http://library.rehabmart.com Rehabmart.com : Tools for the Job of Living - A blog to help you make better decisions about selecting medical products en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:30:20 GMT 30 http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-benefits-of-blood-drawing-chairs http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-benefits-of-blood-drawing-chairs  The Benefits of Blood Drawing Chairs If you have the pleasure of drawing blood from patients, you know that it is not the most sought after job in the world. You are not exactly the most popular person in the doctor's office or clinic. Patients are coming to you because they are sick and need tests done, or they have health concerns that need careful monitoring. In any case, they are already tired of being poked and prodded. So, if there is anything you can do to make the patient a little more comfortable and your job a little easier, now is the time to take action. For example, have you ever thought of the benefits of blood drawing chairs? Blood drawing chairs are more than just a place to sit. They are a means of supporting the patient both physically and mentally, while you are doing your job. The chair has a specially designed armrest to position the arm at the most advantageous angle for you to draw blood, while providing the patient a place t Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=blood-drawing-chairs-for-patient-comfort http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=blood-drawing-chairs-for-patient-comfort  Blood Drawing Chairs for Patient Comfort                                                                                Blood drawing chairs for patient comfort make your job easier in more ways than one. After all, most people do not like to have their blood drawn. If fact, they hate the process with a passion. You already have a job that does not make you the most popular person in patient care. So, if you can provide comfort and a method to make it a little easier, your patients will be grateful. Comfort    For most patients, it is difficult to hold their ar Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=side-access-bathing-systems-are-a-marvelous-invention http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=side-access-bathing-systems-are-a-marvelous-invention  Side Access Bathing Systems are a Marvelous Invention Kudos to the person having the creative imagination to design side access bathing systems. It is a truly marvelous invention for those that can no longer safely get in/out of the bathtub or shower. It can actually mean the difference between continuing to live independently or having to depend on someone else for many self-care issues. The Safety Concerns  As a person born with cerebral palsy, I have had more than my share of falls in the bathtub or shower. Living alone, it can be especially frightening. After all, if I fall and hurt myself, how long will I be stuck before someone finds me? On top of that, I can only imagine the humiliation of being found in such a compromised state. Also, there is always the concern of losing my independence, if family members fear that I cannot safely bathe myself, without the potential of falling every time I get in/out of the shower. Sadly, I c Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-decision http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-decision Preparing to bring a patient into a home care situation is very important. The exact preparations will be dictated by the condition for which the patient is being treated, but there are some common practices that will make sure that all is truly ready. Long before the patient is ever transitioned home a conversation needs to begin between the physicians and the caregiver. Questions need to be asked about the daily specifics of care, the exact specifics of the condition, what equipment should be in the home, and where to obtain those specialized requirements. Everything needs to be ready and in place before the patient is brought to the new living arrangements. These preparations will include a proper bed, if a hospital bed is needed, and all external equipment changes. That means any modifications to the home the patient is coming to need to be done prior to the patient's arrival. Often bathrooms need modifications and for homes with stairs to the front and back doors - ra Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bariatric-safety-and-mobility http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bariatric-safety-and-mobility Mobility When mobility has become a major issue for safety, you will want to consider the investment in a bariatric wheelchair.  If you need a chair for getting around no ordinary wheelchair will provide adequate support.   If you are still able to walk, it can still be dangerous getting around . You may need bariatric crutches or a bariatric cane,  to get around with a little extra balance support. A fall could cause devastating problems.     