Tuesday, May 12, 2009

George gets right into the shower


George and his wife Lillian live in Orlando, Florida. George has fallen and now uses a walker for stability both outdoors and in the home. George cannot step into and out of the tub.

George is not comfortable allowing anyone but Lillian to assist him with his bathing needs. Lillian is a slight woman and cannot support George's weig
ht.

After installing an elderly shower George is able to take his walker right into the shower and use the shower seat. Lillian can easily assist George, however with the use of bathroom safety grab bars and a fold down shower chair for the elderly.

George has been able to shower without assistance.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Handicap Access Showers

handicap access shower for handicapped accessibility

Handicap Accessible Showers are easier to get in and out of than conventional showers or bathtubs.

By Installing a handicap shower stall with the shower floor level with the bathroom floor it allows seniors, the disabled and people of all ages to enjoy safe and comfortable bathrooms without sacrificing style.

Eliminating the 'curb' helps people with limited mobility to enjoy a walk in shower or for a wheelchair to be rolled directly into the shower over a collapsible water dam.

Caregivers can easily assist in transfers when you replace your bathtub with a roomy roll in shower stall.

An Accessible or ADA Shower is Safe and Comfortable for People of All Abilities.

Increase your Freedom and Independence in Bathing.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Oops Mama Fell – Get the Block and Tackle ( Handicapped Showers)

I’d rather leap down a flight of stairs blind-folded than to watch an elder fall. Falling is a very embarrassing experience for anybody and especially harmful to our seniors. As we age our bones become fragile and can break with ease. Once a bone gets broken such as a hipbone, it is all down hill from there. They may never fully recover. A senior falling can be the equivalent of a death sentence.

Almost half of our thoroughbred Americans fall every year. This statistic is way too high and needs to be lowered. By taking preventive measures we can greatly reduce this number.

Female caregivers have a disadvantage when caring for the elderly. As I was visiting some caregiver support groups I noticed some women caregivers were having trouble lifting their loved ones when they fall. They were pondering to rent a hoist because they weren’t strong enough to lift them. I suggested they search for some walking aids to prevent the falls.

Below are some useful tips that will assist you in preventing elders from falling.

1) Make sure they have a high protein diet to strengthen muscles.

2) Buy them a good pair of running shoes with good arch support.

3) Install high watt light bulbs so they can see better (As we age our eyes require more light.)

4) Ensure they have a good diet and take vitamins for proper nourishment.

5) Remove lamps because elders have a tendency to reach for items to stabilize themselves and lamps easily fall. (Install overhead lights)

6) Install night-lights in the bedroom and bathroom.

7) Assist them walking every opportunity you can.

8) Elevate their legs with a footstool so blood doesn’t linger there.

9) Install ledges or rails on wall areas where they often feel unsteady.

10) Get them a walker or other assistance.

11) Make the home handicapped showers accessible. (Handicap showers have no ledges to climb over and offer a seat)

12) Inspect home for loose thresholds, moving rugs or other falling hazards.

13) Keep their ears clean to enable balance. (Consult your Doctor)

14) Be certain they have proper vision aids to see where they are going.

15) Encourage them to stretch their legs at times by bending over.

16) Rub their legs with lotion and massage those muscles to stimulate them.

17) Monitor their diet so they do not become overweight.

18) Offer them Tylenol to prevent aching muscles and bones.

19) Eliminate clutter and any unsafe or unneeded items for clear pathways.

20) Constantly search for ways to prevent falling before it happens.

By taking some of the steps above we can prevent many seniors from falling and allow them to keep on trucking. Christmas is coming soon and would be a perfect time to have granny sporting around in her new tennis shoes. Lets allow our seniors to safely enjoy their lives.

Handicapped Showers

Physically impaired individuals always have a tough time in meeting even the very basic requirements of daily life. What makes it harder for them is to face unfamiliar situations in changing surroundings.

