool is the accessory which complements the whole experience of relaxing in the bath.

The state of relaxation clears the mind and makes way for positive thoughts and ideas.

For many, the bathroom may be the only place to remove oneself from daily routines and find time to relax.

Forget the diary, forget the responsibilities, forget the noise and enjoy the time you allocated to only you.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/relaxation-general-health.html

Top 5 Mobility Aids for Senior Citizens

Victor Hugo as soon as mentioned, “When grace is joined with wrinkles it’s lovely.”

Certainly. However what is just not lovely is weak bones and low muscle energy which could be widespread amongst seniors. This weak spot can impression the independence of outdated individuals.

Every day chores could immediately appear tough. You might really feel drained after doing little duties in-house, that you just don’t really feel like going outdoors. It generates the sensation of being caught in a single place. This isn’t good for both bodily or psychological well being.

To ease out issues, you’ll be able to at all times depend on mobility aids. There are numerous sorts of aids like crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and scooters that you should use as per your consolation and requirement. Let’s know extra about them. 

Crutches

Crutches switch your decrease physique weight to your higher physique. You need to use one or in pairs. They assist to keep up an upright posture which is sweet for blood circulation within the physique. There are three kinds of crutches particularly underarm, forearm, platform crutches. You need to use crutches if you’re recovering from leg surgical procedure or you’ll be able to barely or can’t maintain weight in your legs. 

The peak of the crutches should be adjusted as per your top and you will want an excellent quantity of higher physique energy to make use of it. Additionally, it’s a little tough to make use of and so it takes a while to get used to them. In case you have low higher physique energy then you’ll be able to go for different mobility aids as described under. 

Canes

Canes are some of the widespread mobility aids. It transfers the decrease physique to the cane by way of the wrist. There are numerous kinds of canes available in the market. They’re easy wooden walking sticks, quad canes, forearm canes, and adjustable canes.

Picket strolling sticks are available two methods; a easy stick and a follow a criminal deal with. Whereas the quad canes have 4 legs for additional help which improves stability. Adjustable canes assist you to alter the peak of the cane.

In case your cane is just not adjustable then you’ll be able to measure the peak from the bottom to your wrist and get the cane made from the obtained measurement. Forearm canes are much like crutches as they’ve an extension that takes some weight from fingers and wrist to your forearm.

Strolling Frames

Strolling frames present extra stability than canes because it has 4 legs. They’re the only option when you have much less secure ft and need assistance with stability. To make use of walking frames you want higher physique energy to elevate it up and transfer ahead.

You too can strive strolling frames with wheels. They’ve both two wheels in entrance legs or have all 4 legs with wheels. Strolling frames with 4 wheels are additionally known as rollators. As it’s barely tough to manage the frames with wheels they’re geared up with brakes. 

Strolling frames are inconvenient as a consequence of their dimension and form. The foldable one is sweet for touring and storage.  

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be utilized by those that can’t stroll in any respect or have extraordinarily low decrease physique energy. Wheelchairs could be propelled manually by the consumer themselves, could be pushed by somebody, or electrically powered motor. 

Wheelchairs are useful whereas transferring outside. It offers you the liberty to benefit from the outdoors world with a lot consolation. Foldable wheelchairs are simple to hold whereas touring. 

Scooters

Scooters could be known as the steadier model of wheelchairs. They’re the only option for mobilizing outdoors as they’re agency and made to run on facet roads. For seniors who do groceries on their very own, scooters with luggage are helpful whereas procuring. 

Thus, scooters offer you all of the independence you could go outdoors and get issues achieved. 

Ultimate Phrases

Now that you understand how and who ought to use these mobility aids, you’ll be able to select one which serves your function and get again your independence. You too can strive these merchandise earlier than shopping for and work out how snug and useful they are going to be for you.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/677138563376332800/top-5-mobility-aids-for-senior-citizens

5 Types of Mobility Aids For Older People

Victor Hugo as soon as mentioned, “When grace is joined with wrinkles it’s lovely.”

Certainly. However what is just not lovely is weak bones and low muscle energy which could be widespread amongst seniors. This weak spot can impression the independence of outdated individuals.