When mobility is an issue, and you already need help to get around, a bariatric lift can make life a little easier. You caregiver can lift you without injury to him/her or you. In addition, there are special bariatric lifts, if you should fall, that you can operate yourself, even if no one else is around. A bariatric lift could make life a little easier, you might want to consider the innovative solution to improving  mobility. For the bariatric patient with mobility is Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=why-the-disabled-and-elderly-need-to-use-shower-chairs http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=why-the-disabled-and-elderly-need-to-use-shower-chairs  Why the Disabled and Elderly Need to Use Shower Chairs If you have mobility or balance difficulties, taking a shower or a bath can be really risky business. For most people, it is a time to wash away the cares of the day, or wake up to the start of a new day. But, if you face physical challenges, the act of bathing can be scary at best. Instead of putting your health at risk, you should know why the disabled and elderly need to use shower chairs. I know. I speak from personal experience. I have been living with cerebral palsy all of my life. In the past, when I was a lot younger, stronger, and skinnier, I used to lift myself in/out of the tub. Precariously, I have perched on the side of the tub and transferred my body to a kitchen chair or commode-if it was close enough. Unfortunately, even under the best of circumstances, I have occasionally slipped back into the tub and acquired the bruises to prove it. However, as I got older, bathing beca Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-commode-chairs-benefit-everyone-concerned http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-commode-chairs-benefit-everyone-concerned  Shower Commode Chairs Benefit Everyone Concerned Whether you are the one with the disability or the caregiver of someone who has limited mobility, shower commode chairs benefit everyone concerned. It can bring back the simple pleasure of a shower that most people take for granted. But, it also provides the safety and support needed to prevent injury and make transferring safer. Bathroom Transfer Safety For those suffering from a severely debilitating illness, using the bathroom can be extremely dangerous. The chances of a serious fall or accident are high. Plus, a caregiver is often required to lift and transfer weight in precarious and unsafe circumstances. But with a shower commode chair, you do not have to be concerned with bathroom transfer safety. The switch from the bed or regular chair takes place before ever entering the bathroom. In normal conditions, without the cramped space and immovable hard objects, the arm of the chair can be remove Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=retain-dignity-with-shower-commode-chairs http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=retain-dignity-with-shower-commode-chairs  Retain Dignity with Shower Commode Chairs When you suffer from a debilitating disease like multiple sclerosis or a major stroke, independence often goes out the window. Even the most basic aspects of self-care are often left to a nurse or home caregiver. Your mind still works great, but your body has retired. Thus, it makes it even more devastating to deal with the physical challenges. But, with the proper assistive aids, life can have some semblance of normalcy. For example, you can retain a little dignity with shower commode chairs. Shower commode chairs can bring safety back into the bathroom, and bring a sense of luxury back to the most basic privileges of life. With the help of a caregiver, you can transfer to the chair from you bed or regular wheelchair. The arm is removable, so you can use a transfer board and have more stability, or simply have an easier transition with help. Bathroom Safety Once in the chair, the arm is repositioned, and your caregiver Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=portable-wheelchairs-equal-independence http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=portable-wheelchairs-equal-independence Portable Wheelchairs Equal Independence For me, portable power wheelchairs equal independence. Having a wheelchair that I can easily transport from place to place has made my quality of life very good. Before I had the chair, almost everything I did was more difficult and definitely painful. I was born with cerebral palsy. Since I was raised to become as independent as possible, if I wanted to do something, I generally figure out a way to get it accomplished. For over 40 years, I have walked with forearm crutches and I definitely was not going to digress. But, as I got older, it also became more difficult to get around safely. Going shopping became a real chore. By the time I walked the distance between my car and the store front, I was already exhausted. Then, I did not care if I bought anything or not. I simply wanted to sit down and stay put, before I fell down. Additionally, my husband did not like it when I used a chair for trips to a mall or Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-fun-of-portable-wheelchairs http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-fun-of-portable-wheelchairs The Fun of Portable Wheelchairs In the grand scheme of life, the fun of portable wheelchairs can bring a new independence and appreciation for life once again. Yes, no rational individual would prefer to experience every day from the seat of a chair. But, if there is no other alternative, it is not time to mope. It is time to make the best of what life has to offer and enjoy every chance to participate in your own existence. I know, it may sound overly sentimental and strange, but I live my life from the seat of a wheelchair, and it can be fun, if you let it. For example, if you have a portable chair that allows you to leave home and attend special occasions, have you ever considered dancing? Well, let me tell you it can be lots of fun, even if it is not done in the customary way. However, be forewarned. If you tend to get dizzy easily, you may want to take long "walks" in the park as an alternative activity. Oh yes; you do not walk either.