Picture Source:  North Coast Medical.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, you may be ready get out your holiday decorations.  Well, if you suffer from Arthritis and have a hard time grasping small objects, opening some of your storage or other household containers, or have difficulty unplugging electrical cords, consider using an Adjustable Gripping Tool.  It is lightweight, made of plastic and has texturized rubber jaws.  It also adjusts 13 different widths and fits items up to 3-1/4″.  It cost around $30 and can be purchased at online stores such as North Coast Medical.

Picture Source: North Coast Medical

Does arthritis or hand weakness prevent you from doing simple daily activities like opening your milk carton?  Consider using a Milk carton opener.  It allows you to open a milk carton in two easy steps.  Split the opening to open the carton flaps and then pierce.  Now you can have your cereal.  A Milk Carton opener can be purchased at sites such as North Coast Medical for around $19.

Picture Source:  Improvements Catalog.com

This week’s tip was about using long handled cleaning tools to reduce the amount of bending and reaching needed to clean your house.  Well, here are a couple of sites you can order these long handled cleaning tools.  They include: Amazon.com and Improvements Catalog.com.  Prices range from $12-$40 depending on the brand features.

Picture source:   Drug Supply Store.com

Carrying grocery bags can wear on your joints and cause you to make several trips to the car.  Protect your joints by using a rolling cart.  Using a push cart can make life easier.  Instead of making several trips and carrying your groceries inside your house, you can place them in your cart and simply roll it to your destination.  Prices for carts can start at $20 and can be purchased at online stores such as Target and Drug Supply Store.com.

Picture Source:  Tornado Body Dryer

After Shower Safety and Privacy

Finished showering? Individuals with arthritis pain, balancing issues, or limited mobility and dexterity find it a challenge to towel dry. Contorting to reach their back and legs is frustrating, painful and a safety hazard.  Those who submit to assistance, suffer the loss of privacy and dignity.

Don’t reach for a towel or ask for an assistant. Instead, stay in your warm shower and simply activate the Tornado Body Dryer to be wrapped in a blanket of soothing, swirling, warm air that gently and completely dries you from head to toe.

– Also great for those with ultra-sensitive skin –

Benefits

*Dry the hard-to-reach areas   * Reduce chance of falling   * No more damp/smelly towels

* Reduce condensation & mildew   * Green: 70% less energy compared to towel usage * Safe to use with a wheelchair

* See www.tornadobodydryer.com FAQ’s for more info!

It  typically costs between $2 and $3,000 to buy and install a body dryer

Picture Source:  Maxi Aids.com

Do you get tired standing while showering in your tub/shower?  Or, do you have balance issues? Consider using a tub bench/shower chair.  They come in various shapes and sizes and with and without back support depending on your needs.  Tub/shower benches increase safety inside the bathtub/shower by allowing you to sit instead of stand while showering, which reduces the likelihood of falls.  They can be purchased at local medical supply companies and through websites such as, Sammons Preston.com ,  MaxiAids.com and RehabMart.com.  Prices can range from $60 to $200 depending on their features

The Uplift Power Seat, an electric-powered and portable lifting seat helps lift you from your favourite armchair or sofa. It can be used in most armchairs and sofas. Simply flicking a lever can lift or lower 100% of the user’s weight up to 300 lbs.  The lever is detachable and can be used from either side of the seat. Non-slip material on the base prevents shifting on seating surfaces and a built-in handle makes carrying easy. It is best for use around the home, or where power is easily available. The Power Seat is available in two brands, Uplift and UPEASY.

Uplift Power Seat:

-U.S. Medicare reimbursable (visit www.up-lift.com for more information)

-Slow-release memory foam cushion

-Water resistant coating for east care and cleaning

-Cushion cover is waterproof and washable

-Weight: 12 lbs

-One year warranty

-Suggested retail price: $329.99

-Contact customer service at 1-800-387-0896 to find a HME provider in your area carrying this product

UPEASY Power Seat:

-Value priced, not Medicare reimbursable

-High density molded polyurethane foam cushion

-Water resistant for easy care and cleaning

-Cushion cover is washable

-Weight: 12 lbs

-One year warranty

-Suggested retail price: $159.99

- Can be purchased online on sites such as www.amazon.com, www.csnstores.com, and www.improvelife.com

-Can also be purchased throughout many home medical equipment supply stores

-To locate an HME store carrying this product in your area please refer to the “where to buy” section on www.up-lift.com or contact customer service at 1-800-387-0896

Picture Source:  Abledata.com

Do you use a walker around the home or to get around in your community?  Consider getting a basket for your walker.  A walker basket can be very beneficial.  Instead of walking and carrying items in your hands, place them in your basket.  This frees up your hands when walking and can help you make less trips by putting the things you need frequently in your basket instead of walking to get it.  Walker baskets can be purchased from local medical supply companies as well as online through stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Sears.   Prices can range from $15 to $25 depending on the brand.

Picture Source:  Independent living aids

Burns from baking can be very painful.  They can be especially bad for older people with frail skin as well as for those with diabetes and sensitive skin.  Using an oven rack guard can protect you from burning yourself while using your oven.  They are easily snapped on the front of standard oven racks and can be purchased through online catalogs such as Independent living aids

Picture Source:  Lowes.com

Hand held showers are great for all ages and all homes because they can be used from a mounted position or held in the hand. People who use shower benches/stools like those who have had knee and hip replacements and who’ve suffered a stroke, often use hand held showers because it makes hygiene management easier.  Hand held showers can be purchased at home maintenance stores such as Lowes’ and Home Depot.