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Most Popular Daily Living Aids

Valerie Paxton — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:29:09 +0000

Aids to Daily Living (ADLs) or Daily Living Aids are assistive products and gadgets that promote a more independent lifestyle for those with physical limitations.

Many ADLs are adaptive in nature, allowing the user to do something they might not have been able to otherwise, such as stand up from a chair, work the TV remote, cook a meal, open a jar, drive a car, hear the doorbell or button a shirt. Some Daily Living Aids are created simply to make your life easier.

I like to tell folks that if they have lost some independence or are no longer able to manage tasks that they used to – short term or long, there is probably a Daily Living Aid to help!

Allegro has a massive selection of Daily Living Aids to help assist Around the House, Around the Office, in Communication, Vision Aids, Hearing Assists, Dressing Aids, Eating Aids, Medication Aids, Lifting Aids and much more. Below is a list of our most popular Aids to Daily Living. Can they help restore your independence?

Most Popular Daily Living Aids

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AZ-1 Portable Automotive Hand Control System

Shop all Automotive Aids

Beasy Board Trans Easy Transfer System

Shop all Beasy Trans

Shop all Transfer Boards and Discs

UpEasy Lifting Cushion – UpLift Seat Assist

Shop all Uplift Technologies

Shop all Uplift Seating

Shop all Lift Chairs

Security Pole and Curved Grab Bar

Shop all Standers Brand

Shop all Security Poles

Shop all Grab Bars

Big Lamp Switch

Shop for Daily Living Aids for Around the House

Shop by Condition: Arthritis

Aluminum Reacher with Magnetic Tip

Shop all Reachers

Shop all Hospital Discharge Favorites

Mealtime Protector

Shop all Eating Aids

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Deluxe Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid

Shop all Hip Replacement Surgery Aids

Deluxe Height Adjustable Overbed Table Non-Tilt

Shop all Overbed Tables

Combination Button Aid/Zipper Pull

Shop all Dressing Aids

We hope that these Daily Living Aids will help you live a more independent and fulfilling life! Thanks, as always, for your support. We appreciate your business.

Shop Daily Living Aids anytime! Simply click on the Shop by Category tab on the home page of AllegroMedical.com

New Products at AllegroMedical.com

Valerie Paxton — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:33:21 +0000

We love adding new products to the AllegroMedical.com site. So much so that we add them every day. And because it is the holiday season, we’ve added some fun products related to lifestyle, grooming and relaxation – all in the name of good health, independence and well-being. Happy shopping!

NEW at Allegro Medical

Breeza Warm – Deodorizing and Warming Toilet Seat - Make your tooshie happy with this amazing new toilet seat from Brondell. It combines odor elimination, aromatherapy and a one-touch, temperature-adjusted heated seat.

Shop all Sitz Baths & Bidets

Shop all Brondell

Ultra Plush Shiatsu Pillow - Treat yourself to a deep-kneading, heated massage anywhere on your body – anytime you need it.

Shop all HoMedics

Shop all Massagers

Conair 13-Piece Rechargeable Beard and Mustache Trimmer – Gentlemen, look no further. You have found the perfect grooming tool. It even has a nose and ear hair attachment. Use them . . . please.

Shop all Grooming Aids

Shop all Conair

SteamBuddy Handheld Clothing Steamer – Smooths out wrinkles and eliminates odors from the heaviest denim to the finest silk. No more ironing! Great for travel.

Shop all Around the House

UltiGuard Insulin Syringes - All-in-One Dispense & Dispose insulin needles. 100 latex-free, U.S. made, premium syringes in packets of 10, housed in an approved sharps container. Shop all Ultimed

Other new diabetic supplies include the Diasox Diabetic Socks, Euros Rx Diabetic Crew Socks, Advocate Redi-Code Test Strips, Nova Max Glucose Test Strips and the POUCHO Diabetic Wallet

Shop all Insulin Products

Shop all Insulin Syringes

Shop all Glucose Test Strips

Shop all Diabetic Supplies

HealthSmart Sports Auto Wrist BP Monitor - A digital blood pressure monitor with a 2-user memory storage. Prettier in pink? Get the Women’s Automatic Wrist Digital BP Monitor instead.

