Rehabmart.com : Tools for the Job of Living - A blog to help you make better decisions about selecting medical products

Simple 7 Action Plan

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My Life Check - The Simple 7 Action Plan - was designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life.

1 - Get Active

2 - Control Cholesterol

3 - Eat Better

4 - Manage Blood Pressure

5 - Lose Weight

6 - Reduce Blood Sugar

7 - Quit Smoking

To read more go to: http://mylifecheck.heart.org/

The Benefits of Blood Drawing Chairs

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 to rest, while you are taking their blood.

From Personal Experience

But, it is so much more than that, because you and your patient can be seated across from each other, and eye to eye, during the whole process. As a patient who has had blood drawn countless times, it is extremely important to foster an atmosphere of comfort, trust and care, if you are going to take something as valuable as my life blood.

I need to feel like you are not just there to do your job and get a paycheck. I want to know that you care about my comfort. I also need to be able to talk to you about anything other than what you are doing. Although I am not like some people who will actually faint, I do not like to watch multiple vials of my blood being put into your little slotted carrier.

Despite the fact that I intellectually know anyone who has to draw blood is just doing what the doctor ordered, I want to know that my comfort and care is just as important at this juncture as another other procedure I might have yet to undergo or have endured in the past.

Making your Job Easier

Blood drawing chairs actually make your job easier. Like many other patients you may have on a daily basis, if I am having my blood drawn, it usually means I might be anemic or I am exhibiting symptoms that make me feel weak and sickly. At these times, it is hard to even hold my arm up and out, let alone be calm and still, so you will only have to poke my veins once. For the patients who have small, thin, or collapsing veins, it is even more imperative that they are comfortable and the arm is at the appropriate angle for you to have the best chance of drawing blood.

In short, unless you are a patient who has to undergo frequent blood draws, maybe you do not think about the benefits of blood drawing chairs. But believe me, any furniture or equipment that can make the patient experience a little more comfortable and your job a little easier is well worth the investment.

Blood Drawing Chairs for Patient Comfort

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Blood Drawing Chairs for Patient Comfort

                                 B lood drawing c hairs 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 arm up and still for any length of time. You cannot hold their arm up, while drawing blood, because you are too busy trying to clean the area, get a good vein and make that one poke count, so you do not have to do it more than once.

The great thing about blood drawing chairs is the specially designed arm rest to support the patients arm at the best vantage point for you to do your job. The arm rest is at an appropriate level for you to sit right across from the patient. Even the simple act of sitting down and facing the person having blood drawn is somehow comforting. For some reason, the procedure does not seem so intimidating, and the individual can relax, communicate, and feel like you really care for them.

Convenience

Blood drawing chairs also make your job so much more convenient. You need to be face to face with the individual, if you are going to ask them to give you one or more vials of blood. It is more than a pin prick, and it can take some time. You need to have the patient at ease and as comfortable as possible to make your job a little easier.

If the patient is tense and uptight, it can make it more difficult to get a good vein. At the right angle, as they become more relaxed, it is much easier to do your job. If you can sit down and have him/her seated comfortably, it is also easier to be distracting, so he/she is not thinking about what you must do.

In fact, if you are really good at your job, and the patient is comfortable, you will be done almost before they know you have actually begun. The whole idea is to make the patient as comfortable as possible, especially if that patient has health concerns that require coming to sit in the blood drawing chair frequently.

In short, based on personal experience from the patient point of view, a blood drawing chair makes an often unpleasant medical procedure much easier to bear. If the source of the stick is comfortably positioned, and the patient can be distracted, it can be over very quickly. Even if you have to draw blood from a small child, if Mom can sit in the chair, and the youngster can use the arm rest, you can grab attention away from what you are doing. It will all be done before the child has too much time to worry and cry, and you can be on to your next patient. A blood drawing chair just makes it a little easier for everyone.

Side Access Bathing Systems are a Marvelous Invention

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 can no longer have hot soaks in the tub, because I cannot safely lift myself out of the tub, like I could in my younger years. Even if I get as skinny as I used to be, it still would not be advisable. With age, I am definitely not as strong as I used to be, and my bones are more brittle. So, one mistake might end up in a broken bone and the inability to care for myself. Although I am speaking from a personal perspective, I know that millions of disabled and elderly people share my concerns for safety and independence.

The Most Marvelous

Personally, I think the best part of the side access bathing systems is the ability to choose between a shower or bath again. How I miss those long soaks in a really hot tub. When my bones ache, it seems like nothing feels better. Imagine being able to sit in a nice hot tub up to your neck and just marvel in the warmth. Lower the level of the water a little and take a good book with you. Read until the water gets cold, or top it off with hot water again, so you can stay in the warmth, until you begin to feel like a prune.

In short, if you have to worry about your personal safety in bathing, you may want to consider one of many side access bathing systems. Some even have whirlpool action to make the experience even more pleasurable for soaking those aching joints and sore muscles. Do not wait until you fall and break your hip. Do not take the chance of lying there for hours or days before someone finds you and can call for help. You should not have to give up your independence for fear of falling in the bathroom, during a process that should be a refreshing experience. Most people take the simple act of showering or bathing for granted. But, you and I both know that the marvelous invention of a side access bathing system can be a real blessing.

The Decision & Preplanning

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 - ramps will need to be built and installed if mobility is an issue. If the patient needs a hospital style bed it should already be purchased and present in the room the patient will be staying in. Monitoring equipment if needed should also already be there, tested, and functional with the care provider understanding the operation of those various devices. One full month of any additional supplies should be on hand.

There is one factor that must be weighed with complete honesty with one's self. The person considering long term care of a loved one at home must be honest with themselves about their ability to do that. Will they be able to provide the level of care needed? Will they be able to handle the strain both on their personal lives and their finances that comes with this decision? Will they have reliable support from family or an outside source of help? Are they mentally and potentially physically strong enough to cope with the needs of the patient? These questions must be dealt with, and they must be dealt with honestly. The goal of bringing a person into at home care is to provide for them, and one must be absolutely certain they are capable of doing that physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Brutal honesty in each phase of this decision will make sure that the correct decision has been made.

Bariatric Safety and Mobility

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 issues, it may be necessary to invest in a bariatric gurney. Along with the lift, it can greatly assist in patient care. Especially in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, a gurney can greatly improve the quality of hygiene care.

Safety in the Bathroom

When you are excessively overweight and have mobility problems, one of the most dangerous rooms in the house is the bathroom. If you slip and fall in the bathtub or shower, the injuries can be devastating. Even people without physical challenges take nasty spills in the bathroom. But, you can greatly improve the safety factor with bariatric bath/shower benches. You can sit to take you shower and give yourself time to heal properly.

In addition, if you require the help of someone else to take care of your personal needs, you may want to consider a bariatric commode and shower chair. You can safely take care of elimination and then roll into the shower to get cleaned up for the day.

Safety in the Bedroom

Finally, you will want to make your bedroom as safe and comfortable as possible. Especially after bariatric surgery, you will be spending a lot of time resting and recovering. You may want to consider a bariatric hospital bed. It will be uncomfortable to lie flat, and it will probably be very difficult, if not impossible, to roll out of bed. A special bed can make sleep possible and help during the healing and weight loss process. You may also want to think about getting a bariatric mattress pad, to help make recovery a little more comfortable and prevent pressure sores.

Also, you may want to invest in a bariatric bedside commode.

Why the Disabled and Elderly Need to Use Shower Chairs

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 became more precarious. As my disability becomes more of a challenge with age, or during pregnancy, getting in/out of the tub is not worth the risk. So, now I have a shower chair.

Safety

For the first time in almost 30 years of living, I enjoy the simply pleasure of a shower. Forget bathing out of the sink, because using the tub is too scary. Now, I can safely sit down and not have to worry about slipping in the tub and take the chance of drowning, if I knock myself out. At the very least, I will not have a goose egg or headache to match.

Relaxation

If you face the challenges of poor mobility and balance, then you already know that bathing without aids is anything but relaxing. Your nerves and muscles are on edge, and you are always on the alert for the slightest slip. It is enough to get back out in one piece.

With a shower chair, you can actually relax and enjoy getting clean and being under the warm spray. In fact, you can stay for as long as the hot water lasts. Combined with carefully installed hand grips, you can easily transfer your body to safety, even if you are normally confined to a wheelchair because your legs cannot do their job.

Accommodation

In all honesty, my mobility has become more limited with age. I am slower, heavier, and my crutches have been traded in for wheels a few years ago. As a result, traversing the distance between wheelchair and shower chair has become a greater challenge. No problem! I have found a different style of shower chair to accommodate my needs.

For example, to make the transition safer, I now have a shower chair with a wider seat. A portion of the chair remains outside the shower. Now, I can sit down and slide my body across, until I am positioned safely for a nice warm spray. In addition, a hand grip makes shifting position easier.

So, now you know why I think the elderly and disabled need to use shower chairs. Can you relate? Please do not risk a fall that could put you in the hospital, cause you great pain, or ruin your ability to be independent. Get a shower chair. You can actually relax and let the hot water soothe your cares and pains away, in a style of chair that meets your specific needs.

Shower Commode Chairs Benefit Everyone Concerned

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 removed, so a transfer board or other necessary method can be employed to make the switch safely.

Then, after using the commode or shower, the process is simply reversed, so you or someone you care about can get safely back into bed or the regular chair for increased mobility. With easy clean surfaces and the optional bedpan attachment, the chair is easy to clean in preparation for the next time it is needed.

The Answer to Personal Hygiene

One of the most difficult aspects of care, when dealing with an illness like MS or major stroke, can be personal hygiene. A shower is often a thing of the past. Even using a toilet is a bygone luxury that is simply too difficult for you or the caregiver to manage-without a shower commode chair.

But, hospitals and homes can easily have the innovative help of a special chair to give a little dignity back to the disabled and make the task of personal hygiene a little easier for the caregiver. First, the chair is designed to fit over the top of most standard toilets. So, it is easier to eliminate naturally without having the indignity of a bedpan or a diaper. Also, a pan underneath the chair also helps with regular elimination, if using the commode is not always possible.

Second, the shower commode chair can easily be transferred into the shower. Now, a simple task that might have been taken for granted in the past is now a reasonable luxury. It also makes it easier for the caregiver who has been restricted to given bed baths for safety reasons.

In short, it is natural to take the ability to use the toilet or take a shower for granted, unless the privileges have been stripped away by disease and illness. When a caregiver becomes necessary, it definitely helps to have the assistive aid necessary to make personal care a little easier. Plus, it helps you retain a little dignity, when the body seems to have committed mutiny and become enemy number one. So, before resigning all of your pride, see if a shower commode chair will make life a little more normal.