&nb Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bath-benches-for-bathing-balance http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bath-benches-for-bathing-balance  Bath Benches for Bathing Balance Do you put yourself in a precarious position every time you take a shower or a bath? Have you fallen and hurt yourself in the past? Have you come to point that you understand it is only a matter of time before you do some major damage to your bones and muscles. Then, you can use one of a selection of bath benches for better balance. Stop Taking Chances If you normally walk with the assistance of a cane or a walker, you cannot exactly take your assistive device in with you to bath. Once those rubber tips get wet, you might as well be at the local ice skating rink. At either place, you could end up on your seat and wishing you could reach a phone and call for help. Of course, the only other alternative is hoping you can maintain your balance long enough to shampoo you hair and wash off your body. Even if you have escaped injury to this point, why take any unnecessary chances. A bath bench can give you the opportunit Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-chairs-for-safety-and-comfort http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-chairs-for-safety-and-comfort  Shower Chairs for Safety and Comfort Someone wonderful invented shower chairs for safety and comfort. I know, because I use one. I also remember how scary the simple act of bathing could be, before I invested in a chair. How I have kept from falling and causing myself great harm is beyond me. But, now I can actually enjoy a shower and relax, at least until I have emptied the hot water heater. Can You Relate? How about you? Do you suffer from mobility issues that make the simple act of bathing the heroic event of the day? Do you worry about falling in the bath and not being able to get help, if you are hurt? Why live in fear any longer, when a shower chair can provide the safety and comfort you should have to provide for your basic needs? Your Personal Needs Not all shower chairs are created equal. It does not mean that one is necessarily better than the other. Rather, different styles are made to answer your personal needs. For ex Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-freedom-of-electric-wheelchair-lifts http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-freedom-of-electric-wheelchair-lifts  The Freedom of Electric Wheelchair Lifts If you have been confined to a chair due to injury or illness, you might need the freedom of electric wheelchair lifts. You may be grounded to the first floor, but it does not have to be a permanent limitation. In addition, if you like getting out of the house and having fun with friends and family, you do not have to give up on favorite activities and be stuck at home. You and your wheelchair can be sprung from the prison of your disability with electric wheelchair lifts. I know I may have over dramatized your situation. But, being in a wheelchair myself, I understand what it is like to be on the inside looking out, when it comes to leaving the house for activities other people take for granted. I also know what it feels like to have a ground-floor room converted to a bedroom, while the rest of the family sleeps on the second floor. Broadening your Horizons Do you see your wheelchair as a constraint to the true joy of l Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=side-access-bathing-systems-are-safety-and-comfort-combined http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=side-access-bathing-systems-are-safety-and-comfort-combined                                Side Access or Walk-in Bathing Systems are Safety and Comfort Combined    Do you have trouble getting in and out of the shower or bathtub? Do you have a reasonable fear of falling or slipping back into the tub, and suffering a major injury? If you have any trouble with your balance, dizziness, or a disability that hinders your mobility, the simple act of getting clean can be risky business. But, bathing does not have to be a heroic venture.  Side access or walk-in bathing systems are safety and comfort combined. Safety    If you have trouble bathing safely, you need to check out the side access bathing systems available. Imagine being able to open a door, grab a hand rail, and sit down in a comfortable seat, to take your shower! No more worries about s Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=three-benefits-of-a-side-access-bathing-system http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=three-benefits-of-a-side-access-bathing-system Three Benefits of a Side Access Bathing System Some innovations are fads. Sure, they look good for now, and tons of people flock to make the purchase. But, as time goes by, the new "thing" is not so great after all. If it wears out or requires too much in the way of upkeep, it goes by the wayside. However, once in a while, someone come along and develops a product that will really make a big difference. For example, walk-in baths are becoming more popular. But, once you understand the 3 benefits of a side access bathing system, you will know why they will be here to stay. Side access bathing systems may look like the newest invention for people who want to have the most modern bathrooms available. But, the 3 benefits of a walk-in shower/tub far outweigh modernism or aesthetics. With a side access bathing system, you will have:          Safety          Therapeuti Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=three-reasons-why-you-need-a-portable-wheelchair-ramp