When it comes to enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with limited mobility, there are several assistive devices available. Among them, mobility scooters and mobility wheelchairs are two popular options. While both serve the purpose of aiding people with mobility challenges, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the characteristics, functionalities, and considerations for mobility scooters and mobility wheelchairs, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right option for your needs.

Mobility Scooters:

Mobility scooters, also known as power scooters, are electric-powered vehicles designed to assist individuals with mobility limitations. These scooters typically have a chair-like seat, handlebars, and a base with wheels. Here are some key features and benefits of mobility scooters:

• Design and Maneuverability: Mobility scooters are designed with a stable base and handlebars, offering a more scooter-like experience. They generally have three or four wheels, providing stability and balance. They are well-suited for outdoor use and can handle various terrains, such as sidewalks, parks, and shopping centers.
• Range and Speed: Depending on the model and battery capacity, mobility scooters can have a range of up to 20 miles per charge. They typically offer a top speed ranging from 4 to 8 mph. These features make them suitable for longer trips and outdoor activities.
• Seating Comfort: Mobility scooters usually come with a comfortable, padded seat and backrest, providing adequate support for extended periods of sitting. Some models offer adjustable seating options, allowing users to find the most comfortable position.
• Storage and Accessories: Many mobility scooters come equipped with storage compartments, baskets, or even under-seat storage for carrying personal belongings, groceries, or shopping items. Additionally, there are various accessories available, such as cane holders, cup holders, and weatherproof covers, to enhance convenience and customization.

Shop mobility scooters here

Mobility Wheelchairs:

Mobility wheelchairs, also known as power wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs, are designed for individuals who require more comprehensive support for their mobility needs. Here are some key features and benefits of mobility wheelchairs:

• Customization and Adaptability: Mobility wheelchairs offer a high level of customization to accommodate individual needs. They can be tailored based on body dimensions, posture requirements, and seating preferences. Additionally, various control options, including joystick or alternative drive controls, are available to meet specific mobility limitations.
• Indoor Maneuverability: Mobility wheelchairs are designed to navigate tight spaces and indoor environments with ease. Their compact size, tight turning radius, and maneuverability make them suitable for maneuvering through doorways, narrow hallways, and crowded spaces.
• Posture Support and Comfort: Power wheelchairs provide excellent support for individuals with posture or positioning challenges. They offer adjustable seating options, including tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests, promoting comfort and pressure relief for prolonged periods of sitting.
• Portability and Transport: While some mobility wheelchairs are foldable or can be disassembled into manageable pieces for transportation, they are generally bulkier and heavier compared to mobility scooters. Specialized vehicle lifts or ramps may be required for transportation purposes.

Shop mobility wheelchairs here

Considerations for Choosing the Right Option:

When deciding between a mobility scooter and a mobility wheelchair, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:

• Mobility Needs: Assess your mobility requirements and the environments you’ll be using the device in. Consider factors like distance, terrain, and indoor vs. outdoor usage.
• Physical Abilities: Determine your level of physical strength, balance, and coordination, as these factors may influence your choice.
• Comfort and Posture: Consider any existing posture or seating challenges and prioritize options that provide adequate support and comfort.
• Transport and Storage: If you frequently need to transport the device, consider the portability and ease of disassembly/storage options available.
• Budget and Insurance Coverage: Evaluate your budget and explore insurance coverage options, as these devices can vary in price.

Conclusion:

Mobility scooters and mobility wheelchairs are valuable assistive devices that can significantly improve independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility limitations. Understanding their differences and assessing your specific needs are key to making an informed decision. If you need help deciding which mobility device is right for you, the HomeCare Hospital Beds team is here to help! For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

As we age, we begin to slow down and become more sedentary, but this does not mean we have to stop prioritizing our health and fitness. In fact, regular physical activity and exercise is one of the most important things we can do for our health as we age. Exercise is also good for our mind, mood, and memory and there are many exercises for older adults that can be easily added into your routine.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of exercise for seniors and for some exercises for older adults to increase health and fitness.

Importance of Exercise for Seniors

Maintaining an active lifestyle in older age helps improve our mental and physical health. Older adults who exercise regularly are less likely to develop osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Exercise also improves strength and flexibility which improves balance and coordination, decreasing the risk of falls and injuries.

Physical activity can also help prevent or delay memory loss, declining cognitive functions, dementia, and even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise boosts immune function and is a natural stress reliever and mood enhancer that can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.