Retain Dignity with Shower Commode Chairs

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 can safely wheel you into the bathroom. The shower commode chair fits over most standard toilets. So, you can have the dignity of eliminating in the toilet rather than a bedpan or a diaper. While it may seem like a small thing to others, you know how wonderful it is to use a toilet again.

Then, it is a simply transition from the commode to the bygone luxury of a shower. Even if you still need help from a caregiver to bathe, the simply pleasure of feeling the warm water washing away the feeling of sitting or lying down all day feels so good.

A Sense of Freedom

Most people take the shower or commode for granted, because they have no idea how difficult it is to lose the ability to care for you. In fact, some people can be totally condescending. They do not even know what to say or do. Totally clueless as to the physical challenges you face daily, they might not even comprehend the sense of freedom a simple shower commode chair can provide.

But, if you even have limited use of your arms, you may be able to enjoy bathing yourself to some degree. Even if you need help for shampooing and making sure the surface area of your skin is clean, you can use a hand-held shower head to bask under the warm water for awhile.

Caregiver Assistance

In truth, probably one of the best qualities of a shower commode chair is the assistance it gives to your caregiver. You do not like to use a bedpan or adult diaper. Your caregiver does not relish cleaning up after elimination either. Although quite willing to do whatever it takes to make your life better, it makes the job a lot easier, if you can use the toilet.

In addition, bathing is a lot easier, if you can change positions and sit up during shampoos and washings. It gives you both a sense of normalcy and can save his/her back during the process. Not as much lifting is involved, if you can sit in a shower commode chair.

Yes, you have been devastated by disease or illness. But, there are things you can do, and helpful aids that can be purchased, to make life a little easier and closer to normal. You really can retain a little dignity with shower commode chairs, while helping your caregiver in the process.

Portable and Transport Wheelchairs Equal Independence

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 someplace where walking is too hard, even under the best of circumstances. So, I avoided using a wheelchair like it was equal to the plague!

The Safety Choice

Then, one day, after I was compelled to become a single parent, I was told to sit down, or I would eventually fall down and break myself. Then, who would take care of my children. So, I swallowed my pride and convictions and began using a portable wheelchair 6 years ago.

Wow! What a difference in my quality of life! In truth, I wish I had done it sooner! Now, I can take my kids shopping, and we can stay there until we get done. Sure, I still get tired from wheeling from place to place, and I probably tend to rest more than individuals who are not physically challenged. But, I can actually do more than I ever could, standing on crutches.

Independent

As a matter of fact, I can go places by myself. I do not have to depend on anyone to get my wheelchair out of the trunk. My portable wheelchair folds and is lightweight. I can actually pull it in the car over my lap, and roll it on/behind the folded down passenger seat. It may not look ladylike, but I can take myself anywhere I want to go, as long as the destination is wheelchair accessible.

So, now you know about me. What about you? Do you struggle with mobility issues that adversely affect your quality of life? Do you wish you could be a little more independent? Then, maybe you should consider a portable wheelchair. For the disabled who are not capable of lifting anything too heavy, portable wheelchairs have been streamlined to weigh as little as possible, while providing safety and support.

How can you be Independent

In fact, you can now find models that are 30 pounds or less, without the attachments. Using the car itself for leverage, you will not actually have to lift that much weight. If you have never had to accept using a portable wheelchair before now, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you learn how to safely transport yourself from the sofa to the wheelchair, or teach you how it is possible to pack up the car and go on a road trip, if you so desire.

Life is so much easier and safer since I sat down in my portable wheelchair. I should have done it sooner. But, even if you only need a rolling seat once in a while, or all of the time, a folding wheelchair can give you back the independence you have been missing for a long time. I know.

The Fun of Transport and Portable Wheelchairs

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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. But, you probably have friends and family that do like the occasional stroll. What is stopping you from joining them? Your community probably has a park with a biking or walking path. So, get yourself a pair of biking or motorcycle gloves to protect the palms of your hands, and get some exercise.

If you have limited motion in your upper body and tire easily, did you know that motorized portable wheelchairs are now available. The chair can still fold away in your trunk, but you will have that boost of power to enjoy those outing and climb those challenging inclines.

Do you like to go shopping, out to eat with friends, or work outside the home in a traditional work setting? With a portable wheelchair, you may continue to do so, even if your legs do not comply. Simply because you are in a chair does not mean you have to sit at home and watch the world go by out the window.

Even if it means undergoing physical therapy, to strengthen your upper body, it will be worth the effort. For example, check on the Internet for handicapped accessible vacation destinations. Whether you need a portable wheelchair for long distances or full-time, there are plenty of places you can have fun, see the sites, and participate in life.

In short, if you and I could have the choice, we would run and jump, climb the nearest mountain, walk through the mall, and 101 other activities we miss. But, it is not healthy to dwell on what we cannot do. Instead, think about all of the things we can do, thanks to the portable wheelchair. In truth, no one has more than one life to live. So, it is incumbent on us to not waste the one we have with our friends and family.

Everyone is handicapped in one way or another. Our physical challenges are just a little more noticeable. So, give up wishing for what cannot be, and find ways to have fun with your portable wheelchair.

Bath Benches for Bathing Balance

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 opportunity to relax, do a better job with personal care, and keep you safe from slipping.

No Major Renovation

If you are worried about the inconvenience to other family members, you should know that bath benches require no major renovation to your bathroom. In fact, some styles are totally portable. You simply place the bath bench in the shower, bathe, and take it back out again after you dry off. Most are compact enough to fit neatly beside the bathtub. In fact, it makes a convenient bench for anyone who might want to have a perch while dressing, brushing teeth, or whatever people do in the restroom.

Of course, if you need something a little more stable, that does not require you to move it out of the way; you can always opt to select a style that can be bolted to the shower wall. A wall mounted bath bench will be a little sturdier and not require replacement of the rubber tips on the ends of the legs every once in a while. Also, stationery bath benches will not get in the way of other bathers who want to take a shower. Most people stand toward the center of the tub or shower. If anything, other people will want to experience the convenience and comfort of that bath bench.

On the Road

As someone who also has physical challenges that make bathing potentially dangerous, I have used bath benches. It is much easier and safer than trying to life myself out of the tub. But, I am often in a pickle when I travel, ending up taking "spit baths" out of the bathroom sink at someone else's house or the hotel room, if handicapped accommodations are not available.

So, you may want to get two bath benches - one for your home and one for the road. Then, if you get stuck in a situation where you might have to put your safety at risk, get out the portable bath bench and you are all set.

In short, you should not have to be in fear of your next shower. It should be a time to wash away the grime of the day, while relaxing and feeling refreshed. Do not wait until after a fall to check out if a bath bench can make getting clean enjoyable again.

Shower Chairs for Safety and Comfort

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 example, some chairs are more like lightweight plastic lawn chairs-just someplace to sit, if your legs cannot be dependable throughout the bathing process.

On the other hand, you may want a chair like mine or something in between. Personally, I have a very sturdy shower chair. It even has rubber suction cups on the legs to attach to the shower. The seat is also extra long to extend beyond the shower. Then, I can simply sit down and slide across. Now, I do not have to worry about lifting and pulling myself into the shower chair.

In addition, the chair has a sturdy backrest and handle. Since I have both limited mobility and balance, this type of shower chair gives me more stability and security. After one too many times of picking myself up off the bathroom floor, it can be the difference between remaining independent and taking care of my kids or a lengthy recovery from broken bones and bruises.

How to Choose your Shower Chair

Now that you know there is a vast array of shower chairs, you need to know how to choose the one that is best for you. When you start shopping around, be sure to read all of the specifications carefully. If in doubt, ask.

The first aspect I probably considered is the weight limitations. To be honest, some styles are for individuals who do not have the challenges of excess weight. So, even though it may be difficult to face the facts, be sure to pick a shower chair that will accommodate your weight.

The next thing I check for is the stability. With balance and mobility issues, I need something that I can lean on and shift around. I do not want to worry about the chair tipping and dumping me in the floor, if I lean one way or the other.

Oh yes. A major concern is assembly. Whether you purchase your shower chair over the Internet or at your local pharmacy, you will have to put some of it together. Since I am not mechanically inclined, I needed something easy. Snap together models are available, thank goodness!

In short, someone wonderful has invented shower chairs to make the bathing process both safer and more comfortable. So, please do not risk a debilitating fall in the shower. Have a seat, and enjoy your shower once again.

The Freedom of Electric Wheelchair Lifts

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 living? Well, may I suggest to you that with the proper electric wheelchair lift added to your vehicle, your mode of mobility can actually broaden your horizons?

No. I am not making light of your disability. In truth, I would love to be able to hop, skip, and jump my way through life and donate my wheelchair to Good Will or some other charitable organization. But, as the saying goes, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Seriously, the joy of life does not have to end because you are in a chair. You simply have to find non-traditional ways to experience joy. For example, thanks to the ability to get out of the house, with mobility aids like electric wheelchair lifts for autos, I have danced. Sure, it might have been a spin on the dance floor with my wheelchair, but it was still fun-at least until I got so dizzy I thought I might fall out.

What about you? What kind of freedom and fun can you have again, if you install an electric wheelchair lift on your vehicle? How about a stroll and roll with your best friend in the neighborhood walking path at the park? Use your imagination! With the right kind of lift, you can once again get into your car, and find those magic moments in life that make the best memories.

On the Home Front

Back at home have you been grounded by illness and injury? Are you confined to a particular floor, when the majority of living used to take place either up or down? Do you miss the basement family room, where everyone once congregated for popcorn and pizza on movie night? How long has it been since you slept in your own bed, or you had the simple privilege of rummaging through your own closet to find the perfect outfit?

Despair no more! If you sanctuary now seems like an impenetrable fortress, get an electric wheelchair lift for the stairs and break through the barrier.

Yes. A wheelchair can be a frustrating challenge. But, you, and I, have the choice of whether or not we are defeated. So, if electric wheelchair lifts can keep you in your home, and lifts can give you the freedom to go out when you want, it is time to get rolling.

Side Access or Walk-in Bathing Systems are Safe and Comfort

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 slipping in the bathroom.

As an individual in a wheelchair, I absolutely love this concept. I used to love soaking in a hot bath, especially in the winter. The water seemed to make all the aches and pains go away for a while. However, I do not remember the last time I was able to sink into fragrant bath oils and melt the day's cares away.

But, because of difficulties transferring from my chair to the tub, I cannot even consider getting into a hot tub of water. Even if I manage to get in, how do I get back out? The danger of falling back into the tub, sustaining injury, and not being able to get help is not worth the risk.

Comfort

If you can identify, you should consider a side access bathing system. Then, you have options once again. You can make the bathing process quick and efficient, in a safe environment. Alternatively, you can fill the system with comforting waters and soak your weary bones. Plus, many systems have whirlpool capability. If you have never had swirling warm water massaging your body, you are in for a real treat.

