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P7
Aids about the home
You can obtain adaptations of everyday household
equipment that has been specially designed to aid everyday living and
help you maintain your independence.
Bedroom
It is important to ensure that time spent in the
bedroom or confined to bed is as relaxing and comfortable as
possible. There are a number of aids to achieve this.
It is possible to obtain specially designed blocks to
raise the level of an ordinary bed to aid getting into and out of it.
Equipment such as over-bed tables and back rests are also available
to increase comfort and convenience.
Inflatable hairwash trays can be used as portable
basins to allow hairwashing to be done from the bed.
Specialised Beds are available that electronically
raise the head and foot area to aid getting into and out of bed.
Kitchen
Height adjustable kitchens are available for ambient
and wheelchair access. Ceramic Induction hobs (not hot to the touch)
can be incorporated if required. Specialised cookers are also
available with features such as shelves that do not drop out and
sinks can have lever operated tops or automatic or remote operation.
Larger or angled handles on cutlery and kitchen
utensils allow the user to achieve a better grip and thus better
manoeuvrability. People with sensitive hands will benefit from
specially insulated cups. Plates and bowls with curved rims or higher
sides provide the user with greater control, especially when used
with non-slip mats that stop crockery to move during use.
Even food preparation can be made easier, with
equipment such as choppingboards fitted with spikes to stabilise the
food for those with better use of one hand. Kettles and teapots can
be placed in specially designed Tippers that support them during
boiling and also help when pouring. Stabilisers and holders make
opening jars much easier and perching stools are available for those
who find it difficult to stand for long periods of time whilst
cooking. Long handled reachers and brushes are available for getting
things off high shelves and cleaning in difficult to reach areas.
Bathroom
The bathroom can be a potentially hazardous area for
some people but this can be very easily remedied by providing the
right equipment to suit their individual needs. Grab rails positioned
horizontally and vertically can assist independent movement around
the bathroom.
Bathboards/ Showerboards
These provide a seating area across the top of the
bath and aid stability.
Bathlifters
These are positioned inside the bath and lower the
user into the bath to bathe and then back up to the rim of the bath
afterwards. They can be removable if several members of the family
make use of the bath. Bathlifters which are powered by a waterproof
remote control handset offer the user the opportunity to bathe independently.
Bathseats
These make accessing the bath easier by creating a
seat at a higher level than the actual bottom of the bath so that the
user does not have to lower or raise themselves so far.
Showerseats/ Showerstools
These are fixed to the wall and are thus most suitable
if you are the only person who uses the shower. The best option in
each case will depend on the level of support required by the
individual. Perching Stools are also available and can be angled with
a padded seat and backrest for maximum comfort and added support.
Level Access Showers are also available for wheelchair
access and have features such as anti-slip surfaces and half height
doors. These can be in the form of complete cubicles if necessary,
which can include both a wash hand basin and WC, so that an ensuite
facility can be easily installed in a bedroom or spare room.
Toileting
Raised toilet seats can be attached to an existing
toilet and aid easy use by raising the height of the seat. They are
useful for anyone with reduced mobility, especially when used in
conjunction with grab rails or toilet surround frames which provide
extra support. These differ from padded seat covers which increase
comfort but do not raise the actual height of the seat.
Toilet seat frames and supports also can be used in
conjunction with an existing toilet to provide a higher seat and aid
support in getting up and down.
Commodes are useful where there is difficulty in
moving from room to room and are designed to be as discrete as
possible, often looking like armchairs with the pan hidden from view.
They are also available in a folding form that is useful where space
is limited.
Toilet/ Shower systems can be installed by specialist
companies. At first glance they look like an ordinary WC suit, but
are able to be used as a toilet which will then go through a preset
process of washing the user (at a preset thermostatically controlled
temperature) and then drying the user with warm air.
General Hints and Tips
Always ensure that specialist equipment is fitted by a
professional. Where equipment is fixed to the floor or wall to
provide additional support it is essential that the strength of the
supporting walls has been checked by someone with experience in this
area. It is also essential that fixtures and mechanisms are checked
and maintained on a regular basis. |