Shop all Blood Pressure Monitors

Shop all HealthSmart

Clamp-on Raised Toilet Seat with Arms - A contoured seat with arms. Attaches without tools and fits on most toilets. Great for those with limited mobility, knee pain, hip replacements or post-surgery.

Other new bath assists include the Bariatric Commode and the Toilet Support Rail

Shop all Bathroom Assists

Clock Radio for iPod and iPhone - This Sony clock radio will have you waking up to your own music or your favorite radio station. It even has a remote control so you can manage your tunes from around the room. Cool, man.

Shop all Sony

Shop all Daily Living Aids

Folding Travel Cane – Slimline – The perfect cane for travel or anytime – in every color and pattern imaginable. Sized for a women’s hand. Beautiful maple handle.

Shop all Canes

Shop all Travel Aids

Interplak Water Jet Tips Pack - 2 standard waterjet tips, 1 brush head tip and 1 subgingival tip. Fits ALL Interplak Dental Water Jet models.

Shop all Conair

Shop all Oral Care

Just for Fun

The Sushi Box Sushi Rolling Kit – Includes a 32-page recipe book, bamboo rolling mat, chopsticks, bowl for dipping sauce and green plastic grass. Buy one for each guest and have a sushi party!!

Thank you for shopping at AllegroMedical.com! There’s always something new. Come back soon.

How to Stay Warm all Winter Long

Valerie Paxton — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:06:49 +0000

You don’t have to be cold! Cozy up with these great warming products and stop the shivers, inside and out.

BEST WARMING PRODUCTS

Snuggie Blanket with Sleeves- Honest to goodness, I ordered 7 of them! This soft, thick, luxurious fleece blanket with oversized loose-fitting sleeves will warm you from head to toe – and keep your hands free! Won’t slip and slide like a regular blanket. Choose from Blue or the Snuggie Pink Limited Breast Cancer Research Edition (while supplies last). Snuggie up!

RoadPro 12-Volt Heated Travel Blanket - Never be cold on the road again. Plug this 100% polar fleece blanket into your lighter/power socket and feel the warmth surround you. 8-foot power cord. Zippered back for easy storage.

SKWOOSH Stadium Gel Seat- Cradle and warm your buns as you cheer on your favorite team with this super thin, but extremely effective TekPad gel-filled Stadium Seat. Weighs only 7 ozs and folds to the size of a piece of paper.

Shop all SKWOOSH Cushions and Seats

Cold Condition Glove - These Ironclad cold weather gloves are designed to protect your hands from cold weather but allow for a high level of dexterity. Wicking material wicks away perspiration. Machine washable.

Superfeet hot PINK Cold Weather Premium Insoles – Lady skiers and snow boarders, add these to your ski boots and you’ll be carving like a pro this season. Provides support, shock absorption, power transmission and edge control to tear up the slopes. Heat management for all-day comfort. Antimicrobial technology helps prevent foot odor. Men, we carry them for you too: Superfeet REDhot Cold Weather Premium Insoles.

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Shop all Insoles

Snappy Spa Portable Hot Tub - Nothing warms you more completely than a nice relaxing spa. Now you can have your own bubbling, whirling spa at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hot tub. Sets up quickly, requires no tools, and plugs into a regular household outlet. Seats 4 adults. Great gift for the family. Use it indoors or outdoors, on your patio or deck, in your condo or apartment, lakehouse, cabin or boat!

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Bed Buddy Foot Warmers with Aromatherapy – Just pop the reusable scent pack in the microwave for a minute and put them back in the fleece fabric boots for an hour of moist heat and warm feet! Lightly fragranced with clove, cinnamon and eucalyptus. For cold hands, try the Bed Buddy Hand Warmers or get everything, including the sinus pack in the Bed Buddy Heat Therapy Kit.