They need help to perform basic tasks such as brushing teeth or showering. That is why it is important for them to get help in the form of devices that help them to perform daily tasks. There are a number of devices that have made life easier for the handicapped. Handicapped showers are among the devices that help the handicapped.

Handicapped people are unable to use bathrooms without custom-built facilities. The physically impaired are not able to stand in the shower for the required amount of time. It is necessary to make physical adjustments in the bathroom to make bathrooms more disabled friendly.

There are many companies, which manufacture special equipments for the use of the handicapped people. There are different types of bathtubs customized for the handicapped. Stand in showers makes it easier for the disabled to take a shower. Showers designed for the handicapped make it easier for them to shower.

Another important thing a handicapped person needs while taking bath is the grabbing bar. A grabbing bar prevents a handicapped person from slipping in the bathroom. A grabbing bar is as a matter of fact very essential to prevent accidents that may take place in a handicapped person’s bathroom.

There are some other things that are required in a handicapped person’s bathroom such as special stools to sit on. A specific type of stool is very convenient for the use of handicapped people. Such a stool is fitted on the walls of the bathroom to enable a handicapped person to sit.

Handicapped people need special arrangements in the loo also. Hence, handicap-friendly commode seats should be installed for them for their convenience.

Handicap Showers and Bathroom Accessories

Sometimes it is difficult to choose handicap showers that will accommodate loved ones, or even yourself. However, today it is easy to purchase handicap products, since technology has advanced. Today, you will find a wide array of handicap products, including the showers. When considering however, you might think of the showers that are used in adult foster care homes, nursing homes, etc. Stay along this line. Most people find this one works very nicely for their needs.

How is the showers used?
Handicap showers allow those with immobility issues to lie down while showering, rather than sitting up. People that cannot sit up they can lie down on a shower bed and enjoy their shower. Most people will use a chair when they cannot stand in the shower. Having the right equipment is essential, since it reduces stress. Most elderly people find it difficult to bath and shower without stressing, which is why many elderly people will stop bathing. Handicap showers encourage the person, since they can relax and enjoy a nice bath.

Tell me more about the handicap showers:
Let me explain this shower to you so that you will understand it a little better. The handicap showers are made for shower chairs and beds. These showers make it easier to put the people in and out of the showers. The showers do not have any bumps to go over they are just like a bathroom floor, in most cases the bathroom floor has a drain for the water to drain into.

The shower looks almost like a room of its own. The showers are large, but most caregivers enjoy the luxury the shower brings them. It has the soap dispenser, which you attach on the wall. The dispenser combined makes it easy to store shampoo and get to it with ease. The concept is to save time when showering, since everything you need is at your disposal. The shower is large enough that the caregiver can stand in the shower comfortably without getting wet.

How can I find the handicap showers?
You can purchase the handicap showers at any medical store. Perhaps your local Home Depot may have handicap products. You may want to go on line and check out the different products, since technology as created a number of styles to select.

What are these showers made of?
In most instances, the showers are similar to brick tiles. However, some showers are made of fiberglass.

How do I maintain the shower?
You can maintain the shower as you would any other shower. You have to clean the shower by spraying it down with cleaning supplies. The best cleaning supplies is the mildew and mold cleaners, since showers produce moisture. The sprays will help keep mildew and mold away. In addition, there are long brushes used to clean hard spots and above the head. The brushes are great for reaching areas you ordinary could not reach.

How is the patient kept safe by using this shower?
Like all showers, you have to watch for water under your feet. There is a non-slip surface on the floor of the shower so no one should fall. Most times, if you are careful the patient is fine, yet in few cases the patient may slip and fall. In this case, seek medical care immediately.

Should I consider other bathroom accessories?
Sure, you can purchase handheld showerheads to complement your handicap shower. In addition, you have choices of seat mounts and grab bars, which you can chose the pre-install units, making it easy for everyone. In addition, you can combine handicap tubs and shower to make life easier as well.

Image Bathrooms can supply beautiful and affordable Bathroom Accessory. and products for all styles and tastes. Find out how Image Bathrooms can expand your horizons.