Aug 9

Walking sticks have always been used by the blind and the elderly for mobility assistance. Nowadays, due to the development of modern technologies, many different types of equipment, such as rollators, have been available to assist the blind and the elderly. Nevertheless, walking sticks remain to be the simplest, cheapest, and easiest mobility tool to use.

Unlike crutches, canes are only intended for balance, not as a support to the user’s full weight. Use discretion and common sense in the use of canes, which are very thin, or have a dual use or feature. For instance, for a sore ankle, use a support cane, not a sword cane. To get the most out of your walking stick or cane, you need to use one, which is the appropriate size for you.

There are two simple ways to determine the right walking stick size.

The first one is to measure the user. When having someone measure your cane size for you, put on your walking shoes. Note that different heel heights of varying shoes may change your size. Stand naturally upright. Let your arms fall to the sides in a relaxed manner. You will need the measurement between your wrist down to the floor.

Another way is to divide your height by two, and convert it to inches. However, measuring the distance between your wrist and the floor is much more accurate.

Jul 26

Rollators are a kind of wheeled walker with brakes, which is designed to hold upper-body weight and assist people with walking limitations to enjoy greater mobility and shun fatigue.

Different from traditional medical walkers, which need to be raised with each step, a rollator glides easily across flat indoor and outdoor surfaces, and may be customized with a multitude of options, which allow for ease and convenience.

If you are thinking of buying one, speak with your therapist first and ask for some advice on models and components that best accommodate your lifestyle, needs, and size.

The following are some factors you need to consider when purchasing a rollator:

Brake System
Your brakes need to be easy to reach and aptly responsive for safety.

Cable brakes, like the ones used on bicycles. The user squeezes the breaks with both hands and the wheels instantly stop. There are also one-handed cable brake systems for people who only have strengh in one hand.

Slow down brakes can be useful when the user is finding the walker is rolling too fast for them to control the walker.

Park brakes are essential when the rollator has a seat and you need to sit down.  It will stop the rollator or walker from moving and reduce the incidence of falls.

Frame Type
There are frames built with either steel or aluminum. Steel frames are stronger and heavier than aluminum, and is designed to sustain greater body weight. However, aluminum frames are lighter and easier to push for those weighing less than 100 kgs or 15 stone.

Handle Adjustment
Opt for a model that allows you to adjust the handles to a suitable height for your size. A number of designs permit a greater range of adjustment than others allow, so be sure to test it before buying to make sure that you feel the comfort and the proper fit.

Number and Size of Wheels
A rollator can be either three-wheeled or four-wheeled. Three-wheeled models are easier to maneuver around corners and in tight spaces. Nevertheless, four wheels are more stable.

Wheel size is one more concern. If you are inclined to spend a lot of time outdoors and on uneven surfaces, decide on a model with larger wheels. Small wheels are designed for indoor use and flat surfaces.

In addition to a variety of fashionable designs and colors, you can setup your wheeled walker with other accessories including baskets, a soft seat, cane holder, cup holder, basket bags, oxygen tank holder, back rests, and other features.

DoAbility UK offers the widest range of the latest and most affordable rollators that will suit your every need.

Jun 20

There are a few conditions that are disheartening and tragic as cerebral palsy, but there is nothing more heartbreaking than a child struggling with the dreadful disease.

Cerebral palsy is a group of diverse conditions that cause varying levels of motor and sometimes mental dysfunction. Most children who suffer from cerebral palsy experience difficulty performing simple functions such as moving, speaking, and eating due to damaged nerves, tendons, muscles, and bones. There is also an increased chance of mental retardation in children who have cerebral palsy.

Unfortunately, there is no way to project whether or not a child will suffer from cerebral palsy. Even though there are certain controllable variables during early stages of pregnancy that can predict a possibility of cerebral palsy, most of the situations that may cause a child to develop this devastating and life-changing condition occur just before or during childbirth. An experienced and vigilant obstetrician can address a large number of these problems. Nonetheless, a moment’s distraction, clumsiness, or hesitation can inflict a lifetime of misery on a child and their parents.