Exercises for Older Adults

Exercises for older adults should include a combination of aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility/balance exercises. Whether you are starting a new fitness journey or looking to add more exercises to your routine, try some of these exercises:

• Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps build muscle strength, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce stress levels. Walking can also be done anywhere so you don’t need workout equipment. If you aren’t able to be outside as much, you can still get your steps in with a lightweight, home exercise peddler. And don’t hesitate to utilize a cane, walker, rollator, or other mobility device for added balance!
• Yoga: Yoga is a low-impact exercise that improves mobility, flexibility, and balance, while also building muscle strength. You can also participate in chair yoga which is an accessible form of yoga that can be less strenuous on muscles, joints, and bones.
• Swimming: Swimming, or participating in a water aerobics class, is a great way to increase cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility and balance with minimal stress on your bones and joints.
• Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are a beginner-friendly exercise tool to help challenge and strengthen muscles. You can use resistance bands in place of heavy weights for exercises such as leg presses, bicep curls, and more. Adding resistance bands into your routine can help strengthen your core and improve posture, mobility, and balance.
• Tai Chi: Balance exercises such as tai chi, standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, etc., help prevent falls by improving posture and balance and increasing strength and coordination.
• Stretching: It’s important to practice flexibility exercises like stretching to stretch your muscles, retain a wide range of motion, and help you move more freely. Stretching can go a long way in making it easier to do things such as bending down to tie your shoe or looking over your shoulder to back up a car. Over door pulley systems are a great, low-impact way to stretch and improve mobility in your shoulders.

You can shop exercise aids here

Final Thoughts

Exercise is an essential part of staying healthy as we age. Whether you go to the gym, join a water aerobics class, or get movement from gardening, being active improves our overall well-being. Be sure to talk with your primary care physician before trying a new exercise or adding more activity into your current fitness routine to prevent injury.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

The decision to purchase a home hospital bed, for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming. With so many types of hospital beds for home use available, it can be confusing knowing which home hospital bed is right for you. We’re here to help.

We created a comprehensive overview of different types of hospital beds for home use, positions, and mattresses to help make this difficult change and transition as stress-free as possible.

 

Hospital Beds

While all types of hospital beds for home use are adjustable, they are not “one size fits all.” Home hospital beds vary in functions, adjustments, style, size, and more. Below, we break down the most common hospital bed frames:

 

Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds require cranks for bed adjustments which the user or caregiver must physically operate. Manual beds tend to be more cost-effective than semi-electric and full-electric beds but typically lack as many functions, such as height adjustment. These beds tend to be more appropriate for people who require little adjustments to feel comfortable.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective Head and foot articulation benefits	Physical strength required to operate bed Less user independence

 

Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

Semi-electric hospital beds have both electric and manual functions. Usually, the bed base is electronically controlled with a hand pendant and a manual hand crank is used for height adjustments. Semi-electric beds can be a more cost-effective option if you don’t need to adjust the height on a regular basis and only require the bed for a short period of time.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective Easy to use hand pendant for some functions	Physical strength required for some manual adjustments Less user independence

 

Full-Electric Hospital Beds

Full-electric hospital beds use a remote or pendant to control all bed functions. The head section, knee section, and height functions can be automatically adjusted by pressing the buttons on the pendant without additional assistance. Full-electric beds provide more flexibility and independence for the user.

Pros	Cons
Hand pendant controls all functions of the bed Greater user independence	Less cost-effective than semi-electric beds

 

Hi-Low Hospital Beds

Hi-low hospital beds provide extra protection for those at high risk of falling. Hi-low beds offer all the same benefits as a full-electric bed, with a bed deck that can be lowered 7 inches from the ground (without the mattress). Hi-low beds can be automatically raised to protect carers from straining or bending their backs. Hi-low hospital beds make transfers safer and more comfortable for both users and caregivers.

Read our buyer’s guide to Hi-Low Hospitals Beds here

 

Pros	Cons
Decreases risk of falling Auto-rise feature benefits both patients and caregivers	Higher cost than standard full-electric beds

 

Bariatric Hospital Beds

Bariatric hospital beds are bigger, stronger full-electric hospital beds with more durability to support patients that weigh 350 lbs to 1,000 lbs. Bariatric hospital beds are generally available in widths of 42”, 48”, 54” and even 60″. These beds offer all the same amenities as the full-electric bed, in a wider, more sturdy frame and adjustable base.