NatraCure Heat Therapy Mittens – Recommended for arthritis sufferers and hard working hands as a warming aid. One size fits most. Washable and reusable. Lightly scented. Disperses moisturizing mineral oils and Vitamin E to hydrate and nourish your skin. Microwave for 25 to 30 seconds to warm.

Bed Warmer – Placed at the bottom of the bed under the sheets, the Battle Creek Bed Warmer warms your legs and feet rather than the whole bed. Or, position warmth exactly where it feels best! Costs less to operate than an electric blanket.

Arthritis Gloves- Soft, breathable cotton lycra will make you want to wear these gloves day and night. Mild compression and warmth helps increase circulation and promote healing of arthritic, achy, painful, stiff hands. Great for working around the house or in the garden to keep your hands warm but your fingers free to feel, touch and grip.

Shop all Arthritis Products

Toasty Toes Personal Heater – Perfect for work or home, this “deluxe” footrest is thermostatically controlled to heat your feet and legs. Use in the office, study, basement, garage, porch, craft room you need to be seated or standing for a long time. Three positions. 6 foot cord plugs into any 110v outlet.

See all Cozy Heater Products

Dream Saks Airline Comfort Set – Travel in warmth and style with your own silk blanket, pillowcase and eye shades! Great for long air routes, trains, buses or cars. Rolls into its own 12″ bag and weighs less than a pound. Prefer cashmere over silk? Try the Dream Sak Luxury Travel Kit. A great gift for the traveler who has everything…

Shop all Dream Saks

Shop all Travel Aids

Grabber Peel-n-Stick Adhesive Body Warmers- Standard equipment for anyone who enjoys outdoor cold weather activities. Widely used for soothing cold, sore joints and muscles as a result of Arthritis, Raynaud’s, Lupus, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia or just poor circulation. 40 portable heating pads per box, one time use, disposable. Warms for 12+ hours. For cold feet and cold hands, use Grabber’s Foot Warmers and Grabber’s Hand Warmers. Get a case and divide them up for stocking stuffers or gifts for your team members and friends.

Wishing you and your family a nice warm winter. As always, thanks for your business. -v

Get Your Snuggies Here!

Valerie Paxton — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:44:41 +0000

We couldn’t be more excited. The Snuggies are here! You know, the fleece throw that keeps you warm from head to toe. That crazy soft blanket that you secretly want.

Yup. You can now order your Snuggie today at AllegroMedical.com and we’ll ship it, quick like a bunny, right to your door.

Choose any color you want, as long as it is Blue or Pink. Not just any Pink, but the Snuggie Pink Limited – Breast Cancer Research Edition. (While supplies last).

I have all kinds of plans for my Snuggie. First off, I’ll need at least one for the car. And I’ll take it to the movies! I’ll roll it discretely in my purse and then BAM pull it out after the movie has started and WRAP UP. The Snuggie has sleeves so my hands will be free for popcorn. Score!

My home Snuggie will be primarily a TV and Game Snuggie or perhaps a Martinis-on-the-Patio-Whipping-Todd-at-Backgammon Snuggie. It will NOT be a Bar-b-Que Snuggie or a Disco Snuggie. Danger.

Get your Snuggies TODAY! They’re inexpensive, so stock up. What a great gift. Speaking of gifts, check out our entire Gift Ideas category.

Where do you SNUGGIE?

Travel Aids for Safety, Convenience and Comfort

Valerie Paxton — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:33:04 +0000

Travel, especially during the holidays, should be fun and exciting. Certainly no time to be stressed about safety, getting into and out of cars, on and off airplanes. And let’s face it, the more comfortable you are during your journey and at your destination, the better.

But if you are elderly, disabled or traveling with small children, the magic of travel can be oh-so unmagical without proper prep. This year, let Allegro help you relieve a bit of your travel stress with our travel aids – designed for safety, convenience and comfort for everyone from babies to seniors.

Travel Aids for Safety, Convenience and Comfort

Transporation Comfort and Safety – Be safe and confident on the road with your Emergency First Aid Kit Auto Kit, Heated Blanket, Car Caddie and Handybar – to name a few. And how about a Car Bed for the baby? Or a Travel Pillow for you?

Shop all First Aid Kits

Shop all Travel Blankets

Shop all Automotive Aids

Shop all Cosco Baby

Home Comfort and Safety - The comforts of home – in travel size! Take a folding bath bench, bed rail, portable grab bars, and bath mitt with you! Traveling with an infant? Don’t forget the Complete Nursery Care Kit.

Shop all Bath Assists

Shop all Bed Accessories

Shop all Grooming Aids

Shop all Children/Pediatric

Travel Seating, Cushions and Mattresses - Your backside will thank you all the way to grandma’s house with the ever-popular Coccyx Cushion. And when you get there, how about unrolling your own Foam Eggcrate Mattress Overlay on top of that lumpy fold out bed? Ahhhhh…

Shop all Cushions

Shop all Mattress Overlays

Shop all Incontinence

Travel Exercise and Fitness - Might as well just thank me now because you’ll be glad you had these go-anywhere Travel Weights, FitBALL Balance Disk and Travel Xertube Travel Kit on your holiday travels. Take some time to de-stress and work off that punkin’ pie with these great travel exercise products. We even have a handy travel yoga kit. No excuses!

Shop all Exercise Products

Recreation- Going on a campout, adventure trip or a long car ride? Don’t leave home without your All-terrain Baby Jogger, Portable Hot Tub, TRIKKE Roadster, Disposable Washcloths and TravelJohn Disposable Urinal.

Shop all Baby Joggers/Strollers

Shop all Relaxation Products

Shop all TRIKKE Vehicles

Shop all Disposable Washcloths

Shop all Urinals

Travel Wheelchairs & Scooters - Just about anyone can go pretty much anywhere with one of these travel mobility scooters or lightweight transport wheelchairs. Don’t let a disability, weakness or injury confine you unnecessarily. Get going! Your independence is waiting for you.

Shop all Mobility Scooters

Shop all Walking Assistance Travel Aids

Shop all Wheelchairs

Diabetes Travel Aids - If you manage your diabetes with insulin, take a look at this these portable insulin cases for travel. You’ll also want to stock up on sterile insulin syringes (don’t forget the Safe-Clip). And for long distance travel, or even at home, you’d be smart to consider a Portable Leg Massager.

Shop all Diabetic Supplies

Don’t Forget these Travel Goodies!

Travel Toiletries & OTC Medications

International Travel Products

Travel Alarms

Portable Shopping Carts

To see everything at once shop all Travel Aids

Bon Voyage and safe travels this holiday season to all of our Allegro customers! We appreciate your business.

Best First Aid Kits for Home, Office and Car

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:52:51 +0000

Help! I’m hurt!

Injuries can happen in a split second. Do you have a first aid kit handy? Everyone should have one at home and in the car, at least, and also at work, school, church or wherever you or your kids spend time. Be responsible. Make sure you have well-stocked first aid kits in easy-to-locate places.

There are several types of first aid kits, designed and pre-packed to contain everything you’ll need to handle certain types of emergencies in different areas such as home, business office or vehicle.

Types of First Aid Kits

HOME FIRST AID KITS

Basic First Aid Kit for Home – This super organized, inexpensive 67-piece first aid kit contains medical supplies used for common injuries such as cuts, sprains, minor burns, insect bites or splinters. It even has a first aid instruction card. Keep this case in an easy-to-find location out of reach of small children. Let older children know what it is, where it is and how it is used. Buy as many as you need to cover your bases.