On the other hand, with proper therapy, many people with cerebral palsy can still lead normal lives. Even those with very severe disabilities can improve their condition significantly, even though they will never be able to live independently.

Approximately 25% of children with cerebral palsy have mild involvement with few or no limitations in walking, self-care, and other activities. Approximately half are moderately impaired to the extent that complete independence is unlikely but function is satisfactory. Only 25% are so severely disabled that they require extensive care and are unable to walk.

Of the 75% of children with cerebral palsy who are eventually able to walk, many rely on mobility equipment. The ability to sit unsupported may be a good predictor of whether or not a child will walk. Many children who can sit unsupported by age 2 years eventually get to walk, while those who cannot sit unsupported by age 4 years probably will not walk. These children will use wheelchairs to move around.

People with milder forms of cerebral palsy have the same life expectancy as the general population. Those with severe forms of cerebral palsy typically have a shorter life span, especially if they have many medical complications.

Some studies have found that abnormalities of muscle tone or movement in the first several weeks or months after birth may gradually improve over the first years of life. In one study, almost 50% of very young infants thought to have cerebral palsy and 66% of those thought to have spastic diplegia outgrew these signs of cerebral palsy by age 7 years. Many children do not manifest full motor signs that are suggestive of cerebral palsy until aged 1-2 years. Thus, some propose that the diagnosis of cerebral palsy should be deferred until the child is aged 2 years.

There are many cases of children with cerebral palsy who grow up to have a normal life. Although this is possible, it is surely not an easy feat. To bring positive change in the condition of children who have cerebral palsy, they would have to undergo several therapies and would also have to be given special attention in schools.

Every child with cerebral palsy may need a different kind of therapy, according to the severity of the disorder. Teaching and training a child with this disorder is not a single person’s job. The major contributors in this case are the parents, who have to first cope with the fact that their child is different from others. It also includes the combined efforts of the physical therapist, doctors, special education teachers, and psychologists.

Physical therapists help children with cerebral palsy in developing simple motor skills. Physical therapy helps them in learning how to walk with their braces, as well as to stand and move around without help. They may also be taught to kick a ball and to ride a bicycle, provided the disability allows.

In addition to this, enrolling children in special schools will also do well with their development. Teachers at special schools are trained to teach children with disabilities. Teachers of special children are expected to show great patience with such children. In special schools, every child is given individual attention and the curriculum is also planned so as to cater to their individual needs. All this helps to develop the child’s abilities with a view to foster his independent / near independent functioning at a later stage.

Some children with cerebral palsy are capable of attending mainstream schools with normal children of their age. A teacher who has such child in her class need not change the whole curriculum, but needs to deal a little differently with the disabled child. One should understand that the child is not like the other kids and may take a little more time to understand or respond to what is happening in the class. However, they should not be treated very differently. These kids should not be judged only by their disability, but should be encouraged to think and participate in the activities of the class. It has been observed that children who attend regular schools from a very young age, show great improvement. It is also good for the other children in the class because this will develop feelings of compassion towards individuals who are different from them.

One very important thing to remember is that children with cerebral palsy may have a disability but that does not make them weak or incapable. Giving them training and teaching them skills to be independent from an early age would surely prove beneficial. One must keep in mind that children born with cerebral palsy are differently-abled kids, who have every right to live a normal and successful life.

For the latest mobility tools and equipment in helping your child cope with cerebral palsy, visit DoAbility UK.

Dec 10

During the Christmas season a lot of people travel in and out of town to be with their family and friends.
And because of this, I would like to share some air travel tips for those who are using mobility equipment, especially wheelchairs and scooters.