http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=three-reasons-why-you-need-a-portable-wheelchair-ramp Three Reasons Why You Need a Portable Wheelchair Ramp If you have mobility issues and use a wheelchair, once in a while or all of the time, I have 3 reasons why you need a portable wheelchair ramp. I can honestly say I know what challenges you face every day. The information you are about to read is based upon my own personal experiences. In a perfect world, people would not have to use wheelchairs. In an almost-perfect world, anywhere you and I want to go would be handicapped accessible. Unfortunately, most days present at least one challenge to mobility, when it comes to getting around in a wheelchair. So, if someone is smart enough to create devices to make life a little easier-go for it! It is one thing to be independent, but save your energy for more important challenges. The Dreaded Threshold Have you even gone up the ramp of a handicapped accessible building only to be confronted by the dreaded threshold? How insane! For example, my lo Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=wheelchair-ramps-and-making-life-accessible http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=wheelchair-ramps-and-making-life-accessible Wheelchair Ramps and Making Life Accessible The law may say that businesses and public buildings have to be wheelchair accessible. But, what contractors consider compliance and the reality of the situation are often two different things. Add to that the challenge of visiting friends and family, and it is easy to see why it is important to consider wheelchair ramps and making life accessible. Public Challenges If you are challenged by the mobility restrictions of being in a wheelchair, I can honestly say I know how you feel. Life would be much easier if the people who design parking spaces, parks and buildings had to live life sitting down for even half a day. For example, my town built a new community college. Asking for what the students would like in the new building, I spoke up for wheelchair accessibility. I even suggested sitting in a chair for better perspective. You guessed it! The handicapped parking is nowhere near the main entrance, and I Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=nebulizers-can-be-life-savers http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=nebulizers-can-be-life-savers Nebulizers can be Life Savers If you have any type of breathing difficulties due to allergies or asthma, then you already know that nebulizers can be life savers. Whether you are an adult that needs the device or using one on a small child, it has probably saved more than one visit to the emergency room. If you have to lease or rent a machine, it can be a precious waste of time and money. Nebulizers for Airway Swelling in Adults Personally, I have a mild case of asthma. On the average day, it does not bother me too much. But, if I get a compounding illness like a cold or the flu, the doctor prescribes medicine for the nebulizer. It makes the difference between taking labored short breaths and being miserable, and being able to breathe deeply without coughing for a half hour afterward. The first time I had to use a nebulizer, I thought I was going to have to rent a machine from the local medical supply store. But, I soon learned this was not the wisest Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=how-to-use-a-nebulizer http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=how-to-use-a-nebulizer How to Use a Nebulizer You have been diagnosed with an allergy or asthma that will require occasional or regular use of a nebulizer. The doctor has given you a prescription for the medication, and you know you will need to purchase the device. But, how do you use a nebulizer? Using a nebulizer entails more than turning it on and following the directions for administration of the medication. You will need to know how to care for yourself and the machine, if it will continue to provide you the relief you often need so desperately. You will need to know:          About the Medication          How to Use the Machine          How to Care for the Machine Parts I know it sounds cheesy, but if you take care of the machine, it will take care of you, or someone you love, for years to come. Not all nebulizers are exactly the same, but all work by the s Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bariatric http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=bariatric  Bariatric Surgery and Recovery Did you know that 62% of Americans are overweight? Did you also know that 32% of those people are considered clinically obese? Weight has been a serious issue for many American's for decades. Many people have been fighting the battle of the bulge for virtually their entire lives. Their weight is like a yo-yo. They try a diet or weight loss program and lose a few pounds. Then, before you know it, the excess weight is back, accompanied by even more. For many, getting into shape is much more than looking good, or fitting into a smaller size of clothing. It has become a matter of quality of life and the very real threat of an early death. Then, it is time to consider bariatric surgery and recovery. Contrary to what many individuals believe, bariatric surgery is not the easy way out of a lifetime of overeating and weight gain. In fact, it is just the opposite. Only after years of trying to get heal Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=why-you-may-need-several-bath-benches http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=why-you-may-need-several-bath-benches Why you may need Several Bath Benches If you mobility is being challenged, and your balance is not what it used to be, taking a bath can be one of the most nerve racking chores you do all day. Falling is a constant worry. Even people in the best of health have fallen in the tub and suffered major injuries. So, if you have a disability or are simply getting older, it is downright scary! When soapy and slick, it is simply difficult to keep from slipping, which is why you may need several bath benches. At Home If you are elderly and have simply slowed down because of the years, or you have physical challenges that make standing for a shower difficult or impossible, you might want to consider bath benches for every room with a shower or bath. Sure, you can only use one bench at a time, but what if another family member is occupying one restroom and you need to quickly take a shower to avoid being late to a function? Especially if you are in a rush, you do not want to be left wanting a Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=electric-wheelchair-lift-for-home-or-car http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=electric-wheelchair-lift-for-home-or-car  Electric Wheelchair Lift for Home or Car If you are confined to a wheelchair and are restricted to the ground floor of your home, or have difficulty getting in and out of the car, you could probably use an electric wheelchair lift. You may have limited mobility, but why should you have to be left behind, if there is a solution to getting where you want to go. Now you can enjoy your home and the ability to leave it, if you want. A Stair Lift  Probably the most common lift for your home is the stair lift.  If you have been confined to a wheelchair due to illness or injury, you may be restricted to the ground floor. To add insult to injury, you cannot even sleep in your own bed. You have been sleeping in the study, the living room, or maybe your dining room has been converted to a bedroom. If you are like me, recovery or acceptance of your situation would be a lot easier simply by making life as normal as possible, which includes sleeping in your roo Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=make-patient-care-easier-with-a-shower-gurney http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=make-patient-care-easier-with-a-shower-gurney  Make Patient Care Easier with a Shower Gurney As someone born with cerebral palsy, I have probably spent a total of 4 years of my life in the hospital. I know all about being bedridden. However, as a child, I have endured countless "spit" baths. Instead of being able to have a nice soak in the tub or shower, the nurse would come around with a nice basin full of warm water and soap. I could clean whatever I could reach, and then it was her turn to finish the job. By the time the bath was over, the water was cold, soapy, and did not feel as refreshing. So, if at all possible, you should make patent care easier with a shower gurney. What a Difference Personally, I would have loved a shower gurney. To feel warm water over all of my body at one time, and not be chilly would have seemed heavenly at the time. Unless the room is really hot, it is really easy to get the shivers, and simply wish for the process to be complete. In addition, there Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-gurneys-improve-life-for-the-disabled-and-the-caregiver http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=shower-gurneys-improve-life-for-the-disabled-and-the-caregiver  Shower Gurneys Improve Life for the Disabled and the Caregiver Shower gurneys, also known as shower trolleys, serve a dual purpose: transporting an immobile patient to a bathing area and providing a surface upon which to support the entire weight of the patient's body during showering. For patients suffering from a variety of conditions that may make it difficult to sit up, the shower gurney is an invaluable caregiver tool. According to a recent report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conditions that limit mobility may include "degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease; injuries such as stroke, and traumatic brain or spine injuries; and congenital abnormalities such as cerebral palsy. Other examples of conditions that may limit mobility are obesity, arthritis, lower limb ischemia, pulmonary disorders and balance disorders." Shower Gurney Styles Shower gurneys are available in several different styles, so that every patien Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=how-to-use-a-hoyer-lift http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=how-to-use-a-hoyer-lift How to Use a Hoyer Lift   Hoyer lifts allow a person to be lifted and transferred with a minimum of physical effort. Before attempting to lift anyone, practice using the lifter. Take turns with fellow clinicians, practicing on each other. It is important that you know how a patient will feel in the lifter. When lifting a patient, be certain to explain the procedure to the patient being lifted. Using the proper lifter and the correct sling attachment is also very important. Selection of the proper lift and sling is determined by patients: Disability Size Weight And by the specific type transfer Reasons for using a lifter for transfers are: Patient is too heavy to be transferred without assistance of a lifting device. Preventing injury to the caregiver while transferring the patient. Preventing injury to the caregiver while assisting the patient. This manual contains important safety instructions. Please read it carefully Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-preventing-foot-drop