Elevated Toilet Seats

Author: ElectricWheelchair
February 8, 2010
elevated toilet seat

For a myriad of reasons, traditional toilet seats are often difficult to access. Many times this is due to old age and physical disabilities that prevent people from being able to comfortably get on and off the seat. It also can be as issue for people of an exceptional height who are forced to sit uncomfortably low to the ground.

 

Traditional raised toilets came with a litany of logistical problems, but recent innovations have made toilet risers more convenient and effective. You can now find elevated toilet seat options that discreetly attach of the base of the unit. They add roughly four inches of height, which is enough to solve the problems of traditional seats without prohibiting usage for the rest of the people in a household.

Choosing the Right Scooter Battery

Author: ElectricWheelchair
January 20, 2010
electric scooter battery

Electric scooters are compact, easy to drive and park, and can help you improve your mobility. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric scooter, you’ll want to know the various electric scooter battery options available to you. There are three types of electric scooter batteries, each with their own advantages. Read all about them and choose the one that is right for your needs.

 

The first type is a lead acid (SLA) battery. The advantage of this battery is that it’s relatively easy to find and the least expensive to replace. However, it’s the heaviest battery and has the shortest overall lifetime. It will last about 300 full charge cycles before it needs to be replaced. The second type is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This battery is much lighter than an SLA battery and lasts about 500 full charge cycles. The final type is a lithium ion battery, which is the newest in battery technology. It is even lighter than a NiMH battery and lasts about 800 full charge cycles. However, this is the most expensive type of all three batteries.

Scooter Your Way to Energy Independence

Author: ElectricWheelchair
January 6, 2010
electric scooters

As you get older, so does your body. Many of those of us who are aging have trouble getting around due to hip problems. Fortunately technology has made it possible for those with degenerating hips to get around. Electric scooters are versatile and can aid people in getting around their homes, their offices and while running errands.

 

Gas prices are getting higher than ever and hybrid electric scooters help people get around without having to scrimp and save for gas. In addition to being a great alternative to a car, these scooters are fun to ride and easy to use. They also make a positive statement about a person’s commitment to energy independence and the environment.

Maintaining Independence

Author: ElectricWheelchair
December 21, 2009
electric scooter

After my grandpa had two hip surgeries in a matter of a year, it was nearly impossible for him to walk more than a few feet at a time. As a strong-willed war veteran, he was adamant about taking care of himself and was horrified by the prospect of having to be pushed around in a wheelchair. Although he didn’t like it, he realized that walking simply wasn’t an option anymore.

 

In order to make the transition easier for him, everyone in our family pitched in to buy him an electric scooter. It has allowed him to move around more freely, and he doesn’t constantly need someone’s assistance. He is hesitant to show any emotion, but it was evident that he was touched by the gesture and concern for him.

Shower Time

Author: ElectricWheelchair
December 7, 2009
shower chair

When I broke my leg a few years ago, I underestimated how difficult everyday tasks would be. I anticipated having trouble getting in and out of the car and going up stairs, but I had taken for granted some of the simple things in life, such as taking a shower. The first time I attempted to bathe with my cast on, it was a grueling hour-long process.

 

First I had to don a specialized bag to keep my cast from getting wet and then hop into the shower without putting any weight on my leg. Next, I had to balance myself while attempting to wash my entire body. After one time going through this process, I decided to invest in a shower chair, which made the process infinitely easier.

2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Author: ElectricWheelchair
November 24, 2009
wheelchair

This summer the city of Spokane, WA hosted the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Athletes from around the country gathered for a weeklong competition in a variety of sports. It is amazing to see how these people overcome their disability and thrive in athletic contests.

 

There are a variety of events at the annual competition, including bowling, ping pong and archery. Many competitors also took part in more strenuous activities like basketball, soccer and weightlifting. In my opinion, the most impressive spectacle was the heated swimming races.

Maintaining Independence

Author: ElectricWheelchair
November 10, 2009
shower commode chair

When my grandma reached her nineties, it became increasingly difficult for her to take care of herself. Our family was eventually forced to get her an in-home caregiver, something that my grandma was not too thrilled about. She didn’t want someone constantly hovering over her, and desired to maintain some of her independence.

 

In order to give her privacy in the bathroom, my family outfitted her shower and tub with handles and grips to help her keep her balance. We also added a portable commode, so she wouldn’t have to hurry in the case of an emergency. This specially designed shower commode chair is waterproof so it can easily be placed in the shower.

Make at Home Patient Care Easy

Author: ElectricWheelchair
October 23, 2009
patient lift

Immobility can make even the most basic everyday tasks a challenge. For people recovering from an injury it is necessary to rehab slowly, gradually increasing the amount of weight-bearing activities. Elderly or disabled persons often need an apparatus that aids in standing, moving and that makes living at home safer.

A patient lift is a remarkable tool to help the caregiver and patient in moving and other routine practices. For an inexpensive model, try a manual lift that is completely operated by the caregiver. More expensive electrical options don’t require any physical exertion and give the patient some power to operate functions as well.

The King of Daytime Game Shows

Author: ElectricWheelchair
October 9, 2009
power chairs

As I was growing up I loved watching game shows with my Grandma. Whenever I would stay home from school sick we would watch the daytime classics like Press Your Luck and Pyramid. My favorite, however, was always the long-running Price is Right with Bob Barker.

 

 There are many iconic staples from the show, such as Barker’s Beauties and the culminating Show Case Showdowns. One thing that anyone who watches the show will notice is the target market in the advertisements. The commercial breaks are filled with plugs for Sea-Bond and government subsidized power chairs, which always made me feel a little out of place being five-years-old.

A Must Have for Elderly Shower Safety

Author: ElectricWheelchair
September 22, 2009
A Must Have for Elderly Shower Safety

When your loved ones become old and a little rusty in functionality, it’s in their best interest to purchase the tools necessary to ensure their safety. Walkers and canes are popular walking aids for the elderly and are easy to find just about anywhere. Moist adult wipes are another easy-to-find option that can save everyone the fuss of a messy cleanup. And Velcro shoes will save you minutes daily when it comes to helping your grandma or grandpa get in and out of their shoes.

 

But let’s not forget the slippery slope of self cleansing. For most people in the later portion of their elderly lives, this is a two-person job. Getting in and out of a bathtub or trying to maintain balance in a wet shower stall can be challenging and dangerous for the elderly. Shower chairs are a must have in any household that has a grandma or grandpa. Your loved one will be safe and secure as they are perched on a shower chair. Not to mention it’s a heck of a lot easier to reach all of their appendages waiting to be cleaned.