Clever Adapted Cutlery Makes A Difference At Mealtimes

There are a number of health conditions which may make it difficult to eat with standard cutlery. Hand and arm tremors, reduced strength or limited motor control can have a dramatic impact on someone’s ability to feed themselves. In these circumstances, mealtimes may become a trial, but equipment is available to mitigate the problem.

Essential Aids recommends that before choosing special cutlery, an occupational therapist assesses the particular needs of the person concerned. They will have a clear picture of the specific situation and will advise on the best options for the individual.

Examples of conditions which may lead to the need for special cutlery

Multiple Sclerosis | Motor Neurone Disease/ALS | Peripheral Neuropathy | Parkinson’s Disease | Brain Injuries | Cerebral palsy | Arthritis / Dementia

Adapted cutlery

The processes behind the seemingly simple skill of feeding oneself are in fact complex. The physical movements involved rely on a string of bodily operations like balance, strength and coordination to all work in sync. Still more complicated are the mental processes taking place which result in the eventual movement.

With such a fine balance of interacting components, it’s perhaps not surprising that certain health conditions lead to difficulties controlling conventional spoons, knives and forks along with other kitchen aids and utensils. This is especially true of people with cognitive changes or deterioration, for example, Alzheimer’s Disease. Or physical limitations caused by disease, such as arthritis.

Cutlery with ‘built-up’ handles

Most standard cutlery tends to be quite narrow in design and it is not always easy to hold with adequate control and pressure. Simply using items with larger handles can for some people make a substantial difference. By expanding the diameter of the handle, less pressure is required.

Cutlery is available with oversized handles or you can choose to adapt standard items. This can be done by wrapping the handles with a form of tape. Alternatively you can encase the handles in a foam, increasing their size and also making them less slippery to the touch. Not having to wrap the fingers quite as tightly makes a big difference to some people, especially those experiencing pain in their hands.

Cutlery with moulded or contoured grips

Along the same lines, using cutlery with moulded handles may have similar benefits. As the name suggests, these have contoured handles which provide a more natural fit with the hand, improving comfort and requiring less of a tight squeeze. Some also have splayed ‘necks’ preventing the thumb slipping forward.

Weighted Cutlery

Using heavier cutlery is considered by some to make it easier to control. It’s most often used for those with a tremor, with the additional weight going some way to suppressing the extra movement. Using a weighted wrist cuff in some cases helps for the same reason.

Cutlery with an ‘angled’ head

This type of cutlery has the forked or scooping component set at an offset angle to the handle. For some, this adaptation helps keep the head in a horizontal position despite shaky movement. The offset angle may make it easier to direct food into the mouth as it reduces the amount of wrist dexterity required.

In some cases the head of this type of cutlery is set at a particular angle, which allows the neck to be bent freely to achieve the desired curve.

Before making a choice, consider if the user is right or left handed – this type of cutlery is available for both.

Hand straps

Some items of cutlery are available with straps to prevent them falling if the user loses their grip. If you’re suffering from severe tremors or loss of strength in the fingers, you may find you are prone to dropping items of cutlery while eating. Cutlery straps typically fit around the back of the hand and usually fix with Velcro.

Lightweight cutlery

For those with significantly reduced strength, cutlery that is very light in weight might help. Usually made from plastics like polypropylene, it is a popular choice for some children with disabilities or very frail adults.

Solutions for people using one hand

In the aftermath of a stroke or because of certain disabilities, some people are left with the use of only one hand. While using a spoon is a partial solution for food which might previously required a knife and fork, there are single items of cutlery which allow you cut up food and fork it too.

One widely used product is the ‘knork’. It combines a standard fork at one end, along with a cutting blade on one side of the edge of the prongs.

This design allows the user to cut the food and raise it to the mouth. It has a simple efficiency and is effective for eating foods which don’t lend themselves to spoons.

Using a knork style implements does involve raising a bladed item to the mouth, so it is never recommended for people with tremors or prone to jerky movements.

Without the luxury of being able to apply pressure using a knife and fork together to pick up food, another possible solution is the use of high-sided bowls. These make it easier to press against in order to scoop food up.

Rocker knives

These are specially designed knives with a curved blade. The user ‘rocks’ the blade back and forth on the food in order to cut it, reducing the downward pressure required by most knives. This rocker action also means a fork is not needed to stablise the food as it’s being cut.

Some rocker knives have vertical handles, with the grip protruding upwards from the midway point of the blade. Others are designed more conventionally, with a horizontal handle.