http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-preventing-foot-drop What is Foot Drop? Foot Drop also known as drop foot is a problem where a person has difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. With Foot Drop, a patient is unable to lift the toes upwards, or towards the shin. Foot Drop by itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of another underlying problem or medical condition. Those conditions can include, but are not limited to: muscle or tendon injury, nerve injuries, a stroke, diabetes, reaction to a drug, multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury or herniated disc, and a number of other things. It can even be hereditary. Foot Drop can be a permanent problem or a temporary condition. What are the Symptoms of Foot Drop? Often, the only symptom a person may experience with Foot Drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot. In some cases a person may have numbness in the foot or ankle that is affected. They may even experience some discomfort or pain. All of this may depend on the underlying reason that the Foot Drop Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-hip-fractures http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-hip-fractures Hip Fracture Basics: Types and Causes of Broken Hips Hip fractures are serious injuries that often require surgery to repair. Every year in the United States alone over 300,000 people suffer broken hips and require hospitalization. Of that number, over half of those people suffering a hip fracture are over the age of 80. Bone density, age, and other medical conditions can all contribute to the likelihood of a broken hip, but generally a fracture occurs because of some sort of trauma to the area, like a fall. Most hip fractures in the elderly are caused by falls, while in younger patients car accidents and other high impact injuries are the most likely causes. Elderly women and other patients with osteoporosis are at a greater risk of suffering a broken hip in the event of a fall. Because osteoporosis weakens the skeletal system by causing loss of bone mass bones and joints are at a greater risk of fracturing in the event of trauma. Hip fractures are actually the breaking of the f Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-wheelchair-ramps http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-wheelchair-ramps Wheelchair ramps come in a large variety of shapes, styles, and sizes. You can find wheelchair ramps that are permanent, semi-permanent, or even portable. They can be track ramps or platform ramps, folding or telescoping. A ramp can be just big enough to get over the threshold of a doorway, or designed to navigate a user to the top of a long flight of stairs. Whether you are purchasing a wheelchair ramp for your home or business, having a ramp custom built by a professional or a group of volunteers, or updating an older wheelchair ramp because of safety issues there are a number of things to prepare for, consider, and understand about wheelchair ramps. A wheelchair ramp is more than just a ramp it's a tool that allows everybody, no matter their situation, the convenience and ease of access that most people take for granted in their daily lives. Important Things to Keep in Mind When Building, Purchasing, or Updating a Wheelchair Ramp Slope Slope, or the degree of incline, Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-bedsore-prevention http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-ultimate-guide-to-bedsore-prevention Introduction A bedsore is a skin condition that develops due to prolonged pressure on the soft tissue of the body, thereby disrupting the adequate flow of blood to that region, causing soreness and tissue damage. They are typically, although by no means exclusively, prevalent amongst bed-ridden patients; hence the name bedsore. Anyone who is confined to stay in one position for an extended period of time is at risk of developing bedsores; these include people who are bed- or wheelchair-ridden, people with an illness or decreased mental capacity and people who have lost the sensation to feel pain. Bedsores are also called pressure ulcers, pressure sores, and decubitus ulcers. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines bedsores as: "A [bedsore] is an injury usually caused by unrelieved pressure that damages the skin and underlying tissue. Bedsores range in severity from mild (minor skin reddening) to severe (deep craters down to muscle and bone)". In 2006, 503,300 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-5-products-you-need-following-a-stroke http://library.rehabmart.com/?filename=the-5-products-you-need-following-a-stroke The top 5 products you will most likely need following a stroke: 3-in-1 Bedside Commode - A bedside commode can be used both at the bed side (with it's removable pail), and as an elevated toilet seat placed over the toilet itself. This provides instant rails and a higher surface to make getting up and down much easier. Tub Bench - This is an essential item for making bathing a safer task. Most hip fractures come from trying to get in and out of the tub, and having a stroke just makes the likelyhood that much more. Long-handled Reacher - The long-handled reacher will allow you to pick things up off the floor as well as help you get dressed if you've only suffered a mild stroke. Quad Cane or Hemi Walker - These products are similar, but both serve the same function. They allow you to walk more easily when you only have the use of one hand or arm. Typical walkers require two hands to operate. T Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT