EssentialAids

Ranging from a minor sprain to a severe fracture, any type of injury can affect a person's ability to function normally. During such conditions, using aids can help a person to relieve the pain and make them feel comfortable.

Using the bathroom is everyone's basic need whether you are a senior, toddler, or a millennial. But it can become a real challenge if you have some medical condition or mobility limitations.

Well, it doesn't have to be a challenge. There are many products available such as bath aids which can make life easier for these people and let them follow their daily routine. That too without anyone's assistance.

So, let's explore how you can choose these products for your loved ones if they are facing any medical or mobility issues:

1. Bath Seat:

If you struggle to bend and get up from the bathtub then using a bath seat can be beneficial. By using it, you can sit on a raised surface. It makes bathing easy for you without needing to sit directly in the tub.

A seat like this may be available in different heights, sizes, and shapes. Such bath seats provide the extra height to the user which makes it easy for them to get out of the bathtub. If required they can use a handrail for a better grip. Additionally, some come with back supports that provide extra comfort while bathing. Bath seats with back support are ideal for the elderly.

2. Bath Board:

Similar to a bath seat, a bath board lets you sit in the bathtub. It has a seat surface on which you can sit down and swing your legs. Make sure to be in a balanced sitting posture while using it. Some of its basic features:

• There are various sizes for a bath board available so you can choose one which fits according to the size of your bathtub
• Easy to adjust and remove

3. Swivel Bather:

A swivel bather is useful when sitting over the bathtub. These bath aids swivel around to help you get your legs into the tub easily. This makes it getting into the tub easy. The seat easily fits over the bathtub and has a seat that swivels and helps you get into the bathtub without lifting your legs. This bathing aid also comes in different sizes and some of the types are specific to certain requirements. Like swivel bath seats for short users, tall users, or users with weak legs.

The main features of a swivel bath seat:

• You can easily move it in a bathtub
• It has adjustable width and can fit in all tubs easily
• It supports your legs while swiveling and therefore makes it easy to get in and out of the tub
• They do provide corner bath options

4. Grab Rails:

They are useful to provide grip when a person wants to stand up or sit down. They help an elderly person to be steady when sitting down as well. These grab rails are also known as handrails. It is useful when you need to have a firm grip in order to maintain your balance during the shower or dressing.

Final words:

Choosing the correct bath aids as per your requirement is all you need for that comfort and support for your daily bathing routine. It will also help you to maintain personal hygiene and prevent any accidents.

Various factors such as travelling, surgery, or overuse, etc. can cause swollen feet. During pregnancy, it is very common. However, swelling in the feet can make you uncomfortable and might keep you from moving freely.

In this article, we are going to talk about the ways of relieving the pain caused by swollen feet based on your symptoms.

But first, let's see when you need to skip home remedies and consult a doctor right away.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you find the following symptoms along with swollen feet then consult the doctor immediately:

• Swelling accompanied by fever
• Pain in the swollen area
• Chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Here are some of the issues that can lead to swollen feet:

1. Edema:

When the body retains extra fluid in tissues because of leaking of blood from small blood vessels results in puffiness and swelling of the tissue under the skin. It shows up either on your feet, ankles or legs.

Mostly Edema will heal on its own. Here are some options for treatment:

• Limit your salt intake
• Lay down with your feet and legs higher than your heart
• Take diuretic medications
• Practice Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
• Wear support stockings
• Adjust your prescription medications
  
  

You might come across other symptoms like stretched or shiny skin, increased abdominal size, difficulty in walking, etc. In such a case, we recommend you consult your doctor.

2. Pregnancy:

Foot swelling is common during pregnancy as the body continues to hold water, blood and other fluids. If you have been standing for most of the day, it could be the reason for swelling as well.

Here is how you can take care of it:

This article talks about some of the most basic types of toilet aids or also known as independent living aids. These aids help the elderly, injured and others who have difficulty in the toileting area.

The main purpose of these disability aids it to provide confidence, independence and a level of comfort to people in carrying out their daily hygiene tasks. There are many varieties available in the market and each of them has unique functionality. Therefore, while purchasing, one needs to understand the different types of toilet aids and see which will fulfil their requirements.