In fact, bathing can be such a pleasure again, that you may need to have 2 bathrooms, if you do not live alone. You may never want to get back on dry land, so to speak.

Medical Necessity?

Of course, if you are on a limited income, you may be asking how you can afford to renovate your bathroom to accommodate such a wonderful innovation. Well, it may be time to pay your doctor a visit. If you have health issues that would benefit from the ability to have a whirlpool soak, you may be able to get paperwork together to get financial aid for a medical necessity through Medicare or Medicaid.

Initially, side access bathing systems may seem like an extravagance. On the contrary! If you have illnesses or disease that cause you constant pain and discomfort, this option may be a cost saving alternative to some types of physical therapy treatments. In essence, this is an answer to safety and comfort while bathing. It can also mean the difference between living independently and moving to an assisted living facility.

So, side access bathing systems are much more than an innovative luxury. The health and safety benefits far outweigh the cost of renovations. It can also make it possible for you to continue to live independently, in more comfort.

Three Benefits of a Side Access Bathing System

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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

Therapeutic Benefits

Independence

Safety

The major benefit of side access baths is definitely the safety issue. How many people fall in the bath or the shower, and suffer painful injuries, with no one around to help and call 911? For many elderly and disabled citizens, the simple act of getting clean is a fearful experience.

Personally, as an individual who is totally dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, I can attest to the fear of falling in the shower. More than once, I have had to pick myself off the floor, when I slipped trying to get in/out of the tub or reaching over empty space to pull myself onto a shower chair.

If you have osteoporosis, like I do, you know how scary it is to take even the slightest fall. Our odds of breaking bones are much greater than the average bather.

Therapeutic Benefits

How long has it been since you have been able to soak away the aches and pains of the day in a nice hot bath? Do you have a disability or health issue that would benefit from warm water therapy? In fact, many of the side access bathing systems also have jet whirlpool massage. For people who suffer chronic pain, it could mean a period of respite to soak in a tub once again.

Independence

Do you know anyone who has lost their independence and ability to live alone, after a fall-especially in the tub or shower? If you are elderly or disabled, you know how precious, yet fragile, your independence can be. When friends and family become concerned that your safety is questionable, it might be the beginning of the end of your independence.

Many of the debilitating accidents in the home happen when falling in the bath. With side access, it is a matter of stepping in and sitting down. After the shower or the soak, the tub drains and you step out onto the rug. To ensure greater safety, the bathing system comes with hand rails or grips to help prevent falls. Even for those with even greater limited mobility, transferring is safer, allowing for more independence.

So, now you know the 3 main benefits of a side access bathing system. For safety, therapy, or independence you might want to consider the newest innovation in bathing. With concern for the elderly and disabled, someone can up with the perfect solution to getting clean and/or soaking away the pain.

Click here to view Walk-In Bathtubs

Three Reasons Why You Need a Portable Wheelchair Ramp

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 local medical supplies store has a ramp, but then there is that frustrating barrier to the front door. I have to turn my wheelchair backwards or ram it at an angle to seek help for my disability. The question is: why doesn't a business like that use a simple and portable threshold ramp to help their patrons out. Oh yeah! It will work at your house too!

The Non-Compliant Curb

Yes, I know there is a law that all public buildings have to be accessible to the disabled. But, they do not always specify exactly how people must comply. How many times have you tried to go to a business and found the curb cut half a mile away? Okay, I exaggerate! But, it is exhausting to roll around in a wheelchair all day. So, a portable curb ramp is a great solution. It folds up in your car, and you can pull it out, set it up, and go straight to the door. Forget having to go down the block.

The Company Deterrent

I have teased my family members that they have stairs into their homes simply so I cannot visit. Not true. But, the cost of renovating their homes to accommodate a wheelchair is not in the family budget. I have spent more than one holiday at home because I could not join the party, without having someone carry me up the stairs. (I refuse to be responsible for someone's hernia!) However, with a portable, foldable wheelchair ramp, I do not have to miss special occasions or family gatherings.

Portable wheelchair ramps come in various widths, lengths, and strengths to traverse most stoops and steps, whether you have lightweight wheels or an electric wheelchair with a huge motor. Now, I no longer have to miss Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, the ramps are so sturdy, many people who are wheelchair bound find the portable ramp an affordable alternative to permanent ramp construction.

So, now you know the 3 reasons why I really appreciate portable wheelchair ramps. If you can relate, please make your life a little easier. Being in a wheelchair already has enough demands on your time and energy. If you want more challenges, save them for something fun. Use the ramps.

Wheelchair Ramps and Making Life Accessible

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 thought I would never get around the door in the restroom.

Also, I absolutely hate shopping downtown! The curb cuts might be a block or two away from my business destination. Why should I have to go all the way down to the corner and back around to get to the store? Thankfully, someone is thinking about you and me. Now, you can find folding metal ramps that can be placed on any curb or sidewalk, so you do not have to go out of the way to shop.

Private Challenges

However, the reason wheelchair ramps and making life accessible is so important to me is the ability to go places I have been denied, simply because I cannot get in the door without a ramp. For example, I have family living near, but they do not have a special wheelchair ramp leading to the front door. In the past, if we wanted to visit, it meant going out to eat or staying outside. I have spent more than one special event or holiday alone, because I could not get into someone's home.

Not anymore! A collapsible, metal wheelchair ramp has definitely made life more accessible, and my friends and family do not have to renovate their homes. Someone simply unfolds the ramp and places the lip of the ramp on the top step. The ramp fits neatly over the steps and down to the level sidewalk. Then, it is simply a matter of getting someone to help push me up the incline and into the house. Now, I do not have to miss family gatherings and it is easier to go visit.

The ramp is completely portable. It folds for better storage. You can even place it into the trunk and take it with you, when you go out of town. How many times have you gone somewhere, only to be denied access because there is no ramp?

Economical Challenges

Of course, the steps and curbs you want to bypass may be different than those I deal with on a daily basis. Thankfully, not all wheelchair ramps are created equal. You can find ramps in various lengths and weights. For example, maybe you need a ramp for everyday use, but you cannot afford the costly reconstruction. You may want a sturdier ramp for regular use. You might also need a larger ramp, if you have a heavy electric wheelchair. You simply have to measure and consider the weight restrictions, before selecting the ramp that is right for you

In short, wheelchair ramps can make life accessible where there are no curb cuts or lifts. If steps keep you from visiting friends and family, a portable ramp can make the difference between missing out and having a great time. But, most importantly, a wheelchair ramp can make your own home accessible, even if you cannot afford costly renovations right now. It can make a big difference in your quality of life. I know a portable ramp changed mine.

Nebulizers can be Life Savers

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 course of action. However, it was quickly recommended that I simply purchase the device and submit the cost to my insurance. The advice may be some of the best I have ever received.

Why? Once you have been diagnosed with an illness or allergy that will require the use of a nebulizer, even if it is only occasionally, you are bound to need the nebulizer again in the future. When you already do not feel well, you do not want to have to go looking for a device to rent or borrow from a friend. Your life could depend on it.

Nebulizers Save Children

For example, when my nephew was small, he had horrible asthma attacks. He was hospitalized more than once. He definitely did not have a mild case. When he started coughing and having trouble breathing, searching for a nebulizer would have wasted precious minutes. Fortunately, my sister had a nebulizer and a ready supply of the medication he needed to reopen his lungs, giving him that much needed air.

Long before I was ever diagnosed with breathing problems, I would go to visit my sister and hear her baby trying to breath, with that croupy sound in his chest. He had to use the nebulizer so often, he did not even fidget. Although he was under the age of 2, he had already learned that the nebulizer made him feel so much better.

So, why am I telling you this? The answer is simply. As our atmosphere is becoming more polluted, the incidents of people with allergies, asthma, and the subsequent airway swelling are on the rise. If you or your child has ever gotten sick and needed a nebulizer treatment in the past, there is a good chance you will need one sometime in the future. Forget renting or borrowing a machine. Having a nebulizer in your home, ready for use, can be a life saver.

How to Use a Nebulizer

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 same principle. So, I will tell you how I use mine, and it will give you a good idea of what to look for or expect in the operation of your machine.

Medication

First, not everyone who needs a nebulizer will use the same type of medication. Although it all comes in little vials, the contents are in different strengths and different ingredients.

Maybe I have been naive, but I found out that not all medication is created equal, when I complained to my doctor that it made me lightheaded and feeling really funny afterwards. I learned you are supposed to breathe easier, not feel like you are going to pass out or your extremities are all tingly. Change the dose, change the reaction.

Using the Machine

Regardless of the prescribed medication, nebulizers basically work the same. You hook a plastic tube to the appropriate connection and fill a little receptacle at the base of the breathing device. You often have the choice of a mask or mouthpiece to use while inhaling the medicated mist. If the nebulizer if for a child, the mask is great. An elastic strap will keep it in place, leaving the child's hands free to look at a book or play with a toy to help pass the time, until the treatment is finished.

Caring for the Parts

After the nebulizer treatment, it is very important to take care of the machine. First, you will need to make sure the oxygen tube is not kinked, or it can crack and be useless for future treatments. Then, be sure to thoroughly wash out the little medication receptacle. If you forget, the left over residue will dry very sticky and make it a real pain the next time you want to add the meds. Do not forget to check the filter in the machine. It is responsible for making sure the misty, medicated oxygen needed to clear your airways is also free of particles that are not healthy. Finally, when you store the nebulizer, make sure it is clean and the tube is rolled nicely, so the next time you desperately need to get a breath of air, it will be ready for you.

Bariatric Surgery, Recovery and Equipment

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 healthy and failing, the doctor may consider someone as a potential candidate for bariatric surgery. All other reasonable options have been tried. Bariatric surgery is the treatment of last resort.

Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery

But, just because you want to have weight loss surgery, and have raised the money to foot the bill, it does not mean that you will qualify. Being overweight is not the only criteria you will have to meet, before a surgeon will take you on as a patient. For example, you will have to present with a number of significant health issues that have ruined your quality of life or threaten your longevity. You may have:

High Blood Pressure

Sleep Apnea

Heart Problems

Lung Problems

Mobility Issues

Diabetes

Edema

And More

All of these health problems can have a significant effect on your ability to live life today and significantly reduces your chances of being around tomorrow.

For instance, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of strokes. Believe me, it is not just a disease for the elderly. You can have a stroke at any age. If you are lucky, you might just have to learn fine motor skills again. But, what if you are totally incapacitated and lose the ability to communicate with loved ones? You may wish the stroke had killed you, instead. Of course, a lot of people do not get a second chance at life.

You may have sleep apnea and not even realize it. Do you wake up in the morning more tired than when you went to bed the night before? Do you every snore so loudly that you wake yourself up in the middle of the night? Do you wake up every morning and your bed looks like you have had a war with the sheets and blankets? You may have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can be of serious health concern. The main cause is obesity. But, it is dangerous because you literally stop breathing frequently in the night. It can be due to an obstructed airway from the fat in your throat. Most of the time, your body will wake you up, so you will take a deep breath or change position. However, over time it can do damage to your heart or cause you to have a stroke.

If you are obese, you already know about lung problems. Climbing stairs is basically torture on a grand scale. It can even be difficult to just get up and down. If someone comes to your door it about takes an act of Congress to get you out of the chair. Even the slightest exertion leaves you winded.

Mobility also becomes a problem, if you are overweight. Think about how heavy a full gallon of milk feels, when you pull it out of the refrigerator. Did you know that gallon only weighs 8 pounds? Now, think of the amount of excess weight you carry around each day. No wonder it is exhausting to navigate. Imagine the beating your joints take on a daily basis, even if you rarely get up from your chair. You are a prime candidate for osteoarthritis. Plus, if you gain much more weight, you will not even be able to get up and down without help.

More and more Americans are being diagnosed with type II diabetes. Generally, unless it is type I, the cause is definitely related to excess weight and poor eating habits. But, the consequences of the disease can be devastating. People with diabetes are more likely to have heart problems, circulatory problems, have trouble retain their sight, and other equally scary health concerns. However, if you could lose the weight and start living a healthy lifestyle, diabetes may have to take a hike.

Do you have severe swelling in your legs and ankles? Do you ankles look like grapefruits attached to legs that look like tree trunks? You may be suffering from edema. You are retaining unnatural amounts of fluid and it can be a very serious health concern. It can lead to congestive heart failure.

Before Bariatric Surgery

Even if you have one or more relevant health concerns that should qualify you for bariatric surgery. However, you will have to undergo a battery of tests to make sure you are strong enough to withstand such a dangerous procedure. The doctor will test your heart, lungs, and other body systems.

No surgeon wants you to have a heart attack or some other major health meltdown during surgery. If the doctor feels that the risks far outweigh the benefits of bariatric surgery, you will be denied the operation. In addition, you will have to undergo psychological testing. No, you do not have to prove you are sane, before the doctor will perform the procedure.

However, health care professionals will want to make sure you are ready for such a drastic procedure. Essentially, your digestive system is going to be rewired. Your lifestyle is going to change totally, and forever. You will never be able to go back to your former eating habits.

After the surgery, you will begin a process of reintroducing food to your body in stages. At first, you will only be allowed clear liquids. When the doctor deems you ready, you will be ingesting small amounts of other liquids like milk. Eventually, you will be given pureed foods. It may be weeks or months before you are ready to start eating solids again. Even then, the portions will be minuscule, compared to how you have eaten in the past. In fact, you will never be able to eat large portions again.

Bariatric Surgery Options

You qualify for bariatric surgery based upon your weight and health history. You have passed all of the health and psychological exams. It is time to take the ultimate step and have a procedure that will finally help you gain control of your weight and have a better quality of life.

Basically, you will have 3 options to discuss with your doctor, although there are many different versions of bariatric surgery. One choice is a lap band. It is actually a device placed around your stomach to reduce the space you will have to contain food. A balloon is under the band, so the doctor can expand or contract the balloon to adjust the tension on the band. It is still dangerous, but probably the simplest procedure.

However, the band can slip. So, you will have to know what symptoms to look for, if something goes wrong. Then, it will be up to you to contact a doctor immediately for treatment.

A more popular choice is to fashion a pouch out of a portion of your stomach, so you can only eat miniscule amounts before feeling satisfied. However, some types of the surgery simply empty into the larger portion of the stomach, and it are possible to revert back to old habits of eating unhealthily.

Finally, the most popular choice of bariatric surgery is probably some form of the gastric bypass. Essentially, the doctor will totally reroute your digestive system, so you will only be able to absorb a limited amount of calories and nutrients before waste elimination. Although there are several different methods of bypass, the principle is the same.

Therefore, it will be essential to make every calorie count and take the prescribed supplements. A real danger with bypass is not getting the proper nutrition. Even when you are losing weight, your body still needs a balanced diet, including a healthy amount of fat. So, it is a real balancing act.

Thus, it is also a totally lifestyle change. Regardless of the surgical option you and your doctor feel is right for you, it will always be important to limit your food intake, eat small portions at a time, and make sure that the calories count. Yes, you might be able to eat a bite of two of your favorite dessert occasionally. But, you will now be eating to live, not living to eat.

Recovering from Bariatric Surgery

Before you ever go through a bariatric procedure, you will need to be prepared for recovering from bariatric surgery. In some cases, you will already have what you need, because you have already had special needs based upon your excessive weight.

Mobility

For example, you may already have a bariatric wheelchair, if mobility has become a major issue. If not, you may need one following surgery. Although you will be required to be as active as possible, it will definitely be hard to get around for awhile. You may need a chair for getting around, and no ordinary wheelchair will provide adequate support, while you are healing.

If you are still able to walk, it can still be dangerous getting around until you heal and lose some of the excess weight. You may need bariatric crutches or a bariatric cane, to get around with a little extra balance support. A fall now could cause devastating complications.

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. Especially after bariatric surgery, you do not need to be straining to get up. So, if a bariatric lift could make life a little easier, you might want to consider the innovative solution to improving mobility.

Bariatric Bathroom Safety

When you are excessively overweight and have mobility problems, one of the most dangerous rooms in the house is the bathroom. If you slip and fall in the bathtub or shower, you can do major damage to your healing gastric surgery. Plus, it will be impossible to get up, because you are not supposed to lift anything-including yourself.

Even people without physical challenges take nasty spills in the bathroom. But, you can greatly improve the safety factor with
bariatric bath/shower benches. You can sit to take you shower and give yourself time to heal properly. Remember, you have just experienced major reconstructive abdominal surgery. You will be glad to sit down while you bathe.

Safety in the Bedroom

Get Help

Of course, even with all of the bariatric aids and equipment, you are going to need help after bariatric surgery. You cannot do it all by yourself, no matter how tough you are. You will probably not even be allowed to lift a gallon of milk. You will not be pushing the vacuum cleaner for several weeks. If you have kids, it will be paramount to have someone around, until the doctor feels you are ready to resume your duties as a parent. So, do not try to tough it out, be too proud, or stoic. Get help, so all you have gone through to take care of your health will not be jeopardized.

In short, if you have chosen bariatric surgery, you have not taken the easy way out, in order to lose weight. In fact, you are very courageous. You should be proud of yourself for making the ultimate effort to become healthy. So, if you believe that you qualify for bariatric surgery, are willing to go through all of the preoperative tests, undergo the surgery, and are prepared to take care of yourself safely, you will have what it takes to make sure you finally succeed in achieving a better quality of life and a healthier you.

Why You May Need Several Bath Benches

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 bath bench. You also do not want to have to move a bath bench from one end of the house to the other. So, it is simply common sense to have more than one bath bench, if you have multiple bathrooms. Besides, even if you never use the second shower, you might have guests that will appreciate the safety factor when they come to visit.

Away

Of course, you will not always be close to home every time you need a shower. If you are on vacation, and get stuck in a motel room without handicapped facilities, it might be nice to have a portable bath bench stowed away in the trunk. It also makes it easier to visit friends and family. Then, you do not have to leave early because you did not pack massive amounts of deodorant or perfume.

Speaking from personal experience, it is no fun trying to get clean without a bath bench. While a wash cloth and sink full of warm water will do in a pinch, you never feel truly clean. By the time you have been away from home for a few days, it becomes impossible to enjoy the trip, because you need to get back home to the safety of your bath bench and take a shower until all of the hot water runs out.

In short, I remember the days of bathing before having a bath bench. Every bath or shower is a stressful event of necessity. Forget trying to relax and enjoy the experience. Hearing people talking about how great warm shower would feel right now, is almost impossible to understand. Why can family members stay in there long enough to use all of the hot water, when you are constantly worried about falling? Well, now you can wash away your fears while sitting on your bath bench. Then, you can use up all the hot water for once.

Electric Wheelchair Lift for Home or Car

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 room.

Thank goodness someone saw a need and invented the electric wheelchair lift that can be installed directly to the stair wall. The chair can be safely positioned on the lift platform, for the ride to the top of the stairs or back down to the bottom. To keep the chair from rolling off the lift in transit, safety ledges are locked into place while the lift is in motion. Then, if the time should come, through rehabilitation, that the lift is no longer required, it can be easily uninstalled and the stairway wall restored.

Auto Electric Wheelchair Lift

Did you know that the disabled in Japan are often restricted to one room of their homes for the balance of life? Alternatively, many are placed in an institution. The idea of having a disability and being independent is a foreign concept to many residents. But, you do not have to be sequestered in your home. Thanks to the auto electric wheelchair lift, you can get out and do many of the activities most people take for granted.

The type of vehicle electric wheelchair lift depends on your personal circumstances. If you drive, the lift can be retrofitted to a van specially designed for physically challenged drivers. However, if you are a caregiver for someone who is confined to a chair, the lift can be externally installed to the back bumper or made to fold into the vehicle during transport.

Either way, an electric wheelchair lift can bring back the simple pleasures of shopping, going to the movies, attending church, having a real vacation, and so many other activities that most people do not give a second thought.

As a person confined to a wheelchair, I know what it is like to be stuck on the ground floor, when the rest of the family is upstairs. I also understand how great it is to go out to eat with friends or simply take a ride on the interstate, and going as fast as the other people for once. With home and auto electric wheelchair lifts, you can enjoy the simple pleasures too.

Make Patient Care Easier with a Shower Gurney

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 is the problem of changing the sheets, when someone cannot get out of bed. While rolling the patient from side to side gets the job done in a pinch, it is definitely not a dignified chore. But, if someone could change the bed, while the patient is in the shower, it will feel nice to touch the cool, clean sheets.

In truth, most people do not give showers a second thought, unless they have been in a terrible accident or struck down by disease. What is the big deal about getting up in the morning, jumping in the shower, and running out of the house to get wherever you need to go? But, if life's events take that simple pleasure away, it will not be long before the simple act of showering is greatly missed.

The Little Things in Life

Even if the patient will never be able to shower independently again, and many of life's normal activities are a thing of the past, a shower gurney can make patient care a little easier, and give them an opportunity to enjoy the bathing process again. I know well how hard it is not to be able to even take care of your own basic needs. It is frustrating, degrading, depressing, and make you wonder about the value of your own existence.

Especially when someone else is responsible for giving you a bath, like when you are a baby, even the littlest effort to make things like bathing more enjoyable is a big deal. Making life as normal as possible does a lot for a disabled individual's self esteem. In addition, it can make your job of taking care of his/her personal hygiene a lot easier in the long run.

So, put yourself in the patient's shoes. Imagine what it would be like to never be able to take a real bath or shower again. Then, think about what a difference a shower gurney would make for the immobile and you the caregiver. It's a no-brainer!

Shower Gurneys Improve Life for the Disabled and the Caregiver

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 patient with mobility issues can enjoy the refreshing feeling of a shower. Styles include fixed height and adjustable height, in a choice of battery-operated and hydraulic versions. Some models fold for easier storage, and almost all are available in pediatric sizes.

Fixed height shower gurneys are most often constructed of furniture grade PVC tubing. Some styles offer a waterproof, perforated, foam pad. Other styles can safely hold the body weight of patients up to 900 lbs.

Flexibility

The ability to adjust the height of the table means caregivers are assured of their own comfort when bathing the immobile patient. Some adjustable height shower gurney styles offer a motorized mechanism that helps to safely tilt the patient to the side, allowing access to the patient's back. Others offer a side-mounted lifting column, ensuring the safety of both patient and caregiver when transferring the patient from the gurney to the bed. One battery-operated, adjustable height style has sides that can be automatically adjusted to allow for both deep and shallow bathing options, serving the patient's needs and helping the caregiver to provide total patient hygiene.

Making Life a Little Better and Safer

Patients are individuals, and the bathing methods they prefer are just as individual. Some patients prefer showers; others prefer baths. The way in which a caregiver chooses to bathe the patient is based partly on patient preferences, but the patient's wellness level and other factors also play a part. Patient care facilities are interested in serving the patient's needs, while protecting the health of caregivers, a group with a higher than average incidence of back injuries. Other concerns high on the priority list are the ability to provide efficient care while also saving time. The wide variety of shower gurney styles available today make patient bathing comfortable for the patient and safe for the caregiver and, in most cases, conserve environmental resources, such as electricity and water.

So, if you are the caregiver or the disabled, a shower gurney gives some semblance of normality and dignity to the process of bathing that most people take for granted. Some even have adjustable headrests, so the patient can enjoy the warm cascading water, without feeling like he/she is going to drown. It can actually be something to look forward to again.

How to Use a Hoyer Lift

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 before using your patient lifter and refer to the manual carefully before using the patient lifter in order to become proficient in using the device in a safe and efficient manner.

Download the full PDF document on How to use a Hoyer Lift

The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Foot Drop

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 is occurring.

In typical cases - Foot Drop only affects one foot, though it is possible for both feet to be affected depending on the condition that is causing it to occur.

The main signs that a person may be experiencing Foot Drop are a change in gait. Because you are unable to lift the toes, the toes may drag along the ground when walking. To compensate for this problem of dragging the toes, a person will often lift the affected leg as though they are walking up stairs. This is known as steppage gait.

A steppage gait is not only noticeable by the exaggerated motion of the leg in use, but by the sound the foot makes during the gait. When a person lifts the leg higher to prevent the toe drag, the heel strikes the ground with more force than the normal body weight, causing the front half of the foot to slap to the ground as though the foot is simply being dropped to the ground.

There are other ways that people try to compensate for Foot Drop. Swinging the leg outward and around is common as well as a simple toe drag. An easy first step in telling if a person is experiencing Foot Drop is to see if they can walk on their heels only. With Foot Drop, a person will be unable to walk only on the heels of their feet.

What are the Causes of Foot Drop?

Foot Drop itself results from the weakening of the muscles, tendons, or nerves which control the ability to lift the front part of the foot. Weakening or even paralysis of these muscles just below the knee will result in loss of control of the toes and foot. Ultimately, Foot Drop is a symptom of one of many possible underlying conditions. These conditions can be muscular, anatomical, or neurological in nature.

Drug Complications - Many times, Foot Drop can be brought on by an adverse reaction to drugs, or even alcohol. Some drugs used during chemotherapy in cancer patients have been known to cause temporary Foot Drop. Even some drugs used in treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (itself another cause) can have a toxic effect on the system leading to Foot Drop.
Nerve or Muscle Damage - Injuries to the muscles, nerves, or tendons which control the front of the foot can lead to Foot Drop. These injuries can come from any number of sources. The peroneal nerve which branches off of the sciatic nerve and runs just below the knee is a key component in controlling the tendons and muscles that the foot uses. Damage to this nerve from an injury, medical condition, or even hip or knee surgery, generally has a direct effect in causing Foot Drop. Muscle damage through inherited diseases can also cause Foot Drop. Many forms of muscular dystrophy can bring the condition about. Sometimes foot drop can be caused by continuous athletic activity which places a strain on the muscle and nervous system. Often this takes many years to develop and is generally a temporary condition brought on by physical activity and then subsides with rest. In many cases, the condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
Central Nervous System Disorders - A number of disorders such as multiple sclerosis or a stroke can lead to Foot Drop. Because the tendons and muscles that control the front of the foot are directly controlled by the peroneal nerve, any type of damage to that nerve through a central nervous system disorder can also lead to Foot Drop which in some cases can be corrected, and in others it cannot.

Treatment Options for Foot Drop

Because Foot Drop is many times a symptom for another medical condition - treatment may involve a number of different things. There are a number of options available to directly go about treating Foot Drop which includes surgery, physical therapy, and corrective devices.

Surgery - Many times surgery is an option because it may correct the underlying problem causing Foot Drop. If Foot Drop is caused by a pinched nerve or a herniated disc - surgical options are often the best bet in relieving a patient's discomfort. Also, if Foot Drop has been caused by direct injury to the muscles or tendons, surgical repair of those tendons is sometimes an option that can lead to elimination of the condition. Surgery options can also include nerve grafting or tendon replacement. In some cases where a patient has experienced permanent loss of movement that is unable to be repaired - a surgeon may fuse the foot and ankle joint in an effort to improve that patient's condition and gait.
AFO Treatment - An AFO - Ankle Foot Orthosis - is a common solution to treating Foot Drop. An AFO is a device that is inserted into the patient's shoe and is designed to help the patient's ankle and foot achieve stability during movement. This helps to correct the awkward gaits that generally accompany Foot Drop. Similar to a brace or a splint, an AFO is fitted to a patient's foot to achieve the best results.
Nerve Stimulation - If the cause of Foot Drop is determined to be directly related to a damaged peroneal nerve, another option in place of surgery is nerve stimulation. A small device is worn just below the knee (or surgically implanted) which creates a small electrical pulse while walking that simulates the normal function of the nerve. This causes the muscles and tendons to contract in a normal way and provide support to the foot where it was lacking previously. This is a popular non-surgical option and can have great results in helping patients overcome Foot Drop.
Physical Therapy - Physical therapy is often prescribed to a patient suffering from Foot Drop in addition to one of the other options. Proper physical therapy and exercise can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons that are not functioning properly on their own.

Accessories and Devices that can help with Foot Drop

There are a number of devices that can be used to help with easing the discomfort of Foot Drop. These devices can also help to stop any aggravating conditions that might make Foot Drop worse. Preventing Foot Drop by limiting the loss of muscle mass and tendon flexibility in cases where a patient is immobile for a period of time can also be done with the aid of these devices.

Blanket Lifters - A blanket lifter is designed to keep a blanket off of the toes and feet while a patient is sleeping. This can help to relieve unnecessary pressure on the foot and ankle joint. This is important for a patient following surgery for Foot Drop, or someone experiencing Foot Drop who wants to keep muscle and tendon deterioration from being accelerated. Blanket lifters come designed for regular beds and hospital beds, and are sometimes referred to as a bed cradle. Some blanket lifters are also designed to act as foot supports because the feet rest up against them in a way that prevents them from drooping in a damaging way.
AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotics) - An AFO is a brace or a splint that is designed to be worn by somebody experiencing Foot Drop. The AFO can be inserted directly into the shoe and is secured by Velcro straps. Designed to help a person correct their gait - an AFO is a non-surgical solution for Foot Drop. Properly designed, an AFO will provide support laterally - side to side - as well as help with dorsi-flexion (controlling the front of the foot up and down).
Splints and Braces - A splint or a brace may be used to help stabilize the foot and ankle joint. Generally a splint or a brace will provide more support and less flexibility. This can help to improve a person's gait if they are experiencing Foot Drop. Most splints and braces are designed to immobilize the ankle joint while stationary and provide enough support to walk with. They may look like a boot, because they're designed to be worn continuously and most are breathable in a way to prevent a patient from developing foot or heel ulcers.
Foot Positioners, Stabilizers, and Elevators - A foot positioner is designed to support a patient's foot while bed ridden. This prevents further damage to tendons and muscles in the case of immobility and Foot Drop. Also known as stabilizers or heel guards, some of these devices are also designed as foot elevators in order to provide proper support to a patient who is immobile.
Foot Lifters - A foot lifter is a device that is designed to provide help with moving a foot or leg that is somewhat immobile due to conditions like Foot Drop or something else. They are helpful in showers as well as situations like getting in and out of your automobile. They save the patient from having to strain and bend over in order to lift the foot or leg in various situations.

Foot Drop Tips

Although Foot Drop can be a temporary condition, even brought on by sitting with your legs crossed in a way that pinches the peroneal nerve, it is often the indicator or symptom of a more severe condition.

If you think you are experiencing Foot Drop - try to walk on the heels of your feet for a short distance. If you are experiencing a case of Foot Drop, you'll be unable to walk on the heel of the foot with the problem.
If you do indeed have Foot Drop, it's very important that you seek the advice of a physician in order to determine the exact cause of the problem. They'll be able to advise you on the proper course of treatment or surgery options for Foot Drop and the medical condition that might be causing it.
Investigate splints and braces to help with correcting or minimizing Foot Drop. If treatment is going to be non-surgical, a splint or a brace can help along with proper physical therapy.
Consider a foot stabilizer or positioner. Because Foot Drop reduces the ability to lift the toes towards your shin, while you are sleeping or sitting your foot will droop. This can cause additional stress on the ankle joint and tendons which may lead to additional problems. A stabilizer or positioner can help to keep this in check.
And because it's the most important tip we'll say it twice - seek proper medical advice from a qualified physician.