Plastic coated cutlery

People with a strong or uncontrolled bite reflex may be in danger of injuring their mouths when eating. For those in this situation, fully plastic cutlery or metal cutlery with a plastic coating is less like to cause damage even if bitten hard.

It’s worth bearing in mind that other special kitchen aids like non-slip mats often work well in combination with adapted cutlery. Preventing bowls and plates from slipping around on table surfaces creates one less variable.

Health conditions which may lead to the need for adapted cutlery

A loss of dexterity of strength in the hands and fingers is a symptom of a number of conditions, many associated with old age. In some cases this can be temporary, with improvement occurring in a short space of time. In others it is more long-lasting, leading to difficulties in a number of routine tasks requiring stability, strength and fine motor control of the hands.

If you experience weakness in one or both of your hands, it’s vitally important that you visit your doctor. If it happens suddenly, it may be a result of a serious medical emergency like a stroke, so you should call an ambulance immediately.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A common condition which may lead to hand weakness is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is an ‘overuse’ injury and affects the wrists, arms and hands. It can be provoked by repetitive physical patterns of movement like typing at a computer or machine operation.

It develops when swelling within the wrist applies pressure to the tissue, compressing a collection of nerves located in the ‘tunnel’ between bones in the area where the forearm meets the hand. In its early stages or in its mildest form, this may lead to tingling in the fingers but if it worsens, this can turn into a numbing sensation, weakness and a lack of coordination in the hands.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often relieved simply by changing the pattern of movement which brought it on, decreasing the ‘repetitive strain’. Wrist braces can also be effective in reducing pressure on the ‘tunnel’ area.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can arise because of a complication of diabetes or result from other issues like dietary deficiencies, metabolic problems or even the side effects of certain medication. Neuropathy is an injury to nerves, usually those affecting the feet or hands. It may lead to a feeling of heaviness, numbness, difficulties with coordination and sensations of tingling or pain.

Arthritis

One of the most common causes of weakness in the hands is arthritis, a painful condition affecting the joints. ‘Rheumatoid’ arthritis and ‘osteoarthritis’ account for the vast majority of cases in the UK, but there are over 100 different kinds.

When joints between bones are healthy, they move together smoothly because of some tissue called ‘articular cartilage’ which sits between then. This is slippery, effectively lubricating areas where bones meet with the help of an oily-feeling fluid called synovium.

Osteoarthritis, the most widespread form of arthritis and primarily affecting elderly people, arises when cartilage breaks down, through what is known as ‘wear and tear’ damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a chronic disease in which the synovium swells, leading to stiff joints and pain. It usually starts in the small joints of the body in the feet and hands.

In more severe cases, arthritis can result in a contortion of the hands, meaning it’s hard to hold cutlery at conventional angles.

There are a number of other relatively common diseases and chronic illnesses which often make using cutlery difficult, including Multiple sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease/ALS and Parkinson’s Disease, especially if they are degenerative.

People with brain injuries or learning difficulties may experience similar issues.

We strongly strongly recommend consultation with an occupational therapist before choosing kitchen aids or special cutlery.

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Choosing Practical Disability Aids for Balance in the Bathroom

Growing older brings a host of new challenges which we may not see coming. As our strength, balance and flexibility starts to reduce, some daily tasks may become tricky. Being comfortable using the toilet, bath, shower and sink is something most people take for granted. So when a physical issue gets in the way, we need to be open-minded about practical methods to overcome the problem.

With the goal of long-term independence, it’s important to be aware of the type of bathing and washing aids now available. While each on their own may only solve a small problem, together they may grow to be vital tools in your bathroom routine.

There are numerous conditions which lead to impaired balance. Hard angular surfaces, together with a high moisture content found in bathrooms, makes it a potentially hazardous environment. Falls can lead to broken bones and other injuries.

There are numerous bathroom aids which help maintain your balance. A key example is the grab rail. These provide useful points of physical support and come in a number of designs, all of which have slightly different benefits and applications.

Most types are discreet in design, helping them blend into your bathroom décor without drawing too much attention.

6 key bathroom support rails

1. Straight grab rails

These fix directly to the wall and run in a straight line. They can be positioned vertically, horizontally or somewhere in between, depending on your preference. They are usually made of metal or sturdy plastic. As they screw directly the wall, it is important they’re installed by a qualified professional.

They provide a general balance aids for example when the person is using the sink or getting dressed or undressed.

You may also use rails to pull or push yourself up from a sitting position, for instance when using the toilet or bath. They can be effective as a support to lower yourself into a sitting position.

