Elderly home care

With so much information out there, it is hard to find reliable sources by credible people who have experience in dealing with elderly homecare issues.

If this is you, then there is no need to worry – there is a very informative book out there to help you.

Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions written by Paul and Lori Hogan, the founders of Home Instead Senior Care, is a helpful guide for people who are worried about choosing the best care for aging parents or grandparents in your life. This book offers tons of advice in helping you and your loved ones make better, more informed decisions about in home care and what is best for your particular situation. It provides guidance on the types of questions you should ask before deciding what will be the best choice and options for children or loved ones who live far from their elderly loved ones.

The book also includes information on other options to consider such as:

• Retirement communities (the pros and cons)
• Non Medical Caregivers
• Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Facilities

In addition to a wealth of information, Stages of Senior Care provides resources to assist with managing the emotional part of making tough decisions concerning quality of life, and the guilt and anxiety you may feel about having to face these issues.  So, if you are worried about your loved ones future and are exhausted trying to find real answers, then this book is a must read.

Overall, 19 customers who have reviewed this book give it 4.75 stars out of 5. One reviewer says the book is “possibly the best gift you could give a caregiver.”

Another reviewer commented that this is a “must read for us baby boomers.”

Standard Series

Priced at $1222, the Standard Adjustable bed is available with Premium Coil or a Visco foam mattress with a “state of the art” hand control, which makes modifying the settings to your personal preference very simple. Quality engineering and mechanisms made of strong, sturdy metal prevent any noisy interruptions while adjusting head and foot positions. For those who might be affected by poor circulation, a bed that allows for foot adjustment might help with the flow of blood through the legs.

Luxury Series

Slightly more expensive, the upgraded model Luxury Series is priced at $1491 and has the same mattress options as the Standard Series. One difference though is that the Luxury model has a master control wand which makes adjusting the mattress super easy and effortless. A dual wave motion massage system with 15 different vibrating selections is the perfect senior homecare solution for those who want a little pampering before turning in for the night. In addition to relaxing tired muscles, it also provides relief from those who might be suffering from arthritis or achy joints.

Both Golden Technologies Series have similar features in terms of weight, weight capacity, available sizes (twin, full, queen and split king) and adjustable height options. Each series also provides 6 flexible payment options, a definite plus for those on a fixed budget or limited income.

The differences, however, are the price points and the availability of a massage and headboard/footboard option featured in the Luxury Series. Both models received 4.5 out of 5 starts by reviewers.

Click here for more information.

Walking crutches

Featuring an array of styles and colors, SmartCRUTCH prides itself on their revolutionary design that “allows for user customization.” The design of the crutches prevents the pain and discomfort that is normally associated with the more standard crutches sold in the past. This means that people who suffer from hand, wrist or joint ailments can adjust their forearm platform from 15 – 90 degrees, giving the user control over where their forearm rests more comfortably.

Some of their features include:

• Grips that are ergonomically designed for better
  arm comfort
• Cutting edge design that allows comfort through
  even weight distribution of hands, arms and wrists
• Forearm platform settings for personal ease of
  use

Benefits include:

• Less pressure on hands, therefore reducing
  discomfort
• Improved posture resulting in less fatigue
• Easier navigation for getting in and out of
  chairs
• An array of colors to suit individual tastes

Reviewers of SmartCrutch are generally positive with most users praising their design and adjustability. One user wrote, “These are the best crutches in the world,” but did add that the “foam on the armrest has compressed a bit” but said that they are still comfortable. Another reviewer says that one of the disadvantages is that “they are more bulky than conventional crutches and more expensive”, but added that,
“SmartCRUTCH presents an ergonomically superior product when compared to other
manufacturer’s.” With reviews like these, it’s no wonder SmartCRUTCH is a
leader in homecare solutions.

For more information, please click here.

• What can I afford?
• What type of chair am I looking for?
• What is the difference between a manual and a
  power chair?

To help with your selection, Spinlife.com offers a comprehensive, detailed look at the
differences between motorized wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs. In addition, you can find product information such as weight, weight capacity, elevating options and seat width.

Spinlife.com also features product reviews based on actual customer use making purchasing a wheelchair a less intimidating chore. With color photos and product
specifications, you can select a wheelchair based on personal appeal and capabilities. To make your browsing experience easier, when you click on a particular type of wheelchair, you can choose from Spinlife Favorite, Best Reviewed and Budget Friendly.

With agents available M-F from 9-9 EST and on weekends from 10–4 EST, there is always someone available to answer questions. For more information or to request a FREE product catalog, please click here.

Naturally, you want a quality product at an affordable price.