CAR and TRAVEL FIRST AID KITS

Emergency First Aid Auto Kit - This first aid kit contains emergency aid for your car and emergency aid for minor injuries – all in one. It comes in a durable case and contains bandages, non-stick pads, first aid cream, wipes, alka selzer, pain relievers, tape, tire puncture sealer and a flare. See also the Car First Aid Kit in a Black Nylon Bag

Compact First Aid Kit for Travel – Small and durable, this compact first aid kit is perfect for your boat, backpack, camping gear, vehicle or office. It contains adhesive bandages, tape, various wipes, gauze pads, burn cream and aspirin. Take it with you!

OFFICE FIRST AID KITS

25 Person First Aid Kits - Every office should have at least one first aid kit to cover occasional cuts and abrasions, or for emergencies affecting more individuals at once. Choose from a plastic case or steel case. Kits contain bandages, first aid cream, cold pack, tape, plastic forceps, gloves, pads, gauze, ammonia and more.

50 Person First Aid Kits - First Aid coverage for a mid-sized office. Choose from plastic case or steel case. Each kit varies slightly but basically contain a variety of bandages, pads, gauze, various wipes, ammonia, cold packs, eye wash, plastic forceps, gloves, scissors, tape and first aid guidelines.

100-150 Person First Aid Kit – First Aid coverage for a larger area or emergency preparedness. Durable steel case is portable or can be mounted on the wall. Contains adhesive strips, stretch bandages, gauze pads, wound dressing, adhesive tape, site bandages, iodine, cold packs, ammonia, eye pads, antiseptic, first aid creams, cotton, alcohol, peroxide, aspirin, burn spray, antacids, scissors, tweezers, gloves, tongue depressors, antibiotic, eye wash, sting relief and poison ivy relief.

Shop all First Aid Kits

Shop all Wound Care

Shop all Emergency Preparation

Shop all Disaster Preparation

Shop all Infection Control

Shop all Personal Protection

Do you know what to do if someone cuts themselves? Read First Aid for Cuts and be ready to do the right thing!

Top 10 Daily Living Aids

Valerie Paxton — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:46:22 +0000

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1685 times . . . “If you, your loved one or your patient is having a hard time doing something for themselves or getting somewhere on their own, we probably have an adaptive product to help.”

Out of the 1600+ products in our Daily Living Aids Category, the ones listed below are our most popular – at least as of today anyway. Popularity can be fleeting so check back often. When you click on the category link, the products are automatically displayed in order of bestselling.

Top 10 Daily Living Aids

Aluminum Reacher with Magnetic Tip - Watch out, you may be expected to pick up after yourself if you own this reacher! Light in the hand and light on the wallet this aluminum reacher is affordable enough to keep one in every room.

See all Reachers

Toothette Plus Oral Swabs with Sodium Bicarbonate - Toothettes with sodium bicarbonate nutralize acidity in the mouth, remove debris and mucous and stimulate the gums. Refreshing for anyone who’s not able to brush. Another top Toothette is the Toothette Oral Swabs with Dentifrice – Mint Flavored

Shop all Sage Daily Living Aids

Long Reach Gardening Set + Arm Support Cuff - Reach those weeds with ease with a long handle ergonomic Easi-Grip cultivator, fork, trowel and hoe. Includes an arm support cuff. Ideal for all gardeners!

Shop all Hand Tools

Shop all Easi-Grip tools

Shop all Leisure Daily Living Aids

AZ-1 Portable Automotive Hand Control System - These Colours portable car hand controls are made for use on automatic transmission vehicles for drivers who don’t have the use of their legs. Use them if you’re planning a trip or using a rental car. They collapse for easy storage.

Shop all Automotive Aids

Shop all Colours Wheelchairs and Accessories

Big Lamp Switch - Who needs a clapper when you have a big lamp switch? This three-spoked knob makes turning on and off your lamp (fits most standard lamps) a lot easier. Great for arthritic hands. Spring for the pack of 3 if you have several lamps.

Shop all Around the House

Shop all Ableware

Transfer Board – Wood - This beautiful, smooth wood transfer board ensures a smooth transfer from wheelchair to chair, car, couch or toilet. Choose from various sizes and optional cutout handles for easy carrying and gripping. Holds up to 440 lbs.

Shop all Transfer Boards and Discs

Shop all DMI

UpEasy Lifting Cushion – UpLift Seat Assist - Gently sit and gently rise from your chair or sofa with this handy lifting cushion. Safe and easy to use, it will lift up to 80% of your body weight. Folds flat for easy transport and travel. Take it to church or the theatre!

Shop all Uplift Technologies

Deluxe Overbed Table - Adjusts from 30″ to 45″ with one hand for the optimal height to slurp your soup or work your cross-word puzzle in bed. Features a heavy duty frame and an oversized top. Holds up to 100 lbs. Now that’s some heavy stew!

Shop all Overbed Tables

Shop all Medline

BedCane Bed Rail - No matter which side of the bed you wake up on, this bed rail will be there to provide the support you need to get up and out. Great for fall prevention! Easily adjusts in height to fit your mattress on any size home or hospital bed. Buy one and we’ll throw in a FREE pocket organizer that fits over the bed rail. A hidey hole for all your goodies.

Swinging Door Hinge – Offset Door Hinges w/ Brass Finish - A brilliant and very affordable way to widen your doors an extra 2″ without remodeling. These swinging door hinges make way for wheelchairs and walkers (and maybe even that big piano you’re trying to move out of the parlor) by swinging the door completely clear of the opening.

Shop all DMI

There you have it folks - our Top 10 Most Popular Daily Living Aids as of… well, as of when I started writing this. Popularity changes and new products are added so check the Daily Living Aids category for today’s bestselling aids to daily living!

Thanks for your business. We appreciate your support.

Access Ramps – Choosing the Right Length

Valerie Paxton — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:10:16 +0000

Choosing the right length access ramp is pretty easy once you have the formulas. All you need is a tape measure, a calculator or the handy Ramp Slope Chart (see below) and a keen understanding of what you’re trying to accomplish and you’ll be able to buy a ramp with the right amount of incline. You don’t want the ramp to be too steep, right? In fact, the length of the ramp is at least as critical as the width when it comes to safety, but takes some thought and a little planning.

Once you have the length calculated, you can choose the proper width and type of ramp – depending on how and where it will be used. What a relief to know you will be able to get your mobility scooter into the van; assist an elderly or disabled person up the porch steps; or roll your wheelchair down a terraced walkway with the greatest of ease and safety.

Our buddies at Prairie View Industries (PVI Ramps) shared their ramp slope formulas, ramp slope chart and measurement instructions so we could help you calculate your optimal ramp length. Thanks PVI!

How Long Should My Ramp Be?

To determine your ramp length you first need to determine the rise. The rise is the vertical measurement between the ground and where the top of the ramp is going to sit.

Note: If your rise is more than 24″ (2 feet) please contact a local dealer about a modular system.

PVI recommends not to exceed a 2:12 slope (9.5° ramp incline) on most applications. The slope relates to how steep the ramp is, in degrees of incline. Some ramps may need to meet the ADA’s 1:12 (4.8°) more gradual slope requirements, as specified by your state.

To find a 2:12 slope, take the total rise in inches (vertical measurement between the ground and the top of the step or landing) and divide it by 2. The result is the number of feet of ramp length you need for that rise.

Example: Say you have a 12″ rise. Divide 12 by 2 and you get 6. So a 12 inch rise requires a 6 foot ramp, using the 2:12 ratio.

A 1:12 slope (used by the ADA) would require 1 foot length of ramp for every inch of vertical rise.

Slope Recommendations based on Use of Ramp:

1:12 SLOPE (4.8°) – Gradual, gentle incline, longest ramp. Calculated as 1 foot length of ramp for every 1 inch of total vertical rise (the rise divided by 1). A 5 inch rise requires a 5 foot ramp, a 12 inch rise requires a 12 foot ramp and so on. The ADA recommends this slope for long home ramps as well as commercial ramps. Note: This 1:12 slope works for most strong, unassisted manual wheelchair users, although PVI always recommends assistance.

2:12 SLOPE (9.5°) – Steeper incline, shorter ramp. Calculate length of ramp in feet by dividing total rise by 2 (6″ of ramp length for every 1″ of rise). A 2:12 slope is the maximum acceptable grade (incline) for portable ramps used by occupied chairs and scooters, with a qualified assistant.

3:12 SLOPE (14.5°) – Steepest incline. Calculate the length of ramp by dividing the total rise by 3 (4 feet of ramp length for every 12 inches of rise). This 3:12 ratio should be used only for loading and unloading unoccupied chairs and scooters – (in and out of a truck or van, for example).

Ramp Slope Chart

Photo courtesy of PVI, Inc.

Access Ramp Safety Guidelines

Always have a qualified assistant present when using any portable ramp.
Never exceed a slope greater than 2″ on 12″ (2:12 ratio) with an occupied chair or scooter. Never exceed a slope greater than 3″ on 12″ (3:12 ratio) with an unoccupied chair or scooter.
Always make sure that the top of the ramp is secured on a step or landing before using. It may be necessary to anchor the top of the ramp to the landing surface with steel scurity pins provided.
Make certain there is adequate head clearance prior to loading an occupied chair or scooter into a vehicle.
Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your chair or scooter.
Always use your lap belt.
If your ramp comes with a safety DVD, watch it. All PVI ramps include a DVD.
If you need help, please call Allegro Medical at 800-861-3211.

Shop all Ramps

Shop Prairie View Ramps

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Shop Singlefold/Suitcase Ramps

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Shop Threshold Ramps

Shop Van Mount Ramps

Shop Wheelchair Carriers

Mobility Equipment Buyer’s Guide

Valerie Paxton — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:58:42 +0000

Diminished mobility, temporary or otherwise, can be a real show stopper when it comes to your independence. The reality is, you don’t need to miss another minute of your life because of mobility issues. Just ask any of the millions of wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker and cane users worldwide.

With the large range of mobility products available today, it would be a shame for anyone capable of using them to sit idly by. Let Allegro help you take control of your life, reduce your pain, improve your safety and lessen your dependence on others with a mobility device.

Which Mobility Equipment is Best for You?

Canes

Canes – Canes are most often used to improve your balance as you walk, or to compensate for an injury or disability. No longer whittled out of any old tree branch, walking canes have come a long way in their engineering, usability and comfort.

Your cane should be long enough that you don’t have to bend down to use it (save your back!). You’ll want your elbow to bend at a comfortable angle. Measure from the floor to the crease in your wrist when your arm is hanging straight down from your side. That is the optimal height for the top of the cane.

Stock up on rubber tips so you’ll always have replacements on hand. Check the cane’s weight capacity to ensure it can support your weight. Choose from Standard C Canes (min support, best if used for balance), Specialty Canes, 4-legged Quad Canes (weight bearing) and Hemi Walkers (max support) depending on your stability. Remember when walking with a cane, you hold the cane in the hand opposite of your injured or weak foot. It is used as a counter-balance, not a foot replacement.

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Shop all Cane Accessories

Shop all Crutches

Walkers

Walkers – If you are ambulatory, but you have poor balance or are at risk for falling you are a good candidate for a walker. If you are extremely wobbly, you will want to consider a Standard Walker (no wheels) because of their stability, but keep in mind that they are not as easy to push forward as a two-wheeled walker or a 4-wheeled rollator.

2-Wheeled Walkers let you put weight on the walker as you move. The two back legs have no wheels so the walker won’t roll away while you’re stepping forward, but the wheeled front legs allow you to easily move the walker forward. Brilliant.

If balance isn’t a concern, you’ll move along more quickly with a 4-wheeled walker also called a Rollator. My 96-year old grandmother loves her rollator because it has hand brakes, a seat and a basket . . . and it looks snazzy. Make a fashion statement, dontate to a great charity and support breast cancer awareness by choosing a pink rollator!

Knee Walkers are for those with foot/ankle injuries or surgeries. A great substitute for crutches, a knee walker lets you get around without putting any weight on your foot. We recommend the ones with turning wheels (steerable).

Check the Specialty Walkers category if you’re looking for a child’s gait trainer, a bariatric walker, hemi walker, transport chair/rollator combos and specialty parts.

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Shop all Walker Accessories

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs - Before choosing a wheelchair you must review your goals, lifestyle, current and future needs, living environment, how you will use the wheelchair, whether you will drive a car or transport the chair as a passenger. This evaluation process will help you decide which type(s) of chair will work for you.

For passengers weighing more than 250 lbs, take a look at the manual Heavy Duty Wheelchairs as they are built to hold more weight than a Standard Weight Wheelchair.

Lightweight Wheelchairs are easy to maneuver (reduces upper body stress) and to lift for transport. The frames and components are made of aluminum or titanium so they are very strong, but light. The only drawback may be the passenger weight capacity, so be sure to check. Ultra Lightweight Wheelchairs offer the ultimate freedom and are great for active paraplegic and quadriplegic users.

Many active manual wheelchair users participate in sports using a Sports Chair, designed with cambered wheels and light, tough frames for ultimate contact and maneuverablility on the baskeball or tennis court. If you’re up for the challenge, check out the racing wheelchairs as well.

Transport chairs are a good choice for those who cannot roll themselves in a manual chair. The transport wheelchairs have handles on the back allowing someone to push the passenger. They are a wonderful solution for transporting someone out of the house, to the car, down the hall, around the zoo, through the airport, etc. See all transport chairs, along with pool wheelchairs, transport/rollator combos, beach wheelchairs and travel chairs in Transport/Specialty Chairs.

Power Wheelchairs may be the perfect solution for those who are completely incapable of rolling even a lightweight manual wheelchair. They generally have a tight turning radius so they can get in and out of small spaces. On the flip side, they are generally very heavy and difficult to transport.

Lift and transport your wheelchair (up to 100 lbs) on your trailer hitch with a Wheelchair Carrier.

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Shop all Wheelchair Accessories

Mobility Scooters

Mobility Scooters - For those with limited mobility, poor upper body strength but good manual dexterity, an electric mobility scooter (power scooter) is a fun alternative to a wheelchair. They travel on battery power and have lots of options – which means they demand special consideration when purchasing.

Choose from 3 Wheel Mobility Scooters or 4 Wheel Mobility Scooters, but first please read these helpful buyers guides:

Mobility Scooter Buyers Guides

Whether it is a cane, walker, manual wheelchair, power chair or mobility scooter, we wish you all the best in maintaining your independence and living life to the fullest.

Allegro has mobility experts ready to assist you in choosing your mobility equipment. Please feel free to call our customer service department, toll free at 1-800-861-3211.

Travel Essentials for All Ages

Valerie Paxton — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:38:28 +0000

Everyone deserves a vacation! But admit it . . . travel can be a pain, or completely impossible if you don’t have the essentials for comfort, safety, convenience or mobility. Don’t despair. Allegro has new and unique products to make your vacation not only possible but a whole lot easier and more comfortable. Great gift ideas too.

Prepare for the time of your life with these travel essentials from Allegro Medical.

Travel Essentials for All Ages

Car Travel Essentials - From babies to seniors, here’s everything you need for your carload to be comfy and safe on that next road trip.