Recently, we had the opportunity to take part in helping a family as part of the television show, Holmes Family Rescue.

The show features Mike Holmes, his daughter Sherry, and his son Michael. They come together to rescue homeowners from botched construction jobs and renovation fatigue.

We welcomed the chance to be involved with making Noah’s home accessible and functional for him, to support independent living at home now and into the future as he ages.

Here is a description of the episode:

We Have Lift Off – Season 1, Episode 3

“Just as a homeowner was about to give birth, she and her partner were scammed by a contractor who left them with a mess of a kitchen. Before the Holmes family can make the home accessible, they must fix the dangerous structural issues left behind.”

MED+ Contribution

MED+ was happy to supply and install accessibility features as part of a larger bathroom renovation. A fully accessible bathroom was designed and built to meet Noah’s mobility needs. The spacious bathroom allowed for easier access to the shower, toilet, and sink.

We strategically installed grab bars throughout the bathroom. They were placed along the walls, beside and behind the toilet and in the walk-in shower. We installed a movable shower chair to make the shower easier for Noah and easier for his parents to provide care.

Read More From Our Blog

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The post MED+ Delivers Accessible Bathroom on Episode 3 of Holmes Family Rescue appeared first on MedPlus.

At MED+, we are a firm believer in helping those in their time of need. It can be donating your time, gently used items, or a financial donation. Every little bit helps. Not sure what cause to support? We have put together a list of 5 great causes that you can support over the holidays:

The Food Bank

Your local food bank is an excellent cause to support during the holiday season. There are thousands of people in your community that rely on the Food Bank for support. During the holiday season, it is easy to support. There are donation locations across the city. You can donate to a food bin at your local grocery store. Many stores also give you the choice to make a cash donation at the checkout. Donate what you can afford. Whether it is a couple of cans of food or something more extensive, every little bit helps.

March of Dimes

There are 4.4 million Canadians who have disabilities. The March of Dimes provides a wide range of services to people with disabilities. Through their programs, they help people reduce risk and allow people to continue to live at home, continue to work and be an active participant in the community. They provide home and vehicle accessibility and assistive devices to adults and children with physical impairments. You can make a personal donation here.

Easter Seals

Easter Seals helps kids with physical disabilities succeed. They raise funds and offer programs and services for children with disabilities in Ontario. Your donations go toward supplying medical devices and equipment to help children meet basic needs and live a more independent lifestyle. You can donate and learn more about how you can support this cause here.

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross helps residence in a time of need. They are a humanitarian organization that helps people when they experience the unthinkable. When communities face tragedies such as forest fires, flooding, and other power and damaging weather events, the Canadian Red Cross is here to support you and help you start the recovery process. Learn more about this organization and how to donate here.

Support Local

Every community has many charities that support seniors and those in need. There are simply too many to mention. CanadaHelps.org provides a list of great community groups and charities that can use your support during the holidays. You can find a local charity by performing a search on their website. You can find groups supporting seniors, children, people with disabilities, and just about any other cause you can think of. This is a great resource for you to use if you are looking to help a specific cause.

Funding And Financing With MED+

If you or a loved one is in need of funding or financing for medical equipment to improve your lifestyle, we can help. Learn about how to apply for financing and get access to funding through a variety of community organizations. Learn more on our funding page.

If you have questions about any of our products or services, we are happy to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you in any way that we can.

Every Little Bit Helps!

Giving is what the holiday season is all about. Anything that you can give makes a difference to someone in our community. We thank you for your support in helping people in our community.

Read More On Our Blog

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5 Tips for Keeping Public Spaces Safe & Accessible for Seniors Beyond the Pandemic

The post 5 Great Causes That Need Your Support Over the Holidays appeared first on MedPlus.

Drake is one of the most famous musicians on the planet. He started his career as an actor, then exploded onto the hip hop scene. Today, many people across Toronto know him for being a brand advocate for the Toronto Raptors. He has become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Toronto of recent memory. Over the years he has become well known for giving back to his local community in Toronto.

“Drake is nothing if not generous with the vast amount of wealth he’s accumulated as one of the world’s most successful recording artists,” says Lauren O’Neil on BlogTo.

“From randomly paying off a Toronto man’s OSAP debt to doling out $10,000 tips at McDonald’s to sharing nearly one million dollars in cash with people all over Miami,” she adds.

Even though he doesn’t boast about it online, it hasn’t stopped recipients of his grand gestures making it known all the good he is doing. Recently, a story surfaced online about Drake helping one of his fans by providing them with some mobility equipment. He didn’t just offer a little help, he provided them with a brand-new wheelchair accessible van that retails around $100,000 USD.

A super fan named Rob was gifted the van for his sister Dora, who is disabled. This is what the fan had to say on Instagram in response to receiving the wheelchair conversion van by Drake:

“God is good. This has been a wild year, to say the least. My sister, Dora, was gifted a 2021 Dodge Pro Master wheelchair conversion van by @champagnepapi ! Those that know me, know he’s my favorite rapper/artist of all time. He has been a HUGE blessing for me and my family. Glad to call him brother and friend. I don’t have to use the pick up truck to take her to her appointments anymore. We can all ride comfortably, especially Dora, to her doctor appts with little effort. This has changed our lives for the better.”

It is gestures like this that can change a life. Providing people with access to mobility equipment can completely change their way of life. In this instance, having access to a wheelchair friendly van for Dora can mean she will be able to get out of the house more often. It will be easier for her to not only get proper care and meet with her doctors, but to also have more social interaction with friends and family. It also takes the onus off her brother and other family members. It makes it easier for them to help care for her.

In this case, it was a significant piece of equipment, but in others, it can be something as simple as a walker, power wheelchair, or stair lift that can help people with mobility issues lead a safer and more comfortable life.

Interesting fact – Drake gained notoriety for his role on the Canadian hit television series Degrassi: The Next Generation. He played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who was paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to use a wheelchair. Perhaps this role helped Drake gain a greater appreciation for the challenged faced by people with mobility issues. Regardless, it is great to have people in our society that are so willing to share their wealth and give back to the people who really need the support.

Read More From Our Blog

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The post The Story Behind Drake Helping a Person in Need for Mobility Equipment appeared first on MedPlus.

When you hear the word pharmacy, most people will immediately think of the large corporate chains such as Shoppers, Rexall, or locations within grocery or big box stores. But its important for people to understand there are local community pharmacies in your neighborhood that can be a health resource for you and your family. Here we will talk about the role of independent community pharmacies.

What Is An Independent Community Pharmacy?

An independent community pharmacy is a location that is owned by a local business owner. It is often a single store that is owned and operated by the head pharmacist or multiple individuals. It could also be a company that has a couple local locations. It is a private business, not a publicly traded enterprise.

This offers customers some potential advantages. Community pharmacies are not limited to corporate rules and can freely operate in the best way they see fit. There is room to offer more personalized services to its customer base.

“As medication experts, independent community pharmacists provide counsel on a variety of health-related concerns and reduce overall costs by helping to ensure that patients consistently take their medications and by referring them for further treatment options when appropriate,” according to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).

The Role Of Independent Community Pharmacies

Community pharmacies are an alternative to large pharmacies. They operate not based on corporate rules or structures. They operate based on the needs of the community. They have more flexibility in how they do business.

The pandemic provided a great example of what a pharmacy could do to support the community in many different ways. They do so much more than just fill prescriptions and sell medication.

Here are some of the ways they are a great alternative for care within the healthcare industry:

• They are a care destination: People generally go to the pharmacy more than the doctor. Its one of the first places people will go when they need medication or health care advice. Local pharmacies can provide people with the personalized attention they are seeking.
• Prescription management: Get individualized attention to help you manage your medications and prescriptions. You can get important advice, get access to home delivery or curbside pickup, and make special arrangements based on your unique needs.
• Wellness support: Pharmacists can provide its customers with wellness and nutrition consultations to help them improve their health. They can offer solutions that support and work in conjunction with their medication.
• Community outreach: Community pharmacies understand the current state of the region. They can become a health advocate for local issues and concerns. They work with other community leaders in the healthcare industry to ensure you receive the care and attention you need.
• Health consultation: Pharmacists are an excellent source of reliable health information. They can make recommendations based on local factors, adjust medication offerings and ensure you are making informed decisions.
• Customer centric: Perhaps the most important advantage of using a local pharmacy is the level of personalized care you can expect to receive. Pharmacists in these establishments get to know the customers. They build trusting relationships with their patrons. They tend to be more accessible and can offer more flexible services based on the customer. They cater their offerings to meet customer demands. This ensures people get the best care possible.