Pros	Cons
Wider, more durable frame Same ease and convenience of a full-electric bed	Higher cost than standard full-electric beds

 

Specialty Positions

As mentioned, the different types of hospital beds for home use are adjustable, with most offering the functionality of head and foot adjustments. Some home hospital beds offer more specific positions to better fit your needs. Some common positions are:

• Trendelenburg: Bed is positioned so the patient is lying flat on their back with their feet higher than their head to promote venous return.
• Reverse Trendelenburg: Patient’s head is in a higher position than legs and feet. Helps improve breathing and relieve head pressure in bariatric patients. It also helps with gastrointestinal problems by minimizing esophageal reflux.
• Cardiac Chair Position: Comfortably transitions patients to a fully seated position with a safe and gradual raise. Sitting upright is an effective care measure for patient treatments, breathing, and circulation.
• Fowler’s Position: Head of the bed is elevated 45 to 60 degrees and the patient is able to rest their legs either slightly bent or straight out. Fowler’s position promotes chest and lung expansion.

 

The Right Mattress for You

Just as important as the bed frame is the mattress you choose to go with your home hospital bed. A higher grade pressure redistribution mattress increases comfortability and reduces the risk of developing pressure sores. These are a good option for those who spend more time in bed but are still mobile. For those who are restricted to their bed majority of the day, specialty mattresses that include Low Air Loss or Lateral Rotation functions can help prevent, protect, and provide relief from pressure sores. Innerspring mattresses are not recommended for hospital beds because they do not easily move with an adjustable bed. Innerspring mattresses also do not relieve pressure as well and may cause pressure sores.

 

Read our guide to picking the right mattress for your home hospital bed here

 

HomeCare Hospital Beds’ Overall Favorite

Favorite Bed

The Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed is our overall favorite home hospital bed. The innovative Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed is designed for all types of home care and long-term care settings and needs. This modern bed provides comfort and safety, for both patients and caregivers, with a hi-low bed frame height, auto contour, dual controls, and a central locking mechanism.

The Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed has numerous positions, including fowler, knee gatch, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, dining chair, and cardiac chair, that are easily adjustable with just the touch of a button. The versatile bed deck design has a weight capacity of 500 lbs and can be expanded, without additional tools, from 80″ to 84″ to 88” long and 36″ to 39″ to 42” wide for maximum comfort and safety for all body types.

Favorite Mattress

One of our favorite mattresses, the MedMattress Pro Care Med-Surg Mattress, is created from a dual-layered, multi-density CertiPUR-US® certified foam. This high quality mattress features a firm edge support, 2” cool-gel memory foam, 4” supportive base foam, and a nylon cover. The Pro Care Med-Surg Mattress provides excellent pressure redistribution and postural support, making it ideal for moderate risk patients.

 

Hospital Bed Quiz

If you’re still having trouble figuring out what bed may be right for you, take our Hospital Bed Quiz! This quick and easy quiz will recommend a hospital bed based on your needs.

Take the quiz here

 

Final Thoughts

HomeCare Hospital Beds offers a wide range of affordable, quick ship home hospital beds to fit your needs. When it is time to purchase a home hospital bed for yourself or a loved one, HomeCare Hospital Beds is here to help you. Our team will work with you to help you make an informed purchase that’s right for your needs, budget, and timeline. Call us today 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

The decision to purchase a hospital bed for yourself or a loved one can be a major decision and investment. There are many factors that go into choosing the right hospital bed such as needs, budget, and timeline. We understand this can be a difficult decision so we created the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed with you in mind to help make this decision and process as seamless and convenient as possible.

 

Designed for Your Needs

The innovative Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed has been designed for all types of home care and long-term care settings and needs. This modern bed provides comfort and safety, for both patients and caregivers, with hi-low bed frame height, auto contour, dual controls, and a central locking mechanism. The HC107 has numerous positions, including fowler, knee gatch, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, dining chair and cardiac chair, that are easily adjustable with just the touch of a button.

The control panel provides caregivers the capability and convenience of adjusting the bed position without the hand pendant or locking out certain adjustments. The HC107 features built-in under bed lighting that illuminates the surrounding floor space and a backlit hand pendant to make nighttime adjustments easier. The versatile bed deck design can be expanded, without additional tools, from 80″ to 84″ to 88” long and 36″ to 39″ to 42” wide for maximum comfort and safety for all body types.

 

Watch nurse educator explain various features and functions of the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed here

 

Designed for Your Budget

Purchasing a hospital bed for home is an investment and depending on the brand, mattress, rails, and other accessories, some hospital beds can cost up to $9,000. We created the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed with your budget in mind to help ease financial stresses.

