EssentialAids

Comfort aids are highly helpful to provide comfort to elderly or disabled persons. A pressure relief cushion is one of the important comfort aids that help prevent development of pressure sores and ulcers in people with mobility restrictions.

Another useful comfort aid is the slippers for swollen feet that help people with edema walk comfortably without causing any strain.

However, you need to understand that if you want them to last longer, you need to take proper care of them.

So, let's explore some caring tips for these two essential comfort aids one by one.

Caring Tips for Your Pressure Relief Cushion

A pressure relief cushion lasts longer only when you properly wash it on a regular basis.

Here are the general cleaning tips for various types of pressure cushions.

However, before we proceed, you should follow one common tip: check for wear and tear in your cushion always before cleaning and keep a spare cushion for use while the other one dries.

• Foam Cushions

Don't use soap to clean these cushions. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe it clean after removing its cover. Submerging them straight into the water for cleaning or using bleach for cleaning them may damage them.

After you have wiped them clean, always air-dry them instead of autoclaving or steam drying them.

Also, avoid covering your cushion with a towel or any other cloth to keep it clean because doing so may reduce its effectiveness.

• Air Cell Cushions (like ROHO cushion)

These pressure cushions generally consist of inflatable air-filled neoprene rubber cells. You can wash this type of cushions in a washing machine using cold water and mild detergent.

Ensure that you wash it on the gentle washing cycle and tumble-dry it at the lowest temperature.

You can also wash it in a large sink using a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure you close the air valve before immersing it in water.

After you have cleaned it, use fresh water to rinse it clean and then air-dry it.

• Fluid-Filled or Gel Cushions

Wash these types of cushions in a washing machine on the gentle washing cycle and tumble-dry it at low heat. Use only mild soap and water to clean its fluid and gel parts, wipe excess moisture off using a clean towel and air-dry it.

Caring Tips for Slippers for Swollen Feet

These slippers are very useful for those with edema due to underlying medical conditions like diabetes or temporary external injuries.

To ensure their long life, you should take proper care of them.

So, here are some general cleaning tips for you to follow when cleaning them.

• Check if they are machine-washable

Before washing them, always check whether they are suitable for machine-washing or not. If they are using a short, slow spin and a low temperature when washing them is recommendable. If they aren't, hand-wash them, rub them thoroughly after a short soak in warm water.

Rinse them thoroughly before draining the excess water out of them.

• Never wring them

Wringing your slippers may result in the loss or distortion of their shape. Instead, use a towel to soak extra water that still remains after rinsing them.

• Protect them from unnecessary dirt

When in open but not in use, slippers tend to collect extra dirt. This dirt may clog pores and take away their finish. Overtime, the material may wear out rendering slippers unappealing and ineffective.

Therefore, covering them with a cloth or putting them in a shoe-rack after use is a good idea to make them last longer.

• Treat Foul Smells and Odors

Prolonged use may cause your slippers to start stinking. For smells and odors, using Sodium Bicarbonate may work well. It acts as a dry shampoo that you can sprinkle inside and leave for a few hours, and then extract it with a vacuum cleaner.

You can also sprinkle a shoe spray to prevent them from stinking.

The Final Takeaway

A pressure cushion and slippers for swollen feet are two of the vital comfort aids. Just like any other comfort aid, they also need to be taken proper care of.

Following the above-mentioned caring tips for both of them can help you make them last longer and serve their purpose better.

Getting older gives you wisdom, maturity and makes you more practical. However, old age has its downsides too. As we grow older, our strength, flexibility, and balance start diminishing/reducing. As a result, even simpler daily tasks start becoming tricky.

A number of practical mobility aids come in handy for retention of long-term independence in your old age. Grab rails is one of the important mobility aids for use in washrooms and bathrooms.

There are several variants of grab bars or rails available in the market.

So, let's understand the various grab rail variants and their areas of application.

• Straight Grab Bars

This variant attaches directly to the wall and runs in a straight line. You can position it either horizontally or vertically or somewhere in between as per your preference and convenience. In general, metal or sturdy plastic constitute these grab bars.

However, as you need to screw them directly to your wall, make sure you hire a qualified professional to get them installed.

A vertically fitted grab rail may serve as a general balance aid during the use of the sink or dressing or undressing. A horizontally-fitted grab rail helps raise yourself from or lower down to a sitting position from a commode or shower seat.

Think about your requirements and its placement before installing them.

• Angled Rails

This variant is available with a bend in either the middle or towards its one end. This bend can be lesser or equal to 90°. In general, people choose to keep the lower end horizontal with the upper end pointing upward.

The upper part serves as a hand hold and helps maintain a neutral wrist position, while the lower section allows you to rest your forearm while providing more support and comfort.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Rails

These rails are like long vertical poles that stretch from floor to the ceiling encompassing the full height of your room. Generally, people use them in bedrooms, but sometimes are suitable for bathrooms as well.

Some models are stand-alone, while some others have additional horizontal rails fixed to poles, commonly around waist-height. In several cases, this additional rail swivels in the direction you prefer.

One thing to understand while fitting these rails is that you should find such a spot where they don't block the way and yet offer necessary support when required.
 

• Bath Rails & Tap Rails

Bath rails provide sturdy support to hold on to while going into or coming out of the bath. They fit on the bath with screw clamps to hold them and to convert them into a support bar that reaches above the side of the bath.
 

Tap rails fit within the bathtub itself and have taps at one end. They fold down across part of the bath to provide support. They fold up against the wall and occupy lesser space when not in use.
 

• Well-Mounted Fold Down Rails

Usually, these have an elongated U-shaped design of large diameter metal and are ready-to-install directly on the toilet. They provide a sturdy horizontal support rail when deployed.
 

You generally find them in care clinics, hospitals or toilets for disabled, but you can also find them in domestic settings. It has one advantage over other variants - you can fit it on either side of the toilet and not compulsorily close to the adjacent wall. It is available in various sizes and you can pick one based on how far you need the rail to protrude from the wall.
 

Some of them have also a plinth, making it possible to fix them on the floor in the desired position. Most of the models are available with a 'flip' mechanism. You can flip them against the wall with the help of a locking mechanism to prevent them from falling.

Summing It Up

'Grab rails' is one of the vital mobility aids that can help you use your bathroom and toilet independently. They can give you the much-needed support for standing and movements like rising or lowering in your bath, toilet or even bedroom.

However, they would serve you the best only when you choose the right variant. Considering the above-discussed points and consulting a medical professional can help you arrive at the right decision easily.

Probably, nobody would want to get a pay cut as long as they are in a position to go to the office and work. However, several circumstances arise at times that render them unable to do so. They may range from anything like a severe accident to a prolonged illness causing weakness to ageing related issues. Disability aids come to their rescue in such times and help them upkeep their self-reliance.

One of the important disability aids is an over chair table. It fits on to the chair easily and enables people with mobility restrictions to perform activities like reading, dining, eating or working on a laptop.

So, let's see how you can stay at home while recuperating and still save yourself from a pay cut by upkeeping your work efficiency in case you have a desk job.

Factors to Optimize Your Work from Home

1. Lighting

The quality of lighting can influence your productivity, mood and well-being.

Poor lighting - whether too dim or too bright can strain your eyes. The best kind of light is the type that is neither too dim nor too bright and soothes your eyes - the natural daylight. If it isn't feasible, try to go for a desk lamp that simulates daylight.

Besides, the positioning of lights also matters. The lighting should be uniform enough so that you don't have to squint but also ensure that it doesn't cause glare on your laptop screen.

For that, you need to position your desk lamp in a way that the bottom of your lampshade is about the height of your chin when turned on.

2. Sound

While at home, there are so many noises around you that can divert your attention. There may be horns honking outside, neighbours' chattering, dogs barking, etc. If you think that these noises may reduce your efficiency, use a good-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones and play some soothing music to enhance your focus.

5. Chair

After your table, your chair forms the other crucial piece of furniture that helps you work comfortably. While buying an ergonomic chair, you should look for the following features.

• Lumbar Support -Your chair should support your lower spine and the curve in its back should follow the natural curve of your lower back.
  
  
• Height -A height-adjustable chair may be an ideal option as you can set its height as per your comfort level and desk. While adjusting height, make sure your feet lie flat on the floor instead of dangling.
  
  
• Arm Rests -Your arm rests should be at a height that prevents your shoulders from hunching and keeps your arms parallel to the floor.
  
  
• Reclining Ability -If you have spine issues, a recliner chair variant may be a better choice than a non-reclining variant. A tilt angle of 135° is generally ideal for your spine rather than 90°.
  
  
• Material - Though the choice of material is generally subjective, you should consider a material that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winters for prolonged sitting periods.

For instance, a velvet back chair may be suitable for winters and a mesh or cotton back chair may be suitable for summers. Further, the material of your chair should be durable and long-lasting.

In a Nutshell

Just like all disability aids, an over chair table helps make your life easier by letting you transform your home into a makeshift workplace and continue working seamlessly even when away from your office.

Getting injury on your feet, heels, or ankles can be painful as it may take some time to heal. That is why taking proper treatment from the very first moment is important. Especially elderly people, they might require some extra care for proper healing. Hence, the following are some of the basic foot care tips that may prevent further injuries, fungus, or infections.

Clean and Moisturize

A routine foot cleaning session is important for hygiene. As this routine is important to stop any fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, you might need to have this session outside of the bath and shower. You can have this wipe down session with warm water, soap, and a washcloth. With cleanliness and hygiene, it might relax and calm you down. After that, moisturize to prevent open foot sores, especially for older adults whose skin is drier. Afterwards, you can cover feet with a breathable cotton sock aid for comfort and warmth.

Trim the toenails

This may prevent fungus, or bacterial infections, several foot injuries, inward nail growth, and help you maintain your overall hygiene. However, due to flexibility issues, it may be a bit of struggle to reach toes for many elderly people. In this case, taking external help can be helpful. If anything looks wrong then you can get them trimmed by a qualified podiatrist rather than at a nail salon.

Pro Tip: Trim nails no shorter than the tips of the toes.

Ensure good circulation

You can include several things in your routine for better movement of your feet. Having occasional massage sessions may improve the overall blood circulation for better mobility. During the massage, keeping your feet propped up on the couch or a footstool may reduce the likelihood of swelling. In cases of sitting for a significant period of time, wiggling the toes, moving feet around can help the blood pass through the feet and toes. Including stretching in your daily routine may also boost the blood flow.

Prevent fungal infections

Constant moisture around the feet may invite fungal infections. Hence, it is important to change socks or stocks as often as necessary. You can search online bed socks for elderly to find the suitable one for your use. To prevent the foot moisture, using a good foot powder may also help in drying that up. In the cases of constant itching or burning, schedule a meeting with a podiatrist to have it checked before some infection develops.

Buy quality footwear

Equipping yourself with quality and good fittings shoes, socks are important. With loose footwear, you may develop blisters that can worsen because of shoes sliding around your feet as you move. And wearing tight shoes can cause circulation problems. In cases of mobility issues, investing in a sock aid may come of great help. That compensates for Limited Range of Motion. Patients having arthritis experience difficulty bending and reaching their feet and a sock aid can allow them to independently put on their socks.

It is a flexible or semi-flexible material attached with two long handles. You can buy bed socks for elderly online and attach the sock on it and then place your foot inside the slope of the aid. Then you can pull it with the rope to wear your sock.

Avoid Bare Feet

For elderly people, it is preferable to wear shoes even when indoors to prevent cuts, scrapes, or some heavy object falling on the feet. Especially when using the toilet, there is always the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Slippers would act as a protective barrier against nasty foot infections such as toenail fungus and athlete's foot.

Visit your Podiatrist Regularly

Even if your feet are perfectly fine, visiting your doctor once a year will make sure that nothing severe is developing. This can be a preventive step to prevent all kinds of early-stage foot issues. Being a little active will make sure that warts, hammertoes, bunions, bone spurs, and neuromas, never get the chance to blow up into major problems that may require serious treatment.

Bath aids are of great help to patients or the elderly with mobility limitations. They help them use the bathroom independently and efficiently. Out of the several bath aids available in the market, a shower seat holds great importance.
 

Several types of shower seats are available in the market for you to choose from. However, you need to pick the right type to ensure that it serves your purpose.
 

So, let's discuss in detail the several factors you need to consider for the right selection of this important bath aid.
 

• Weight Bearing Capacity

The weight-bearing capacity plays a crucial role in the selection of the right variant. The model you choose should be strong enough to support your weight.
 

The standard model is ideal for people with normal body weight. However, for people with slightly higher body weight than normal, a bariatric model may be a better choice.
 

While a shower stool can bear a weight of up to 100 kg, it is generally light and is an ideal fit for those who need to sit down only when feeling tired during showering. If you don't feel dizzy or require support when lifting yourself up, you can go for a shower stool.
 

If you need more support for sitting or lifting yourself up, a shower chair may be a more suitable choice.
 

Again, a shower seat is of different types like folding, non-folding, or wall-mounted.
 

A folding or wall-mounted variant may be ideal for little spaces. It folds down easily when not in use and hence doesn't require much storage space.
 

Further, a wall-mounted variant may be useful for people who have balance issues (like those rehabilitating from a stroke or half-paralysis). So, even if people tend to lean too much on one side than the other, the chair doesn't topple because of its permanent position. This can prevent possible fall-injuries.
 

• Design

Design is also a crucial factor to consider while selecting the right variant. While some variants have non-tilt (or upright) back supports, the other variants have tilting back supports. As a rule of thumb, the 'fixed or non-tilt back' variant may be ideal for those who don't require much assistance in showering and can hold their back in an upright position for long.
 

If a person needs assistance in showering or bathing, a tilt-back variant may be more suitable. Such tilt-back variants generally are more suited to places like hospitals and care centres.
 

• Purpose

Your purpose also determines your choice. If you want a bath aid that can help you assist you in the toilet as well, a dual-purpose shower commode chair may be an ideal choice. The additional feature of the commode chair eliminates the need for transferring individuals with mobility limitations to a commode chair separately.
 

If you don't require the additional commode functionality, you may go for the standard shower chair.
 

• Sitting Surface

The sitting surface of the variant you choose should be ideally slip-resistant, water-resistant, and durable. Moreover, you may be well off with a padded and easy-to-clean sitting surface. Many variants come with drainage holes in the sitting surface to facilitate faster drying by preventing the build-up of water.

If an individual is suffering from skin issues and is prone to pressure ulcers, it is recommendable to use a variant with a padded sitting surface. In other cases, a non-padded or contoured sitting surface may also work.

Tips to Take Care of a Shower Seat

Purchasing the right variant may not suffice alone. To make sure that your investment doesn't go waste and your seat lasts long, you can follow several care tips such as:
 

• Avoid using harsh detergents to clean your chair.
• Wipe off the residues from beneath the chair after every use to keep it clean.
• Let your chair dry between two uses.
• Follow the maintenance instructions in the user manual that comes with your chair properly.
• If you find any signs of damage or rusting in any part, replace that part immediately. Generally, all shower seats come with a stainless material; but there is no harm in checking once for reassurance.
   

In a Nutshell

Though a shower chair is one of the important bath aids, its wrong choice may fall flat. Therefore, ensuring that you choose the right variant is highly recommendable.

A pressure relief cushion is of great help to those with mobility restrictions. They help prevent development of pressure sores and maintain skin integrity in bed-bound or wheelchair-bound people. Sometimes, finding a suitable pressure cushion may be tricky just like in the case of other mobility aids.

Though a professional's recommendation is always the first thing to seek for, considering some basic factors while selecting the pressure cushion may simplify your process a little.

So, let's walk you through what all points to bear in mind while selecting a pressure cushion.

• Pelvic Stability

Pelvic stability is an important factor to consider while selecting a pressure cushion. The pressure relief cushion you choose should provide you with sufficient pelvic stability.

This means that your pelvis should be in a 'neutral' position. It shouldn't rotate forwards or backwards. A proper coordination between your lower trunk and proximal posterior muscles helps attain stability in your spine. A stable spine helps the trunk extend properly keeping your body straight. Thus, not only your posture stays straight but also your abdomen and chest don't feel unnecessary pressure that facilitates proper breathing and digestion. Further, a stable pelvis and spine may facilitate using your arms without losing your upper body control.

To achieve pelvic stability, matching the contours of the cushion surface with those of your posterior may be a good idea.

• Immersion

Bottoming out is the condition when the pressure relief cushion doesn't provide adequate support resulting in the transfer of the person's weight to the bed base. If this happens, the pressure cushion may induce pain. Even worse, a person may develop Ischial Tuberosity or Ischial bursitis (severe inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between tendons and muscles in Ischia, the bones in the base of pelvis) overtime.

Therefore, ensuring that your cushion supports 'immersion' is advisable. A cushion that is not too soft or easily compressible but still lets your body to sink without bottoming out may be a good choice.

• Off-Loading

Off-loading is removing the pressure from a small surface area (Ischial Tuberosities, lower pelvic bones) and distributing it to a greater surface area (to femur and thigh bones). This helps even distribution of pressure that provides more stability and skin-protection.

• Envelopment

Apart from immersion, envelopment is also a crucial factor. Immersion and envelopment are often inter-linked.

After ensuring you sink well into the cushion without bottoming out, you should also ensure that your cushion provides envelopment. This means that it envelops your bony areas and distributes pressure across the entire surface area.

This reduces pressure on bony areas preventing their inflammation.

• Heat

The increase in heat may lead to the development of ulcers. So, choosing a pressure cushion that keeps your body temperature optimal is recommendable. If you tend to perspire more, a gel cushion may help slow down the rise in body temperature and keep your body cool.

On the contrary, if you tend to feel colder, a standard foam cushion can give you extra insulation.

• Waterproofing

If you suffer from incontinence issues, a simple cushion may not suffice for you. A cushion provides adequate water-proofing may work well. Such a cushion won't only keep you dry but also prevent damage to your skin from continuous moisture.

