Daily Living Aids
Having the right equipment and aids can be important to independent living. Some may be related to a particular health need and others to support you on a daily basis with particular tasks. A careful consideration of what things you want to be able to do, while using the device, will assist you in focusing on your choices. Sometimes equipment may not be the most appropriate way to meet your needs. Instead of buying equipment, you may be able to change the way you do everyday things to make them easier. An occupational therapist may be able to suggest other ways of doing things that you have not considered.
A wide range of gadgets and devices are available that make everyday tasks easier for people with specific disabilities. Some examples are:
- Clamps and holders to keep jars stable so they can be opened with one hand
- Talking kitchen scales for people who are blind or visually impaired
- Alarm clocks that vibrate under the pillow for deaf and hearing impaired people
- Kettle tippers for people who have limited arm strength or restricted movement
- Devices that remind people with memory loss or learning disabilities to do a daily task like taking a pill
Specialist Equipment
If you're physically disabled, and especially if you're a wheelchair user, you may need to get equipment and have permanent fixtures installed at home so that you can live independently there. Some equipment and adaptations that may interest you include:
The Endres Bathlift is one of the ligthest Bathlifts on the market it only weights 9.3kgs
- A stair lift
- A powered bath lift
- A powered or manual height-adjustable bed
- Powered leg-lifters for people who have difficulty lifting their legs into bed
- You may also need to have adaptation work done in your home - for example, having doorways widened or a ramp installed.
Guide to buying Furniture for the Disabled
Furniture ranges manufactured exclusively for the use of disabled people are VAT-exempt, and will therefore be better value
There is still little understanding of the requirements of disabled people in the home some people will require bespoke furniture, built to their exact requirements, to gain full access and independence. Always speak to your OT (occupational therapist) or Doctor before you make any large purchase.
Look for durable materials throughout, especially if you are a wheelchair user, if you buying a Kitchen ask for 170° hinges so that they swing out of the way
It is far better to purchase aluminium shower chairs, to use in the bathroom, they don't rust. Most perching stools are made of steel and therefore should not be used in the bathroom
Take your time when selecting models, colours and finishes and contact us if you are unsure about anything. If the furniture you wish to purchase, have to match the colour of an existing item of furniture you own, you should not rely entirely on the colours which appear on your computer screen since photographs can sometimes experience tonal variations.
Measure the space available in your room carefully and compare these measurements, with the dimensions of the furniture item you intend to order, to ensure the piece will fit in your home. You also need to remember that Riser Recliners need extra room when they reline, always check before you place an order that you have the room to enjoy your new piece of furniture
Take a close look at the access points in your home doors, staircases, sharp corners and measure them allowing plenty of room. Compare these measurements with those of the item you intend to order to confirm that it will clear all obstacles when it is delivered. If you are in doubt please contact us.
When your furniture is delivered inspect it closely for any damage or defects. Make sure the delivery person is informed of any problems immediately.
High Back Fire Side Chairs
With a higher seat height and supportive backs for improved posture and comfort, these type of chairs tend to be higher and more rigid in shape, they also have wooden legs and may have wooden arms.The high seat can be particularly useful where sitting is difficult.
Lifting Seats
Lifting Chair Cushion help keep people active and independent for longer, they are portable and a fraction of the cost of Riser Recliners. The are available in electric or manual models and aid the person to raise out of a chair.
Choosing the most suitable Riser Recliner Chairs
The following points should be considered when choosing a chair, preferably
in conjunction with the advice of an Occupational Therapist or other qualified
professional.
1. User weight - check the weight of each person who is likely to be using the
chair. The maximum user weight of our standard chairs is 19 stone (for heavier
users see page 39)
2. Type of "Mechanism required - rise & recline, recline only, rise only,
vertical lift, tilt-in-space, manual recliner or static chair.
3. The number of motors required - 1, 2 or 3 (see pages 38 & 39 for further
help).
4. Measurements - you need to have the correct measurements of your chosen
chair to give you the maximum comfort and benefit and don’t forget the overall
size of the chair in relation to your room. (For further help see "Important
dimensions to consider "). The critical measurements are as follows:
Seat to floor height
Seat depth
Seat width
Back height
Arm to seat height
5. Style - you will need to consider the most suitable style of chair which will
include:
Back design - 4 designs to choose from
Arm style - choose from – slim, wide, round, flat, wood knuckles, full
length, fall back and flat saddle arm on The Cambridge which can be
replaced.