The Lynacare™ HC107 is priced between $2,475-$3,470 which is considerably lower than other hospital beds for home. Included with the HC107 is a MedMattress Care mattress and optional fold down half rails. The MedMattress Care mattress is ideal for low risk patients and is created from a single layer channel cut foam to provide patient support and pressure redistribution. The HC107 also features several optional upgrades such as different mattresses, an overhead bed trapeze, and a battery backup in case of a power outage.

 

Designed for Your Convenience

Hospital beds for home are heavy and can require a lot of pieces to assemble. They can also be bulky and take a lot of space up. We took this into consideration when we designed the Lynacare™ HC107. The HC107 is delivered in three (3) boxes that can be moved into any room for quick assembly. We also designed the bed with two color options: oak and cherry, to fit your home decor.

When it is time to purchase hospital beds for home, you typically need it to arrive as soon as possible. The quick ship Lynacare HC107 ships in less than three (3) business days so you don’t have to wait weeks or months for your bed to be delivered.

 

Watch the full assembly process here

 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to purchasing hospital beds for home, our team here at HomeCare Hospital Beds is dedicated to helping you make the right choice for your needs, budget, and timeline. For more information and help on the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed and other home health equipment, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

Dementia is used as a general term for the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities and independence. Dementia results from damage to brain cells which disrupts the ability of brain cells to properly communicate causing thinking, behavior, and feelings to be affected. Alzheimer’s disease is the main cause of dementia but there are other causes such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, head injury, etc.

There is no cure for most types of dementia but with proper medication and care, the progression can be slowed and a person’s quality of life can be improved. In this article we share 5 practical tips to help you deal with the difficulties of caring for a loved one with dementia.

 

Make Communication Easier

Dementia can make it difficult for people to remember and recollect the words they are trying to say. This can make communication strenuous and cause feelings of frustration and anger. It’s important for you to be patient and use a gentle tone of voice to help your loved one remain calm. To make communication easier, try these tips:

• Use short sentences and be sure to speak clearly and slowly
• Maintain eye contact and give your loved one extra time to respond
• Try not to interrupt – even if you think you know what they are trying to say
• Keep directions simple, with one step at a time

 

Create a Safe Environment

Dementia impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, and as the disease progresses, risk of injury greatly increases. Some simple steps can improve safety around the home:

• Lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater to prevent burns
• Install locks on cabinets that contain chemicals, medicines, guns, or tools
• Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and other trip hazards
• Install grab bars in the shower and around the toilet to reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom
• If there are stairs in the home, make sure there is at least one sturdy handrail for added support and mark the edges of each step with brightly colored tape to make them more visible

 

Minimize Agitation & Conflict

Dementia makes it difficult for people to handle stress, confusion, and change. To minimize agitation and conflict, keep a consistent routine for bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities. It’s also important to keep a person in their usual environment so they feel familiar, comfortable, and safe. Simplifying daily activities goes a long way towards reducing frustration, as well. For example, instead of purchasing pants that button up, opt for comfortable bottoms with an elastic waistband to make dressing easier. You can even lay out clothing items in the order they get put on to help your loved one become more familiar with their dressing routine and gain independence. Remember, a person’s capabilities may fluctuate from day to day, so be flexible and modify as needed.

 

Promote Good Sleep Habits

People with dementia often have problems sleeping and as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances become worse and more frequent. This can be dangerous and cause problems for people with dementia because lack of quality sleep makes it difficult to think clearly. To help promote healthy sleep it’s important to create a restful environment.

• Create and stick to a night-time routine
• Run a bath, play soothing music, enjoy a hot milky drink or even spray linen sheets with a calming lavender spray to help the person relax
• Be sure to limit tea, caffeine, and alcohol in the afternoon and evening to avoid restless sleep and sleep cycle disruption
• Incontinence is very common as dementia progresses so consider using an incontinence mattress and products for better sleep

 

Take Care of Yourself

When caring for someone with dementia, it’s easy to let your own physical and mental health slide. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s incredibly difficult to take care of a loved one alone so it’s important to rely on others when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to be vocal and specific about what you need from others. Support groups like Alzheimer’s Association or the Family Caregiver Alliance allow you to share your experiences, coping strategies, feelings, and more with others who are facing similar caregiving challenges. It can be challenging to accept help or make time for yourself, but it’s necessary as a way to rejuvenate your energy so you can better take care of someone else.