Additional Web Sites about Foot Drop

MayoClinic.com
The Mayo Clinic's web site is easy to navigate and presents medical conditions and explanations in easy to understand terms. Their section about Foot Drop clearly articulates the condition and factors surrounding it as well as options for treatment. As Foot Drop tends to be a symptom of another, sometimes hidden condition - the Mayo Clinic's web site is also a great resource in researching possible causes - though of course it shouldn't replace the consultation of a physician. But it does help with being prepared when you are ready to speak to a doctor.
National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The National Institutes of Health have a division that deals directly with neurological disorders and stroke. The web site for the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke has detailed information on Foot Drop and the neurological causes that may be aggravating the condition. One very important feature of this web site is that they also list medical research being done on Foot Drop as well as any clinical trials that may be open to test subjects with the condition. These clinical trials are conducted throughout the United States as well as worldwide. For a listing of these trials and any related information - be sure to visit the web site.
MedScape
MedScape's web site is a peer reviewed medical research database that has a lot of information on various conditions and diseases. Their information on Foot Drop is comprehensive and complete. The articles are written by physicians performing research and treatments on various conditions - so the articles tend to be written with a lot of medical terminology that can sometimes be a little more difficult to digest for somebody looking for a simple explanation. That being said, the information contains a lot of statistics and studies that are currently being undertaken, and is very up to date. Reading through MedScape's articles can be a little like listening to one doctor talk to another doctor - you definitely get all of the information.
Texas Nerve and Paralysis Institute
The Texas Nerve and Paralysis Institute run a clinic that specializes in helping patients with Foot Drop because of a medical condition. They perform surgery and other corrective treatments for a large number of patients. Their web site is completely dedicated to Foot Drop, its causes and its treatment options. It's a very comprehensive web site that is designed to discuss Foot Drop in terms that everybody can understand - as well as provide complete information on treatment options and how to go about scheduling a consultation. This web site is a great resource and a fantastic place to start if you are looking for more information on Foot Drop, its causes, and what you can do about it. They also have a number of videos available to view that demonstrate what Foot Drop is as well as videos that demonstrate patients after surgery or treatments to correct Foot Drop.

The Ultimate Guide to Hip Fractures

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 femur (the bone that extends from the pelvis to the knee) inside or near the hip joint. Hip fractures are generally placed into 2 main classifications - a Femoral Neck Fracture or an Intertrochanteric Fracture. Both of these types of fractures are very serious and in most cases will necessitate surgery to repair the fractures.

Femoral Neck Fracture

The femoral neck is just below the head (top) of the femur. A femoral neck fracture generally occurs within 1 to 2 inches from the end of the femur.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs within 3 to 4 inches of the head of the femur and usually requires the use of a metal plate and screw to hold the bone in place while it heals - allowing the head of the femur to continue moving normally in the hip socket.

Though hip fractures are generally caused by a serious trauma - a fall or a high impact injury - other factors can contribute to the risk of sustaining a broken hip.

Age

Statistics show that age is a large factor. The majority of hip related injuries and fractures occur in people over 80. There are two main reasons why this may be true: bone density loss and the presence of other medical conditions affecting balance and mobility. But also effecting elderly patients are general aging issues like loss of vision and a decreasing or weakening sense of balance.

Medical Conditions

Osteoporosis puts patients at an even higher risk for breaking a hip simply because it reduces bone density. There are a number of other medical conditions that will also lead up to and increase chances of developing osteoporosis which in turn can lead to increased risks for hip fractures.

The development of other diseases and conditions like Parkinson's disease which effect a person's mobility and balance can contribute to an increased risk of falling and breaking a hip as well. Diabetes, arthritis, and similar diseases can also effect a person's activity levels which in turn increases risk.

Physical Inactivity

Because physical inactivity can lead to the weakening of bones, tendons, and muscles - it can also contribute to a higher risk of fracturing critical bones and joints. Physical inactivity can in turn lead to other conditions such as obesity and weight gain which can put a larger strain on a weakening bone structure. Maintaining a regular physical activity schedule will often reduce a patient's risk of hip fracture.

Mortality Rates and Common Problems Associated with Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention because there are a number of problems and conditions that can arise because of the broken bone. Studies have shown that mortality rates following a hip fracture can be rather high for a number of reasons which include the development of other serious medical conditions (blood clots and infections) as well as the age of the patient at the time of the injury (since the majority of fractures occurs among seniors).

A study published in the British Medical Journal places mortality rates within one year of suffering a fractured hip at 20%. And this number only increases with the age of the patient - as many as 33% of patients over the age of 80 die within a year of breaking a hip. The 30 day mark following surgery for a fractured hip is high in this population also - coming in at about 10%.

A number of factors contribute to these high numbers. Post-operative complications like infections (i.e. pneumonia or bronchitis) are dangerous factors. The general health of the patients involved in the study also contributes to the high mortality rates. Because as we talked about, a number of other conditions can increase a patients risk of breaking a hip. These same conditions (obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, and others) can also make recovery more difficult.

Mobility factors increase risk as well. Because a broken hip makes it even more difficult for patients to get proper exercise, the overall deterioration of the body due to inactivity can bring about other health problems or exasperate existing conditions like heart disease. For patients that are bedridden following surgery, pressure sores and infections become an increased risk.

Overall, the general health of a patient prior to the sustained injury and following surgery is going to play highly in determining the likelihood of the patient's complete recovery. This is why younger patients tend to recover more completely and quickly as they are less likely to have preexisting medical conditions that are going to be worsened by the injury.

Mortality rates and other complications decrease significantly in patients that work hard at maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle regardless of age. Often for these folks - a broken hip is a temporary setback, though it is still a serious injury. Recovery though will often be a lot simpler if the patient has maintained general good health prior to fracturing their hip.

How Hip Fractures are Treated

In most cases, a hip fracture is going to require surgery. In cases where surgery is not possible because of an illness or other factor - traction may be used. In those cases without surgery - the main treatment for a broken hip relies mainly on pain reduction.

Both types of hip fractures - the femoral neck fracture and the intertrochanteric fracture - require surgery. The exact procedure is slightly different for each type.

Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery

When the break is lower on the femur as in an intertrochanteric fracture (occurring 3 to 4 inches from the head of the femur) a different procedure is generally used. Doctors will attach a metal plate to the side of the femur and insert a metal hip compression screw into the femur. This compression screw and plate allows the bone fragments to compress together and mend themselves.

Femoral Neck Fracture Surgery

With a femoral neck fracture, surgery will generally involve one of three types of procedures: metal screws, replacing part of the femur, or total hip replacement.

Using metal screws, the surgeon will align the bones and fix them in place with three long metal screws which will remain in place and not be removed. These screws serve to allow the bones to mend back together as well as strengthen that section of the femur.

If the doctors are unable to align the bones in a way that will allow them to heal properly, they will usually attempt a procedure known as a hemiarthroplasty. This involves removing and replacing the damaged head and neck of the femur with a metal prosthesis.

Total hip replacement is the most invasive of the three options. If for some reason, the socket joint in the hip is damaged - total hip replacement might be the best option. In this procedure, the surgeons will not only replace the top portion of the femur, but also the joint section of the pelvic bone. One of the benefits of total hip replacement is that it allows patients to become mobile again sooner after the surgery than other options. This can help to prevent other complications associated with major surgery from developing.

Hospital stays after surgery for a hip fracture can vary in length - although the average stay in the hospital generally lasts a week. The majority of patients will require physical therapy for a long period following the surgery to recover completely. Older and less mobile patients may even have to look to a long term care facility if they don't have available help or care at home.

Help With Recovery and Prevention of Hip Fractures

Exercise and physical activity is a key in helping with both recovery from a hip fracture and prevention of those fractures. Because mobility is limited following surgery for hip fractures, the use of a walker is often a good idea for elderly patients as it will help them get the exercise to speed up healing and also help to prevent another fall from aggravating the injury further.

Everyday tasks will probably become a little more difficult for a patient recovering from hip fracture surgery. Things like bending over to tie shoes or getting dressed in the morning will require a little bit of extra effort. Lifting the affected leg into bed or onto the couch will also become more difficult at times during the recovery. There are quite a few products like extended shoe horns and leg lifters which can ease the pain and difficulty of recovery.

Often times, simple tasks that are taken for granted become more complicated. Bathing for example is an everyday thing that becomes tough following hip surgery. A sponge on an extended handle or a bath bench become tools which can really help.

To make recovery easier, the purchase of a "hip kit" is a small investment for quite a bit of help. Common items that you'll find in a hip kit include:

Long Handled Sponges
Long Handled Shoe Horn
A Dressing Stick
Extendable Reachers or Grabbers
Leg Lifters

Mobility and physical therapy are both important factors in helping to speed up recovery. Full use of the hip will take some time, but in patients that were healthy prior to the surgery, a full recovery is possible and likely.

Exercise is a major factor in recovery as well as the prevention of other complications arising because of the surgery. Any help that a patient can enlist - either from family or qualified medical practitioners is going to aid them in recovery.

Prevention Tips

Learning how to prevent falls is another factor that is going to seriously limit the likelihood of breaking a hip.

Building railings or ramps to help with stairs around the home is a good idea.
Installing rails next to the toilet and in the bathtub or shower is another preventative measure. They're also great ideas to help somebody who is trying to recover from hip surgery since their mobility will be more limited for a time.
Rearranging furniture to allow for clear paths.
Check rugs and carpets for slippage or places somebody could trip.
Consider the use of a hip protector - a low profile pad that you wear beneath your clothing and over your hip to help absorb any impact from a fall.
Keep cords stowed safely away.
Place used items in easy to reach places - avoid step stools and ladders where balance might be lost.
Make sure areas of the home and yard are well lit. Being able to see a hazard is half the battle.
Wear practical shoes that are non-slip.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also decrease your risk of breaking a hip. Not only exercise, but proper nutrition is important.

Weight Bearing Exercise - Helps to fight bone density loss and works to maintain the strength of tendons and muscles that support the joints. Not only that, but regularly walking or exercising will help to maintain your sense of balance and agility - making the likelihood of a fall less likely.
Smoking - Believe it or not, smoking actually works to reduce your bone density. So not only can it cause cancer - but it can weaken your bones.
Calcium and Vitamin D - Proper nutrition and watching levels of calcium in your diet (through foods or supplements) will work to maintain your bone density so that in the event of a fall, you are less likely to fracture your hip. Vitamin D is also a key component of this process as it helps your body absorb and process calcium.

Other Hip Fracture Resources

There are a ton of available resources on the web these days that can help you in the prevention of or recovery from a hip fracture. The following is a listing and review of some great web sites and articles if you would like more information on hip fracture prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic is a highly respected non-profit organization and clinic that maintains clinics in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. They also have a very informative web site that is a great resource for countless medical conditions. The section of the web site on hip fractures is very in depth and organized in a way that you can find information very easily on prevention of hip fractures or help with recovery from hip surgery.

Care.com

Care.com is an interesting web site in that it deals with the care of patients following surgeries like total hip replacement. On this web site you'll find questions and tips related to helping patients or parents who are going through a difficult hip surgery recovery.

Advice on how to deal with the medical condition is provided, as well as advice on how to help the patient mentally get through the recovery is discussed.

This web site also provides access to a network of caregivers and service providers in your area if you need additional help with recovering from hip surgery. You can find providers for any level of help that might be needed, from full time care to part time help with housework and chores. The great thing about this service is that you can post your needs and interview potential caregivers as well as look at a background check.

EveryDayHealth.com

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle are the best preventative measures that you can take towards avoiding a hip fracture. Working as an online community and resource, EveryDayHealth.com is a great resource and web site to use to maintain that active and healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition information and tools like their meal planner' and weight tracker' are great ways to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy. Participating in the community forums is also a great way to meet other people facing the same issues or working towards the same goals.