Pressure Care - foam type to seat, footboard & armrests, Gel pad to seat &
footboard, Seat cut-out to enable a pressure relief cushion to be used
For transferring in and out of the chair removable or swingaway arms
6. Choice of fabric - take into account any incontinence issues and when using
pressure relief foam and or a Gel pad this will require a multi-way stretch fabric
such as Panvelle Stretch.
7. Safety - Anti-entrapment system when there are concerns about small
children and pets.
When castors are required consider having braked castors on the rear to stop
the chair moving when the user is getting in or out of the chair.
A Battery Back-up System if your home is at risk of having power cuts.
Important dimensions to consider
Measurement how to measure seat to floor:
The correct seat height can be calculated by measuring the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the knees.
When seated, the hips and knees should be at right angles whilst the person’s feet are flat on the floor (remember to wear usual footwear).
Seat Depth: To calculate the correct seat depth, measure the distance from the back of the hips, along the thighs to approximately 1½" behind the back of the knees. When seated you should be able to place two fingers between the edge of the seat and the
back of the knee.
Seat Width: The correct seat width should be the width of the person’s hips plus a clenched fist on either side (approximately 3").
Back Height: Riser Recliner chairs can be made to suit small and large patients back heights vary from 27" to 33" with a standard height of 30"
Different Mechanism is Riser Recliner Chairs
All our rise & recline chairs are operated from a handset and by pressing the appropriate button the user can find their most comfortable position for either sitting or exiting the chair.
1 motor 2 way :When moving into recline the back and the footboard operate together. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from and sit back into the chair.
1 motor 3 way:When moving into recline the footboard rises to a horizontal "TV " position followed by the back reclining. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from and sit back into the
chair.
1 motor Tilt-in-Space 2 way: Tilt-in-Space holds the user in a fixed position when in recline with the angle of the hip and the back remaining constant. This action will not allow the user to recline in a flat position therefore not restricting the airways or the swallowing action. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from and sit back into the chair.
1 motor wallhugger: The footboard rises to a horizontal "TV " position and when the back reclines the seat moves forward enabling the chair to be positioned approximately 6 " from a wall. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from and sit back into the chair. in all our 1 motor chairs the single motor is used to operate allfunctions.
2 motor: The back and footboard operate independently of each other with the benefit of being able to achieve optimum comfort in a seated or reclined position. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from and sit back into the chair.
2 motor 4th position: The back and footboard operate independently and when the footboard reaches its maximum height and without any changes to the back angle, the chair will go into tilt-in-space. This 4th position not only fixes the hip and back angle when in recline it also raises the legs higher than the level of the heart. This is the Trendelenburg position. From a seated position the chair will rise to enable the user to walk out from the chair
Perching and Ironing Stools
Take the weight off your feet with these handy ironing/perching stools. Ideal for a host of household and DIY tasks. Perching stools ( multi-purpose stools ) have a forward sloping seat to make them easier to get up from. Great for a variety of uses such as ironing, washing up and other household tasks.
Braces
An orthopaedic brace is a medical device used to immobilize a joint or body segment they can restrict movement in a given direction or assist movement. Orthopaedic brace also serve to reduce weight-bearing forces, they act as another layer of ligament or tendon, thereby reducing the stress and work load of a particular muscle group or joint.
Our back braces are comfortable against the skin, breathable, lightweight, strong and well made
Tips for Better Measuring Your Feet
The first step to shoes that really fit is to carefully measure your feet. It may be helpful to have someone with you to assist with this.
Wear the socks/hoisery you would normally wear and take the measurements towards the end of the day. Your feet will usually expand during the course of the day.
MEASURE YOUR FOOT LENGTH:
1. Put a piece of paper on the floor against a wall. Stand on the paper with the heels against the wall.
2. For each foot mark the paper at the tip of the longest toe.
3. Measure in mm the distance from the edge of the paper to the furthest mark and record it
MEASURE YOUR FOOT GIRTH
1. Wrap a thin strip of paper around the widest part of each foot just behind the toes.
2. For both feet, with the foot flat on the floor, mark the paper at the point it begins to overlap.
3. Measure in mm from the edge of the paper to the furthest mark and record it
4. 6E + fittings are VAT exempt, These shoes have extra width in the tread area and extra depth ensuring a perfect fit whatever your foot condition. Two removable insoles allow even more depth if required.
Shoe Fitting Terminology Explained