Services Offered By Independent Community Pharmacy

You can expect to receive the same type of services and products from large chains. Services offered by smaller pharmacies include:

• Community outreach
• Same day medication delivery
• Health consultations
• Medication therapy and disease management
• Coordination with local doctors and other care facilities
• COVID testing
• Administering vaccines (COVID, flu, and others)
• Other services that are in demand within the local community.

The independent community pharmacy plays an important role in the healthcare industry. As personalized health care becomes more important, it is community pharmacies that have the agility and personalized focus to step up and best service the local community.

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The post The Role Of Independent Community Pharmacy In The Healthcare Industry appeared first on MedPlus.

June is Seniors Month here in Ontario. This year’s theme is “Stay safe, active and connected”. As a community partner we think it is important to celebrate our seniors. In this blog, we will outline what the province of Ontario is doing to celebrate, and we will talk about the reasons why we celebrate our seniors at MED+.

How Ontario Is Recognizing The Contributions Of Seniors In Our Communities

To celebrate Seniors Month, the province of Ontario is focusing on programming to help seniors live a fully engaged life to the best of their abilities during the pandemic. Here are the key points:

• Stay safe: Get information on vaccines and community supports to help seniors stay safe.
• Stay active: Get information on programs and services to help seniors stay physically and mentally healthy.
• Stay connected: Find social, cultural, learning, volunteer and recreational programs to help seniors stay socially connected.

5 Reasons Why We Celebrate our Seniors at MED+

As an organization who works closely with seniors on a daily basis, we get examples every day about why we should celebrate this wonderful segment of our community. Here are some of the reasons we celebrate our seniors at MED+:

• They’ve helped build what we have today: Our seniors have played a significant role in helping to build and shape our community. Many have made huge sacrifices for their families and local regions. This needs to be celebrated and recognized.
• The volunteer hours they contribute: Our seniors not only were active participants in building our communities during their career, but they also continued to do so long into their retirement years. Seniors are a leading contributor in the volunteer community. They spearhead and executive many different volunteer programs that everyone benefits from.
• They educate us with their life experience: Seniors have lived and learned. They have been through the worst of times and the best of times. Through their life experiences they can pass on insightful knowledge that we can use today to make more informed decisions. You will always learn something when you take a moment to sit under the learning tree. Do it more often.
• They are loving family members: Our seniors are loving grandparents, mothers, fathers, and relatives. They have been a rock for our families for decades. Celebrating them is our opportunity to give back to them and show them how much we appreciate what they have done for us over the years.
• To fight ageism: Unfortunately, ageism can be an issue in our society. Seniors can be unfairly discriminated against because of their age. We do not stand for these types of actions. We celebrate our elders to fight back against ageism and show our seniors the respect they deserve.

How To Celebrate The Senior In Your Life

You don’t always have to make a grand gesture to celebrate the seniors in your life. Here are some simple ways to celebrate seniors:

• Say thank you.
• Write them a letter of appreciation.
• Nominate them for a community award.
• Take them out for a meal.
• Plan an event to honour them.

Here is a great quote pulled from the Psychology Benefits Society website that summarizes why we should celebrate our seniors:

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

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The post June is Seniors Month – Here are 5 Reasons Why We Celebrate our Seniors at MED+ appeared first on MedPlus.

As we come together as a global community to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, MED+ Medical Equipment Distribution has implemented the following measures to help ensure the safety of our staff, while also protecting the clients, care staff and prescribers we serve.

Effective immediately, our location in Mississauga is closed. All business will be conducted out of our head office until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus.

Visitors or non-staff members entering our Toronto facility will be screened and seated close to the entrance. Our showroom is now closed. Customers can purchase or rent product, however customers will be unable to touch the products in the showroom. All purchases picked up by customers are final sale, no returns. Rental returns will be accepted at the side of the building and will be sanitized immediately.

Our Rehab sales team has postponed all in-services and non-essential meetings until further notice. All rehab consultants are available by phone.

Our Service Techs and delivery drivers are working to provide the service required in this difficult time. We have suspended all mobility clinics in Hospitals, Long Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes and Group Homes. We are continuing to provide service to all the above facilities on an as need / urgent basis.

You can feel comfortable knowing we are disinfecting our facility frequently with hospital grade wipes, which deliver a broad spectrum of sanitization.

In addition, we have also implemented the following:

• Social distancing – smaller group / session times, spacing out chairs etc.
• Sanitizing soft and hard surfaces between meetings.
• Providing hand sanitizers, surgical gloves and masks to all employees.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of all equipment in our wash bay.
• Pre-screening clients to ensure healthiness, following Ontario.ca official guidelines and WHO best practices for prevention and preparedness.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach us directly at (416) 477- 5960. We thank you for your continued support and offer you our deepest, kindest thoughts at this very difficult time.