Product manufacturer Acorn offers the Superglide 120, a DC (direct current) battery powered lift chair, supplied by rechargeable batteries. What this means is, should you ever experience a power failure, there is no need to worry that your lift equipment will not function properly leaving you stranded mid air. The Superglide is designed to continue functioning even if you are experiencing a power outage. In addition, the direct power battery provides a seamless ride, with no worrisome jolts as you start or stop your operation. Knowing this provides an added sense of safety and security that your unit will function as intended when you need it most.

Some of the Acorn Superglide 120 product features include:

• Rust resistant weather components that will hold up in all weather climates
• Waterproof cover to protect the lift from the outdoor elements
• Padded seat and armrest for comfort
• Lockable swivel seat that allows you to safely get on and off the lift with no body twisting

An “easy to use” paddle control allows you to maneuver the lift chair up or down and the lockable on/off switch prevents anyone else from using the chair without your knowledge. The lift is designed to fit your outside stairs, not the wall and the slim fold away design allows you to safely put it away when not in use. The sleek, clean design would be a compliment to any home, in any neighborhood. In addition to the technical specifications, the Superglide 120 is a quick install that will provide years of continued use with virtually no maintenance.

This unit is currently in stock and is priced at $3699.

Summit Harmar Indoor Stair Lift

If you or a loved one has difficulty climbing stairs due to physical disabilities, then it may be time to consider purchasing an in home stair lift for your convenience. Stair lifts prevent dangerous falls and allow you to feel independent and secure within your own home. The benefits of having a stair lift include:

• Allowing you to continue to enjoy your home without the worry of having to move to accommodate physical limitations and
• Knowing that you can safely transport yourself up and down without the help of a caregiver.

This type of independence is priceless amongst the elderly or disabled.

With so many stair lifts to choose from, it is sometimes difficult to figure out which one could be the right one for you. Because of product specifications and various features, your search for the right in home stair lift could literally take months! To spare you some of the frustration, however, following is an in depth review of the Summit Indoor Stair Lift to aid you in your search.

The Summit Indoor Stair lift boasts some pretty attractive features for users such as being fully able to run off household current and being able to be installed on either side of a staircase. In addition, the unit can be plugged in at the top or bottom of a staircase making it ideal for those who only have one outlet above or below their stairs. Because of the variations in staircase lengths, the track is fully customizable to suit your individual needs – a feature that not every stair lift is equipped with. One of the best features is its full 90 degree seat swivel seat that allows you to safely enter or exit the stair lift. Not only that, the Summit Indoor Stair Lift has safety sensors located on each side of the foot plate that stops the lift should obstructions on the track be detected. That added safety measure ensures that accidents while en route won’t happen.  The call or send stations at the top and bottom of the unit make is super convenient to summon the lift when you need it.

With an overall product review of 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 3 reviews), users say that the Summit Indoor Stair Lift strengths are:

• The unit moves smoothly up and down the staircase
• Easy to install
• It is a quality product
• Speed (it travels 20 feet per minute)

Although there seems to be much to admire, some reviewers point out the weaknesses of the unit as, “taking up a lot of room on the staircase,” and the chair “not sitting high enough for individuals with long legs.”  However one reviewer could not find any weaknesses with the product and raves that the Summit Indoor Lift allows her to get to her basement to do her laundry.

Some of what is included with your purchase is: free shipping (over $50), choice of seat color, no sales tax, and a 3 year transferrable warranty.

This product ships in 3-5 days.

Click here for more details.

Shoprider Sunnrunner Scooter

Anyone who struggles with walking or tires easily after walking short distances could benefit from a mobility scooter. Not only can it add to your quality of life, it does a lot to improve your personal independence and sense of freedom. Mobility scooters save you from exerting all of your energy trying to push yourself around with a traditional, manual wheelchair. For seniors or disabled persons who have limited upper body strength, this mobility solution could really make a huge difference in daily home health care. Additionally, mobility scooters can help by relieving the strain on muscles that comes with trying to maneuver around in a manual wheelchair which requires constant strain on wrists, forearms and shoulders. Over time, the overuse of your arms could cause irreversible damage and make it that much harder to get around independently.

Aside from the physical benefits that mobility scooters provide, they also give you your life back.  If you have been confined to your home for long periods of time due to physical ailments that have kept you from enjoying each day to its fullest, then its time to consider alternative options. Adding a mobility scooter to your home health products will allow you to get out and enjoy outings with grand kids, family and friends without feeling the embarrassment or shame of not being able to keep up. Whether you are going to lunch with a loved one or to the park, you can feel comfortable knowing that no place is off limits. Where you go is all up to you!

Before you buy a mobility scooter however, there are many things that you need to consider prior to your purchase.

Things such as:

• Does the company offer a full warranty if something on your scooter breaks?
• Does this product offer all of the amenities that I need?
• Who will assemble the scooter once it is delivered? Does the company offer that service?
• Should the scooter break down, who is responsible for the repairs? The retailer or the manufacturer?