1. Make your airline reservation as far in advance as possible.

2. Inform the reservations agent that you will be traveling with a wheelchair or scooter.

3. Tell them if you need assistance in boarding.

4. If you will be taking a long flight and you are able to use a standard plane restroom but are unable to walk to the restroom, ask that they make an aisle chair (narrow straight back chair with wheels underneath designed to fit an aisle of an airplane and is used to assist passengers that cannot walk) available for you during the flight. Some airplanes have a privacy curtain that includes the aisle that would allow a companion to assist you. Keep in mind, though, that airplane restrooms are quite small.

5. On newer wide-bodied jets, there is one accessible restroom. It is large enough to fit the aisle chair inside, making it possible to transfer to the toilet. These planes generally carry an aisle chair, but it is best to confirm if one will be on board.

6. Always make sure that they have a record of your requests 48 hours prior to departure.

7. Some planes have lift up arm rests on some of the aisles. You can request to be seated there if they are available. It makes transferring easier. Some passengers prefer to request bulkhead seats that have more legroom, but the arm rests on these seats do not lift up.

8. On the day of your departure, arrive early at the airport.

9. Always check your wheelchair or scooter at the boarding gate and request that it be brought back to you at the gate when you arrive.

10. It is suggested that you use gel- or foam-filled batteries (dry cells) in your scooter or power chair. Standard acid-filled batteries or wet cells will be removed by ground crew and packed in special containers for transport.

11. If you use a fold up manual wheelchair, you can request that it be stowed in the on-board coat closet. Usually, there is only room for one wheelchair and the service is available on a first come first serve basis, so you should arrive early to make your request. (Not all planes, though, have a coat closet.)

12. Make sure your name and address is on your equipment and that it has a gate delivery tag if it is being stowed below.

13. If you have to change planes, request that your own equipment be returned for the layover. This not only gives you independence while in the terminal, it reduces the risk of it getting lost or damaged. Since wheelchair users are usually the last to get off the plane, make sure you allow enough time to make your connection. At least an hour, and at big airports at least an hour and a half.

14. Remove seat cushions and any other parts that could easily become separated from the wheelchair. Take these items into the cabin with you. Attach instructions on scooters or power chairs detailing how and where to disconnect the batteries, including instructions for any other disassembly or prep that might be necessary for transport. If you have a large power chair, be aware that on some planes like the MD80’s or Super 80’s the cargo opening is only 26″ high, therefore some disassembly may be required. Having instructions on your equipment are very important because the crew at the other end didn’t see how it came apart.

15. If you need assistance transferring to the plane seat, take responsibility for yourself, and tell the staff how to help you or pick you up. They should be trained, but it is always safer not to assume anything.

16. Before landing, remind the flight attendant that you will need your equipment brought to the gate so they can radio ahead to make the arrangements. This can help speed things up.

17. If you encounter any problems, ask to speak to the “Complaint Resolution Officer” (CRO). Each air carrier is required to have a CRO available by phone or in person at all times. This person is specially trained in dealing with issues of travelers with disabilities.

18. If you are traveling with a scooter or power chair, make sure you arrange for transportation that will be able to accommodate your equipment upon arrival.

19. You may also opt to rent a mobility equipment at your destination. Many theme parks and other attractions that require a lot of walking have scooters or wheelchairs available for lease.

For more mobility equipment information, check out www.doability.co.uk

Dec 8

‘Tis the season to be jolly.. however, some people go into depression during the Christmas season. This is mostly true for those who are away from their loved ones during this time of the year, and also for our disabled and elderly loved ones who feel that they cannot be part of the merriment and celebration.

Depression is often synonymous to being sad. Sadness is a part of being human, a natural reaction to painful circumstances. All of us will experience sadness at some point in our lives, although not everyone will really succumb into depression.

Depression is not just limited to sadness. Sometimes it is caused by discouragement, helplessness, and a lack of self-worth. In some cases, it becomes a medical condition, a physical illness with many other symptoms than just an unhappy mood.