Vertical wall-mounted rails are a great balancing aid and may help then getting dressed or undressed. Before installation, think carefully about which placement is likely to help you the most.

They can be useful for dressing or undressing, standing while using the toilet or next to the sink.

You may find that fitting the rail at a diagonal angle creates a comfortable position for you to grip. There are angles which you may find keep your wrist in a neutral shape while holding the rail. This may in turn reduce stress on the joint and improve comfort.

For elderly people with certain frailties, these seemingly small considerations may actually make a big difference.

2. Angled rails

Grab rails are available with a bend either in the middle or towards one end. The bend can be at 90 degrees or commonly at a shallower angle.

Most people opt to keep the lower section horizontal, with the other end tipping upwards. This part is generally used as the hand-hold. It allows for a neutral wrist position and the possibility of leaning the forearm along the flat section of rail for increased support.

3. Floor-to-ceiling-rails

These rails are long vertical poles which extend from the floor to the full height of the room. While sometimes used in bedrooms, they are also effective in the bathroom.

Some models stand alone, while others have an additional horizontal rails fixed to the pole, usually around waist height. In some cases this extra rail swivels so that it extends in the direction of your choosing.

As with the other types of rail, it’s important they are fitted in the most useful practical position. The idea is to find a spot where they will not get in the way, yet offer necessary support when needed.

4. Bath rails and tap rails

Bath rails fit to the bath itself, usually about midway down its length. Screw clamps hold it in place and create a support bar which reaches above the height of the side of the bath. It is great for holding onto when either entering or exiting the bathtub.

This type of rail can useful to lean against when getting toweling yourself or when getting dressed or undressed.

A tap rail fits within the bathtub itself, in baths with taps at one end. The rail folds down across part of the bath, providing a leverage or balancing support. These rails are still popular but not as common as they once were. They fold up against the wall when not in use.

5. Wall mounted fold-down rails

These tend to be fairly substantial pieces of equipment. They are usually of an elongated U-shaped design of large diameter metal tubing and installed directly next to the toilet.

When deployed, they provide a robust horizontal support rail. You often see them in disabled toilets and hospitals, but they can be effective in domestic settings too.

One advantage of this type of rail is that it can be fitted either side of the toilet, not necessarily close to an adjacent wall. Various sizes are available, depending on how far you require the rail to protrude from the wall.

Some are available with a plinth, making it possible to floor-fix them in the desired position.

Most models can be flipped up against the wall when not in use. A locking mechanism keeps them in a vertical position so they’re not prone to fall down by accident.

6. Toilet frames

These frames are usually above waist height and are positioned immediately around the WC pedestal. They can be free-standing or fixed, providing a balance aid as you sit down or stand up.

Available in fixed or width-adjusting models, they are a tried and tested aid to support someone using the toilet. Essential Aids’ offers an extensive range of high quality toilet frames.

Other things to consider with support rails

When fixing grab rails in wet environments, remember to use non-corrosive screws. Even if the heads of the screws are covered by caps, rust staining may leak and leave marks on the wall below.

Another consideration when choosing a grab rail is the texture of the surface. Some people prefer rails with a non-smooth surface. Smooth rails can be slippery when wet so ridged or high friction coatings may well be beneficial. Plastic rails with non-slip surfaces also tend to feel warmer to the touch.

Seating in the bathroom including perching stools

If you have compromised balance, being able to sit either while washing or drying off is a big advantage. Essential Aids has plenty of shower seat options designed for just this task.

Bath boards

These straddle the width of the bath, providing somewhere to sit while under the shower. They are available in various widths so you will be able to find to find one for your bath. Fixing by clamps at either end, bath boards provide a strong seating platform if you have difficulty balancing while standing up.

Shower stools and shower chairs

These fit inside the shower cubicle and like bath boards allow the user to sit for the duration of a shower. They are usually lightweight and made from non-corrosive materials.

It’s important to ensure the floor of your shower is suitable. While modern stools will have non-slip feet, raised shower tray drainage patterns can make the floor uneven. In some cases, this may make it hard to find a stable position for a stool.

While shower stools are available with three legs, at Essential Aids we feel that four legged models are preferable. They are significantly more stable and less prone to tipping over, a key factor for those with limited balance.

Most of our shower stools have drainage holes in the seat itself. This allows access water to run off, reducing the chance of slipping.

If a stool is either too small or perhaps doesn’t offer the required stability, more substantial seating is available for shower cubicles. Some models are available with a wider footprint plus back and armrests like Essential Aids’ best-selling Nylon Back Height-Adjustable Shower Chair.

