Disabled Living

Tag: elderly

Mother’s Day Gift Guide by Disabled Living

As Mother’s Day approaches, you may be stuck wondering what to get your Mother to say a little thank you. If your Mother is elderly or has some mobility issues, then why not consider taking a look at Disabled Living’s online shop? From cosy slippers to memory boxes, we have picked out some of our favourite gifts here.

Shopping Trolley with Seat

Both thoughtful and practical, this shopping trolley has a unique design feature that includes a fold down seat. This is particularly useful for those who would like to take a little comfort break when they shop. The bag itself is light and foldable, making it perfect for storage and transportation.

Purchase here: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/mobility-aids/shopping-trolleys/shopping-trolley-with-seat?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

Wool Fleece Wheelchair Seat Cover

Made from real wool, this wheelchair fleece seat cover is perfect for the colder winter months. It is guaranteed to keep your mother warm and cosy, whilst keeping skin from becoming clammy. Allowing the skin to breathe effectively is an important factor in effective pressure care management and reduces the risk of abrasions on the skin, which is another reason why wool makes the perfect seat cover.

Purchase here: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/wheelchairs/wheelchair-clothing/wheelchair-fleece-seat-cover?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

Bed Tray Table

This bed tray table is an excellent daily living aid for individuals. With its light wood finish and folding legs, it is ideal for mealtimes when seated in a chair or bed. It is also perfect those who like to read or write without having to sit at a desk. Not only is it an attractive piece, but the wooden finish makes it durable and easy to wipe clean.

Purchase here: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/beds-and-bedding/bed-trays/bed-tray-table?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

Burgundy Slippers

These gorgeous, high grade slippers in burgundy with a floral design make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for those looking for something both comfortable and stylish. They are ideal for the elderly or disabled and have non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls for maximum security. These high-quality slippers are also easy to put on and accommodate swollen feet with ease.

Purchase here: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/dressing-and- -aids/ladies-slippers/ladies-slippers-burgundy-size-7?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

Memory Box

This memory box is designed for individuals with dementia or other conditions which result in memory loss. Ideal for those living in care homes, this beech memory box can provide and instantly recognisable and reassuring place to aid the user. Why not include mementos and photographs to show different aspects of your mother’s life? This can be a great way to initiate conversation and aid effective communication.

Purchase here: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/therapeutic-aids/reminiscence-therapy/memory-box-beech?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

We hope you have found our Mother’s Day gift guide useful. If you are interested in looking at some of the other things Disabled Living‘s shop offers, please visit: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/?a_aid=59d50a2275cd7

March 1, 2021
How to Stay Healthy This Winter
With the long evenings and cold days looming upon us, it is important to keep yourself as healthy as possible this winter. As we get older, changes to our body mean that cold weather and winter illnesses may affect us more than it used to.

Read on to discover some helpful tips on how to stay healthy this winter.

Eat a Balanced Diet

During winter, it is more important than ever to eat well and boost your immune system. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. During the colder months, it is recommended to eat at least one hot meal a day.

Although most people receive all the vitamins and minerals they need through eating a balanced diet, sometimes you may need some extra help through taking supplements. During winter, the reduced daylight hours can make it difficult for our bodies to produce enough vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in oily fish, eggs, margarine, yoghurt etc. However, it may not be enough to rely on diet alone. Age UK recommend that over 65s take 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplements daily to help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.

If you are elderly or looking after someone who is, Age UK have a great healthy eating guide. Discover their tips for maintaining a balanced diet here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/our-services/information-and-advice/staying-healthy-this-winter/healthy-eating-guide/

Make Sure Your Home is Warm

Your home should be kept warm during the winter to prevent your home from getting damp. Make sure to wrap up well and try to steadily heat your home throughout the day. The NHS recommend ensuring a minimum of 18 degrees.

If you are elderly, you may find it more difficult to keep warm. From about 55 we lose around 1% of our muscle mass each year, which is what helps to keep us warm. Try to keep as active as possible by moving your arms and legs and try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time to keep the blood pumping around your body.