While depression can hit any one in all ages and in all walks of life, nobody is more prone to it than people with disabilities and the elderly. For the disabled, depression comes from the feeling of helplessness experienced as a result of their disability and lack of independence. They feel and believe that there is nothing they can do on their own, and worse, it leads to a feeling of emotional and mental emptiness. The elderly are at high risk for depression, too, because they are more likely to have experienced illness, death of loved ones, impaired function, and loss of independence compared to younger people. The cumulative effect of negative life experiences may be overwhelming to an older person. Not to mention the physical impairments caused by old age. In general, they pretty much have the same experiences as the disabled.

There is hope though for these people, since in many cases depression can be avoided or eliminated all together. Here are a few helpful tips to reduce depression:

  • The first and most important thing to do to get out of depression is to set your mind. You have to convince yourself to stop becoming a “victim” of depression. Stop dwelling on what you cannot do or what you cannot control. Believe that you are not helpless. Think positively.
  • Once you have set your mind to it, the second step is to consider what you can still do. In short, count your blessings. Focus on what you have, what you can do and what you can use. Plan to use them to your advantage.
  • The third step is to take action. Execute your plan. Of course, if depression is a reaction to an illness, or caused by a disease, then the best way is to cure that disease or illness first. For the disabled and elderly, there are living aids that help reduce the feeling of helplessness causing the depression. Mobility equipments aid people with disabilities and the elderly to be more independent and live a normal life, and this is really the most important step in battling depression. These devices have been specifically designed to aid people in maneuvering around with minimal effort and facilitating tasks, from opening a jar of jam to using the bathroom.

Depression can be beaten. It is just a matter of having the personal will to get out of it. Of course, a little bit of support from friends and family wouldn’t hurt as well.

*** For all your disability equipment needs to assist in getting rid of depression, visit www.doability.co.uk.

Nov 21

In my previous article, I focused on how medical organizations from around the world try to reduce harm from falls in their own facilities on a macro level. Now I am going to delve on more practical advice on how to reduce the incidence of falls within our homes or workplace.

Risk assessment provides a useful framework when tackling accidents caused by trips, slips and falls. Here is a five-step approach for this:

1. Look out for anything that may cause an accident. It could be objects lying around the floor like toys or rubbish; a wet floor; or basically, the proverbial banana peel that can cause people to slip.

2. Identify and decide who is at risk. It could be young children, the handicapped, or the elderly.

3. Take preventive measures, like doing repairs or renovations, making sure the area is regularly cleaned and cleared of any obstruction.

4. Keep a record of what you have changed. Now this one is a bit of a stretch to expect at home, but for commercial establishments and public places, it is certainly necessary.

5. Continually monitor your living space or work area. This is more of a continuation of the first 4 steps. It wouldn’t be effective if you just stop at recording and don’t follow through, so there has to be constant monitoring.

Now here are more practical tips to prevent the incidence of falls:

- Keep pathways clear. Arrange your furniture in a way that it allows easy movement, and not serve as an obstruction. Clean pathways and remove any unnecessary clutter, like boxes, telephone cords, and loose wires from high-traffic areas. Make pathways that are wide enough for plenty of people to use, to avoid possible collision.

- Provide ample light. Make sure areas like hallways and stairways are well lit. Have rechargeable emergency lights and flashlights handy in case of power outages.

- Safeguard stairways. Keep stairways in good repair. Make sure all stairways have sturdy railings and that steps have a non-skid surface.

- Secure rugs and flooring. Secure loose rugs and carpets with tacks or a slip-resistant backing. Repair frayed carpet and loose floorboards. Avoid small throw rugs as much as possible.

- Keep your bathroom safe. Install grab bars in your shower or bath and near your toilet. Use non-skid mats in the shower or bath.

- Keep necessities handy. Store supplies, clothing, dishes, food, and other everyday items within easy reach.

You can improve your general well-being, and help reduce the risk of trips and falls by keeping yourself active and healthy. A good way to make your muscles stronger and to improve your balance is to have a regular exercise and a proper diet. You do not have to go to the gym to remain active. Simple tasks, like gardening, regular house work, and walking can boost energy levels and improve coordination and balance.

Exercise is very important for older people since they are more prone to falling.

*** For all your disability equipment needs, visit www.doability.co.uk.

Jul 21

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently published a study on the correlation of injuries related to walking aids and its proper usage. The study was conducted using ER records from 2001 until 2006. It was found out that that a total of more than 47,000 American senior citizens are sent to emergency rooms each year, with a third of this number requiring hospitalization.

Some findings of the study include:

  • 6 out of 10 accidents associated with walkers and canes occur at home.
  • People 85 years and older are more susceptible to fall-related injuries; the study shows that the chances of accidents involving walkers and canes increase with age.
  • 33% of accidents involving walkers and 28% of accident involving canes required hospitalization.

This is rather alarming. Walking aids and other mobility equipment are created to assist the elderly and the disabled to keep them safe.

“Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain their mobility. However, it′s important to make sure people use these devices safely,”" said Judy Stevens, Ph.D., the study’s lead author. “Walkers are often used by frail and vulnerable older adults; people for whom falls, if they occur, can have very serious health consequences.”

Now that even the walking aids that we rely upon to assist our elderly is questionable, what can we do about it? Are there other underlying issues we need to address to keep our elderly safe? Note that the study involved American senior citizens. From whom do we have to expect action on this matter? Social welfare? The health ministry? Or the manufacturers of mobility equipment?

What can we learn from the study?

From this study we can learn that having walking aids is not enough to assist the elderly. It is also important that they are provided with quality walking aids and are knowledgeable in how to use such aids correctly and safely. It is highly recommended that physical therapists provide counseling to teach the elderly, as well as their caregivers, how to properly use walkers, canes, scooters and other mobility equipment. Doctors and other health care professionals must also take time in ensuring that a walking aid or any other mobility equipment fits properly with the user’s stature.

A concern is raised.

The study was conducted with American seniors as subjects and findings show that the problem stems from incorrect usage of walkers and canes. However, one cannot help but surmise if the problem is also aggravated by the quality of mobility equipment. How can the quality of one brand compare with another? It cannot be denied that equipment with inferior quality contribute to accidents. However, we cannot prove anything without numbers or statistics. The study did not mention anything about the quality of walkers and canes and how it relates to the number of accidents relating to fall, but it remains to be something worth looking into, for the welfare of our elderly.

For a full copy of the study, visit the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Apr 2

Volaris rollators are noted for their sleek, modern, high quality, functional design which makes this product appealing to a wide range of users at a reasonable cost.

They are all easily adjustable to so that they are comfortable to individual users.

The Volaris Advanced Braking System is distinctive in that the brakes can be applied with minimal effort. Other features include the flexible ‘comfort frame’ which allows the rollator to remain stable on uneven surfaces. The frame flexes enabling the wheels to remain on the ground when going over bumps.

The X-folded design facilitates folding and allows the rollator to stand steady in the folded position. The small space-saving profile make it convenient to store in small rooms and compact for travel and placing in the car.

There are a wide range of accessories available.

Basket

A very popular and appreciated accessory. Can be used for shopping and at home.

Walking stick or crutch holder

Makes the walking stick or crutch easy to find. Consist of two parts. A simple attachment mechanism and a cup lower down to hold the crutch or walking stick in position.

Curb climber

Makes it easier to mount a curb or steps.

Bag

Water resistant bag with carry handles and lid.

Tray

Environmentally friendly tray which stays in place thanks to high friction knobs on the backside of the tray.

Slow down brake

Adjustable brake which increases the resistance against the wheels to slow the rollator down if the user is concerned the rollator will roll too fast. The slow down brakes are mounted on the rear wheels.

Backrest

Increases comfort and safety when sitting on the rollator. Reduces the risk of the user falling over backwards when seated on the rollator.

Oxygen Holder

Holder which makes it possible for the safe transportation of oxygen cylinders. Available for 2.5 litre and 5 litre bottles.

Transport strap

The transport strap holds the rollator in the folded position. Convenient when lifting the rollator in the car.

If you would like to see these new and innovative walkers, please visit us at Naidex from the 28th to 30th of April at the NEC stadium in Birmingham (Stand G160).

Alternatively contact Doability UK Ltd, www.doability.co.uk.

Oct 20

Those with experience in looking through available mobility products, particularly those searching for inexpensive products, realize that this is never easy. If something goes wrong with the product, it can be quite a hassle to send it back.

Electric comfort beds, reclining chairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are among the mobility products that are often purchased cheaply. The products often take a long time to repair when they break down. Therefore, many disability companies only offer high quality products that are more durable and will last longer, even if it means having to offer them at somewhat of a higher price. In the end, however, this can make for a better investment with the reassurance that maintenance costs are low and the product is less likely to breakdown.

Since very few people can afford to buy expensive products, most of the difficulty comes from being unsure which types of mobility products to purchase. It is a tough decision to pick between expensive or cheap equipment. The ideal solution to this problem is to thoroughly investigate the product before you make a purchase. You should find out the average price that a high quality product sells for, and also, what type of service you will be getting for that price.

Over the years, mobility products and equipment have made a great deal of advancements, from being something unavailable at one time to assisting in nearly every aspect of leading a normal, independent life. All accessories have been specifically designed to aid people in manoeuvring around with minimal effort and facilitating tasks from opening a jar of jam to using the bathroom. This is often the best option for those who are unable to afford twenty-four hour care.

It’s best to approach manufacturers when purchasing a product to trial/test the product for a time to allow you to get a better feel for it. All manufacturers should offer this automatically, especially if you are purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter, and there normally should be no extra charging for trials.
Before purchasing any mobility equipment, it’s a good idea to ask manufacturers about their long-term policies and services. Be sure to ask the manufacturer where you can buy replacement accessories such as batteries and chargers.

You should also do some research to learn about pricing beforehand to get just to familiarize yourself with the average price of the chosen product. Choosing the most inexpensive mobility products doesn’t always translate to a top quality product, yet conversely neither does spending an exorbitant amount of money.

Oct 15

The modern marketplace has a lot of different sorts of mobility equipment available to help the disabled and elderly. Time and thought should be invested before you purchase any type of mobility equipment. Some of the factors to consider are flexibility, comfort level, and cost.

Wheelchairs provide excellent mobility both indoors and outside. You can purchase a wheelchair that is either manually operated or motorized. Manual wheelchairs are relatively inexpensive, though they are best used by those who can propel their own wheelchairs. The greatest advantage of motorized wheelchairs is that they do not require human effort, since they use a built-in motor and run on a power supply or a battery. Portable ramps made of steel or aluminium can also be purchased to help navigate steps.

Check the wheelchairs for comfort because misaligned seat or the seating position can bring inconvenience and amplify your pain. Today’s wheelchairs can be customized to meet the needs of a wide variety of physical disabilities.

Disabled people can ascend and descend a staircase using a stair lift. They attach a rail to the stairs, and on the rail is a chair the rider can sit on. This costs less than an in home elevator or a platform lift. Some factors you want to look at in your search for a chair lift are the height and width, and whether they’d fit the person who’s going to use it. Additionally, it will need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the person who will be using it. It is also wise to check how much power it uses, how flexibly and smoothly it operates, safety tips, and warranties.

Motorized scooters can be customized to meet the individual needs of people with disabilities. The rider will be kept safe with enhanced safety features. People with disabilities can now move around their environment more freely with help from a variety of mobility equipment.

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