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!

The list price for the Tornado Body Dryer is $1,895.  For more information, click here

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.

Picture Source:  Maxi aids

Buttoning requires precise fine motor control.  Someone with weak hands, or who has suffered from a stroke or has arthritis may have a hard time with buttons.  Fortunately, a button hook can help.  The device only requires one hand and can make you independent with dressing once again.  They cost between $8-$20 depending on the make and model.  They can be purchased through online sites such as Life Solutions Plus, Maxi aids, and Sammons Preston.

Picture Source:  Better Homes and Gardens Store

An electric can opener can be beneficial to anyone and may be especially useful to individuals with arthritis. Using an electric can opener can reduce strain on your joints and conserve energy.  Electric can openers are readily available at most local retailers and range in price from $15 and up depending on the brand and available features.

Picture Source:  Maxi Aids.com

Dycem can make life a lot easier.   It is a non-skid surface that can be used to prevent items from slipping and sliding.  It often comes in a roll, but is also available in individual place mat sizes.  Place Dycem under items like cups, plates, and measuring cups to prevent sliding while using.  A roll costs around $30 and can be purchased at online sites such as Maxi Aids.com. Individual place mat sizes are available at Independent Living Aids.com and cost around $12.