Every day chores could immediately appear tough. You might really feel drained after doing little duties in-house, that you just don’t really feel like going outdoors. It generates the sensation of being caught in a single place. This isn’t good for both bodily or psychological well being.

To ease out issues, you’ll be able to at all times depend on mobility aids. There are numerous sorts of aids like crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and scooters that you should use as per your consolation and requirement. Let’s know extra about them. 

Crutches

Crutches switch your decrease physique weight to your higher physique. You need to use one or in pairs. They assist to keep up an upright posture which is sweet for blood circulation within the physique. There are three kinds of crutches particularly underarm, forearm, platform crutches. You need to use crutches if you’re recovering from leg surgical procedure or you’ll be able to barely or can’t maintain weight in your legs. 

The peak of the crutches should be adjusted as per your top and you will want an excellent quantity of higher physique energy to make use of it. Additionally, it’s a little tough to make use of and so it takes a while to get used to them. In case you have low higher physique energy then you’ll be able to go for different mobility aids as described under. 

Canes

Canes are some of the widespread mobility aids. It transfers the decrease physique to the cane by way of the wrist. There are numerous kinds of canes available in the market. They’re easy wooden walking sticks, quad canes, forearm canes, and adjustable canes.

Picket strolling sticks are available two methods; a easy stick and a follow a criminal deal with. Whereas the quad canes have 4 legs for additional help which improves stability. Adjustable canes assist you to alter the peak of the cane.

In case your cane is just not adjustable then you’ll be able to measure the peak from the bottom to your wrist and get the cane made from the obtained measurement. Forearm canes are much like crutches as they’ve an extension that takes some weight from fingers and wrist to your forearm.

Strolling Frames

Strolling frames present extra stability than canes because it has 4 legs. They’re the only option when you have much less secure ft and need assistance with stability. To make use of walking frames you want higher physique energy to elevate it up and transfer ahead.

You too can strive strolling frames with wheels. They’ve both two wheels in entrance legs or have all 4 legs with wheels. Strolling frames with 4 wheels are additionally known as rollators. As it’s barely tough to manage the frames with wheels they’re geared up with brakes. 

Strolling frames are inconvenient as a consequence of their dimension and form. The foldable one is sweet for touring and storage.  

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be utilized by those that can’t stroll in any respect or have extraordinarily low decrease physique energy. Wheelchairs could be propelled manually by the consumer themselves, could be pushed by somebody, or electrically powered motor. 

Wheelchairs are useful whereas transferring outside. It offers you the liberty to benefit from the outdoors world with a lot consolation. Foldable wheelchairs are simple to hold whereas touring. 

Scooters

Scooters could be known as the steadier model of wheelchairs. They’re the only option for mobilizing outdoors as they’re agency and made to run on facet roads. For seniors who do groceries on their very own, scooters with luggage are helpful whereas procuring. 

Thus, scooters offer you all of the independence you could go outdoors and get issues achieved. 

Ultimate Phrases

Now that you understand how and who ought to use these mobility aids, you’ll be able to select one which serves your function and get again your independence. You too can strive these merchandise earlier than shopping for and work out how snug and useful they are going to be for you.

Source:https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/676966946551578624/5-types-of-mobility-aids-for-older-people

All You Need to Know About Grab Bars

Bathroom injuries are most common among older people. Major injuries can lead to fractures in hands, legs, hips, etc. Injuries in the head could even be fatal. To prevent such unwanted incidents, it is important to add safety features in the bathroom to save elders from accidents.

Grab bars are the most useful product to install in bathrooms. Grab bars are graspable bars used to hold while standing up and sitting down. Let us understand grab bars and rails in detail. 

Types of Grab Bars and Rails

Bathroom grab rails come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. The most popular types of garb bars are:

• Wall Mounted: These grab bars are mounted on walls with screws and anchors. This is the best choice of grab bars for permanent usage. 
• Suction: These bars attach to walls via suction cups and are the best choice for temporary usage, like traveling to a place for a shorter duration or recovering from surgery. They are mainly used to assist with balance and are not intended to hold full body weight.

These bars must be installed on non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass and not on walls. They are mainly used to assist with balance and are intended to hold full body weight. Suctions need to be checked at regular intervals as it becomes less secure over time. 

• Folding: These grab bars can flip up or fold down when not in use. Such bars are useful in congested areas like toilets or sinks.
• Free Standing: These bars are floor-to-ceiling tension bars usually installed beside the tub or shower for help with exiting and entering. The other kind of bars are toilet enclosures with stand-alone rails and a safety base to help users with sitting down and standing up. 

Checklist Before Buying Grab Bars

There are thousands of grab bars available. It is a good idea to know a few things about the bars and whether it matches your requirements before you buy one. 

• Location: There is no specific place to install grab bars. But it depends on where and when you need it. For example, mainly older people require assistance while using the shower and toilet. So, depending on the size of the bathroom, you can choose a grab that fits well and doesn’t block your way.  
• Style: There are various styles of grab bars like straight, wavy, textured, etc. Straight grab rails can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally as per the needs. Textured grab bars are anti-slippery giving more hold to the user.
• Material, Length, and Weight: Grab bars are usually made from metals like stainless steel and aluminium. Some are also made from high-density resins like polyethylene. The general length of garb bars varies from 12 inches to 32 inches or even longer. Based on the material and type of the bar, its capacity to hold weight can be determined. 

Benefits of Grab Bars

There are many benefits of having garb rails installed in your home, hospital, hotels, etc. They provide support in achieving balance and in standing up and sitting down at certain places. Let’s have a look at how garb bars are going to benefit you.

• Safe Bathroom Visits: For elders with knee pains and low strength, it is difficult to sit and stand while using the toilet. Due to wet floors, there is a risk of losing balance while taking a shower. Grab bars will avoid accidents and help the ones with less stable feet to independently and safely visit the bathroom. 
• Increase in Mobility: The use of grab rails is not restricted to bathrooms. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Having such support in and around the house motivates elders to mobilize more. For extra support and assistance, seniors can also use other mobility aids like a walking stick, walking frame, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, etc. 
• Reduction in Injuries: The significant benefit of grab bars and rails is that it reduces falls and trips leading to injuries. It is important for elders to stay away from injuries as recovery is slow at this age. 

Conclusion

Now that you know all about grab bars consider purchasing any such equipment or mobility aids from certified suppliers. Also, consider getting these bars installed by professionals because they won’t support you well if they are not installed correctly.

Source: https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/676788857571819520/all-you-need-to-know-about-grab-bars

Making your Bathroom Safer with Light and Colour

A bathroom can be a sanctuary, a place of peace away from the hustle bustle of everyday life.

By choosing lighting and colour, a bathroom can be personalised.

Lighting and colour affect the senses and give off vibes which affect how you feel, personally.

In later years, the sense of sight can change and so tailoring a bathroom to support such changes is a wise move.

As with blue for the cold water tap and red for the hot, using colour can have a positive effect on safety elements in the bathroom.

Colour

To most of us, colours have meaning. This meaning can come in the form of a memory, sadness, comfort, or a feel good factor.

Using a colour which makes you feel good can make the bathroom a calming place to be.

The Psychology of Colour

Colour has been associated with eye strain, mood, blood pressure and emotions. It has a real effect on how we respond and react to things we see.

Colour can create the vibe that says who you are, including:

• brown – natural, organic and trustworthy
• black – strong, bold and sophisticated
• white – fresh, open and bright
• grey – mature, stable and relatable
• blue – tranquil, passionate and calm
• green and yellow – uplift, vitality and optimism
• purple and pink – fun, youthful and invigorating.

Colour interprets how we relate to and feel about things around us. Enhancing your bathroom with satisfying colours helps you to relax and can also uplift your day.

Colour can also enhance the safety in the room.

Getting the Bathroom Right

The decor for bathroom walls, bathroom furniture and flooring has a somewhat permanence about it. Choose a colour which allows a mixture of other colours to be teamed with it in the form of soft furnishings.

Elements such as lighting, flooring and soft furnishings, can be changed easily, giving the bathroom a new feel at a moment’s notice.

Lighting and Flooring

- Lighting

Directional lighting will make a bathroom a safer place. Choose warm colours for lighting as opposed to bright ones, to allow eyes to work comfortably.

Light coming from the ceiling rather than from walls will prove better for people who are disturbed by bright lights shining directly into their eyes.

Lights directed to key areas will help individuals with vision changes (e.g. macular degeneration and a clouding of vision due to cataracts) to operate safely and comfortably in that room.

- Flooring

When choosing floor tiles, matt finish tiles are much safer than shiny finishes.

Rough stone is a good choice for floor tiles, as stone absorbs water and so reduces the chances of slipping.

Soft Furnishings

The ambience of the bathroom can be changed, simply by changing the colour of its soft furnishings.

Soft furnishings can be in different textures and in a wealth of colours, making a statement as to a room’s overall feel.

- Towels

Coloured towels add character to a bathroom and liven up what can quite often be a colour neutral space.

For individuals with vision changes, colour can act as an identification point, creating contrast with other objects and allowing the individual to move around with relative ease.

- Bath Mats and Bath Rugs

Bath mats and bath rugs serve different needs.

Bath mats are functional, whereas bath rugs give an element of luxury.

A bath mat is a safety item, designed to save you from slipping on a wet floor by soaking up any spillages.

A bath mat stands directly in front of the bath or shower, ready for you to stand on and dry yourself off. It will be made of extra absorbent materials and will have an anti-slip backing to keep it in place.

A bath mat can prevent mould, mildew and the build up of bacteria.

Bath mats may be made from cotton, memory foam, microfibre, or even bamboo or teak.

• Cotton is super absorbent and washes very well.
• Memory foam is exceptional in both water absorbency and comfort.
• Microfibre offers a cushioned feel, is super warm and also offers the ‘dry quickly’ feature.
• Bamboo and teak both offer a solid surface and are resistant to water penetration, making them almost indestructible. These hard surfaces can be treated with anti-mould and anti-mildew varnish, making them last for years.

A bath rug is a cosmetic item, designed to make your bathroom look attractive and cosy.

Think of a bath rug as being more of a room rug, as it can be used anywhere in the bathroom and not limited to placing only near the bath for spillages.

Bath rugs do absorb water but are more of a luxury than purposeful accessory.

Bath rugs aren’t as thick as bath mats, as they are mainly for decoration and ambience.

As they are decorative instead of purposeful, rugs may not have an anti-slip backing.

Bath rugs need a little more maintenance than a bath mat, so always check if the rug you are going to purchase can be washed, or if it should be dry-cleaned.

Bath rugs may be made from cotton, wool, chenille, or nylon.

• Cotton is super absorbent and dries very quickly.
• Wool offers a thicker rug, extra absorbency and air circulation keeps the rug fresher for longer.
• Chenille is made up of water resistant fibres, which makes it a desired choice. Chenille is also hard wearing.
• Nylon is strong, moisture repellent and also stain resistant, making it an excellent choice for durability.

- Sizes

Bath mats and bath rugs come in a range of sizes, from 17 inches by 24 inches (42.5 cms. by 60 cms.) to 27 inches by 45 inches (67.5 cms. by 112.5 cms.). The important point is that the size fits well in your bathroom space. Too big a size could lead to the item not lying flat and it may become a tripping hazard. Too small a size would lead to the rug being inoperative.

Bath Mats for Inside the Bath or Shower

Bath mats can be used inside the bath or shower, for safety purposes. With suction cups on the underside of the bath mat, it is firmly secured to the bath or shower base, making it safer to get in and out of the bath, or to stand safely in the shower.

Quality rubber grip bath mats will have a textured top side, to prevent slipping, as well as holes to allow water to pass through the bath mat when not in use, rather than gather on the surface. This drainage feature helps reduce the build up of bacteria.

Rubber bath mats can quite often be machine-washable, allowing the removal of any built up residue or bacteria.

Bath mats come in different colours, allowing the user with vision changes to see exactly where it is on the bath or shower base.

A long bath mat which stretches the whole length of the bath base will prove extra protective for users who want to feel safe from sliding under whilst in the bath.

The Added Safety of Grab Rails

Ageing has an effect on eyesight but also affects one’s balance and mobility. Grab rails are a real must in an elderly person’s bathroom, as they aid moving around independently and so support well being.

Grab rails should be placed close enough together that an individual with balance and / or mobility difficulties can keep their balance whilst moving around. The individual with vision changes will also benefit from the security of having something to hold onto whilst negotiating moving forward.

Grab rails can be placed inside a shower, as well as on the wall side of the bath, giving something to hold onto when getting in to bathe. Grab rails in a shower can also support the individual who enjoys standing whilst showering.

Summary

When choosing a bath mat or bath rug, make sure that it is absorbent and non-slip.

Any stagnant water in a bathroom can become a breeding ground for bacteria and will make the bathroom both unsanitary and smelly.

The lining on bath mats may be rubber, silicone or latex and will make the floor safer for use.

With both bath mats and bath rugs, make sure that the colour doesn’t run, before adding them to a mixed wash.

For hygiene purposes, it is best to wash a bath mat at least once a week.

Microfibre can sometimes cause skin allergies, though there are hypoallergenic options now available.

Get into the habit of always lifting and hanging up the non-slip mat from the bath or shower base, to allow it to drip dry over the bath or shower. This will reduce any chances of the build up of soap products or bacteria.

It is now possible to buy eco-friendly bath mats and bath rugs, with information as to being eco-friendly displayed on the product label and in the product description.

Please note that grab rails can be installed in any room in the house, building confidence and maintaining independence for the individual is no longer fully steady on his or her feet.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/making-bathroom-safer-light-colour.html 

Walking Canes for Upright Comfort and Independence

Walking Canes

Walking canes were originally the sign of a man’s wealth and standing in society. Men posed with them, rather than use them as a tool or aid of any description.

Canes could conceal knives or swords for defence and were used by shepherds to catch and control their sheep. Carrying a cane denoted authority and could also be used to aid walking over uneven terrain.

It wasn’t until after the second world war that walking canes became mobility aids.

The Purpose of a Walking Cane

For people who find walking not fully in their grasp, walking canes make walking safer, easier and more comfortable. Used correctly, they can take the weight off your lower back, hip, leg, knee and foot.

One in ten older adults will make use of a cane, for balance, stability and an overall state of wellbeing and independence.

Walking canes work well for people with injury or pain to one side of the body, whereas walkers are best-suited to those who have injury or pain centrally, or to both sides.

An individual may use a cane for a number of reasons, some temporary and some permanent.

Temporary use of a cane may be because of:

• hip, leg, knee, or foot injuries, to reduce the weight placed on the damaged area
• bone fractures and the need to take weight off them, to allow repair and recovery
• inner ear infections, which can affect one’s balance
• joint inflammation, which may cause pain and distorted walking
• obesity, which forces excess weight onto the legs and feet
• vertigo, which presents itself as dizziness and a possible balance problem
• a need for recovery from surgery.

Permanent use of a cane may be because of conditions present since birth, or for long term or permanent health conditions which have developed during one’s lifetime. Amongst others, these could include:

• arthritis
• stroke
• chronic alcohol misuse
• multiple sclerosis
• Meniere’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• cerebral palsy
• muscular dystrophy

Walking Cane Support

A walking cane will help support individuals who are recovering from injury or ill health, have health conditions which will benefit from the use of a cane and also those who are concerned about balance, stability, or weakness in their legs. Cane support will also help elderly people remain independent a little longer into older age.

Walking canes reduce the stress placed on the lower body and limbs and can also help prevent falls.

Feeling unsteady one one’s feet can affect both confidence and independence, so making use of a walking cane when it feels right to do so can help stabilise one’s mood and improve one’s overall state of health and calm.

Walking canes improve overall balance and so reduce the strain on the back muscles, which are continuously supporting your body frame and helping you maintain your balance.

How Walking Can Help with Some Health Conditions

- Arthritis

If you have arthritis in your body or legs, walking is one of the best forms of exercise.

Walking helps you lose or maintain your weight and can reduce the stresses placed on your joints, helping reduce pain and discomfort. A walking cane as an aid gives the confidence to take those early steps.

Walking can reduce arthritic pain in the knees and can reduce stiffness which, in turn, can increase the range of movement in the knee joint. The return of a healthier level of mobility will make life feel more positive.

Walking releases pain-fighting endorphins and also reduces inflammation.

With the use of walking canes, regular walking will help reduce the discomfort of arthritis and lead to better mobility.

- Strain, Accident, or Surgery

Whilst in recovery, or during rehabilitation, from an event which has made walking somewhat difficult, a cane will support the body and reduce the weight which would normally be placed on the lower limbs. This will aid recovery.

- Obesity

Obesity places a huge strain on all of the body and walking can both help reduce weight and improve overall health. The early stages of exercising will benefit hugely from the use of walking canes over short distances, until the body becomes trimmed down and is ready to support itself.

- Vertigo

Vertigo is similar to the feeling of a severe hangover and can be extremely debilitating. Support with walking, bed raisers may be needed, until medication or treatment has an effect on dizziness, sickness and wobbliness.

- Chronic Alcohol Misuse

Chronic misuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, nerve damage which can lead to tingling in the limbs. Support with walking may become a need.

Measuring up to the Walking Cane

Like getting the right shoe size, getting the right fit of walking cane is paramount to its successful use.

The way to get the right walking cane size for you is:

• with your shoes on, stand upright with your arms by your sides.
• place the base of the walking cane about four inches (15 cms.) from outside your foot
• ask someone to measure the length between the floor and your wrist. This wrist point will be around the same point at which the hip socket and leg bone meet.

A perfect cane length will allow your upper arm to be vertical and the lower arm to be bent forward slightly, allowing you to comfortably hold the cane’s handle.

The Correct Way to Use a Walking Cane

A walking cane should be held in the hand on the opposite side to your injury. When walking, this allows the cane to give support to the injured side of your body.

The leg on the injured side of your body and the cane act as one, both moving forward together. This way, you can place your weight onto the cane instead of your leg, when walking.

Do not place your cane further forward than the leg, as this could cause a lack of balance and maybe lead to a fall.

Different Styles of Walking Cane

Walking canes come in different styles, the design sometimes being specific to particular use. Some of the most common are:

• the standard, fixed, walking stick / cane, which is the most commonly used
• the offset cane - the handle on this design resembles a swan’s neck and allows the user to place their full weight on the shaft, taking some pressure off the hand and wrist
• the adjustable quad cane – the swan neck places the user’s weight firmly over the shaft and the base of this cane has four base points, giving much more stability
• the folding walking stick – this model has four parts, allowing the owner to fold the walking aid into a smaller size, to keep on one’s person
• the arthritis grip cane – this folding model has a handle designed for people who have arthritis in their hand(s), allowing a more successful grip for walking safely.

Put a concentrated effort into learning what it is you need from a walking cane (i.e. lifestyle, daily routines, level of desired independence and social requirements) and maybe seek professional advice as to which walking cane will meet your needs.

Walking Cane or Walking Frame?

Walking canes work well for people with injury or pain to one side of the body, whereas people who have central body pain, or pain to both sides, will find the walker a better choice.

A walking frame is more cumbersome than a walking cane, as it needs more space to turn.

The user of a walking frame needs some element of upper body strength, as the frame needs lifting forward in order for the user to step forward.

A walker can have wheels, making it easier for the user, though overstretching forward can lead to a fall.

A walker with wheels may also have a brake, useful for when the user wishes to be standing whilst stationary e.g. in a queue, or whilst chatting.

Summary

The purpose of a walking cane is to take pressure off the lower part of the body and to stabilise balance.

Walking canes can support people with injury or pain to one side of the body, whereas walkers support those who have injury or pain centrally, or to both sides.

The length of a walking cane must always be adjusted to suit the user, as too short or too long could lead to discomfort and even a fall.

The four parts of a folding walking stick are held together with elastic bungee cord, which maintain the format of this handy walking aid.

All canes must have a non-skid rubber foot.

When letting go of a quad cane, it will stand up on its own.

Using a walking cane as a mobility aid can help the user hold on to independence and maintain their self confidence.

Finding what is best for you is important, though some users may find that simply having access to both walking cane and walking frame suits their varying needs e.g. a cane in the house or for short distances and a walking frame for longer journeys outdoors.

Source: https://www.essentialaids.com/blog/walking-canes-upright-comfort-independence.html