Hip fractures are a common injury, especially among the elderly - so reaching out to a community like EveryDayHealth will give you the opportunity to find understanding support of what it is you might be going through following hip surgery.

Finding the proper support, medical care, and tools to aid in the recovery from hip fracture surgery is a key component to reducing the difficulty and likelihood of complications from a broken hip. Whether you have experienced a hip fracture or are just interested in the prevention of a future injury - there's a myriad of online resources available to help you in that quest.

The Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Ramps

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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, is by far the most important thing to consider when building or purchasing a wheelchair ramp.

A steep wheelchair ramp defeats the purpose of what a ramp is designed to do. A wheelchair ramp is supposed to allow everybody the same access to a building or area, and provide that access in a safe way. A steep ramp is a danger to anybody using it - even those who normally wouldn't use a ramp. Steep ramps increase the likelihood of tipping backwards as well as requiring much more energy to climb.

When considering a ramp to build or purchase, remember that the lower the slope or degree of incline, the better. The minimum recommended slope for a wheelchair ramp in a public place is 1:12. That means for every unit of height, the ramp will be 12 units long. So if the ramp is designed to rise 1 foot in height, it should be at least 12 feet long. That's the minimum. If the area has icy or wet weather, it's important to consider an even lower degree of incline like 1:18 or 1:24.

With a lower slope the wheels on a wheelchair are less likely to slip and it will be easier for a person or mechanized wheelchair to climb the ramp. Plus, you also need to consider that what goes up, must come down. On a steeper ramp, it will be harder for a user to control their descent safely.

Landings

It doesn't do any good to have a wheelchair ramp if the person using the ramp is unable to open a door at the top of the ramp.

Landings (level areas) with adequate room to maneuver, change direction, and open a door are just as big a part of the design of a wheelchair ramp as the ramp itself. Without a proper landing at the top of a ramp that leads to a door - a person in a wheelchair will likely have much difficulty in trying to not roll backwards down the ramp while trying to open the door to get inside.

A landing at the bottom of a wheelchair ramp is equally as important because you'll want to give users adequate space to stop themselves or make a safe turn.

Also, you might consider landings spaced out in the middle of the slope if the ramp is of any significant length. This will allow users areas to rest, or make turns if the wheelchair ramp changes directions. In a wheelchair it is especially difficult to traverse an incline and turn at the same time - so for safety it is important to have any change in direction on a ramp done with a proper landing area.

Landing Transitions

Having appropriate landings also means you need to have properly designed transitions to those landings as well. With safety being one of the major factors surrounding wheelchair ramps - a high lip,' a rut, or just a large change in degree of slope at a transition can be an accident waiting to happen for users in wheelchairs, caregivers, or pedestrians using the ramp. Having a proper transition will increase the safety for all users of the ramp and decrease the likelihood of an accident.

Weight Tolerance

It is very important to make sure that you check the weight specifications of any ramp you are considering. Wheelchair ramps are designed for a number of different types of use. Some are built for manual wheelchairs, some for electric wheelchairs, and some for just the wheelchairs without the users. Making sure that a wheelchair ramp is built for the use you intend it for may save a future accident from happening.

Handrails

If you are building a permanent ramp, handrails are a very important accessory with their own considerations.

Handrails serve a number of purposes. They allow users the option to pull themselves up the ramp instead of pushing. They allow users to stop and hold onto them if they need a break from pushing themselves. They also allow users the ability to steady themselves if they feel insecure going up or down the ramp.

Because handrails on a wheelchair ramp are used for more than just balance - it is important that wooden handrails be smooth and free of splinters to avoid other injuries.

The height of a handrail on a wheelchair ramp is also an important consideration as wheelchair users may need a railing at a lower height than somebody walking up a flight of stairs. Often, a double handrail will solve this issue.

Edges

For safety reasons, it's important that a wheelchair ramp has some sort of edge protection. This keeps the wheelchair from rolling off the side and throwing the wheelchair user out of their chair. Make sure the edge is of an adequate height to keep any chairs from going over the edge in a dangerous situation.

How to Pay for a Wheelchair Ramp: Insurance, Medicare, and Out of Pocket Costs

Your private insurance or Medicare may cover the cost of a prescribed wheelchair ramp to some extent. It's not uncommon to be rejected when you initially submit a claim - but don't let that stop you. Insurers generally respond to persistence.

Tips to help with a claim

Know your coverage and restrictions - Make sure you have the proper paperwork prepared and you have a doctor's prescription or pre-approval if necessary.

Have required information prepared - This should include the nature of your disability, monthly income and expenses, as well as your employment history.

Ask the medical supply vendor - Many vendors know the process and some will accept the Medicare portion of the payment as payment in full.

Keep detailed records - Having meticulous records can save you hours of work. Keep records of phone conversations and keep copies of all letters. These records can help you organize your claim as well as meet necessary deadlines.

If you find you are going to have to pay for your wheelchair ramp out of your own pocket - there are a lot of ways to help lower the cost.

Ways to lower the cost of buying or building a wheelchair ramp

Ask for the help of a local organization - There are many organizations - a carpenter's union, a local service organization, a local charity, a carpentry class - that will often volunteer time and labor, sometimes even materials to assist with building a wheelchair ramp. A few phone calls may save some money as well as give an organization the opportunity to help in the community.

Enlist the help of friends with basic carpentry skills - If you know a few people with basic carpentry skills you can enlist their help with the construction of the ramp. You'll still want to make sure that the design is safe and sound - many designs for wheelchair ramps are available on the internet free of charge. A nice dinner is a great way to repay these friends for the help.

State Housing Finance Agencies - Many of these agencies (called different things in different states) have programs available that help fund the modification of single family homes.

Veterans Administration - Offers help to veterans in making home access modifications like wheelchair ramps.

Centers for Independent Living - CIL's provide funding help for people with disabilities and home modification needs.

Library - Your local library may have a listing of grants that are available to help with necessary accessibility modifications like wheelchair ramps.

There are a number of organizations, charities, and other places to look for help with the cost of building or purchasing a wheelchair ramp. Often a few phone calls or a little research will save some money if your private insurance or Medicare isn't going to cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

Modular Wheelchair Ramp

A modular wheelchair ramp is similar to buying a piece of furniture from IKEA. They come prefabricated in specified lengths and require a little assembly and installation. A modular wheelchair ramp can be semi-permanent, or portable if necessary. They are generally very sturdy and affordable. Before purchasing a modular ramp, it's important to make sure you order the correct size and length, as installation will be difficult if you don't. You'll want to consider a few important questions when ordering a modular wheelchair ramp:

Does the ramp meet ADA specifications? What tools and skills are necessary for assembly? Is there somebody available to assemble it? What is the return policy? You'll also want to see if you need a permit from your local building authority for installation of the wheelchair ramp.

Threshold Ramp

A threshold ramp is a short ramp designed to help a wheelchair go through a doorway with a small step or threshold. These ramps come in a variety of designs and materials - including aluminum threshold ramps or rubber threshold ramps. Threshold ramps are not designed to go up and over stairs or similar obstacles. They are perfect for heights up to 1 or 2 inches like a doorway or a sliding glass door entrance.

Track Ramps

Track ramps are ramps that come in two pieces, one for each wheel. They can be folding or telescoping or single piece ramps. They can also be built as permanent ramps, though they works best for portable, personal use. This is because public locations need to provide access to a number of different users - and wheelchairs come in different sizes so track ramps are not always a viable solution.

In a home, a track ramp can make it easy for a caregiver to push a wheelchair up or down a flight of stairs. Track ramps are ideal for situations in which the user has a caregiver to assist in traversing the tracks, as it can be more difficult to stay within the tracks.

Track ramps are a great solution for vehicle access as well mainly because they are lightweight, compact, and easily transportable.

Vehicle Ramps

There are a number of different options to help with vehicle access for wheelchair users. These wheelchair ramps designed for vehicle use combine portability and lightweight design. They come in a number of styles from tri-fold ramps to track ramps. Hitch mounted wheelchair ramps are also a viable solution for use with heavier electric wheelchairs.

Tri-fold wheelchair ramps are designed to allow wheelchairs and scooters access through the side door of a mini-van. They are easy to transport and often fold up or telescope out of the side of the van. Tri-fold wheelchair ramp designs are an excellent solution for mini-van access.

Hitch Mounted Ramps are designed to be mounted onto the vehicle hitch of a van or SUV. They mount to the hitch and fold up allowing easy use and access. Hitch mounted ramps are sturdy and made with all-weather materials to withstand a number of different conditions.

Suitcase Ramps

Suitcase ramps are designed to be transported in the way that their name implies - like a suitcase. A suitcase ramp is often a single fold ramp that is lightweight and easy to carry. They offer the perfect solution for climbing single steps, curbs, and vehicles. They are also an affordable in-home solution for access to areas with a single step or incline.

No matter what type of ramp you are considering, you'll want to make sure you consider two important factors: safety and suitability. Some ramps are designed for specific purposes and it can be dangerous to use these ramps for unintended purposes. And some ramps are designed for different wheelchairs. A ramp designed for a manual wheelchair may not be appropriate for an electric scooter. Before you order, make sure the ramp meets your specific need.

Wheelchair Ramp Resources

The following web sites are great resources for information on purchasing or building a wheelchair ramp.

The Minnesota Ramp Project - The Minnesota Ramp Project is an organization dedicated to providing access to wheelchair ramp plans and information. Their website provides a "How To" manual that is useful for experienced contractors or volunteer builders and is free to download. Great for help with building permanent wheelchair ramps, the Minnesota Ramp Project is also a great source for information on funding. They have a comprehensive listing of available resources to contact for help with funding your wheelchair ramp.

The Dallas Ramp Project - The Dallas Ramp Project is an organization that helps to build wheelchair ramps for homes in and around the Dallas area. They build and install over 300 ramps each year. Their web site provides some detailed instructions on how to build a wheelchair ramp and has some great pictures of the process.

Rebuilding Together - Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization that provides help for low-income families needing help with various home ownership issues. They also provide help in building accessibility solutions like wheelchair ramps for qualified families. Their services are provided free of charge to the homeowner through various grants and charitable donations. They have a very large and comprehensive web site that details their abilities and projects, and also explains the process of getting approved for help with necessary home accessibility modifications.

DisabilityInfo.gov- DisabilityInfo.gov is a web site managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. The goal of this web site is to provide quick and easy access to disability related information. It's an outstanding resource for people looking for information on help with wheelchair ramps or other accessibility issues.

Centers for Independent Living - This web site is a comprehensive listing of CIL' resources. Many of these programs provide funding for qualifying individuals and families with accessibility needs. A number of these programs are state funded and cover 100% of the cost of home modifications.

The Ultimate Guide to Bedsore Prevention

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 bedsore cases were reported in American hospitals alone, which is an 80% increase from 2003. What's even more alarming is that 90% of these hospitalizations were due to another primary cause of illness and bedsores were just a resulting complication.

Bedsores affect millions of people yearly. They are mostly preventable and are often termed a "hospital-acquired" condition because they are commonly the direct result of hospitalization or some debilitating condition. They can be prevented by carefully following standards of nursing care, both at home and in the hospital.

Causes and Complications

Pressure, friction and shear

The three main causes of bedsores are pressure, friction and shearing.

Pressure is the gravitational weight of the body as it pushes down against the skin. Typical places for bedsores to develop due to the body's pressure are on bony prominences where the bone is close to the surface of the skin. Places of bony prominence are elbows, buttocks, heels, ankles, tailbone, shoulder blades, lower back, and the back of the ear.

Bedsores are also caused by shearing. Shearing is caused when layers of skin move in the opposite direction of the bone. A classic example of shearing is when a patient is propped in bed with the bed-rest at an elevation greater than 30 degrees; this angle causes the tailbone to jut out and "shear" the skin underneath. The bedsore develops as a result of the skin sticking to the surface of the bed, while the bones slide and protrude.

Friction can also cause bedsores. Friction is when anything rubs against the body-for example an external device such as a hearing aid rubbing into the back of the ear. Bedsores due to friction can occur when a patient is dragged in bed, or in a chair.

Bedsore Stages

There are 4 identifiable stages of bedsores.

Stage I is invoked when there is persistent redness of skin which does not subside even when pressure is relieved. The redness is due to a skin condition called erythema, whereby the skin does not receive adequate oxygen and degenerates, thus causing soreness. Stage I is treatable relatively easily.

Stage II is when the pressure has spread to between the epidermis and the dermis of the skin. At this point it is still superficial and may be termed a blister or an abrasion. Stage II sores can also be healed fairly quickly following quick and appropriate treatment.

Stage III is invoked when the tissue below the dermis of the skin is damaged. Stage III sores are treated as wounds and involve considerable care and attention.

Stage IV is when severe skin loss occurs and when the wound spreads to the muscle, bone, tendons and even joints. Stage IV bedsores can be fatal if not treated immediately. People with Stage IV sores also have a higher incidence of developing them again.

Complications

Some complications that may be a direct result of untreated or un-subsided bedsores are:

         Cellulitis: where the skin's connective tissue gets infected

         Infection: where the infection spread to the joints and bone, rendering them unusable

         Gangrene: where the tissue dies and causes nerve damage

         Sepsis: where harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream via a bedsore

         Cancer: where cells die as a result of carcinogens

Bedsore Risk Assessment

Who is at risk?

There are certain medical conditions that put people at a higher risk of developing bed sores. These conditions are dementia, diabetes, stroke, obesity, low body mass, malnutrition, vascular disease and terminal illness.

Bedsores may be further exacerbated by physical conditions such as reduced mobility or immobility (such as paralysis caused by a stroke), excess moisture (due to urinary incontinence or sweating) and skin dehydration.

Bedsores are also more common in the elderly (especially above 65 years), people with sensory disability, comatose patients, and patients with a history of developing bedsores.

How to identify risk level?

There are many different tools developed to identify at-risk patients and rate them according to no risk, at risk and high risk criteria. Among the most common tools are the Norton and Braden Scales, which attempt to quantify a given set of criteria relating to a patient's mobility, activity level, mental and physical condition, moisture control, sensory perception, nutrition, friction and shear.

These tools are particularly helpful to the novice clinician in determining a patient's risk level for developing bedsores. The tools are used by experienced practitioners as well to determine the level of risk since it can be easily quantified following a thorough physical examination.

Skin assessment

A skin assessment is a visual exam done of the entire body and especially areas of bony prominence where bedsores may develop. The assessment consists of looking for redness which does not go away when the area is rubbed or pressure is relieved from it - this is an early indicator of a possible bedsore developing.

It is slightly harder to perform this visual assessment on people with dark skin. If the patient is coherent and mentally sound, he/she may be able to pinpoint a developing bedsore because of pain in the area or a slight change in temperature of the affected area since bedsores often feel warmer or cooler to the touch. An alternative is to use high-resolution ultrasound to detect bedsores in people with dark pigmented skin.

Bedsore Prevention Strategies

Regular skin assessment and risk re-evaluation

Since bedsores are largely preventable and are often not a primary cause of hospitalization but rather a resulting complication, extreme care should be taken to detect and treat them as early as possible. This involves identifying people who are at risk of developing them, and then following up with regular skin assessments and risk evaluations. The AHRQ recommends that once a patient has been identified of being at risk, he/she should undergo daily skin assessment tests and his/her risk level should be constantly monitored. Furthermore patients should be re-evaluated after prolonged time spent on a hard surface, such as an examination table.

Early identification

Early detection involves reducing and managing tissue load effectively. Tissue load is the body's ability to withstand pressure and is dependent on many factors such as the condition of the skin and the patient's nutrition and diet. Once a bedsore has been detected in the early stages, care revolves around relieving pressure from the sore point, reducing the amount of time that pressure is being applied to the sore point and improving the condition of the skin and the body to deal with such pressure.

Skin optimization and care

A person's skin is an elastic organ, capable of stretching, healing and containing a degree of suppleness and flexibility. The elasticity of skin depends on many factors such as a person's age, nutrition, diet, and body mass. The healthier the skin, the better the chance of preventing or recovering from bedsores is.

Once a patient has been identified as being at risk, several strategies may be implemented to improve the skin's ability to withstand pressure:

         Skin should be kept dry, but not flaky. Excess moisture and excessive dryness are equally harmful, so the skin's moisture levels must be maintained at optimal and comfortable levels.

         Nutrition and diet for the patient must include plenty of water, fiber, and essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A, B, C, E and zinc.

         Although it may seem like an obvious solution, skin massage over bedsores and bony prominences is discouraged and deemed harmful by the AHRQ.

Reducing mechanical load: positioning and transferring techniques

The most obvious way to prevent bedsores for an immobile patient is to frequently re-position them. However care must be taken while moving a patient so as not to damage fragile skin. While re-positioning, it is important to keep in mind the following:

         The frequency of re-positioning depends on the daily skin assessment

         Frequency may be increased if bedsore shows no signs of improvement

         When re-positioning, the body's weight should never rest on an area of bony prominence

         Whenever possible the bed-rest should be kept at its lowest elevation or below 30 degrees

         When transferring a patient from one bed to another, a sail cloth should be used to reduce friction. During transfer, a patient should be gently lifted, not dragged across beds.

Moisture control

Moisture weakens the skin's ability to withstand pressure. The skin's integrity can be compromised by moisture resulting from urine or fecal incontinence, by excessive sweating or due to wound drainage. Excess moisture should be cleaned immediately and the skin should be dried with a gentle, non-harsh cleansing agent.

Apart from being uncomfortable when wet, it is important that a patient be kept dry for hygiene purposes because clean, comfortable skin has a lower chance of developing infections.

If incontinence is a regular problem, then the patient should be advised continence management. This can take place via a catheter inserted to collect urine, or by the use of underpads and briefs which are designed to absorb excessive moisture.

Similar to excessive moisture is the problem of excessively dry or flaky skin. Excessive dryness also reduces the skin's flexibility and increases chances of bedsores. To reduce dryness, the patient's room should be kept at an optimal humidity level and moisturizers should be applied on the patient's skin.

Diet and nutrition

A good nutrition plan contains an adequate supply of calories, protein and iron. When these diminish, a patient is often more prone to develop bedsores. Therefore it is of vital importance that a patient's diet and nutritional needs be constantly monitored and kept at optimal levels. Aside from regular eating, a patient may also be subscribed nutritional supplements to meet any deficiencies.

Mobility and rehabilitation

When a patient's health and long-term therapy guidelines allow, it is quite beneficial to embark on a mobility and rehabilitation program. Such a program may involve the use of exercise, physiotherapy, physical training, weight shifts, and motion exercises to improve strength, flexibility and coordination skills.

An important part of rehabilitation is making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. Smoking harms the skin's integrity and therefore puts it at risk for developing bedsores.

Wound care and infection control

It's very important to ensure that bacteria in a developing bedsore do not reach unmanageable proportions. Once a bedsore becomes infected with bacteria, healing becomes that much more difficult to achieve spontaneously. Therefore it is essential that any wounds resulting from bedsores be controlled and cleaned as soon as possible and according to the stage the bedsore is in.

Debridement involves the removal of dead or damaged tissue from a wound and must be carried out to ensure healing of the remaining tissue.

Antibiotics and antiseptics are recommended to control bacteria and bring down the infection.

It is also important to note the kind of dressing used to cover bedsores. Gauze pads are the traditional coverings, but recent research suggests that non-gauze coverings are better at containing moisture, and therefore at helping the bedsore heal faster.

Support surfaces and pressure-relieving devices

Since all pressure cannot be reduced simultaneously, effective bedsore management is aimed at optimal redistribution of pressure. And the use of support surfaces is aimed at redistributing pressure in the body.

Support surfaces are often divided into three different categories: static or non-electric devices such as air, foam or fiber mattresses; dynamic electrical devices such as low-air-loss mattresses; and air-fluidized beds.

The AHRQ recommends the use of soft objects between the support surface and the area of skin with bony prominences. AHRQ suggests that:

         Pillows and cushions should be used between bony prominences and support surfaces.

         Doughnut-shaped devices should be avoided at all costs since they might cause bedsores rather than prevent them.

The use and suitability of the various support surfaces depends upon the stage the bedsore is in, the cost of the support surface and the risk factor of the patient. Although there are various schools of thought on which support surface is the best, they are all of the same opinion when it comes to using a support surface: a specialized support surface is always better than using a standard hospital mattress!

Standards of Continuous Care

The ultimate goal of caring for a patient with bedsores or one who is likely to develop them, is to educate all who will be involved in the care and rehabilitation of such a patient. This list may include health care professionals (doctors, nurses) as well as family and friends. In fact the success of a bedsore management program depends on a coordinated approach between all those who will be caring for the patient, including the patient himself/herself.

The following items should be included in any educational program to manage and prevent bedsores:

Causes of bedsores

Risk assessment of patient

Skin assessment

Reduction of mechanical load and the use of support surfaces

Skin care and nutrition

Positioning techniques and their active demonstration

Documenting bedsore management accurately and consistently across the board

The most important thing when bedsores are suspected is to inform all those caring for the patient to exercise the highest degree of diligence in detecting and preventing them. If controlled at an early stage, bedsores need not add to the misery and pain of a patient already suffering from an illness. Instead, early detection and prevention can mean the difference between a routine hospital stay and a protracted, possibly fatal one.