So, let's first look at the four basic types available and try to know them in detail and understand their individual use:

1. Handrail:

The handrail is among the most versatile toilet aids. They are also known as grab rails and grab bars. This disability aid can be of use pretty much anywhere around your house. You can use it in your toilet area as toilet aid, bath or shower area. These are most useful to people who have a hard time changing their position from sitting to standing.

Mostly, handrails are of heavy-duty metals or ABS plastic. You can easily install one to the walls using screws or suction cups. They provide extra support and make a person feel secure while they are transitioning from one position to another. It can be of use mainly in the area where the risks of falling are more, like slippery or wet floors.

Here are some scenarios where handrails are useful:

• If the person has knee or joint problems.
• If they have undergone surgery recently and are not confident about their movement.
• If they experience shortness of breath or dizziness.
• If the person is old and has weak legs and cannot support their own body weight.
• When the surface is wet or slippery, like in a bathroom.
  
  

2. Toilet Support Arms:

Similar to handrails, you can use these support arms on the side of the toilet seat and help a person to get on or off the toilet. Toilet support arms are more useful compared to handrails because of the additional support and convenience they provide.

The scenarios where toilet support arms would be a perfect fit:

• If the person has an issue in their leg or knee.
• If they recently went through a surgery.
• If they are not confident moving on their own and need support in changing into positions.
• In case they need better support than handrails.
  
  

3. Raised Toilet Seats:

These go over an existing toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet seat. People use this type of toilet aid when it is difficult for a person to sit down or get up. The raised toilet seat helps the user to decrease the distance while changing their positions. This makes it easy for them to do their daily tasks without the need for a nurse or anyone else.

When to use this toilet aid:

• If the person needs help in getting up or sitting.
• If they have undergone some surgeries or have knee or leg issues.
• If installing a movable toilet suite is not a feasible idea.
  
  

4. Bidet Seats:

This toilet aid is useful in cleaning the posterior after using the toilet. They are extremely useful for people with limited mobility and seniors. This seat makes it easy for the person to maintain personal hygiene without requiring any assistance.

Scenarios where one can use Bidet Seats:

• If the person has limited mobility and it becomes difficult for them to take care of their personal hygiene.
• If they are experiencing back problems.

If the person has a shoulder or arm problem and is not able to make proper hand movements.

Now let's look at the most common features you must consider while purchasing them:

Length:

You must consider the length of the handrails or toilet support arms, as while installing them it is necessary to see how much area they will occupy. It is important to measure the distance from the wall to the toilet seat to ensure that these aids are reachable.

Weight:

Toilet aids use different materials like aluminum, brass, plastic, rubber, etc. and each one of them has a different capacity to deal with the weight. Hence, while purchasing you need to make sure the weight capacity these toilet aids can handle.

Installation:

There are various types of options available while installing a raised toilet seat like portable, clamped and bolted. Similarly, while installing handrails or toilet support arms you can use clamps, suction cups or screws. Therefore, during installation, you need to make sure the type of installation that will be perfect for you considering situations like slippery handles or floor.

Final words:

Toilet aids are a helpful accessory for many people, be it someone old, or people who have gone through surgery or ones who are suffering from joint issues. It is helpful to them for personal hygiene and for any person who doesn't want to be dependent on others for their day-to-day tasks.

Freedom is something that has a different meaning to it for every individual. Be it the freedom to think, move, work, eat, etc. it all depends on the person. It could be one of the most important things for them. Dependency on others is something most people don't like.

Just imagine being dependent on other people for something as basic as eating or moving from one place to another. It could be emotionally straining for anyone.

Generally, this dependency comes with old age, any major disease or injuries like fractures or sprains. In such scenarios, it becomes difficult for people to carry out daily tasks and they have no other choice but to be dependent on others.

Luckily, there are companies and organizations that work day and night for people facing such difficulties. You can get special products that help fulfill the basic needs of these individuals so it becomes easy for them to carry out their day-to-day tasks without being dependent on others. Such products give them a sense of confidence, independence, and accomplishment which makes the whole experience less traumatic.

These enhanced products include some of the most essential daily items that we need to carry out basic tasks and activities like eating. There are is adapted cutlery that helps people eat even with tremors, lack of steadiness or any hand injury.

Choosing the right adapted cutlery for a particular usage can be difficult as there are many different types available. So, let's look at a few things you must consider while purchasing:

• Dexterity - is it easy to hold the cutlery securely?
• Firmness - do they require heavy cutlery to steady their movement?
• Angle - do they need assistance while intaking food?
• How do they eat? - Do they eat one-handed? Or are they a left-hand person?
• Colour - If you have a huge family then it is advisable to have adapted cutlery in a different colour for easier differentiation.

Luckily, today in the market there are various types of cutlery available. This makes eating comfortable and pleasant. Such types of disability aids help a person to be independent and can help them emotionally as well.

Let's have a look at the different types of adapted cutlery.

Weighted Cutlery:

This type of cutlery is ideal for individuals with tremors or diseases like Parkinson's. The handle can control the utensils and keep them steady. This, in turn, minimizes the chances of spilling food.

The handle is heavy compared to standard cutlery, but the design is such that it becomes comfortable to hold and does not cause any pain in the wrists. This type of cutlery is useful to prevent tremors and from losing control.

Angled Cutlery:

This type of cutlery is perfect for an individual dining with one-hand or for people who lack a certain level of dexterity in their primary arm. The design is such that it becomes easy for them to scoop food in the spoon or fork. While using this type of adapted cutlery a person doesn't need to twist their arm or put in extra effort to intake food or even take care of spilling.

Some of the pieces of such cutlery are moldable while some have a particular fixed angle. Both have particular use cases. This type of cutlery has a pivoting joint between the handle and the head which helps keep the head horizontal regardless of the position of the handle.

This type of cutlery is useful for people suffering from tremors or arthritis because of which it is difficult to hold anything steady.

Good Grip Cutlery:

The design of this cutlery is such that it provides users with a good grip. The handles of this cutlery enable a person to hold the cutlery firmly even when a particular piece is wet.

The purpose of these disability aids is to make sure that everyone is able to carry out at least the basic activities without being dependent on other people.

Wrapping it up:

There are many companies and organizations that research, develop, and sell such products. But before making any investment in such products make sure you go through genuine sellers and purchase proper items.

Choosing the right adapted cutlery matters a lot as you don't want to make the user feel more dependent and worse with the wrong cutlery.

So, make sure to keep the above-mentioned points and types of cutlery in mind while making the decision.

Feeling dependent on others to move from one place to another can be mentally as well as physically straining. Most of the time it's either after small knee/leg surgery or an injury or due to old age. In such scenarios, walking sticks or any other mobility aids can provide better stability and balance.

Pro tip: Using a walking stick on the strong side of your body shifts your weight to the stronger side which makes it easier to move freely.

For the right support and balance, it is important to invest in the right kind of walking stick as well. Before choosing, you need to consider factors like stick's height, your weight, type of your injury, your requirement, etc.

So, in this article, we'll explain some important factors to consider while choosing the walking stick.

Choosing the Right Type of Stick:

Single Point Sticks

This type of sticks has a single support point at the end. They are the most common type of walking cane available in the market to provide balance while walking. People also use them as hiking poles, pilgrim's staff, etc. for trekking and hiking purpose. So, if you have minimum requirements of walking aid, then this can be your best match.

Multiple-point Sticks

This includes quad, tripod, and other multiple point sticks. These sticks having several points provide better support and balance than a single point stick. If you need assistance with stability and balancing than these can provide the highest level of support. Also, the large base quad stick is helpful for those who need extra stability with a wider area of support.

Folding Sticks

Folding sticks are the single point sticks that you can fold. These come in handy when you want to store them away while not in use. You can easily carry them anywhere in a handbag as well. These sticks can be your support on the go.

Sticks with Seats

These are medical-grade sticks with seats to provide sturdy support and help you move around easily. You can unfold them whenever you need to rest and sit down.

The Height

If the stick is not of the correct height, the support that you should get from it might not be ideal.

Here is how you can measure the correct height for your stick:

- Avoid wearing heightened footwear when determining the measurement.

- Use a wall for support and to stand straight.

- Ask someone to assist you with the measurements.

- Measure the distance from the ground up to your wrist bone

Then comes The Handles

The common materials used in handles are foam, rubber, plastic, and wood. If you are looking for a sustainable solution, then wood and plastic are better choices than foam. However, if you are experiencing pain in your hand than the foam or rubber can provide more comfort.