• Fire Retardancy

Ensure that your pressure cushion is fire-proof and complies with the British Standards Institute (BSI) for pressure cushions, especially if you smoke often or need support getting up from your wheelchair or bed in an emergency.

• Portability

If you travel frequently and need to transport your cushion from one place to another, the weight of the pressure cushion also matters. A foam or gel cushion may not be as easily transportable as an air cushion due to it being heavier.

Hence, an air cushion may be an ideal choice for easy and frequent transportation.

In a Nutshell

A pressure relieving cushion is one of the essential mobility aids for the individuals bound to spend hours in sitting/seated or supine position. However, it is important to bear in mind that all mobility aids are useful only when you choose them wisely. Hence, if you consider the factors mentioned above while selecting a pressure cushion, it may help you arrive at the right decision easily.

Toilet aids are highly useful for people with mobility restrictions. Two essential aids to make toilets accessible are a raised toilet seat and a commode chair.

A toilet seat is for those who have difficulties standing up or sitting down but can still manage to walk short distances like going to the toilet.

On the contrary, a commode is an independent toilet seat that doesn't require any plumbing system. This toilet aid has an opening with a basin that can collect urine and faeces. It can be suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions that can't walk even short distances.

However, there are some factors you should consider for selection of both these toilet aids. Let's understand them one by one.

Points to Consider when Buying a Raised Toilet Seat

Support Arms

While some variants of this toilet aid come with support arms, others don't. If you suffer from balance issues besides mobility issues, a variant with armrests may suit you more than a variant without them. Further, you can leverage the armrests to transfer yourself from your seat to bed easily.

If you don't have major balance issues and need only a little support when lowering down or getting up, a variant without armrests may also suffice.

Ease of Transportation

Several variants of toilet seats have a clamping mechanism. If you need to transport or change the location of your seat on and off, a variant with clamps may be more suitable. This is because these clamps facilitate easy installation and removal of a toilet seat.

So, even if you are away from your home, you can carry your toilet seat along. It ensures that you have a safe and easy-to-use toilet aid wherever you go.

Padding

A padded variant may be more useful if you suffer from a skin condition or are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

If you are suffering from age-related issues that make it difficult for you to get up or sit down but you still have mobility sufficient enough to walk a little, a standard toilet seat may suffice.

If you are suffering from posterior injuries or recuperating from posterior surgery, you may require more comfort and skin protection. A padded variant may be a better choice in this scenario.

Points to Consider when Buying a Commode Chair

Versatility

Versatility is a crucial factor to consider when buying a commode. While a standard variant helps you with defecation only, a 2-in-1 variant helps you with both showering and defecation. The latter variant may be of great help to the elderly or disabled who have difficulties frequently transferring from one disability aid to the other.

Weight-bearing Capacity

The weight-bearing capacity also plays a role in the choice of a commode.

The weight-bearing capacity of the standard commode is generally around 200 pounds. If you are larger in size, a standard commode variant may present problems. For instance, you may face risks of arm support failure, buckling of commode legs, or slippage.

A heavy-duty variant may come in handy in this scenario. With strong metal handles, larger seating surface and weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg, this variant can accommodate heavy patients.

Height Adjustability

Whether to buy a height-adjustable variant or not depends on your requirements. If you need to use your commode in multiple locations, a height-adjustable variant may serve your purpose better. On the other hand, if you don't need to shift your commode chair to multiple locations, a non-adjustable height variant may be enough.

Storage Space

The storage space a commode requires may also determine its choice at times. If you have enough space to accommodate the commode when not in use, a non-folding variant may fit your purpose. However, a folding commode may fit in better in case you have storage space restrictions. This is because you can easily fold it when not in use and use that space for other purposes.

Price Considerations

The more enhancements you want, the higher the price of your commode goes. For instance, a folding variant may be costlier than a non-folding one. Similarly, a wheeled variant may be slightly costlier than a non-wheeled variant. Therefore, combining both your requirements and purchasing power is highly recommendable to arrive at the right decision.

Summing Up

The choice of the two essential toilet aids - raised toilet seat and commode depends on a number of factors. Always ensure that you combine the above-mentioned factors with a professional's advice. Only then will your final choice be an ideal choice.

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.

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.

As a person gets older, aging-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 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 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 body weight.

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. 

Being mobile and able to do daily routine activities freely is something most people take for granted. However, various reasons like accidents, medical conditions or injuries may affect an individual's mobility. Hence, they may need some type of mobility equipment to help them. Out of several types of mobility equipment, wheelchair ramps are quite common and useful.

They make places more accessible for people who are wheelchair-bound to a certain extent. They may help you climb up slopes or stairs, get in and out of cars, etc. However, there are many types of wheelchair ramps available in the market. So, when you decide to buy a wheelchair ramp, making the right choice is critical. The reason is: the wrong choice might render your ramp of no avail.
 

When choosing a ramp, considering several points before you finally buy a ramp is important.

Let's have a look at them.
 

Factors to Consider While Selecting Wheelchair Ramps
 

1. Purpose

The first thing to consider is its primary purpose. Based on the purpose, you can choose one of the following main types of ramps.
 

• Solid - Available in different sizes, these ramps can be ideal for low steps and thresholds. They are suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Installation is easier than any other ramp as you need not unfold and arrange them. Their ease of transportation depends on their size. People may find them mostly in old age homes and hospitals where they help wheeled patients overcome small obstacles and kerbs.
   
• Modular -These kinds of ramps are partially portable. Installing or uninstalling them may take more time than the fully portable variants. They may be suitable for places where you cannot build permanent ramps.
   

  Let's say, you have shifted to a new town and the construction work of your own house is going on. For the time being, you have taken an apartment on a one-year lease. In this scenario, you can consider using a modular ramp as once you fix them you don't have to carry them anywhere for a year. After that, you can uninstall and shift the ramp to your own house.

• Threshold - As the name suggests, these ramps are ideal for low-rise obstacles like doorway thresholds. They are generally lightweight and easily portable. It takes hardly a few seconds to install or uninstall some of them like a fiberglass threshold ramp. Some of them also have raised lips to prevent the user from falling off the edge.
   
• Suitcase -This variant of ramps is one of the most common portable ramps available. These ramps fold in half and have a handle just like a suitcase. Their design makes their carrying easier.
   

  Setting them up takes hardly any time. Just place them where you need, and they are ready to use. They provide easy access over steps, kerbs, and other obstacles.

• Multi-Fold - These ramps are also portable and you can use them where suitcase ramps aren't long enough. They can fold down into a locked unit with a centre carry handle for easy transportation. They come in lengths even up to 10 feet.
   

2. Surface
 

Surface of a wheelchair ramp is an essential factor to consider. Ensure that the ramp you buy has a slip-resistant covering. This covering facilitates traction and may prevent you from slipping.
 

3. Weight Bearing Capacity
 

The weight-bearing capacity is another factor you should consider for the selection of a ramp. If you require a caretaker to propel a wheelchair, the weight-bearing limit of the ramp should be at least equal to the sum total of weights of the wheelchair, its user and caretaker. Ensuring that your ramp fulfils this condition will keep both user and caretaker safe.
 

The second thing is, powered wheelchairs are generally heavier than manual counterparts. So, the ramp you use for a powered wheelchair needs to have a higher weight-bearing capacity.
 

4. Storage and Transportation
 

To buy a wheelchair ramp, you also need to consider where you'll store it after use. Generally, some ramps are foldable and easily storable. If you are choosing a non-folding ramp, it will take more storage room than a folding ramp.
 

Similarly, a folding ramp folds up easily to make its transportation easier than a non-folding ramp.
 

So, if you have to carry ramps frequently, you can consider a folding ramp over a non-folding one. If you don't need to move ramps often and want it fixed for domestic uses, you can opt for a non-folding ramp.
 

To Wrap Up

To select and buy a wheelchair ramp can sometimes be tricky due to umpteen options. Nevertheless, keeping your purpose and other important factors in mind will let you make the right choice of a wheelchair ramp easily.

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 Brush : With 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 Strap : A 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.

Adhering to your treatment schedule may not be easy all the time. It may seem like a small issue but it can stretch your treatment period and affect your medical condition as well. So, if you keep forgetting to take the medicine dosage, then this article is for you. We've mentioned ways and tips to help you organize your medications and stay on top of your treatment schedule.

Here are some practical tips you can apply:

Put it all together

Pillboxes can help you keep your medicine schedule on track. The ones with bigger size come with sections for days of the week and times of the day. You can choose between a monthly pill organizer or weekly pill organizer. As the name suggests, a monthly pill organizer will help you track your prescription for a month and weekly pill organizer, for a week. This enables you to sort medicines according to your dosage. They are available in various sizes to hold different medicines. You can store most of the medications in compartments with other drugs for a short period. However, it is important to take advice from your doctor before storing them.

Storage tips:

• Gather all the medications and make a list.
• Fill the pillbox according to the list. Ensure that you have the same pills as per the assigned day.
• Refill it before completely empty.

To ensure that you are taking medications on time, keep a dosage schedule nearby with the medication. Setting reminders in your phone, or leaving post-it notes on the mirror can be helpful.

If you have to take medications frequently, an automatic pill dispenser may help. They also alert you whenever it is time to take the medication ensuring that you stay on track of your treatment plan.

Set reminders

One of the most common yet effective ways is setting alarms or asking friends for reminder calls. You can set it up reminders your watch, computer, phone, etc. to let you know when it's time. You can also ask your friend or a family member to remind you to take the medicine from your weekly or monthly pill organizer. Additionally, there are pharmacies that provide patients with a reminder when it's time to order a refill. Consider inquiring about any additional services that can help you to stay on track with your medication schedule.

Use Medication Apps

There are a variety of apps that can help you manage your medications. You can set up your medication schedule and get reminders on your phone to take your pills.

Make it a Routine

Setting your schedule with an activity you do regularly or at a certain time of the day can be helpful. As you add them in your daily routine, you may not forget or skip doses. You can also maintain a diary, journal, or a chart to track your medications and schedules.

Plan for traveling

If you are planning to travel, it is important to ensure that you take enough medicine to last while you are away. Planning this may come handy for several reasons. For example, picking up a last-minute refill can be hard. You may have to pay more for pills, especially if you are overseas. Hence, planning can help you save the extra cost. It is important to pack the pills in a carry bag to save you in delays, lost luggage, etc. cases. Make sure you keep the prescription for your medicine and/or a letter and a list of the pills from your doctor with you.

Buy them in Advance

You can check the pill bottle for the number of refills left. As soon as the label shows low refills, you can call your doctor for a new prescription to take to the pharmacy. This way, you will have the new prescription ready whenever needed. You can also ask your pharmacy if they can email or call before your refill is due. Asking your doctor to prescribe a 60 or 90 days supply of pills instead of a 30-day supply can also be helpful.

Customize the labels

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep track of multiple medicines especially the ones with similar packaging. In such cases, it is ideal to customize the pillbox with your own labels. If required, use larger fonts to rewrite the name of the pill and the instructions. You can also attach the new labels on their covers.

Lastly,

It is important that you keep medications away from children. You can put them in a safe or a locker in your room rather than in a shared bathroom.

Following your treatment plan along these tips will help you recover faster and stay the course towards a healthier body.

A mobility aid is a device that improves the ability of people to move around freely and independently. They allow a person with mobility limitations to walk without causing much fatigue or pain.

There are a variety of mobility aids available to meet one's needs. From canes, crutches to stairlifts and wheelchairs.

To help you pick a suitable mobility aid, it is important to understand some of the main types and how they might be useful.

Canes

Canes support your body's weight and help in transferring the load from the legs to the upper body. In this sense, they are similar to crutches. However, they take less weight off the lower body compared to crutches and place greater pressure on the hands and wrists.

If you have a balancing problem while walking, a cane may help you walk more steadily.

Types:

• White canes: These assist people who are visually impaired. They are longer and thinner to help you detect objects coming in your path. Generally speaking, they are not strong enough to lean on.
   
• Quad canes: These provide a wider base and greater stability. They have four feet at the end of the cane.
   
• Forearm canes: They offer extra support to your forearm by distributing most of the weight from the wrist to the arm.

Crutches

You can use crutches individually or in pairs. They transfer weight from the legs to the upper body, helping the user maintain an upright posture. You can use this type of mobility walking aid for short-term injuries or in some cases on a permanent basis.

Types:

Axillary (underarm) crutches: Suitable for short-term injuries, you can place one part of it against the ribcage under the armpits while holding onto the handgrip.

Lofstrand (forearm) crutches: A user can place the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and hold a handgrip. This style is more common for long-term users.

Platform crutches: The user's hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. These are suitable for people with a weak hand grip due to arthritis or cerebral palsy.

Walkers

Also known as Zimmer frames, these mobility walking aids contain a metal framework with four legs to provide stability to the user. Basic walkers have a 3-sided frame that surrounds the user. When a user lifts the frame and places it further in front of them, they can step forward to meet it before repeating the process.

Some types of walkers have wheels or gliders on the base of the legs which allows the user to slide the walker forward. This helps people with limited arm strength.

Different types:

1. Rollators: These devices consist of a frame with four wheels, handlebars with a seat to provide rest to the user when needed. They also have hand brakes as a safety measure.
2. Knee walkers: These devices allow the user to rest their knee on a padded cushion and propel themselves forward with their stronger leg.
3. Walker-cane hybrids: This type of mobility walking aid has two legs rather than a full-frame. You can use it either with one or both hands for better support than a standard cane.