Get Your Flu Jab

If you are aged 65 or over, you are eligible for the free flu jab from a doctor or pharmacist. This will help boost your immune system’s response to the virus to help protect you and others around you. There is also a vaccine for pneumonia. It is worth checking to see if you are also eligible for this when receiving your flu jab.

Get Your NHS Health Check (if eligible)

An NHS Health Check is a free health check up for people in the UK aged 40 to 74. It tests for illnesses that are more likely to occur in this age bracket, such as stroke, cardiovascular problems, heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and more. Through having your NHS Health Check, you are more likely to spot these conditions early and it aims to lower the risk of complications occurring.

You are eligible for an NHS Health Check if you are aged 40 to 74 and you have not been diagnosed with certain pre-existing health conditions including:
- Heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Inherited high cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Transient ischaemic attack
- Atrial fibrillation
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Stroke
- Being prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
- A previous check which revealed a high risk (20% or above) of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years.
To see the full list, please visit: https://www.healthcheck.nhs.uk/

If you are eligible and are wondering how to get an NHS health check, you should automatically receive a letter from your GP surgery or local council inviting you to an appointment every 5 years. Alternatively, if you have misplaced or haven’t received a letter, you may call your surgery to arrange your Health Check.

If you are worried that something doesn’t feel right or you have found yourself feeling more tired than usual or losing weight this winter, it is important to seek an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Getting an early diagnosis can often prevent conditions from worsening, so early treatment is always advised.

If you already have a health condition or disability and you are seeking some impartial advice on products, equipment or services, our OTs at Disabled Living will be more than happy to help! Please contact us on 0161 214 4590 or email us at info@disabledliving.co.uk

As part of our charity, we also have Bladder & Bowel UK who provide a free helpline for individuals with bladder or bowel issues. For more information visit: https://www.bbuk.org.uk/
December 3, 2020
Can Live-in Care Help with a Physical Disability?

This is a sponsored blog written by Elder for Disabled Living.

Physical disabilities can affect a person at any stage of their life – whether it be in their younger years, or as they begin to age. However, having a physical disability should not stop you from living a happy and stable life from the comfort of your own home.

This is where live-in care can be the perfect option for either yourself or your loved one. Here, Elder, discuss how live-in care should be considered for someone with a physical disability.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is an at home, one-to-one service offering twenty-four-hour care and support for those who need it most. A specialised and professional carer will move into the person’s home, assisting with all they need, whether it be daily tasks or personal care.

More importantly, for many, their home is where they feel most comfortable and happy. As a familiar environment, home can often be easier to navigate for someone with a disability such as sight loss. Therefore, live-in care offers the essential support, as well as the stability and independence they had prior to needing the extra assistance.

When to consider live-in care

Live-in care is suitable for those of all ages who are no longer able to care for themselves due to a physical or cognitive disability, but would prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home.

If your loved one, or yourself, needs support and assistance, a live-in carer could be the perfect option to ensure that both practical and emotional needs are catered for. It’s important to consider additional care options when needs become more complex, or the individual needs more support in completing daily tasks.

It can also be common for family members who are caring for someone to need support and respite, and a live-in carer can provide just that. It is important that the ongoing mental health of the carer in addition to the wellbeing of those being cared for is looked after.

How can a live-in carer help?

A live-in carer can help in many ways, offering all aspects of practical and emotional support, whilst being a reliable point of contact for family members. Depending on the person’s individual needs, whether it’s arthritis care where assistance may be needed with exercises, using mobility aids, or helping with daily tasks, or perhaps MS where the care needs may be more complex and symptoms can change day to day – professional live-in carers will be there 24 hours to support.

A live-in carer can help with mobility and daily tasks such as showering, getting up and down stairs and in and out of bed. They can also help ensure any treatments and medication are adhered to and arrange trips to the physiotherapist as required.

Carers can also provide a level of companionship, which can be especially comforting in the current climate, and for those who may not be able to get out and about without assistance.

For those who have pets, there is no need to part with their companion as a carer allows you to keep your furry friend living with you in the house. Pets can promote general activity, as well as spending time outdoors despite suffering with limited mobility, both of which are essential to a person’s wellbeing.