Sincerely,
MED+ Medical Equipment Distribution

The post COVID-19 Announcement appeared first on MedPlus.

Technology and health care go hand in hand. As technology evolves so do innovations in the health care industry. We’ve seen things evolve over time. Just look at the innovations that have been made in terms of home health care products. Stair lifts, home hospital beds, wheel chairs and many other devices have been widely adopted in the home. All of these have made it much easier for seniors and those with health issues to live comfortably at home. Technology innovations of tomorrow will continue to have a positive impact on health care in the future.

But, what about other widely used technology such as Smart Home Assistants? Seniors are increasingly open to using more advance technology to help manage their health. Modern technology we take for granted can change a person’s lifestyle for the better.

Imagine a senior asking a Google device to “okay Google, get my stair lift ready” or a person asking Alexa, “Alexia, what time do I need to take my medication?” Or, imagine using the smart assistant to even adjust your bed lock your doors or shut off the lights without having to move. The ideas are limitless.

In this blog, we take a look at how seniors are more open to new tech based health care solutions and the future of smart home assistants and home health care products.

Seniors Are More Willing To Use Technology To Help Manage Their Health

There is an assumption that seniors and technology do not mix. However, this is changing. According to a survey by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) 54% of seniors are open to using technology to manage their health, remote monitoring in particular. The survey also found:

• 49% of seniors are interested in using it to manage their health.
• 32% of seniors are very familiar with emergency response solutions.
• 40% of consumers are aware of remote monitoring. But, 43% are concerned about data privacy.
• 75% of seniors said they would need assistance adopting technology based health care solutions.
• Most seniors are concerned about the cost of health solutions using technology.

Healthcare professionals also see the benefit of these solutions:

• 68% of health professionals want to use technology to manage patient’s health.
• 49% believe the technology has made health more accessible for patients, but they do have concerned about how patient data is handled.

This data suggests that the growth and adoption of technology based healthcare solutions will continue to grow in the next decade and beyond.

How Can Smart Home Assistants Help Home Health Care

It’s hard not to think about the futuristic harmony and potential of smart home products such as Google Home, and Alexa, and home health care products working together to make the living even more accessible for all. The harmony of both home assistant and home health care solutions working together can enhance your health care experience at home, assist care facilities, hospitals, medical buildings and anywhere else. What areas can they help with?

• Safety: Safety is a huge concern at home. Falling incidents, forgetting to lock the door and many other safety issues can be addressed through technology. Simple reminders, the ability for seniors to lock their dock remotely, and many other solutions could be used using voice commands.

• Monitoring: Remote monitoring has a lot of potential. For many seniors and people with health considerations, making a simple trip to the doctor is a significant endeavor. Remote monitoring makes it possible for health care professionals to assist patients remotely. This gives patients better and easier access to care when they need it, and without as much effort.

• Emergency response: This is one of the most important topics for seniors and those with medical issues are emergency response. Smart home technology makes it easy for seniors to call for help if they fall. Sensors can be used to alert caregivers if unusual movement patterns are detected.

• Communication: Communication is very important. Smart home technology can make is much easier for seniors to speak with health care providers, friends, family, and others. Video conferences can be used for check-ins, you can use Google Assistant and Alexa to make calls and even get answers to questions.

• Home control and automation: Technology can help automate simple tasks around the home that can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Things like turning off the lights or television, closing the blinds, adjusting the thermostat, locking the door, checking the security camera, and getting notifications are all possible.

• Reminders: Set up reminders to complete tasks around the house. One of the biggest concerns for caregivers is patents remembering to take their medication as prescribed. New technology can provide them with reminders of when and what type of medication to take. Reminders can also be used to help seniors remember to charge their wheel chair, follow up with doctors, and much more.

• Support for current health care products: Technology is already very much a part of health care products. But, just think of how far home monitoring and new technology innovation cans enhance current products. Beds, stair lifts, patient lifts, scooters, wheelchair lifts, power wheelchairs and other devices can all be improved. New features and uses can be introduced in the future.

Pilot Project Underway Using Smart Homes To Help Ontarians With Mental Illness

A pilot project in London, Ontario is showing how much of an impact smart home technology can help health care. The idea behind the project is to a use connected technology to allow medical professionals to monitor mental health patients remotely. This gives patients the ability to life on their own or with family.

Mary Baxter on TVO.org explains how the project works:

“Participants will have access to a medication dispenser that administers doses at prescribed times. They will also be able to use their tablet, smartphone, or computer monitor to fill out mood questionnaires, video conference with doctors and nurses, and organize day-to-day activities.”

“Devices will use cloud-computing software to relay heart-rate, sleep, and physical-activity information to a database housed on hospital servers. Both the participants and the care providers will have access to results, and the system will alert clinicians to any irregularities.”

“The plan is to engage participants living on their own, in supportive housing, or with family or roommates.”

The results and potential benefits from this pilot project can be easily applied to seniors and individuals with many other types of health conditions. Applying these types of solutions can help improve quality of life and allow people to stay in their home longer.

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The post The Future of Smart Home Assistants & Home Health Care Products Looks Bright appeared first on MedPlus.

10 Home Healthcare Gift Ideas For Christmas

If you are looking for some gift ideas for an older adult in your life (a parent, grandparent, family member) check out this list of 10 great home healthcare related gift ideas:

1. Wheelchair lap blanket: This is a great idea for anyone in your family who uses or is restricted to a wheelchair. This cozy blanket can help them keep warm indoors and outdoors. They come in a number of style and colour options.

2. A Scooter: Give the gift of safer and improved mobility this year by purchasing a scooter for your loved one. Anyone who has mobility issues, cannot walk long distances, is dealing with an injury or would like an alternative to a wheelchair or rollator would welcome a new scooter. Choose from a variety of makes, models, features, and price points.

3. Motion activated LED lights: Proper lighting is very important to reduce slip and falls and keep things safer at home. You can stick these lights anywhere in your loved ones home to eliminate dark corners, closets and other areas. Put them where there is a lack other lighting sources.

4. Non slip mats: Mats are a major cause of falls in the home, especially for older adults. They can get jumbled up easily. Give the gift of safety with non-slip mats. You can get them for the shower, bathroom, kitchen, entry ways, ramps, and anywhere else inside or outside of the home.

5. A new cane: Is it time for a new cane? Does your loved one have a cane that is older or no longer does the job? Do they need an extra cane for travelling outside of the house? There is no shortage of cane design options to choose from. Just make sure you choose a cane that has the right amount of support.

6. Glide skis for walkers: If you have a loved one who uses a walker, you know they can be challenging to use on occasion. Glide skis can improve the functionality of walkers and help your loved one glide it across many different surfaces. This reduces the need to lift it up to take a step.

7. A therapeutic mattress: There is nothing better than a comfortable night’s sleep. This can get more challenging as we age and develop health and mobility issues. A therapeutic mattress is the gift that keeps on giving. Your loved one can sleep peacefully at night and get the rest they very much need. Choose from a variety of styles and types – foam, non-powered, powered.

8. Rollator/Wheelchair cup holder: Make it easier for your loved ones to stay hydrated. It’s no easy task moving around in a rollator or wheelchair with a drink. A cup holder solves this problem. It allows them to keep a cup/bottle close at all times and it can help reduce spilling.

9. A lift chair: Getting in and out of a recliner can be challenging for seniors. Give them the boost they need with a lift chair. They are the perfect alternative for traditional recliners, and just as comfortable.

10. A helping hand: Perhaps one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season is a helping hand. Commit to spending some more time with your loved ones. Help them around the house, keep them company, and take them out to run errands. They’ll appreciate the extra attention.

As you can see with this list, there is no shortage of great home healthcare gift ideas at all price ranges. From stocking stuffers to truly life altering home care equipment, you can make a different in your loved ones life this holiday season.

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The post Best Home Healthcare Gift Ideas for Christmas and the Holiday Season appeared first on MedPlus.

But, they weren’t always as so comfortable or easy to use. Hospital beds have evolved significantly since they were first introduced in the 1800s. Here we will take a brief look at the types of hospital beds and dive back into history to provide an overview of the history of hospital beds and their development.

Types Of Hospital Beds

There are many types of hospital beds you could see in medical facilities, hospitals, and in a person’s home.  The type of bed you need is dependent on your health condition and treatment. Health education website, Healthfully, provides an overview of the most common types of hospital beds:

• Gatch Bed
• Electric Bed
• Low Beds
• Low Air Loss Beds
• Circo-electric Beds
• Clinitron Beds
• Stretcher Beds

The History Of Hospital Beds

Pinpointing the exact origins of the hospital bed is challenging. Iterations of a hospital bed have been around for hundreds of years. They began as a basic stretcher. They had two long poles of equal length with a cloth material spread across it, allowing a person with a medical issue to be carried.

