Bathroom Assists

Being confined to bed can be tough on both the patient and the caregiver.  The good news is that there are bedridden aids that make daily care much easier on everyone.

Falling at any age is a frightening experience.  Parents with toddlers do all they can to minimize injuries from falls.  Helmets are no longer just for professional bicyclists, all ages wear them to mitigate head injuries from falls.  They’ve become the status quo.  Seniors are especially vulnerable to falls and each year, one in three elderly adults age 65 or older will experience a fall according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).¹   Older adults need help to reduce the risk of falling, especially in the bathroom where a few simple additions can help your loved one remain independent and safe.

“Help is at hand” was the title to the recent New York Post article that featured a number of AllegroMedical.com’s innovative home medical products that make life easier for those with limited mobility. In my interview with the newspaper, I was challenged to highlight a handful of products that have dramatically enhanced the lives of people living with disabilities of physical challenges. Considering that we offer over 37,000 products on our website, and add thousands of new products each year, choosing the top 10 was not easy.

You suffer from osteoarthritis and your knee pain is unbearable. After years of limited mobility and the inability to maintain an active lifestyle, you agree to have an orthopedic surgeon examine your knee. The surgeon determines you are a good candidate for a Total Knee Replacement (TKR). Most patients undergoing TKR are 50 to 80 years of age. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons a reduction of knee pain is experienced by more than 90% of TKR patients. Additionally, basic activities of daily living significantly improved.¹ Preparation for your joint replacement will help ease the stress of major surgery. AllegroMedical.com provides 3 Tips to help you prepare for your Total Knee Replacement Surgery.

Being disabled in today’s society hasn't been easier with a transfer aid. There are countless options for transferring a loved one or yourself in those hard to get at places. Transfer aids are used for many different activities such as getting into a car, using the restroom, taking a bath, and moving into a chair. If a person is able to bear some of their own weight for a short amount of time, there are various products to assist in transferring between two locations ¹. Transfer boards are meant to bear the full weight of the person and are designed to be smooth for easy motion ². As with any medical equipment, careful professional assessment to the individual situation is recommended to ensure that the most proper choice is made.

Originally popular in Europe and Asia, Bidets have been making a splash here in the United States over the past decade. With more and more people traveling and moving, people are bringing their customs and familiar traditions with them to their new residence. Originally invented in France, the bidet was used to wash ones feet ¹. Since then it has evolved into much more, giving users a clean hygienic alternative to using toilet paper.

The Bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house with the highest injury rate in senior adults age 65 and older.  The majority of bathroom injuries are the result of falls.  Exiting the tub or shower is the most dangerous activity for all age groups since bathroom floors and fixtures are more slippery after showering.  Toileting is especially hazardous for aging adults when getting on and off the toilet.   Moving from a sit to stand position after sitting for an extended period of time can cause dizziness that results in falls.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all adults should be aware of bathroom activities that result in the majority of injuries, especially stepping into and out of showers/tubs and standing up from or sitting on toilets.¹ 

Very informative article on hiring caregivers.

Do you think YOU will need long-term care when you get older?

Are you spending more time helping your aging family members?   If your elderly parents, spouse, or loved ones are approaching their seventies and are living 'independently' in their home, you may notice significantly more time and energy is need to assist them with general tasks.   You aren't quite a 'caregiver' for them, but you worry more about their safety and ability to remain independent.  Keeping your aging parents active and independent or enabling a spouse or other family member to stay self-reliant throughout their elder years delays the costs and emotional drain of hiring or providing caregiving.  AllegroMedical.com offers four “Caregiver Approved” products that will provide you with peace-of-mind and help keep your loved ones independent longer.