My advice to you is to only deal with resellers who can answer ‘yes’ to your list of questions. That way, in the event that your mobility scooter breaks down, you know that you will be covered. Also, because scooters are a hefty investment, you want to make sure that the company you choose to purchase from provides the utmost assistance and can provide a guarantee should their product fail.

So, can YOU benefit from a mobility scooter? I bet you can!

How do Home Health Products help?

With the help of walkers, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and other elder or disability care products, you can perform some daily tasks without the aid of a loved one or a caregiver. And for many, there is no better feeling than to be able do things for themselves. Home Health Products provide you with the extra freedom to get out and enjoy your life again. No longer are you confined to your home depending on others to help you get out and about. With mobility products in particular, you can visit friends or relatives at your leisure and feel good knowing that you have these items in place to support you. Just having this extra freedom does wonders for your emotional health and just your outlook on life in general. Knowing that you have these products to use on a daily basis makes you feel secure and in control of your daily activities and reduces your stress level, which in turn, improves your quality of life. Because of the wide variety of different products that are available for purchase, there is most certainly something out there to suit you.

What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of home health products are many. Not only are they made to help you with mobility and day to day living in general, they help you feel better as a whole. When they are in use, you are no longer confined to your home — you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, on your own. Additional benefits include giving you back your personal freedom to live your life to its fullest and that my friend, is worth more than money can buy!

Drive Commode Shower Chair

Accidents happen…that’s life. Due to age or other debilitating circumstances, it is sometimes impossible to make it to the commode as quickly as we’d like. Fortunately, when it comes to elder and disability care, there are home health products that can help when they do. Multi-purpose products serve us best when they perform more than one function, such as the Drive Commode Shower Chair. This mobility product is the perfect homecare solution for those looking for a shower chair that also serves as a commode. Made of durable aluminum, this shower chair can be used in the bath tub as a shower chair or over an existing toilet. It also serves as a bedside commode for those who have trouble walking to the restroom. The removable pail and four rolling wheels are also ideal for caregivers who help with daily care, as it makes bathroom related duties safer and much simpler for both parties. Equipped with rear brakes for safety, the Drive Commode Shower Chair has a padded, u shape, open seat for comfort and a vinyl back that lets users lean back and relax. The seat is attached to an anodized aluminum frame (held down with metal grommets) so there is no need to worry about rust ruining the look of your shower chair – or the base of the seat coming loose after continued use. This feature is especially important if you’ll require help when using your unit, as bathroom accident prevention is always a priority. Padded armrests and a removable 12 qt. commode bucket make this home health product a perfect solution for elderly or disabled individuals who need a little extra help.

As with any handicapped equipment, product specifications are important in determining whether or not the product will fit your home healthcare needs. With the Drive Commode Shower Chair, there is no need to worry however, as the dimensions will fit most bath tubs. The outside width measures 24” with a seat width and depth of 16”. With an overall weight capacity of 300 lbs, this chair should fit most body frames very comfortably. The width between the arms is 18” so there ample room for movement and repositioning. From the floor to the seat is 21” and the overall height is 38 inches. Because of the compact but sturdy frame, users and or caregivers can easily move this product from the bathroom to the bedroom, if necessary.

One product reviewer says that the Drive Commode Shower Chair is extremely durable and safe and adds that the padded seat makes it very comfortable. The reviewer also comments on the ease of use due to the four easy rolling wheels.

Click here to purchase

The ATV 350 ARV Mini is the smaller version of the two carriers. Constructed of lightweight aluminum, this smaller version boasts some very attractive features such as being able to hold up to 350 lbs. and its usable platform area that measures 44” x 24”. The deck, which tilts for quick and easy loading, can extend up to 40” should you need the additional room. Hitch requirements for a class II or III vehicle is 2” and depending on your vehicle model, you may require a class II height adjuster. Similar in design to the ATV 350 Mini, the regular sized ATV 30 has some small differences in size. The unit weight is slightly heavier at 58 lbs., while the usable platform area measures 52” x 26”. The deck extends 48”, which is an additional 8” longer than the Mini and will require a 2” extender for a class II or II hitch. Safety features for both carriers are deck extenders that pull out from the underside and reduce the angle incline. It is also possible to use the curb to load and unload your mobility product. Tilt-a-rack mobility features a hinging device that allows the carrier to adjust to three different positions for seamless transport of your wheelchair, lift or mobility scooter.

Although no product reviews were found for the either model specifically, the ATV Solutions carriers seem to have a lot of desirable qualities that might serve you or a loved one very well. Aside from the different sized carriers that are available, they relieve the stress of transporting your home healthcare products from place to place. A sleek and compact design makes this carrier a cut above the rest.