 

Final Thoughts

Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Dementia can be lonely for the person living with it and for the person providing care. Remember you are not alone and that there are many resources to help you better care for someone with dementia as well as care for your own wellbeing.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Maintaining independence can be one of the biggest challenges of growing older. As age increases and health declines, everyday activities grow more difficult and assistance may become necessary. This can be hard to come to terms with because independence is essential to the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

Independence helps seniors feel like themselves, maintain a sense of purpose, boost mental health, enhance memory, preserve strength and balance, and more. So, it’s important to encourage independence in seniors as a way to support their longevity and wellbeing. Today, there are numerous resources and ways to maintain independence in old age, and a few aids can make a major difference.

 

Independence in the Home

For most, maintaining independence can be a key factor in determining someone’s ability to live at home. And as the desire to live at home grows, it’s important to ensure living spaces are well equipped so elderly loved ones can safely continue doing tasks on their own.

Consider the following home aids as a way to encourage and support senior independence:

 

Rollators

Losing mobility can mean losing independence and rollators are a great option for people who are experiencing mobility challenges. They provide extra support and balance for easier movement throughout the home and for maneuvering tight spaces.

Struggling with limited mobility can cause some people to avoid going out to visit with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. Rollators allow people to maintain their mobility outside the home, providing more opportunities to experience an independent lifestyle.

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

The Drive Medical Adjustable Height Rollator Walker

 

Transfer Benches

Transfer benches help reduce the risk of falling and allow a person to independently move in and out of slippery, dangerous bathing areas. Transfer benches are ideal for individuals who struggle with balance, endurance, and strength issues.

They allow a person to get in and out of bathing areas without having to lift their legs up and over the side in a standing position. Transfer benches provide full body support while entering and exiting the bathtub and offer a secure place to sit or rest while bathing.

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

The Drive Medical Splash Defense Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard Protection

 

Hospital Beds

As more people are remaining in their homes and delaying or avoiding an assisted living facility, the use of home hospital beds is rising. Home hospital beds empower people to live independent lives in their own homes by providing support for tasks that might otherwise be impossible without assistance. Hospital beds incorporate various features to reduce the risk of falling by making it easier to get into and out of bed.

Accidents tend to occur when a bed is too high or too low, so it’s important to consider height-adjustable beds, known as Hi-Low beds, that can be raised and lowered to ideal heights. You may also want to look for a bed that features motorized configuration adjustments to make it easier for someone to adjust themselves into different positions for added comfort.

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

HomeCare Hospital Beds Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed Set

 

Final Thoughts

No matter our age, we all desire to be independent. As we get older it can be difficult to accept loss of independence leading us to feel nostalgic, depressed, angry, etc. Talk with your loved ones to identify where they may need extra support and remind them that asking for help is the first step in better maintaining their independence. Sometimes all it takes is a few home aids to help seniors live independently.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for elderly adults. They are full of hard surfaces, sharp corners, and slick floors, making them unforgiving spaces for falls. One in four adults, aged 65 or older, experience a fall annually, and up to 80% of these falls occur in the bathroom. Resulting injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures and broken bones, even accidental deaths.

It doesn’t take much for a devastating fall to occur in the bathroom. Issues with dizziness, balance, muscle weakness, changes in blood pressure, and more, make bathroom activities difficult and dangerous. It’s important to ensure bathrooms are equipped with safety aids to prevent bathroom falls and help your loved ones preserve their independence.

 

Bathroom Safety Aids

Bathroom aids can make day-to-day activities safer and give your loved ones a sense of independence and empowerment. Though individuals may require specific aids to meet their needs, consider the following items for added safety and fall prevention:

Grab Bars – Majority of bathroom falls occur when getting in or out of a bathtub/shower. Grab bars are an economical way to provide stable support when moving in and around the bath area. They also provide a secure place to grab in the event of a fall. Grab bars can be installed near the toilet for added leverage and balance.

Shower Chairs & Transfer Benches – Shower chairs and transfer benches provide stability for seniors who struggle with balance or standing. Both aids allow an individual to stay seated while bathing to avoid slipping. Transfer benches ease the transition into a shower area and are ideal for individuals who struggle with balance, strength, or lifting their legs over the side of a tub.

Bath Lifts – Bath lifts are a great way for seniors and people with limited mobility to safely enjoy a bath. They slowly lower an individual into the bath, making getting in and out of the bath more effortless and secure. Bath lifts are controlled with a handheld remote giving the individual more independence to bathe on their own.

Raised Toilet Seats – Raised toilet seats and safety frames reduce the amount of distance and effort needed to sit and stand when using the toilet. Safety frames provide a guide and extra support for lowering and raising one’s body. Both are especially useful for anyone struggling with knee pain, hip pain, joint pain, etc,.