Wheelchairs

These can help people who can't put weight on their lower limbs or are unable to walk.

A user can manually propel the wheelchair themselves or have someone assisting them to push it. Then there are electrical wheelchairs too. Sports wheelchairs can assist a player in performing well in specific sports.

Mobility scooters

This mobility aid is increasingly popular in the UK and enables someone to get from A to B without having to walk.

They contain handlebars or steering wheels to control direction, footplates to let users rest their feet.

This can be beneficial for people facing issues using a manual wheelchair due to limited upper body strength or flexibility.

Before buying a mobility scooter, it is important to know the rules to use these devices on roads or pavements. If using one for the first time, training is a must.

Important to Note

While these mobility walking aids provide several benefits, using them incorrectly can be dangerous. Hence, before using mobility aids, book an appointment with a doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to learn how to use them properly.

A morning shower can charge you up for the day and an evening shower can soothe you after a long tiring day at work. However, the elderly or individuals with balancing issues may find it troublesome to stand and shower. Thanks to the bathroom aids available on the market today, they can take a shower with lesser trouble.
 

As a person grows older, they may start having issues with walking, balancing and standing. Similarly, a person who has become temporarily immobile due to an accident or a disease can also have problems standing for long periods.

In such scenarios, a mobility aid can be of great help to move around independently and confidently. One such mobility aid is a wheelchair.

If you are planning to buy a wheelchair, you need to be well informed when choosing its model and accessories. With a wide range of wheelchairs out in the market, choosing the right model may be a bit tricky. So, it is important to understand which points to consider while buying a wheelchair.

Things to Consider while Buying and Using a Wheelchair

1 ) Consult a physiotherapist

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, the first thing you should do is to consult a professional. They will assess your body type, posture, and strength. Accordingly, they'll guide you on which type of wheelchair would be suitable for you.

2 ) Performance of the Wheelchair

The performance of a wheelchair depends on a number of factors.

Weight and Foldability

The weight of a wheelchair plays a crucial role in its performance. It impacts both its ease of use and transportation.

Besides the weight of a wheelchair, its foldability is also important to consider. You can easily take a foldable wheelchair anywhere with you by placing it in the boot of a car. This makes it suitable for transportation over long distances.

Durability

The longevity of a wheelchair depends on the level of stress it can withstand. So, always go for popular brands when buying a wheelchair. You can consult your physiotherapist for this as well. They may suggest a few good brand names to you.

Stability

The reason for considering stability while buying a wheelchair is that an unstable chair may tip over on slopes or slanted surfaces.

To ensure stability, the tip-angle of the wheelchair should be as small as possible. Furthermore, the load on its rear wheels should be as high as possible.

Manoeuvrability

The minimum space a wheelchair requires to turn around, the better is its manoeuvrability. A wheelchair with a minimum turn-around width is most suitable for tight spaces like public toilets, office cubicles, or narrow corridors.

3) Sitting Comfort

Seat Width

The seat should be wide enough to accommodate your posterior properly. It should let you move and reposition freely without increasing the risk of developing pressure ulcers. As a general rule of thumb, it should be equal to the distance between the widest part of your thighs plus around 2 cm on either side.

Back Width and Backrest Height

Generally, the back width should be equal to the widest part of your back for maximum comfort. The backrest height should be as per your convenience.

If you need minimal support to sit, you can set the backrest's height up to the bottom of your shoulder blade. And in case of more support, keep it up to the top of the shoulder blade.

4 ) Wheelchair Accessories

It is always good to equip your wheelchair with some useful wheelchair accessories to get the most out of it.

Here are some common accessories to equip your wheelchair with:

Safety Belt Some people like to use a safety lap belt. It is useful as it prevents you from falling out of the wheelchair on rough ground.

Backpack It comes in handy as it lets you carry things around. Be it a food item, water bottle or a small umbrella; you can store them all.

Table Tray A wheelchair tray is of great help to anyone who uses a wheelchair. You can use it for meals, books, laptops, etc. This makes it a practical accessory for day-to-day use.

Gloves Wheelchair gloves prevent damage to your skin or hands from self-propelling, starting, and stopping the wheelchair. They also provide a firm grip in wet weather.

Rain Cover or Poncho It is important in the winter as it protects you from getting wet when it is raining.

Summing Up

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, considering the above points would help buy a suitable device. It is equally advisable to consider using wheelchair accessories as required to enhance its utility.