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BathBench with Back Instruction

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

BathBench with Back Instruction
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JOOroTKp70
The benefit of a bath bench or bath chair is you have the option to back up and sit down on the side of the bath chair’s seat while both of your legs are still positioned outside the bathtub. From a safe seated position, you can then lift one leg at a time over the bathtub wall and turn your hips to face the shower head. Or, if your balance skills are sufficient to do so, alternatively you can “step” over the bathtub wall and then sit down on the bath seat.

PROS

  1. All four chair legs remain inside the bathtub (unlike for the bath bench mentioned above). Hence a bath chair’s legs won’t occupy any of the valuable floor space a person using a walker or wheelchair needs to be able to move and turn around inside the bathroom.
  2. Easy installation
CONS

You must have more strength and balance skills to lean back further in order to sit on a bathtub ‘chair’ positioned fully inside the tub, as opposed to sitting on a ‘bathtub bench’ that has a seat that extends out over the tub wall. If you decide a bathtub “chair” is the best solution for your needs, we recommend to select a model that has a wide flat seat so there will be more surface area to safely land on.

 
For a full list of bathroom safety products click here.

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Health Products

Buying the Right Cane

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Buying the Right Cane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YoePVpwOao

What kind of cane should I choose?

Your caregiver will help you choose the right cane for your needs. Canes are made from wood, plastic, or metal. A cane can be adjusted to fit your height. The bottom of the cane usually has a nonskid rubber tip to prevent it from slipping. The following are common kinds of canes:

  • Standard canes have a rounded crook handle. Use a cane with a wooden or plastic handle instead of metal. A metal handle may slip from your hand. In cold weather, the metal handle may get too cold for you to touch.
  • Straight-handle canes , or T-handle canes, are used if your hand is weak.
  • Broad-based canes are lightweight canes with 3 or 4 short legs. These legs give you the most support. You may need this type of cane if it is hard for you to keep your balance.
    Cane Types

How do I use the cane?

  • To walk on flat floors:
    • Put the cane about 4 inches (10 cm) to the side of your stronger leg.
    • Put weight on your stronger side.
    • Move the cane about 4 inches (10 cm) in front of your stronger leg and bring your weaker leg forward at the same time.
    • Use the cane to help keep your weight off your weaker leg and move your stronger leg ahead.
    • Place your heel a little beyond the tip of the cane.
  • To use on stairs: Ask your caregiver to show you how to safely use your cane on stairs. Do not use your cane on the stairs unless someone is with you.
  • To get into a chair:
    • Stand with the back of your legs against the chair seat.
    • Rest the cane against the chair.
    • Reach back with both hands to grip the chair arms.
    • Lift your weaker leg slightly off the floor.
    • Put all your weight on your stronger leg.
    • Slowly sit down and slide back into the chair.
  • To get out of a chair:
    • Hold your cane with your stronger hand.
    • Grasp the arms of the chair.
    • Put your stronger foot a little forward.
    • Lean slightly forward and push on the arms of the chair to raise yourself.
    • Stand with your cane about 4 inches (10 cm) to the side of your stronger foot.

What are some cane safety tips I should know?

  • Wear shoes with rubber soles , such as tennis shoes. Slippers should not be worn because they can slide off your feet and cause a fall. Do not wear shoes with leather heels or soles that may slide.
  • Check the floor to be sure it is safe. The floor must be clean, dry, and well lit. Remove throw rugs to prevent falls. Tape or nail down loose carpet edges. Keep the traffic areas and the floor free of clutter.
  • Stand for a few seconds before you start to walk with your cane. This will help prevent dizziness.
  • Look straight ahead when you walk. You may run into or trip over something if you look at your feet.
  • Use a backpack or a bag with a long strap that you can wear across your body. This will keep your hands free. Try not to carry heavy things.

Source: Truven Health Analytics Inc. Information

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Health Products

Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6etSPfMucQ

How to Measure for a Walker Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

When preparing to buy a walker, you need to make sure it can accommodate your height, especially if you are very tall or short. You may need a special petite walker, or walker leg extensions. Get a friend or family member to help you measure yourself.

  1. Start by standing up straight with your shoes on.
  2. Allow your hands to hang naturally at your sides.
  3. Measure from the crease in your wrist to the floor.
  4. This length should be your handle height.
  5. If possible, choose a walker that adjusts at least one inch higher and lower than your actual measurement so you can adjust it as necessary.

Measuring for Crutch Length Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

A. IN LYING : (shoes on)

      • Elbow is flexed to 15 degrees; measurement is taken from the ulnar styloid process to a point 20 cm lateral to the heel of the shoe.

B. IN STANDING :

      • 2” laterally and 6” anteriorly to the foot.
      • Height should be adjusted with relaxed shoulders to provide 20-30 degrees of elbow flexion.

Wheelchair Measuring Guide

Wheelchair measurements are critical for everyday wheelchair users to have a comfortable and functional piece of equipment which will meet all their needs and provide for the best possible results. This guide is by no means etched in stone and often there are circumstances which require ignoring the basic rules of thumb for measuring a wheelchair however this guide is applicable to 90% of the wheelchair user population.
Seat Width: Seat width is usually the width of the user plus 1″
Seat Depth: Seat depth is usually the seat depth of the user less 1″ or 2″.
Seat Height: Seat height is usually the height of the user where they are able to access tables and tranfer without too much difficulty.
Footrest Length: The footrest should be the distance from the back of the knee to bottom of the heel while wearing the shoes the user usually wears.
Back Height: Back height will vary from user to user but normaly should be a little above the middle of the back around the bottom of the shoulder blades.
Note: When a wheelchair cushion is used, the thickness of the cushion has to be figured into the measurments for all of these parameters except the seat depth.

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