Another tip is that the size of the handle should support your overall body weight. Users with joint pain can prefer a handle with a larger grip. The right sized handle also helps in relaxing your overall body and prevent joint deformities.

Here are the types:

Crook:

Its rounded handle that allows plenty of space to find the most comfortable position. It also makes it easier to hook over the arm or other places. It can be convenient when opening doors, entering into lifts, and other similar situations.

T-handle:

Users with weakness in their hands can benefit a lot from this type of handle. They reduce stress and hand fatigue.

Fritz:

These sticks are similar to T-handle sticks but come with an extra curve. It provides better comfort to users and reduces hand pressure. Also, it is among the most used handles for walking sticks. People consider using it because of its style and it is a boon for people with arthritis.

Offset:

These are the sticks question mark shape handle. It distributes the user's weight over the body of the stick to provide better support. If you have wrist problems or have problems holding the cane with firm grip, then this is the best match for your needs. Although almost all the type of quad sticks are available in this type of handle.

Don't forget the Tip

The tips at the end of the walking sticks are usually of rubber and are on the bottom of the stick. It absorbs the weight of the user and grips the floor well.

There are two types of tips available:

Single Tip: It helps the user maintaining the balance and suitable for those who need less pressure on their legs while walking.

The Quadruple Tip: The sticks with this kind of tips can handle more bodyweight. So, if you have severe pain problems in your legs or joints then prefer using sticks with quadruple tips.

Bottom Line

Mobility aids are to reduce your discomfort. But when you choose the wrong type, it might increase your pain. Hence, make sure to consider all these aspects in your checklist and seek a professional's advice in case of any specific problems.

For people with a tremor, reduced strength or range of motion in the hands, using standard cutlery may become difficult. Controlling it accurately can be a challenge, making meal times awkward. Fortunately there are certain sets of knives and forks which have adaptations making them easier to control.

Specialist knives, forks and Caring Cutlery

Conventional metal cutlery tends to be quite narrow. It requires the user to have a precise grip. For people with arthritis in the hands and fingers, this can be painful. Cutlery featuring a wider handle can dramatically improve this.

By spreading the weight more evenly through the hand, ‘built-up’ handled cutlery improves control. People tend to find larger items do not require such a tight grip, which can lead to increased tremors.

Another method of expanding the girth of cutlery handles is by using foam tubing. This is available in different thicknesses and fits to standard cutlery. Wrapping cutlery with certain types of thick tape has a similar affect if used correctly.

Some special knives and forks like ‘Caring Cutlery’, have features which further assist user control. Items in this range have a contoured design which fits snugly in the hand. Its shape also features an indentation on the top, enabling firm positioning of the index finger. This greatly improves control and reduces the impact of tremors.

Other adapted implements, similar to Caring Cutlery, have similar oversized handles. Some come with the additional benefit of ‘directional’ heads. This means the head of the spoon or fork can be set at an angle to suit the user.

If you have a limited range of motion, you may find it difficult to direct conventional spoons and forks into your mouth. The possibility of angling the heads to make the process easier may help.

Using a sock aid or long-handled shoe-horn

As people in their 40s and 50s know only too well, one’s flexibility can rapidly diminish. Just reaching down to your feet can be a struggle after a certain age. Where once you might have been able to touch your toes, now you can barely reach your shins! Whether it is due to back problems joint stiffness, it causes practical problems when getting dressed.

The knock-on impact of this is difficulty in putting on shoes and socks. The act of stretching down and pulling upwards, the action required to pull-on socks, can be hard. There are pieces of equipment available which help with just this kind of problem.

One popular tool for putting on socks uses a plastic ‘channel’. This device comes with two chords attached to one end. The ‘open’ sock fits over the opposite end of the channel to the chord fixings.

Holding a chord in each hand, the user lowers the channel to the floor. The foot then slides into the channel with the opening of the sock at the far end. Holding the chords in either hand, the channel, along with the attached sock, pulls up towards the user. This in turn brings the sock over the foot and up the ankle.

As the sock pulls upwards, the plastic channel of the sock aid naturally runs out of room and disconnects with it. This completes the process.

While these steps are quite difficult to explain on paper, most people get the hang of it with practice. The idea is that one can put on the sock without having to reach one’s feet.

Long-handled shoe-horns are available which assist putting on shoes. Elastic laces might also help. Using these means you don’t have to repeatedly tie and untie your shoes when you put them on or off.

Reaching aids

Another useful living aid for people with reduced flexibility is a reacher. These devices, sometimes known as grabbers or reaching aids, enable the use to reach things which would otherwise be out of their grasp. This can be of great assistance when getting dressed. Reaching down to pull up trousers from ground level is one such practical use.

Being aware of the range of bathroom disability aids is important for people looking to retain an independent life in old age. Keeping oneself clean and being able to wash alone is something we all want to do for the duration of our lives. With the onset of certain physical conditions, this is more difficult. Thankfully, special equipment and adaptations are available which make things easier.

Getting in and out of the bath

Many people lose flexibility and strength as they get older. This can make the process of getting in and out of the bath difficult. A bath step placed next to the outside wall of the bath can make it less of an obstacle.

Similarly, a bath seat inside the bath itself raises the height of its floor. This reduces the distance of travel getting and out and puts less strain on the body.

A support rail fixed to the wall next to the bath is also helpful. This provides a point of contact which again helps with lowering or raising oneself. There are also rails available which clamp onto the side of the bathtub.

These have some advantages over wall-mounted grab rails. Not only do they assist with the process of bath entry and exit. As they are usually about waist height, they also help when climbing the bath step, or even standing next to the bath drying off.

Aids to assist with one’s balance are important in bathroom or wet-room settings. Because of the hard wet surfaces, people can be prone to slipping in this environment. While grab rails fixed to the walls or bath itself are useful, large vertical poles are also an option.

Floor-to-ceiling support poles

These fit to the entire height of the room from floor to ceiling and are sometimes equipped with horizontal support rails attached. They provide a purpose-built support point on which the user can lean, assisting their balance. The advantage of this sort of installation is that its position is flexible and does not need to be wall-mounted.

This type of fixture requires installation by a qualified tradesman. It is crucial to use fixings suitable for the specific flooring and ceiling of the bathroom concerned. A floor to ceiling pole is useful to help getting up from the toilet, in and out of the bath or just for support while getting dressed or undressed.

A tradesman is also necessary for a wall mounted shower seat. These fit within shower cubicles and are ideal for those of have difficulty standing without support. These typically have slatted or perforated seats, allowing excess water to drain off. This reduces the chances of the user slipping. Many have patterned indentations on the sitting surface to serve the same purpose.

Many people prefer a wall mounted shower seat because it is easy fold out of the way when not in use. Most designs allow the seat to flip up against the wall. This saves the bother of moving a free-standing stool in and out of the cubicle as and when required.

Some models have fold-down legs which drop beneath the seat when it folds out from the wall. These tend to have a greater weight-bearing capacity than those without legs. They may also feel slightly more stable when in use. It is obviously crucial that you know the weight limit of any wall mounted shower seat before sitting on it.

Bathroom disability aids like perching stools are also useful if you struggle to stand for sustained periods. These are useful for the bathroom sink, for example. Perching stools are tall chairs with a tilted sitting surface. This allows the user to ‘semi-sit’ as they brush their teeth or use the bathroom mirror. Some have armrests and backs, offering extra support. They all have non-slip feet, meaning they will not slide around on tiled bathroom floors.

Perching stools are also useful in the kitchen. Some people have difficult standing unsupported while preparing food at the work-top, or washing up at the sink.

Being able to use the toilet without assistance and in privacy is not something everyone can take for granted in old age. Numerous illnesses and physical conditions may mean we may require assistance getting to and from the bathroom. Furthermore, incontinence may also lead to new challenges.

Standard Support Rails

In the bathroom, taking a simple step like fitting grab rails in suitable locations might make a difference. These provide points of support when using the toilet. If positioned correctly, they make it easier to sit down and stand up from the WC, by offering a point of support. For those with conditions affecting balance or strength, they can make all the difference.

Grab rails are available in various lengths and finishes so they blend in with the bathroom décor. White and chrome models are the most popular and discreet.

U-Shaped Support Rails

Drop-down grab rails are an alternative to straight versions and flip up against the wall when not in use. Typically they are ‘U-shaped’ and protrude horizontally from the wall. They are available in various lengths, so take care to ensure you select one which fits the space available.

