Archive for June, 2009
Safety for caregivers is crucial. A patient lift is used in the home or at medical facilities to help a patient rise or any function they may need:
Model 9700 Bariatric Lift • Electric Full Body Lift includes • 2 batteries • 3X sling • 1 battery charger • Safety padded hanger and beam • Non-arcing beam • Storage Saddle bags • Remote control • Battery Indicator • Swivel Hanger with safety latches • Weight Limit: 700 pounds
Many individuals that have limited mobility will need a patient lifter to help them move their legs or for them to lift their torso off of the bed. There are many companies that provide mobility equipment and with the new advances in technology the performance and type of equipment available will make movement easier then ever. Wheelchairs Abound is an up and coming leader in the area of providing Mobility Equipment.
When caring for shower commodes and stools, it’s important to perform regular cleaning. Just as shower tile often becomes inundated with mildew if left alone for a significant amount of time, shower commodes and stools need to be cleaned often. It’s important to use a standard scrub brush and tile soap at least once a month to clean a shower commode or shower stool. There are also several cleaning products that can protect a commode or stool from mildew. It’s also possible to use an automated shower cleaner, and leave the commode or stool in the shower as it self cleans. However, make sure to take a scrub brush and cleaner to the underside now and then to prevent mildew from building up in that location.
When mildew gets out of hand, it can also cause other mildew to manifest at a faster pace, so it’s best to keep the shower at a minimum at all times. Even a small amount of mildew in the cracks can translate into a breakout in the near future.
Whether a leg has been injured due to an accident or surgery, it’s important to be aware of the necessities to own while the leg is healing. First, when a leg is healing, it’s important to keep off it as much as possible. This doesn’t mean that walking around shouldn’t happen at all, but keeping off the leg will speed up the healing process. When walking, be sure to use underarm crutches, even if it feels like the leg is getting better and the crutches aren’t needed. Taking the weight of the leg will help it to heal faster until it is back up to 100%. For those who have undergone surgery, be sure to apply ice or heat to the leg on a regular basis. This will reduce the pain caused by the injury, and make it more bearable to sit for extended periods of time. Since there is a lot of sitting and resting involved with a leg injury, be sure to have activities to stay occupied.
Never remove bandages or stop taking medication unless confirmed first by a doctor. When patients go out and do their own thing without doctor permission, it often causes their injury to relapse.
From your shower to your clothes hamper, the bathroom is one of the most personal rooms in the house. Yet, safety and health often come second to convenience and comfort. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of potential hazards. There are simple precautions you can take to reduce your risks, and improve your quality of life.
- Consider putting a cordless phone in the bathroom in a low area in case of an emergency.
- Use a toilet seat riser or toilet safety stand, which fits around the toilet area; which provides handrails for extra support.
- Install permanent/fixed grab bars in areas where you might need a little extra mobility support.
- Medication’s shelf life is better if kept in a cool dry area. Thus it is not recommmended to store medicines in the “medicine cabinet”. Also, check frequently for medication that has passed its expiration date. Discard unused medication to avoid accidental confusion.
- Frequent handwashing with antibacterial soap helps to kill germs , that can spread colds or the flu.
- Throw rugs could “throw” you! It is recommended to eliminate them throughout your home. They can be a slipping hazard. If possible use a wall-to-wall non-skid rug in the bathroom (without extra scattered rugs).
- Set your water heater to 120°F degrees or lower, to prevent scalding.