Remember, these larger chairs tend to take up more space, so ensure you have adequate room in your shower cubicle.

Fold-down shower seats

If space is an issue, another option is a built-in seat that flips up against the wall when not in use. These are great space savers and remove the need to take a chair or stool in and out of the shower. They are ideal if the cubicle is used regularly by more than one person.

The weight-bearing tolerance of a fold-up shower seat is variable, so double check the specification before installing a specific model. Some have fold-down legs which drop into place, providing extra support, making them better for heavier individuals.

Perching stools for the sink

A perching stool is an innovative piece of equipment allowing the user ‘sit-stand’. Often used at kitchen worktops, they also work effectively at a bathroom sink.

This type of shower seat is usually height adjustable and much taller than regular stools. They have a tilted seat, allowing the user to ‘perch’ on the front edge. This provides a balance aid while standing at the sink.

Essential Aids has an extensive range of Perching Stools in the Bathroom section.

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6 Tips for the Correct Use of Forearm Crutches

Using crutches in the correct manner is important. Whether you are recovering from an operation or injury, or you need them for a chronic condition, it’s vital that you both size them correctly and deploy the right technique when using them as a walking aid.

Crutches require a degree of balance and upper body strength. If you have an injured leg, they transfer weight through your good leg and the upper body. This reduces stress on injured area, assisting recovery.

If you have injuries to both of your legs, in the vast majority of cases, crutches will not be suitable. It is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a medical professional with first-hand knowledge of your condition before using them.

There are many kinds of walking aid available and it may be that another type – like a walking frame or rollator walker – might be more suitable for your specific needs.

The most common design found in the UK are ‘forearm’ models. These have the familiar horizontal handle, offset upper shaft and ‘cuff’ which fits around the forearm towards the elbow. This channels weight through the hands, arms and upper body, reducing stress on an injured leg or foot. Usually made from aluminium, they are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

Here we’ll run-through some of the things to think about when using this type of crutches.

 

1. Size

You can adjust the overall length of forearm crutches using the pin-clip mechanism on the lower shaft. To size correctly, the height of the horizontal handle should be level with your wrists as your arms hang naturally by your side.

If you have double-adjustable crutches, you can also set the length of the offset upper shaft. This is done via a second pin-clip mechanism.

Ideally, there should be a gap of about three finger widths between your elbow and the top of the forearm cuff. This should result in a roughly 20-30 degree bend in your elbow when holding the handle.

2. Walking technique

These walking aids are suitable for partial weight-bearing, non-weight-bearing and full weight-bearing situations. If you are able to put some weight on your injured leg, you can move the crutches forward together before taking a step forward, first with your bad leg to join them, then with your good leg on its own.

If you’re unable to put any weight through your bad leg, you can use the crutches to take your entire body-weight. Move the crutches forward first and then step with your good leg to catch up with them, keeping your bad one off the ground.

When you first start using crutches, it’s a good idea to use very short steps. As your injury improves or you feel more confident, you can increase the length of your steps.

You will find that your technique and balance improves with practice.

3. Using the stairs

With the right technique, forearm crutches are suitable to safely negotiate steps and staircases. This gives them a significant advantage over wheeled mobility aids like a rollator walker.

When descending, with your weight on your good leg, place the feet of both crutches and your bad foot on the lower step. You will need to slightly bend your good leg and keep our back as vertical as possible in order to do this. Then transfer your weight forward so that your good foot joins your bad one and the crutches on the lower step.

This process ensures your injured leg is never exposed to uncontrolled weight.

When ascending, reverse the process. Here, step up first with your good leg alone, then join it both with your bad leg and both crutches at the same time. On this basis, the crutches always stay in line with the bad foot.

4. Hand grips

Forearm crutches transfer weight not only through the arms but also the hands. Most standard issue models have fairly narrow plastic handles. If used a lot, this can cause pain for some people.

To combat this, some models are available with wider grips, spreading weight over a greater area and improving comfort. Other crutches have ‘ergonomic’ handles, which are wide and contoured to match the shape of the palm. People using crutches for sustained periods tend to find this type of handle beneficial.

You can also buy extra hand pads which fit over the existing handles. They are foam filled so provide a later of padding to ease and pressure on the hands.

5. Closed cuff or open cuff

The ‘cuff’ is the moulded plastic section which fits around the forearm about 2-3 inches below the elbow.

Open cuff versions are also known as ‘Euro’ or ‘European’ crutches. Here, the cuff does not encircle the arm to any great degree. Instead it splays wide and may have a flatter area where the forearm connects.

Because they don’t grip the forearm, they do not impede the arms if the user loses balance.

This moulded plastic is sometimes available in different colours, making this type of crutch popular if you want something more appealing in appearance than the standard-issue grey. Open cuffs are also less likely to catch on the arms of clothing.

This design is typically lightweight, less bulky and generally pleasing to the eye.

An obvious drawback of open cuff crutches is that they are more prone to falling to the floor. Closed cuffs encircle or partially encircle the forearm, so if you do lose grip with your hand, they usually stay put.

Bending down can be a significant problem for many people with injuries or chronic conditions, so this detail may be significant.

Closed cuff models are the ones typically supplied by the NHS and are the most common style found in the UK.

As mentioned, their ‘cuff’ section is moulded plastic and goes around the forearm a few inches from the elbow. Many have hinges where the cuff meets the upper shaft. This creates a pivot, improving the sense of freedom of movement, especially when the user is stationary.

The design allows someone to use their hands for other things while the crutch hangs via the cuff from their arm.

Essentialaids.com supplies a high quality range of open cuff and closed cuff crutches. As described above, most models come with pin-clips which allow adjustment to fit the frame of the user.

There are others though, which don’t adjust in this way but have other benefits which often make them the choice of people who need crutches on a permanent basis.

6. Consider permanent use crutches

A drawback of adjustment pin-clips is they tend to cause a certain degree of flexibility in the shafts. Added to this, you may find they are fairly noisy when in use, with the metal squeaking and rattling because of the adjustment mechanism.

For these reasons, those with chronic conditions necessitating the use of crutches, often choose ‘permanent user’ models. Rather than pin-clips, these need cutting to size using a hacksaw. This is a straightforward process as the aluminium shafts are easy to saw through.

It is important to fit the rubber or plastic foot at the bottom of each crutch, known as a ‘ferrule’, before use. These are similar to the feet found on shower stools or anything with metal legs that contacts hard surfaces. They provide the valuable function of providing grip on the ground and reduce the chance of slipping.

Good quality ferrules have an internal metal ‘washer’. This prevents the aluminium tubing of the crutch gradually cutting through at the base.

The more ‘solid’ shaft of the non-adjustable crutches gives them a different feeling – more rigid and certainly much quieter when in use.

Most of these models are fitted with the wider, ergonomically shaped handles mentioned earlier. Over time, these are easier on the hands.

Choosing forearm or underarm crutches

Underarm, sometimes called axillary or ‘axilla’ crutches, have a different design to forearm models. These have a single shaft at the bottom, which then splits into two for the upper section. A horizontal pad fits under the arm, with another for the hands at about hip level. This style has more in common with the very old fashioned ‘pirate’ crutches.

As with forearm models, underarms can usually be adjusted for overall length and for the height of the hand grips. Made from aluminium, most people find them more difficulty to manoeuvre than the alternative.

They are certainly bulkier and heavier objects, which in itself is a drawback for many people. Remember that you need to have space to store, stand them up or lay them down when you are not actually using them to walk around.

Using axilla crutches incorrectly also runs the risk of pressure under the armpits causing damage. To use them safely, there should be a gap of two or three inches under the armpit and above the top support pad, when you are stationary.

This ensures weight does not channel through this area of the body and is instead focused on the hands, arms and shoulders. Unfortunately, in practice this guidance is easily ignored and weight placed on the armpit can cause nerve damage and second injury. As forearm crutches do not carry this danger, it might be considered another advantage of their use.

Crutches over wheeled walkers?

While often used in recovery from injury, crutches can also be useful for people with long-term mobility issues. They are an excellent alternative to mobility aids with wheels like a rollator walker. One of the main advantages is that they more easily negotiate steps and small threshold obstacles, common in many homes and gardens.

Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that crutches are rarely recommended if you have issues or injury to both legs. For those situations, other types of walking aids are usually more suitable.

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A Quick Guide to Buy Commode And Toilet Accessories

In old age, losing one's balance or strength can make simple things like lifting heavy items, using the toilet, etc difficult. Moreover, with limited mobility, the risk of getting injured while using the toilet increases.

So, to help you avoid any such injuries, we've listed some useful toileting aids that will make your visits to the toilet more comfortable and practical.

Commode Chairs

Being able to live independently and look after oneself despite mobility limitations is important for almost everyone, especially when it comes to personal hygiene. A commode chair can help you do just that by allowing you to go to the toilet without external help. Basically, you can call it a mobile toilet that users can keep in their vicinity. It can be a boon to those who are unable to cover the distance to the bathroom due to frailty or any other reason. For the waste, there is a pan attached to the commode that is removable. You can easily empty its contents as and when required.

Here are the common types of commode chairs:

Portable: These are often foldable and flexible enough for you to carry them anywhere. Most have wheels.

Static: These do not have wheels. They usually come with the feature of detachable arms for mobility. This type of chair is sometimes available with an attractive finish, making it look like an ordinary piece of furniture.

Bariatric: Designed for heavier individuals, this type of chair can carry up to 600 pounds. They provide enough space for the person to use it comfortably.

Hence, this type of toilet aids can be a great option for older adults who would not want to be dependent on anyone for their personal needs.

Padded Toilet Seats

Most people associate the padded toilet seat with increased comfort. However, it comes with other advantages as well. Adaptable for all age groups, it can be useful for people with slight disabilities or reduced mobility. These are portable seats that you can place on your toilet seats for improved comfort.

Before choosing one, it is important to consider the shape of your toilet. Toilet seats come in different shapes such as round, elongated, etc. Hence, to make the right choice, it becomes important that you consider your toilet seat's shape and buy accordingly.

Advantages:

Provides Comfort

They provide a soft seating area. While a hard toilet seat is usually cold, a padded toilet seat provides warmth because of the cushion cover on top. Apart from that, it can be beneficial for people recovering from surgery or childbirth as their transfers to and from wheelchairs or shower benches can be difficult.

Easy to set up

This type of seat fits over toilets in the same way as standard toilet seats. There are no extra steps required to install them.

Easy to clean

With elevated seats and armrests, it becomes easy for elderly people to make their bathroom visits comfortable. Also, they are easy to maintain as most of them have removable padding or cushions. Hence, at the time of cleaning, you can easily remove the cushion and clean it.

Adjustable Toilet Frames

Adjustable toilet frames fit around the toilet and provide valuable support to the users. These frames are adjustable in width and height. If you want to elevate your toilet seat, you can place the toilet frame around it. It helps the elderly or people with limited mobility to easily sit or get up from the toilet seat. They provide a handhold on which users can rest as it transfers some bodyweight to the upper body. You can fix some models permanently to the floor, making them more stable.

Grab Rails

You can use these rails to support yourself while using the toilet. You can fix them to the walls as fixed units, fold them down when in use and fold up afterwards. Vertical floor to ceiling poles are another type of rail mainly useful to people who have the adequate upper body strength to pull themselves from a sitting position.

Pro-Tip

Above mentioned products are mostly for people who need equipment to help them in their day-to-day lives. When you properly leverage living aids, they can make your routine easier. At the same time, it is important that you contact a qualified professional for any type of permanent fitting of items like grab rails or fixed toilet frames.

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Buying an Overbed Table - All You Need to Know

Anything from a minor illness to severe accident may render a person bed-bound.

An overbed table is one of the few disability aids that might make performing daily routine activities easier for bed-bound people. It fits over your bed and lets you do your work while at rest. Just like many disability aids, this equipment also has several variations.

Let's understand these and how you can choose the right one for your use.

Types of Overbed Tables

The purpose of use and construction design are two main criteria for the classification of this type of tables.

A. On the Basis of Purpose of Use

• Inpatient
  Inpatient overbed tables, as the name indicates, are for care centres, clinics and hospitals. Bed-ridden seniors or recovery patients may find them useful for dining, reading, etc.
  
  Generally, they can bear a weight of over 100 pounds. A patient can dine, read or write on them. Doctors can even put heavy medical equipment on their surface.
• Bariatric
  Bariatric overbed tables are similar to inpatient overbed tables in function and appearance. The difference is: a larger table top to support larger patients.
• Paediatric
  
  These type of tables are especially for kids. A variety of colours and kid-friendly designs can make the environment cheerful for kids.You can feed them or let them enjoy activities like reading, writing, painting, etc. on them. They might also be useful in paediatric hospitals as hospital trays to cater to sick kids in an efficient way.

B. On the Basis of Construction Design

1. Adjustable Tilt Top

As the name indicates, these tables have adjustable table tops. You can easily tilt them to some degree for optimal use. This may prevent your neck or back from straining.

They again are of two types:

• Single Surface
  They have a single resting surface. Generally, they come in handy to serve food to patients in bed. They can also support other activities like reading or writing, but only one at a time.
  
  
• Dual-Surface
  They have tabletops in two sections, one larger and the other smaller. Easy tilting of the table-top makes them highly useful and versatile.The larger section is useful for putting a laptop on, eating, reading, writing, etc. The smaller section is to accommodate the things you can't afford to tilt like drinks. Slip guards on the edges prevent objects from rolling off.

2. Non-Adjustable Top

They can be a good option for patients with mobility restrictions. As they are light in weight, they can be more convenient to use. Generally, you can adjust their height as per the height of your bed.

They are comparatively less versatile due to their non-adjustable tilt angle.

3. Folding

They are lightweight yet durable and strong. They are ideal for a variety of activities like eating, drinking, reading, or working on a laptop.

They are foldable, adding to their ease of use and storage. Raised edges around their top surface prevent things from falling off.

Things to consider when picking an Overbed Table:

It is important to consider the factors in your particular situation before making your choice. There are several that can help you select the right one:

Dimensions

The dimensions of the overbed table you pick should fit your requirements. Consider the framework of your bed and the space you have. Make sure that your bed has enough clearance space beneath it to let you roll the wheels freely.

Tilt

The adjustable tilt top variant can be the right choice if you want support for performing multiple activities besides dining like writing or reading. However, for a single activity at a time or minimal use like dining, a non-adjustable variant may be more suitable.

Storage

The heavy duty variant can be the right choice for hospitals and health care centres. For home or for greater accessibility and ease of use and storage, folding overbed tables can be ideal.

Height

Most of these types of tables have adjustable heights. This feature makes them adjustable for different bed heights. You can set them in a position and lock them. The height-adjustable variants are also useful for wheelchairs and recliners. Therefore, going for the adjustable height variants always can be useful.

To Wrap Up

Disability aids might help make a person's life better post an injury, illness or accident. An overbed table also makes a great difference for a patient with mobility restrictions.

Analyzing all the types of overbed table available before choosing the one that suits you the best is crucial. Besides your own analysis and assessment, consulting an occupational therapist is a good idea before making a choice.

Source : 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/610996872393506816/buying-an-overbed-table-all-you-need-to-know/

Choosing Between Forearm And Underarm Crutches

As a person gets older, ageing-related maladies may affect their quality of life. They may need support to move around or stand. An injury or accident may also render a person temporarily disabled. Domestic injuries, workplace injuries, and sports injuries are some of the common problems. A congenital disease may also be the cause of a person's disability.

Mobility aids come in handy for a person suffering from a short-term as well as lifelong disability. They provide support to people, help them move around, stand, walk and perform all daily-routine activities with more ease.

One of the most common and valuable mobility aids for people with leg injuries or disabilities are crutches. They give support to people with balance or coordination issues.

There are several crutch variants available in the market. However, picking the right one is crucial. The reason is: a wrong choice may defeat the purpose of buying it. Out of the different crutch variants available in the market, forearm and underarm are the two most common.

Let's understand the factors to consider while choosing the right crutch variant of the two.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Crutch Variant

Balance and Movement

Balance is a crucial factor in deciding the on crutches. Without proper body balance, you may have a hard time standing, even for a short period.

If you require a crutch just for temporary issues and balance your upper body by yourself, considering the forearm variant can be useful. Though you may find it relatively difficult to use initially, it may serve you well in the long run.

This variant may also let you move freely in different gaits in different trains once you master the art of using it. It can also come in handy for walking long distances without putting too much strain on your body.

Unlike the forearm variant, the underarm versions may come in handy for people with more serious balance issues or suffering from neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.

Though you can use this one easily, it may offer a little less flexibility. You might also feel comparatively more pain and strain in your muscles when you use it for longer durations. This pain may restrict your motion further.

Upper Body / Torso Strength

Crutches don't require a person to have strength in their arms alone. They transfer the weight from a person's lower body, especially legs to their torso, not just arms. So, it is important to keep in mind that your torso strength plays a crucial role when choosing the crutch.

Though both crutch variants require your upper body strength, the forearm crutch may require more. Hence, if you have enough strength in abdominal and pelvic muscles and arms, going with the forearm crutch variant may be beneficial.

On the other hand, if you require a little more torso strength, considering the underarm variant might be useful. It can be easier to use and you might be able to walk without straining your body much.

Posture

Last but not the least: posture. It also plays a crucial role in deciding the right crutch type.

If your torso has enough strength and can bear enough weight, choosing the forearm variant may work the best for you. This variant doesn't let you slouch over and helps you stand straight.

On the contrary, the underarm variant might have a bad effect on a person's posture over time. People often tend to slouch over and transfer their entire weight to their shoulders when tired. Eventually, the use of this variant might lead to pain and strain in their backs. In the long run, they may develop backache and other issues due to bad posture.

Therefore, first-time users might consider going for the forearm variant unless they are completely unable to carry their bodyweight.

In a Nutshell

While mobility aids are helpful for people with temporary or permanent disability issues, choosing the right ones really matters. A pair of crutches can be a great asset for people who have had leg injuries, mobility or balance issues, or degenerative diseases.

It is important to get the opinion of an expert before choosing crutches. Factors like your purpose, the severity of your condition, flexibility, body posture and torso strength must all be taken into account. Always consult a medical professional who has first-hand knowledge of your condition before choosing.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/190941559943/choosing-between-forearm-and-underarm-crutches

Helping The Elderly And Patients With Cleaning

Maintaining hygiene includes basic activities like brushing, flossing, washing hands, and most importantly taking a bath. However, the elderly, patients of neuromuscular disorders, or accident survivors may suffer from mobility limitations.

Hence, keeping clean may not be just another activity for them. They may find difficulty taking a bath or even need help for that.

There are several bathroom equipment that can aid them in their cleaning. Let's read about the various aids that can offer great help to patients and the elderly.

1. Shower Chair/Bath Seat

The choice between the two depends on various factors.
A bath seat can be generally preferable for those who may need to take baths sitting or reclining in a bathtub. People who can't sit for long periods and have very limited strength may find it more useful as reclining is easier for them.

A shower chair can be a good option for those with enough strength to sit for longer periods. Some variants also come with a backrest to provide support. Therefore, people without severe mobility restrictions can consider using a shower chair.

2.Shampoo Basin

A shampoo basin can be a good option for people who might have difficulty reaching the bathroom. A caretaker can use this aid to wash or shampoo a bed-ridden person's hair. An integral valve hose helps drain water easily.

Besides, you can deflate it when not in use so it doesn't occupy much space.

3. Sponges and Scrubbers

Sponges and scrubbers may facilitate cleaning for people with mobility limitations. Some of them are:

• Body BrushWith smooth bristles on each side, a body brush provides a massaging effect. You can use it to clean the areas that are hard to reach.
• Flannel StrapA flannel strap can act as a towel for people with reduced mobility. A person can use it to scrub legs or back. One side is coarser than the other to help exfoliate the skin. The handles at both ends provide the ease of use and better grip.
• Toe Washer A toe washer may be ideal for use in a shower or bath for people with limited flexibility. It may also make it easier for them to clean parts of lower extremity like toes and feet without the need for them to strain much to bend forward.
   

4. Bath Lift
A bath lift can be a good option for people who can sit easily but have problems with getting in or out of a bathtub. The reclining backrest powered by a battery provides comfort and support you need.

Generally, lightweight hand control is available to operate the lowering and raising functions. Some variants of bath lifts are also foldable making them easy to transport and store in small spaces.

5. Hand-Held Shower
A hand-held shower or shower head positioner may ease showering for people with reaching capacity constraints. The elderly who shower in a seated position may also find it handy. You can mount it at an appropriate location on a wall in your bathroom. The long movable showerhead holder makes it easily accessible for washing all parts of the body.

6. Shower Screen/Bath Curtain Screen

A portable shower screen may provide the privacy a person needs when showering or bathing. People can use a shower chair or stool when showering. Besides, being lightweight makes it easier to carry it from one place to another.

Similarly, a bath curtain screen can also be a useful privacy aid for bathtubs.
Further, you can stop water from splashing onto the bathroom floor by using this aid. A movable joint enables easy positioning of the screen. This screen also doesn't experience any strong downward force due to its lightweight.

7. Bath Pillow

People with skin issues, fragile skin or posterior injuries or wounds might find a bath pillow useful. This pillow might enhance their bathing experience by preventing their backs from rubbing against the hard surface of a bathtub.

8. Cast and Dressing Protectors

Cast and dressing protectors waterproof a person's dressings or casts. They prevent ingress of water to ankles, legs or feet and prevent any damage it can cause. Their constituent material is primarily durable plastic. So, you can dry and use them multiple times.

In a Nutshell
All the above-mentioned aids offer the much-needed help to the elderly or patients. Especially the bath seat. You can also combine these aids to make use of the bathroom more convenient for them.

Source : 

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/190924910938/helping-the-elderly-and-patients-with-cleaning