You will often see this type of fitting in disabled toilets, but they can be useful for domestic environments too. It is important that a qualified tradesman fits the rail. He will need to be aware of the material content of the wall and use the appropriate fixings.

Bed Pads

Modern bed pads provide an absorbent layer which protects against urinary incontinence in bed. They are essentially sheets which stop water reaching the mattress, by soaking it up. They have an absorbent core which ‘locks’ moisture within it. As well as keeping the mattress dry, it also limits moisture contact with the skin.

Some bed pads have ‘wings’. These are large flaps of material which you can tuck round and under the mattress in order to hold the pads in place. The pads themselves should be immediately beneath the individual’s waistline.

Disposable and washable bed pads are available. The washable versions usually need to be on about 95 degrees in the washing machine. Do not wash with conditioners or softeners, and tumble dry on low heat. Disposable pads are less robust and designed for just a single use.

Chair pads work in a similar way to bed pads. Instead of fitting on a bed, they fit beneath the body with the person is sitting down. Again, they protect furniture from any water leakage by soaking it up. Like bed pads, chair pads are available in varying degrees of absorbency.

If you are living with a condition which makes it difficult for you to make the trip to the bathroom, you might want to consider using a commode. These allow you to go to the toilet without having to reach the bathroom itself.

If you do need one, in many cases you will also require someone to help you. Most models feature a bucket which slots in beneath the seat. This then slides out after use allowing emptying and cleaning.

The processes of getting on and off this equipment is also much safer with the help of a carer. Unless fixed to the floor, commodes have the potential to tip over.

If you do have assistance, you might opt for a mobile version. With the bucket removed, many models are able to roll directly over a conventional toilet. If you are struggling to move to and from the bathroom unaided or get on or off the toilet once there, this type of commode might be just what you need.

Most models have similar wheels to transit wheelchairs. This means they are easy to control in domestic environments. Other static models are attractive wooden units which look very similar to ordinary furniture. This makes them discreet in appearance.

Other static models have metal tubing frames which is easy to wipe clean and disinfect. Most have seats and lids, similar to standard toilets. Many have raised armrests and backrests, aiding balance and stability.

If you find yourself needing crutches following injury or an operation, make sure you adjust them to size. Ensuring these mobility aids are not too long or short is important in order they are safe to do the job intended. The steps needed for this depend on the type of crutches you have.

Adjusting Axilla Crutches to Size

It is critical that crutches are set to the correct size for your height. Most have adjustable pin-clips to adjust the length.

If you are using Axilla crutches, the single vertical shaft at the foot is adjustable. Axilla models are similar in style to the old-fashion 'pirate’ versions. That is to say they have a horizontal pad at the top, which fits under the user's armpit. They also feature a second, lower pad, where the hand grips.

Some models of Axilla crutches do not have an adjustment for the distance between the higher 'armpit pad' and the lower hand grip pad. Others allow the lower handgrip to be set at different heights. This latter design is much better for the comfort of the user.

To size correctly, let your hands hang naturally by your sides. The level of the lower pad should be about the height of your wrist.

If you then grip the lower pad with your hands, your elbow should have a slight bend in it. With your hand resting on the lower pad, a small gap of around a couple of inches should remain between the armpit and the upper pad.

When using this style of elbow crutches, it is important to avoid slumping your upper body so that its weight bears down through the armpits onto the top pad. If too much pressure focuses on this area of the body, it can lead to nerve damage. This may result in a loss of sensation and strength in the arms, hands and fingers.

Modern crutches, including Axillas, are almost all made using aluminium tubing. This metal is both lightweight and rigid, ideal for use in the manufacture of mobility aids. It is also non-corrosive, so it is not prone to rusting in the elements. Its weight means that it is easy to maneuver, even for those with reduced strength.

Adjusting Forearm Crutches

Another popular style of elbow crutches are ‘forearm’ models. These have a ‘cuff’ at the very top, which fits around the user’s forearm. They then have two sections of tube, which meet at the handle, around hip height.

Some models of forearm elbow crutches are ‘single adjustable’. This usually means the only adjustment is to the length of the lower vertical shaft. This can be set to a particular height by using a pin-clip, similar to those found on axilla crutches.

Other forearm crutches are ‘double adjustable’. With these you can set the length of the bottom shaft as in the examples above, but you can also adjust the length of the upper shaft. This is the length of tubing between the arm cuff and the handle.

These double adjustable models can therefore be more precisely set to size for the dimensions of the individual. Make sure the cuff is set too high as this could make it dig-in to the upper arm.

Permanent User Crutches

One drawback with adjustment mechanisms is that the crutches can produce clicking and squeaking noises when in use. For people using them a lot, this can be an irritation. To get around it, ‘permanent user crutches’ are available. Rather than having the multiple pin-clips, these require cutting to the desired length.

This is another benefit of aluminium. While its tubing is lightweight and strong, it is also easy to cut with a common hacksaw. Once the shaft is at the correct length, the rubber foot, or ‘ferrule’, fits to the bottom of the tube.

Hand Comfort

Most forearm crutches tend to have a standard horizontal handle at hip height. These however can cause pain by digging into the user’s hand. To combat this problem, ergonomic handled models are available. These have wide grips with shaped contours, sympathetic to the hand.

This design spreads weight more evening through the palms and forearms, reducing discomfort. These crutches are popular with people using them for sustained periods.

Getting used to wheeled mobility aids is a reality for many ageing people in the UK. Walking sticks, wheeled walkers and wheelchairs are important tools if you have reduced mobility. Conditions like Arthritis and others associated with old age lead to stiffness and pain in the joints. This makes walking unaided more difficult.

If you need a walking aid of some kind, the next stage is learning how and where to use it. Previously accessible routes may become less so if there are high kerbs or steps to overcome, for example.

Relatively lightweight items like a walking stick or rollator walker require less planning than the use of wheelchairs. Even larger aids like scooters require more consideration. One thing in particular to think about are mobility scooter ramps.

Even scooters with the largest wheels do not cope with climbing high kerbs. Ramps may be necessary if you have a kerb to negotiate on a regular basis. If you are transporting a lightweight scooter, you might want to consider ramps to transfer the back of a large vehicle.

There is a wide range of ramping equipment available. For kerbs and single steps, one-piece models are usually sufficient. If loading onto a vehicle, channel ramps are a good choice. These come as two separate ramps, with a ‘channel’ design. Each is just over the width of the wheel, with raised edges either side.

These edges keep the wheels on track and prevent the scooter falling off to the side. Many channel ramps are telescopic. This allows them to collapse down in size when not in use. It means they can be more easily stored or transported in the boot of a car.

Case Study – Grace, 81, from Rickmansworth

Sally required mobility scooter ramps for a step leading to the side return of her house. She wanted to store her scooter behind gates for security reasons. Although the obstacle was only a single step, it was too high for the scooter to climb without a ramp.

Initially Sally considered a permanent concrete wedge which need building by a tradesman. She decided against this idea because she felt its appearance would not fit the rest of the driveway.

Instead she went for a one piece aluminium ramp. While Sally leaves it in place most of the time, with the help of her son, it is easy to pick up and store as required. Its length is five feet, which gives a gentle incline. The ramp has a grip pattern milled into the rolling surface, ensuring tyres do not slip when it is raining.

With the width providing around four inches either side of the scooter’s wheels, the one piece ramp is ideal for the space available.

Inside the house, Sally uses either her walking stick or a narrow walking frame to move around. Strategically placed grab rails next to the toilet and bathroom sink are there to assist her balance. She also has a hand-rail next to her back door, which has two steps down to the garden patio.

She has a relatively small house and lives alone. Because she has trouble climbing stairs and worried about the potential to fall, she had a stair-lift installed.

While she is able to get around indoors without a wheeled walking aid, for short journeys outside she uses a rollator walker. It features brakes, a shopping and large wheels. It also has a seat, which allows Sally the luxury of the odd sit down to rest when she needs to.

She also has a walking stick which collapses down in to sections which she can carry in her handbag. When she arrives at a shop, she parks her rollator walker on the pavement and uses her stick inside.

For longer journeys the scooter is ideal, but Sally does need to consider her route before travelling. She knows where there are mobility scooter ramps for access to the shopping centre, for example.

She is also very aware of the distances she will need to walk with her stick when she arrives. She makes sure these are short enough for her to manage.