Handheld Shower Heads – Handheld shower heads are convenient aids to allow individuals more independence to effectively cleanse their bodies, even while remaining seated. Handheld shower heads feature long hoses to better reach all areas of the body and provide more control over the direction of the water. Some feature an on/off switch to make it easier to turn on and off than having to reach, and risk falling, for wall mounted controls.

 

See more bathroom and shower safety aids here

Conclusion

A few simple changes can transform a bathroom from a dangerous space into a safe space. The need for a bathroom aid can be hard to admit and can leave some people feeling embarrassed. It’s important to talk with your loved ones and remind them that the use of a bathroom aid is meant to keep them safe, help them feel confident using the bathroom, and retain their independence.

Walking is the most popular form of exercise in the U.S. and is a great low-impact, aerobic activity, especially for elderly adults. Experts recommend adults aged 65 and older spend at least 150 minutes a week engaged in moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, to enhance well-being. There are many benefits of walking such as improving heart health, lowering blood sugar, boosting mood, supporting joints, and even lowering the risk of dementia.

Walking not only improves overall health but also helps seniors preserve their physical and cognitive independence!

 

Safety First

It’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while walking outside to avoid falls and injuries, especially in the winter months. Consider the following for your next walk:

• Be Prepared – Bring your ID, emergency contact information, and cellphone with you while walking in case of an emergency. Always let someone know when you are leaving and when you plan to return.
• Be Aware – Know the route you plan to take and use paths and sidewalks whenever possible. Be aware of uneven surfaces, ice patches, curbs, and any other obstacles or tripping hazards.
• Proper Attire – Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing if you become too cold or too hot. Be sure to wear comfortable, well fit shoes with good arch support and nonslip soles for added traction and support.

• Slow & Steady – Take your time walking. Go at a pace that feels natural to you and take the time to stop and rest when needed. Be especially cautious of walking too fast during icy weather.
• Use a Mobility Aid – Mobility aids can help reduce the risk of falling, improve balance, and increase stability, allowing you to walk in more areas and in different terrains.

 

Mobility Aids for Added Confidence

Don’t let the need for a mobility aid keep you or your loved ones from going on a walk. Mobility aids provide support, improve safety, and extend independence. There is a wide range of aids available to best fit your individual needs so you can feel more confident taking walks:

Canes

Canes are helpful for people who have minor balancing issues or have one side that is slightly weaker. Single-tip canes only lend extra support to one side of your body and do not provide full body support. Quad-tip canes provide extra stability and support and may be better suited for rougher terrain than single-tip canes. Glow-in-the dark cane tips are available for enhanced safety in low-light conditions.

Walkers

Walkers are useful aids for people needing a little help with balance and mobility but still have good upper and lower body strength. They are also useful for traversing flat surfaces that are too rough for wheels, such as grass or cobblestone pathways.

Rollators are similar to walkers but they have four wheels and don’t need to be lifted to maneuver. Rollators allow users to walk at a quick pace, feature brakes, and have a built-in seat to allow for rests. They are suitable for flat surfaces like tile or pavement.

Wheelchairs

If you or your loved one is unable to walk or requires a wheelchair for different reasons, it’s still important to get outside. Being outside exposes you to vitamin D, which 75% of adults lack. Fresh air can also help boost the immune system, increase energy levels, strengthen lung function, and even lower blood pressure and heart rate.

 

Homecare Hospital Beds offers an array of affordable mobility aids.

Shop the full product line here.

 

Final Thoughts

Walking can be a great way to get active, change up your routine, and get some fresh air. Whether walking alone, with a friend, or in a group, always be cautious, alert, and use your mobility aid for added safety and confidence. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before introducing walking into your daily routine.

The new Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed is designed for home care, long-term care, and assisted living settings. It’s a great home hospital bed option as it provides comfort and safety for both users and caregivers. The Hi-Low bed frame height, dual controls, and the central locking mechanism are just a few of the many features of this bed.

In our latest video, nurse educator Sally O’Meara explains and shows the various features and functions of the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed mentioned above. Watch the full video to learn more!

The HomeCare Hospital Beds team knows that a hospital bed for yourself and/or a loved one is a major decision and investment. We are dedicated to helping our customers find and choose the best option that fits their needs, timeline, and budget. For more information on the Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed and other home health equipment, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS OF THE LYNACARE™ HI-LOW HOSPITAL BED – WATCH NOW!

Products Shown

Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed