Riser Recliner Chairs for Elderly People: All You Need to Know

For people with back problems or other physical conditions inhibiting mobility, raising and lowering oneself to and from a seating position can be challenging. Stiffness or reduced strength often leads to discomfort and a new assortment of practical obstacles.

Armchairs and sofas in the living room may be difficult to get up from. This type of furniture tends to involve a low sitting position, making the distance of travel from sitting to standing up again fairly significant.

Essential Aids supplies a range of products which tackle this problem in different ways. Some have the objective of raising the height of the user’s sitting position, while others provide a point of leverage to help the user pull themselves up.

Chair and bed raisers

These items are positioned beneath the chair or bed immediately under the legs or feet. They are substantial ‘blocks’ of either wood or robust plastic and have a cut-out where the feet of the furniture can sit without sliding around.

The net effect of this is to raise the height of the item of furniture by the size of the block. Essential Aids supplies the ‘Wooden Bed/Chair Raisers’ which are available in blocks of 10cm or 15cm and are sold in packs of four.

A plastic alternative is the plastic ‘Leg-X Furniture Raisers’. These are tubes which fit over the furniture’s feet, with internal removable blocks making provision to set the height at the required point. The maximum height for these raisers is 9cm.

Booster cushions

As the name suggests, these are extra thick, extra firm cushions which boost the height of a sofa or armchair. The ‘Harley Booster Cushion’ is a good example of this type of product.

Made from dense polyurethane foam and available in two thickness options, it can boost the height of a seat by either 10cm or 13cm.

Mechanical riser cushions

These devices physically lower or ‘push’ the user from a sitting position into a standing one. Most are either electric or hydraulic powered.

The ‘UpEasy Powered Lifting Cushion’ for example effectively turns a regular chair into an automatic rising chair. Its hinged mechanism supports 100% of the user’s bodyweight, up to a maximum of 21 stone.

It has a non-slip base which stays in position while the user is gently lifted. A hand-held panel enables easy control of the lift while it's in action.

The seat is intuitive to operate, needing only gentle upward pressure on either of the power levers as it lifts the user effortlessly towards a standing position.

An alternative to the plug-in UpEasy Cushion is the standard ‘UpEasy Lifting Cushion’. Rather than using electric power, this device deploys an internal hydraulic arm which provides the necessary push to help you stand up from a sitting position.

It is most useful when using an armchair, where the person is able to rest their hands on the arms in order to maintain balance.

Because the UpEasy Lifting Cushion doesn’t need external power, it is an excellent choice for someone who may need it away from the home. Weighing in at just 5.4kg and with an integral carry handle, it is a practical and portable riser cushion.

It comes with a washable and wipe-clean blue cover and has internal padding to improve comfort.

Armchairs which tilt the user forwards

If you’re looking for a more substantial piece of furniture which helps you stand up, riser recliner chairs may be worth consideration.

Some of these aids for mobility have in-built seating cushions which, similar to the Upeasy portable devices, physically push the sitter upwards as they stand up.

One such example is the ‘Longfield Easy Riser Lounge Chair’. With its high back and armrests, it offers excellent support, but its key feature is the seat rising functionality.

It has a smooth, spring-loaded mechanism which gently lifts the user as they rise.

As with the riser cushions, the user needs to rest their hands on the armrests in order to maintain balance.

If you’re looking for a powered option, the ‘Rise and Recline Chair with Dual Motor’ is a premium piece of furniture which both reclines and fully tilts upwards and forwards as required.

If you have restrictions in your movement, this makes getting up from a sitting position a much easier process.

The chair features a battery back-up and the mechanics are both smooth and quiet. It is highly practical for use both in domestic settings or in care homes.

The extensive padding is constructed using memory foam, allowing it to mould to the contours of the body, enhancing comfort and support while reducing pressure on localised areas. This feature is excellent it is likely to be used for sustained periods of time.

This mechanism of this chair allows it to lift up and tip forward with smooth efficiency, providing an easy, no-effort route from sitting to standing.

It is suitable for users weighing up to 23 stone and is available in four attractive colours. As well as the tilting action, it also reclines, all controlled by means of an intuitive hand control unit.

Support rails for armchairs and sofas

Using a rail or grab handle in front of you is one way of getting up from a sitting position. We’ll come onto this in relation to the bedroom shortly, but there are also support rails available which assist in the living room.

Fitting a rail in a suitable spot for a sofa or armchair is a challenge, as wall mounted rails, unless they protrude significantly into the room, are unlikely to be practical.

The inventive ‘CouchCane’ finds a way around this problem by using the weight of the chair itself to provide a stable foundation for the support handle.

This product has a horizontal section which fits under both the front and back legs on one side of the chair. This is attached to an upright pole of around three quarters of a metre in height.

The horizontal section uses the weight of the furniture to hold the CouchCane in place. The vertical bar has a robust handle at the top, giving the user something solid and stable to hold as they lower themselves into the chair.

As they rise to their feet, the user can use the handle to pull themselves upwards and forwards.

The key feature of the CouchCane is that it provides support in just the right place - in front of the user. This enables them to use their upper body strength to pull themselves from a sitting position to a standing one.

The handle itself is cushioned to the touch and is adjustable in height between 725 and 800mm.

Getting up from a sitting position in bed

While the CouchCane and riser recliner chairs are excellent products to help with getting to one’s feet in the living room, in the bedroom, different equipment is needed.

Transferring from a sitting position to standing or from sitting on the side of the bed to standing up can be a real challenge for some people living with certain conditions limiting their mobility.

If the individual has enough upper body strength, sometimes a ‘bed rope ladder’ may make a difference in getting from lying down to sitting up.

It attaches to the foot of the bed and extends horizontally on top of the bedclothes. The person in bed then uses the rungs to gradually pull themselves into a sitting position.

While the ladder is an excellent and inexpensive bed mobility aid, you might want to use it in conjunction with other equipment.

Handles which fix to the bed and protrude vertically for example may make a big difference both with getting into bed and getting out of it again.

Essential Aids supplies a wide range of this type of product. What most of them share in common is providing a firm hand hold, assisting balance as the person transfers to or from the bed.

The popular ‘Smart Rail’ for example fits to the bed and is supported by two vertical legs resting on the floor. They support a horizontal grab rail which is positioned midway along the length of the bed.

The rail uses straps to fix securely to the bed - fitting beneath the mattress, creating a firm hold and secure balance point.

The handle part of the rail extends around 18 inches across while the overall height is 30 inches from the floor.

This particular rail, along with other similar items, can also be used as an aid to sit up in bed after laying down flat.

If you are away from home and need to bring a portable rail with you, the ‘Bed Rail Advantage Traveller’ is worth consideration.

This device uses the weight of the mattress to secure it in place and provides an upside down ‘U-shaped’ support rail.

Its beauty is that it requires no assembly to use. Simply unfold and slide the horizontal section between the bed and mattress and rail section protrudes upwards as required.

It is 22 inches high from the bottom of the mattress and is 17 inches wide. The Advantage Rail also comes with pockets, useful for books, remote controls etc.

Aids for mobility like the Advantage Rail - which are inexpensive and easy to transport - may make a practical difference to people’s lives.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/634026680234770432/riser-recliner-chairs-for-elderly-people-all-you

The Benefits of Using a Pill Box Organizer

 Confusion over what medicine you have taken and what you need to take is a common thing. Especially for elders, due to ageing, the problem of forgetting becomes worse. Also, forgetting medicines lead to serious health implications.

In such a case, having aids for the elderly such as a pill organizer will be of great relief. A pillbox or a pill organizer serves as a helping aid to store scheduled doses of medications. They usually come in square-shaped compartments for each day, but now compact boxes which are cylindrical or pen-shaped are becoming popular. Some latest boxes even have multiple sections for different times of the day.

Importance of taking pills on schedule

Taking medicines on time is crucial for the success of any treatment. One must have medicines regularly and on time to make sure that he/she is getting the benefits of the drug. Secondly, to control chronic conditions and for overall long-term health benefits, it's essential to take medicines as prescribed is important to control chronic conditions or overall long-term health benefits. If you are suffering from chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, psychiatric illnesses, and others, missing medicines can be worse. When a person who is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, misses a dose, then it often results in hospitalization. If you are suffering from diabetes, then a missed dose could result in further complications.

Physicians describe taking prescribed medications properly as adherence to a drug regimen. Doctors and pharmacists often recommend using pillboxes in order to improve adherence. Sorting pills according to when you should take them; makes taking medicines on time easier to remember.

Continue reading the post to know more about the benefits of using medicine organizers.

Easy Organization: Boxes for medicines are available with separate sections for days of the week and times of the day. This helps you to easily organize and sort the medicines on the basis of your daily/hourly requirement. This will bring peace of mind and reduce the stress of checking if you have taken the tablets or not.

Serves as a Reminder: Everybody gets so involved in daily activities that forgetting medicines is a common occurrence. To avoid this, the best practice is to use a medicine box. Moreover, if an elderly person lives alone and who does not have others to remind of medicines, these boxes can be of great help. They just require someone to organize a week's work of tablets and then they can consume the tablets daily.

Variety of Choice: Boxes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes with different levels of pill compartments. You can choose the best that suits your needs.

Convenient Usage: These boxes are very convenient to use even for those with arthritic hands. The lids of the box open with just a small pull action. Moreover, there are lids that open automatically with a gentle push of a button.

Other advantages of this aid for elderly include:

• Easy management of complicated doses
• Reduction in wastage of medication
• Maintains autonomy and independence of elders
• You do not have to handle medicine bottles
• At any time, you can make sure if you have taken the medicines
• You do not mistakenly take a double dose of medicines

To increase the efficiency of a medicine organizer, set up an alarm on your cellphone. This will remind you when it's time to take your pills. Many pharmacies provide a patient reminder system. Ask your local pharmacy if they offer such service. For those who have just started to take medicines, the process can be difficult. One way to remind yourself is to link the pills with certain activities that you do daily. You can even maintain a diary to write down medicines and their schedules.

Wrapping Up

Pill box is an essential aid for elderly which is helpful for keeping your medicines in order and it makes you free from worries to take pills on time!

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/633848596153892864/the-benefits-of-using-a-pill-box-organizer

8 Kitchen Aids for the Elderly to Stay Independent in the Kitchen

 Living independently in one’s own home to as late an age as possible is a goal for most people. While day-to-day life may produce certain challenges unfamiliar to younger people, it’s worth remembering that there is an increasingly large range of innovative assistive equipment now available.

There are various pieces of equipment which can help with daily tasks in the bathroom or bedroom, and we’ve looked at some of those in other blog posts. Here we’ll focus on kitchen aids and talk through some of the options to consider, depending on the specific issues someone may face.

Special tin and bottle openers

Arthritis and certain other conditions may make it difficult to grip and twist jars, tins and bottles in order to open them. Essential Aids’ ‘Openers’ category features a number of clever gadgets which help with this task while reducing stress on the hands, fingers and wrists.

When opening tins of food with a ‘can style’ ring-pull lid, the ‘Can Key’, does a great job of doing the hard work for you. It is essentially a large lever which hooks under the ring pull. Once hooked, it’s easy to use the curved shape of the Can Key to apply leverage and open the tin.

The ‘Can Pull’ and ‘Ring Pull Can Opener’ have different shapes, but work in a similar way for this type of tin can.

Traditional tin cans, with lids which require mechanical opening, can also be tricky if you have weakened grip in the hands. Standard tin openers frequently dig-in to the fingers so might not be suitable for many elderly people.

The ‘Good Grips Chunky Can Opener’ mitigates against this problem with the use of oversize, rounded components, designed to be easier on the hands. It is a great option for people with arthritis.

Also in this category, the electric ‘One Touch Can Opener’ requires no pressure at all to operate - opening tin cans at the touch of a button.

Opening jars, bottles and other sealed lids is another day-to-day task which can become difficult if you have reduced strength in the hands or wrists. Essential Aids supplies a number of kitchen aids to help the user grip lids tightly, reducing the chances of them slipping in the hands and helping with the twisting action.

Some of these aids, like the popular ‘Anti Slip Jar Opener’ work by dramatically increasing the amount of friction the user can apply, thereby providing an excellent grip on the lid. This particular device is effectively a large silicon rubber ‘cap’, which fits over the lid. The user then grips the cap and twists, hopefully dislodging the lid.

Other similar products include the ‘Conical Jar Opener’ and the ‘Hand Grip Jar and Bottle Opener’.

Increasing leverage and grip are two factors which other opening devices exploit. The ‘6-In-One Multi Opener’ for instance opens many types of seal with his various grips, clamps and cutting edges. This versatile gadget helps open hard-to-grip seals, open bottle tops, ring pulls and jars.

Essential Aids’ range features a number of items which grip lids tightly and use leverage to twist them off. These include the ‘Plastic Multi Opener’, the ‘Jar Opener Mighty Lever’, the ‘Multi Purpose Opener’ and the ‘Good Grips Jar Opener’.

Perching stools for the kitchen

Also useful in the bathroom and shower, perching stools are excellent for sit/standing at kitchen worktops. For people with reduced balance, standing up for any length of time to prepare food may be difficult.

Perching stools offer a high seating position and have a tilted seat. The idea is to ‘perch’ on the front edge, keeping your feet flat on the ground. The stool therefore provides support while leaving the hands free to prepare food.

This is preferable to a conventional bar-stool as these require climbing up to use for most people, unless they are very tall.

Perching stools, which are almost all height-adjustable, are also great for washing up at the sink.

Gripping food for chopping and slicing

Holding food in position to be chopped can be difficult if you have a hand tremor. In its ‘Food Preparation Aids’ section, Essential Aids features chopping boards which help with this task, by gripping items firmly in place so they can be chopped or sliced safely.

One such product, the ‘Food Workstation’ provides a multi-functional preparation board with various integral gadgets.

One important feature is the adjustable clamp which may be tightened to exert the necessary hold on items of food. It also has a small area of upturned stainless steel spikes, which again can be used to grip vegetables and other food items in place, allowing them to be chopped up without slipping off the board.

These two features are useful for people with hand tremors or those who have the use of just one hand.

The moulded high-sided corner guards are shaped so that slices of bread can be held in place, allowing them to be buttered easily. There are also a variety of attachments which enable easy cleaning and grating of food on the board.

Underneath, strong suction cups hold the entire board in place.

While the ‘Food Workstation’ has great versatility, other options in the Essential Aids range are more specific. There are a number of ‘corner boards’ whose sole job is keeping slices of bread in place for spreading, for example.

There’s also the popular ‘Chopping Board With Knife’ which is a standard food preparation board with the addition of a large knife, attached and hinged at the tip. This allows the cutting motion to be kept under control - useful if you have the use of only one hand. It’s also great if you’re having difficulty using standard knives safely.

Non-slip mats

Preventing items from sliding around on hard tables or worktops is a problem which can be solved with the use of special matting.

High-friction rubber or ‘Dycem’ mats are made for exactly this purpose: stopping hard bowls, boards and other items from slipping. They’re great for worktops under chopping boards but also at the dining table for plates and bowls.

Cutlery with chunky handles

Using standard narrow items of cutlery can cause discomfort for those with arthritis in the hands or fingers. Many people who experience hand tremors also find narrow knives and forks harder to direct than cutlery with larger, heavier handles.

To combat these issues, Essential Aids supplies a number of cutlery ranges featuring over-size, large handles. Some of these sets also have extra weight, again assisting control.

One of the most popular options are the ‘Good Grips Weighted Utensils’. These have the oversized grips, are heavier than standard handles and have a ribbed section, making gripping.

The ‘neck’ of the cutlery can be bent into place, meaning the angle of the heads of the forks and spoons can be set to suit the user.

Also part of the Good Grips range is a ‘Rocker Knife’. This has a blade with an exaggerated curve to its cutting edge, which is intended to be rocked back and forth across food, rather than the usual sawing motion. This action tends to be easier for people with limited strength in their hands.

L-shaped handles and other items

Bread knives and larger utensils are available at Essential Aids with ‘L-shaped handles’. This design keeps the user’s wrist in a more neutral position than when using conventional straight knives. This principle is also used in certain garden tools for people with reduced strength in the wrists, forearms or hands.

Kettle tippers

In Essential Aids’ ‘Kettle Tippers and Teapots’ category there are a number of devices to make using these particular items safe, even for those with reduced strength or balance. With drinking tea a daily activity for people across the UK, young or old, these kitchen aids offer practical benefits.

The ‘Wire Frame Kettle Tipper’ is a popular item in this section. The kettle is mounted within the frame and a hinged bracket enables it to tip forward and pour out its contents as required.

The other models work in a similar way: some use a wire frame, while others are made from moulded plastic. What they all have in common is reducing the strain on the user as they tip the kettle to pour.

Another increasingly popular item is the ‘Uccello Kettle’ which has a design which makes it effortless handling boiling water.

The Uccello has a unique circular shape and a rotating cradle which allows the user to pour from it without having to lift any significant weight.

When filling this kettle, there is no awkward lid or spout to deal with. Instead, the hinged lid requires just a light touch to open.

Bibs and other items

While not necessarily aids for independence, Essential Aids’ kitchen section also has a range of adult bibs. These are excellent for use either by the person eating and drinking or the longer disposable ones are often used by carers. Adult bibs are available in washable versions or as disposables.

Other kitchen aids which might be useful include trolleys which help transport plates, bowls and other items from room to room without fuss. These are available in a number of designs, with large lockable caster wheels and one or two shelves.

Source :  http://essentialadislimited.over-blog.com/2020/10/8-kitchen-aids-for-the-elderly-to-stay-independent-in-the-kitchen.html

Aids To Ensure Bathroom Safety You Must Know

With increasing cases of falls in bathrooms, bathroom safety is becoming a serious concern for those who have to care for the elderly and individuals with limited mobility. While for us bathing is a relaxing experience but for senior adults, it is difficult task. Most falls that occur in the bathroom are a result of a lack of balance or slippery surfaces that cause tripping. Injuries that occur due to such falls range from mild injury to broken bones or serious injury.

You can avoid these types of accidents by implementing safety precautions and using bathroom aids like bath boards, bath steps, bath stools, bathroom grab rails, etc. In this way, you significantly can reduce the chances of injury. Secondly, security will ensure peace of mind. Realizing that the bath provides safety will increase the confidence of older adults or those with mobility issues. So, if you have an elderly person or someone with a chronic condition, investing in bathroom aids is a good decision.

Keep on reading to learn about two popular bathroom aids:

The Disabled Shower Seat

For most of us, showering is a normal activity that we carry out without any hindrance. But it is not so straightforward for people who are dealing with long-term physical impairment. In such cases, installing a shower seat provides a great deal of relief.

A shower seat is a well-known mobility aid to make the bathroom more accessible for people with limited mobility. It aids those who can not stand on their feet for a long time. This aid enhances safety by decreasing the chance of you falling in a slippery shower. It can be also helpful for those who are in a wheelchair. Lastly, it instils a sense of independence thus making lives normal.

To ensure safety, the following are some points you should consider before choosing a shower seat:

• Before buying ensure that the seat is robust in its construction and has a dependable weight capacity.
  
  
• Check if the seat you are purchasing consists of materials that are sturdy. For instance, plastic is lightweight but it lacks the required strength. While aluminium and steel are strong and corrosion-resistant.
  

Bath Seats for the Elderly

Sickness and ageing results in restrictions of bodily movements. Luckily, there are tools available that promote better living, independence, and safety.

A bath seat sits inside the bath and lets you to sit on a raised surface to bath without getting down to the very bottom of the tub. Reasons why elderly people need such bathroom aids are:

• Pain or weakness in your legs
• Back pain
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Pain or weakness in shoulders and upper body
• Recently had a hip or knee replacement

It is important to note that you do not use any other stool like a kitchen stool or a child's stool as a seat. These do not guarantee a non-slip foot and therefore are not safe. Consider these points before purchasing one:

• If you will be using it for a tub then remember that the width of the chair matters. It should be narrower than the tub.
  
  
• To be on a safe side, choose a chair that is strong enough to take the weight of the person.
  
  
• It has a seat swivel round which, when released, lets you lift your legs over the side of the bath. This reduces the risk of losing balance.
  
  
• It is easy to fit and has an adjustable width.

Final Remarks

For those individuals who cannot safely bathe themselves, because of lack of strength or limited mobility, equipment like shower chairs and bath seats can make life better. However, before choosing a bathroom aid, consult a medical practitioner. He will offer the best solution based on your ailment and also recommend some exercises to reduce pain.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/633120286628364288/aids-to-ensure-bathroom-safety-you-must-know

Answers to Common FAQs on Wheelchair Ramp

Elder people and those with disability issues can use disability equipment for mobility. These equipment promote independence, safety, social inclusion, and a better quality of life.

Just like other disability aids, wheelchair ramp enables physically disabled people to move around safely, and enjoy their freedom. This equipment is an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps allow wheelchair users to access a building more easily. A ramp can be permanent, semi-permanent or portable.

Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions on a ramp.

Q. What types of ramps is the best?

A. Choosing the type of ramp entirely depends on your requirements. Some people prefer a wooden one while others go for an aluminum ramp. So, before purchasing keep your requirements clear and consider the structure and foundation of your house.

Q. How do I determine the size of a ramps?

A. The size of the ramp depends on the height of steps/building. However, residential ramp guidelines recommend a ramp rise to a ratio of 1:12. This means that for every inch of the rise of your ramp should extend 12 inches in length.

Q. Does the weight of the ramps matter?

Ramps have different weight limits, ranging from 300 pounds to 850 pounds. However, it is necessary to ensure that the weight of the ramp best suits your requirements.

Q. What is the perfect ramps width?

A. Ramps, just like other mobility devices come in different widths. Just like the type of ramp, the width also depends on your needs.

Q. Where can I use an aero light ramps?

A. Aero light ramps are in trend and they are of superior quality. You can use it for both domestic and commercial purposes.

Q. Does the weight capacity provided by the equipment matter?

A. Different styles of ramps have different weight limits. They generally range from 300 pounds to 850 pounds. We recommend ensuring that the ramp has an appropriate weight capacity as per your needs.

Q. What if I need to transport the ramp?

A. For people with on the go mobility needs, a portable / suitcase ramp can be a good choice. It can also be helpful for individuals who temporarily require a ramp or wish to store it away when not in use. You get such a ramp in a variety of lengths ranging from two to twelve feet.

Q. How to maintain a ramp?

A. The maintenance of concrete and aluminum ramps is easy. Steel will rust and therefore it requires occasional maintenance. If you buy a wooden ramp, you will have to regularly maintain it using a wood sealer.

Q. How much is the cost?

A. A wooden ramp is the cheapest option if you use your material. But it can be expensive if a contractor makes it. The cost of steel and aluminum ramps is usually affordable.

Q. Is it secure?

A. Wood, aluminium, and concrete ramps have solid surfaces. This allows moisture to accumulate and freeze which could create a danger of ice film. A good option is a steel ramp. It has a gripping texture that prevents skidding. Its open-pattern ramp surface allows moisture to pass through. Moreover, steel and concrete are fireproof while aluminium and wood cannot withstand the heat of a fire.

Q. Can I recycle my ramp?

A. As steel ramps are made recycled steel, they are 100% recyclable. However, you will not be able to reuse wooden ramps because they consist of pressure-treated wood which contains dangerous chemicals.

Q. Can I re-sell the ramp?

A. When you no longer need a ramp, you can resell it. Steel and aluminium wheelchair ramps have a growing market. Consider re-selling it there.

Conclusion

If you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair then purchasing a wheelchair ramp is a smart choice. These answers to commonly asked questions might help you choose the best one.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/633031469098582016/answers-to-common-faqs-on-wheelchair-ramp

Pain or Numbness in the Fingers? Time to Buy a Wrist Brace

Sudden pain, tickling or numbness in fingers is a common condition that generally affects people in jobs like packaging or data entry. The repetitive movement of fingers can irritate nerves leading to pain, swelling, and loss of muscle strength. These symptoms indicate Repetitive Stress Injuries, and a common RSI is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The median nerve that goes through your wrist passes through the carpal tunnel which is a narrow path that consists of bone and ligament. If there is swelling in your wrist, it squeezes the tunnel putting pressure on the median nerve and causing pain and numbness. If there is excessive pain you might need to consult a professional. However, aids can help reduce the pain and provide relief. An orthopaedic aid like a thumb support or a wrist support can be of great help based on the severity and extent of pain.

Other conditions where you can find a thumb support or wrist support useful are:

• Arthritis - Types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis which is a chronic inflammatory condition, and osteoarthritis which is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage that cushions joints.
  
  
• Injuries like Skier's Thumb or Gamekeeper's Thumb - These refer to the stretching or tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb.
  

Thumb injuries like sprains, fractures, and dislocations often happen from the sudden impact of falling to the ground.

Common Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Aching, painful feeling near your wrist
• Numbness in thumb and first three fingers
• Tingling pain or pins and needles in your fingers
• Weaker hand grip
• Frequent dropping of things

If you feel that your carpal tunnel syndrome pain has expanded to wrists from thumbs, a wrist brace can be a better option.

Below are its advantages:

Wrist Stabilisation

A wide range of braces is available to cure injuries and ailments. Most of the wrist aids available help stabilise the wrist joint. Wearing a brace ensures that there is no additional movement happening which could increase pain. This enables the user to carry out daily tasks without interfering with the healing process.

Reduction in Swelling

When you immobilise the wrist with a support, it restricts movements thereby reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Improves Healing Post-surgery

Patients who have undergone wrist surgery may wear a wrist brace to protect the site of the surgery and facilitate faster healing.

No Major Restrictions on Daily Activities

A brace is one of the most flexible orthopedic braces available. A number of users believe that aids like thumb or wrist braces can hinder their daily activities. So, they avoid wearing them despite acute pain.Certain braces allow the user to move the finger and thumb joints, thus allowing the continuation of regular activities.

People can use these braces even during activities that involve excessive movement of wrist and hands. They can also wear these braces while sleeping. They can also improve sleep by both protecting the wrist and immobilising it.

Studies suggest that wearing braces can improve the symptoms within a few weeks. But it entirely depends on how intense the symptoms are. It can be helpful if the symptoms are moderate. However, it is advisable to consult a health care provider if the symptoms aggravate.

Things to Keep in Mind to Avoid Excessive Pressure On Wrists:

• Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. It would be ideal to keep it in a neutral position.
  
  
• Cold hands can make stiffness even worse. Try keeping your hands warm.
  
  
• Take breaks at regular interval while working

Final Remarks

Orthopaedic aids like a thumb support or a wrist brace provide short-term relief and enable you to effectively carry out your daily tasks. If the pain or numbness in your fingers is bothering you, using braces can be a smart choice.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/632497340368977920/pain-or-numbness-in-the-fingers-time-to-buy-a

Challenges of Impaired Mobility in the Bathroom and Ways to Overcome Them

 The physical restrictions old age may throw at us can be daunting, but it’s important to realise that there is equipment available to help. Lots of age-related conditions lead to symptoms like reduced balance or strength in various parts of the body, making some everyday tasks more tricky.

In other blog posts we’ve mentioned how these problems may arise in the bedroom when getting dressed, but in the bathroom there are another set of practicalities to consider.

Reaching difficult parts of the body in the bath or shower

Stiffness or a loss of flexibility through the back, hips and waist is a common issue for many people. This can make it difficult to stretch down to one’s toes for example. This may in turn may create issues surrounding putting on socks and shoes, for instance, and it may also restrict your ability to reach the extremities of the body for washing.

Long handled scrubbers and sponges really come into their own if you’re in this situation. They help reach your feet, over your shoulders, the back of your head and almost any other part of the body you might have trouble reaching.

Essential Aids supplies a number of this type of grooming tool, some with special features. The ‘Easy Reach Lotion Applicator’ for example has an innovative design which allows you to ‘load’ liquid soap or lotion in the head.

As you press the sponge head to the skin, it releases the lotion, allowing effective washing without having to stretch too far with a bar of soap!

Another practical tool is the ‘Long Handle Toe Washer’. This has a 24 inch shaft, wide hand-grip and towelling component which enables you to clean between your toes without needing to bend down. The towelling part can be replaced if it gets worn.

Long handles scrubbers sometimes have flexible shafts which can be bent into the perfect shape for your needs. One example is the ‘Long Bendable Handled Sheepskin Pad’.

As the name suggests, it has a scrubber made from real sheepskin, along with a bendable shaft, 24 inches in length. Its oversized grip is designed to make it easier to control for those who have difficulty with narrow handles because of a tremor or arthritic pain in the hands.

Long handled combs and hair brushes are also popular choices in the Essential Aids range. They are great for people who have restricted mobility in the arms and shoulders and have difficulty reaching up to their hair.

Other bathroom tools

Other items from Essential Aids for those who struggle to reach their feet, are foot scrubbers which fix to the floor of the shower. Usually they have sucker cups on the underside and an upturned scrubbing brush for the soles of the feet.

Some versions, like the ‘Foot Cleaner With Pumice’, have an integral pumice stone alongside the brush bristles.

Long reach toenail clippers are another popular grooming aid for the elderly. As with other long handled tools, they reduce the need to stretch in order to reach the body’s extremities.

For people with arthritis in their hands and fingers, tasks which require pressure with the grip on narrow objects may be uncomfortable. Using a toothbrush is one such daily job which can be painful. Some may find it less so if the handle of the toothbrush can be ‘built up’ to make it larger.

This can be done via some special foam tubing available at Essential Aids, or by wrapping tape around the brush, increasing the girth of the handle. The resulting expanded diameter is usually less painful to hold and can be easier to control for those with a hand tremor.

Similar methods are used to improve the comfort and control of cutlery in the kitchen.

The ‘Tube Master’ is another simple but clever bathroom tool which allows the user to squeeze a toothpaste tube with minimal effort. Like building up handles of toothbrushes, it’s great for those with arthritis in the hands who might find it uncomfortable exerting pressure through the fingers.

Using the toilet

People who are unsteady on their feet may benefit from a support rail fitted next to the pedestal. A rail may also help if getting up and down from a sitting position is difficult. Bad backs and a host of other conditions can lead to this particular task becoming challenging.

While not necessarily exclusively a toilet aid for elderly people, a toilet frame is a well established piece of bathroom mobility equipment.

If you’re unfamiliar with these, they provide a ‘box-like’ support frame which sits around the toilet pedestal. Typically made of aluminium, they offer two near-horizontal support bars on each side which can be used to lower yourself onto the toilet seat and back up to a standing position afterwards.

Fixing a toilet frame to the floor may offer added stability, but most modern units are now freestanding. Some, like the ‘Foldeasy Toilet Frame’, have flip-down foot-plates on which you rest your feet as you sit down and stand up. This increases the stability of the toilet frame as you lean on its arms.

This particular model has the advantage of folding up neatly after use.

Sometimes referred to as toilet surrounds, most models are adjustable so they can be set at the most useful and supportive height. Some also adjust in width - useful for larger or even bariatric individuals.

Using a raised toilet seat is another option if you have difficulty lowering or raising yourself from the pedestal. The idea here is similar to booster cushions for armchairs - to increase the overall height of the toilet seat, reducing the user’s distance of movement from standing to sitting, and visa versa.

Different heights are available, as well as various clamping mechanisms, so you should be able to find one to suit your own toilet. Some models are open while others have an integral folding lid, similar to that of a standard toilet.

Part of Essential Aids range features toilet frames come with built-in raised toilet seats. These models are useful for those who don’t want to directly fix a raised seat to the existing toilet.

A useful toilet aid for elderly people who might have difficulty reaching the loo in the middle of the night is the portable urinal bottle. These come with secure caps and wide openings, designed for ease of use and to reduce spillages.

Using the bath

Using the bath itself can prove challenging in later life. Climbing over the bath side, sitting down on the bathtub’s floor and back again may be difficult. While substantial pieces of kit like bath-lifts might be worth considering, there are simpler aids which may also help.

Bath seats which sit inside the bathtub are one such option. Similarly to a raised toilet seat, these work by increasing the height of the sitting level, meaning less distance of travel for the user. Most models fix to the floor by means of strong suction cups.

Bathroom aids like this are particularly useful when used in combination with others. A bath seat for instance works well with accompanying fitted grab rails. Rails fitted to the wall may work well, as may upside-down ‘U-shaped’ bathrails. These usually fit to the bath-side and project upwards.

Bath steps which make it easier to climb into the bath are another type of aid to consider if you find it challenging getting in and out.

Using the shower

The shower cubicle has one big advantage over a bath in that there’s no barrier to climb over to use it. For this reason, many elderly people choose showering over bathing.

Still, some may find it difficult to stand up comfortably for the duration of a shower. While a grab rail fitted within the cubicle may help with one’s stability, it may help to consider seating options too.

Essential Aids supplies a range of shower stools and chairs designed specifically for use within the shower.

Depending on the size of the cubicle’s floor, there are several styles which may be suitable. If space is an issue, a three-legged stool might be the best option, while chairs with four legs offer the greatest stability.

Seats which fold up against the wall are popular too, as they clear the space for other users who may not require their use. Obviously it’s important that they are fitted by a qualified professional who understands the wall material and the correct fixings to use.

Some fold-down shower seats have legs which flip down, offering more support to the seat itself. These models tend to have much greater weight bearing qualities, so are ideal for heavier individuals.

Many elderly people are unsteady on their feet and shower trays may well be slippery. If this is the case, a rubber or plastic compound shower mat may be worth considering. They usually stick to the floor of the tray via suckers and have a high friction top surface which remains grippy even when wet.

The ideas mentioned here are some of the fundamental tools which can help people remain independent in their bathrooms even if they are dealing with health conditions which compromise their strength or balance.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/632407752333049856/challenges-of-impaired-mobility-in-the-bathroom