How to organise care

Finding the right carer for each person is extremely important, both for the person in need and the carer themselves. Therefore, each individual will go through a unique journey to find their live-in carer, dependent on their needs, personality, interests, likes and dislikes. Live-in care agencies, such as Elder, carefully select one of their specialist carers who are perfectly matched to all of these preferences to ensure the perfect match.

Funding for home adaptations

When living with a disability, adaptations may have to be made to the surrounding environment to make it safe and comfortable. Local authorities can provide funding towards minor adaptations to the home and equipment which can include things such as grab rails, ramps and disability compliant door and window fittings.

Additionally, major adaptations to the home can be funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant, which is funded by local councils. If eligible, this grant can be up to £30,000 to help make significant changes to the home. Changes can include, fitting a stairlift, widening doors, implementing a wet room or wheelchair accessible shower, and altering the kitchen so it’s accessible and easier to navigate.

A care needs assessment will identify the available funding for the individual’s situation.

As live-in care is full time and tailored for each individual, there are many benefits no matter a person’s physical condition. Allowing for the freedom and comfort for your friend, relative or loved one is at the core of live-in care and is the reason why so many consider it for those with physical disabilities, regardless of their age.

For more information about live-in care, contact a professional who will carefully guide you through your options and offer the most beneficial outcome for you, and most importantly, for the person in need.

November 27, 2020
Living Changes to Help People Stay Safe and Independent at Home

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Agincare.

As we get older, some of the daily tasks we used to find easy to carry out and take for granted may not be as straightforward anymore. Whether it’s reaching up to find something in a cupboard or making a cup of tea, it’s inevitable that as we grow older in age, our mobility and health can be affected. Although this is something a large number of people are faced with, it doesn’t mean you’re no longer able to live independently and safely.

Being independent is something we all appreciate, no matter how young or old we are. It’s inevitable that having our independence taken away from us can negatively affect our lifestyles, so it’s important to prevent this. In later life, health issues such as hearing impairments and more severe problems like Alzheimer’s disease become more common, but there are a number of ways individuals who have these problems can still live independently.

As part of their latest campaign, Agincare wanted to share some simple changes which can be made around the home, for people with some of the most common health issues in later life. Five floor plans have been created and outline how it’s still possible to live independently and safely, even if you have issues such as frailty and Dementia.

Below are a few examples from the Agincare campaign.

Dementia

For someone living with Dementia, their own home is a place of safety and comfort. It’s widely known that Dementia affects people’s memory, so it’s important to take this into consideration if a family member has the illness and wants to live alone.

To begin with, as Dementia can make people forgetful, it’s important you make sure they can come to no accidental harm. It’s a good idea to fit overflow plugs wherever there are taps, such as in the kitchen and bathroom; which will prevent the risk of flooding. If your friend or relative often tries to leave their home, then sensor alarms are a great way to alert you when this is happening, which then means you can check if they’re ok and need any assistance.

Visual impairment

When having a visual impairment, living alone can be challenging, but this doesn’t mean it can’t be done. A number of simple changes around the home can go a long way in this case and they don’t have to come at a price.

It’s important that during the day, as much natural light is brought into the home as possible. Using different textures for items of furniture and other commonly used products will allow people to easily distinguish where they are and how to safely move around. Bright colours can often help individuals with visual impairments, so opting for contrasting colours when it comes to furniture can make objects become clearer.

Frailty

As we grow older, frailty is something we will all experience, but again, simple changes around the home can ensure we live safely and independently.

Falls are a lot more common for people in later life, so it’s important to minimise any risks as much as possible. Making sure furniture is spaced out means there are no narrow gaps you need to manoeuvre through. Reaching up to find things in cupboards can also result in falling or other types of injury, so it’s wise to put storage boxes on top of units to make life that little bit easier.

After looking at Agincare’s floor plans and the changes they have suggested, you can start to see that people with health issues can live safely and independently. Whether it’s fitting sensor alarms or making sure furniture is spaced out as much as possible, a number of simple changes can make someone’s life more safe and secure.

We want to know what you thought of the points mentioned and the floor plans Agincare have created. Join in the conversation on social, using #HomeForTheElderly.

If you would like to feature on Disabled Living’s blog please send an email to: info@disabledliving.co.uk

October 5, 2020