There is no doubt hospital beds have gone through significant changes over the years. A 2016 Journal of Physics: Conference Series paper titled, From Modern Push-Button Hospital-beds to 20th Century Mechatronic Beds: A Review, provides a historical outline of the developments of the hospital bed:

• 1815: It’s estimated that sometime between 1815 and 1825 that beds with adjustable rails began to appear in Britain. They used a mechanical crank to move the side rails up and down.
• 1874: Andrew Wuest and Son, a mattress company out of Cincinnati, Ohio, registered a patent for a mattress frame that could be elevated. This is considered the first iteration of the modern hospital bed we see today.
• 1909: Willis D. Gatch, former chair of the Department of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, provided the next innovation in hospital beds. He invented the 3 segment adjustable bed, which today is often referred to as the Gatch Bed. It allows for the head and the feet to be elevated.
• 1945: Push button hospital beds were invented by General Electric. One interesting feature about this design is it included a built-in toilet. The idea was to eliminate the bedpan.
• 1946: Billionaire Howard Hughes was in a plane accident. Unhappy with the type of equipment available, he created a hospital bed to suit his needs. It had 6 sections and 30 electric engines.
• 1949: Control and basic functions start to appear.
• 1950s: In 1952, the Hill-Rom Company, developed a bed with an electric engine. In 1956, the company its first bed with full electrical functioning.
• 1958: The Circ-O’lectric Bed was developed by Dr. Homer Stryker. Many other alternative models to address complex medical conditions were developed.
• 1961: Beds with a basic bed controller were introduced.
• 1974: Control panel on side rails was invented.
• 1978: Side rails with remote control were added to the functionality of hospital beds.
• 1980s: The 1980s was more focused on the development of the mattresses used in hospital beds. Therapeutic mattresses were developed. Some had position detectors and mechanics to weigh patient while still in bed. Patent exit monitoring devices were also developed. Other developments included a device to call the nurse and permanent cardiovascular monitoring became standard bed features.
• 1983: An electric bed for home use outside of the hospital was introduced.
• 1990s: Beds with more advanced functionality are developed. Mechatronic beds become a reality and developments are focused on more intelligent design.
• 1993: Specific industry standards for electronic hospital beds are developed to protect against mechanic and electric hazards.
• Today: Researchers continue to develop and build upon current hospital bed designs. New industry standards are evolving helping to make beds more functional, intelligent, comfortable and easy to use for patients and caregivers in a hospital, care facility, or private home setting.

Explore Hospital Bed Solutions

At MED+, we offer a large selection of hospital beds and home care beds. We have the right bed to meet your mobility and comfort needs. See our hospital bed solutions.

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The post The History of the Hospital Beds and Their Development appeared first on MedPlus.

If you have a medical condition, are recovering from surgery or have mobility issues, the stairs pose a threat. They can be dangerous. Rather than test your luck on a daily basis, more and more people are turning to stair lifts to give them the extra assistance and support they need.
A stair lift is a cost-effective solution worth considering for you or family members that have issues using stairs. They can reduce falling hazards in your home and give you peace of mind. Here are 6 factors to consider to find the perfect stairlift for your home:

1) How Mobile Is The Stair Lift User?

Mobility is important when selecting the right stair lift. It’s important to understand your limitations and compare them to the stair lift features to ensure you find a stair lift that is best suited to your needs.

If your mobility is very limited and you require assistance from a caregiver, a stair lift may not be the best solution. Instead, you may want to look into other home modification options such as through floor elevators.

2) Type of Stair Case

The type of staircase you have in your home will play an important role in determining the type of stair lift to consider. Stairs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are straight, others are curved, and some have a landing built in. You also have to consider the number of stairs and other design element that could affect installations. The good news is there are a variety of stair lift options for all types of staircases. Some stairlifts are designed specifically for straight staircases, such as the Handicare Xclusive, Handicare 1000, Savaria SL-1000 and Savaria K2. If you have a curved staircase then consider the Handicare 2000, Handicare Free Curve, or Savaria Stairfriend models.

3) Features

What features are important to you? Are you looking for a stair lift that is easy to use and has simple controls or do you want all the bells and whistles?

If you are looking for a powered swivel seat and powered footrest, consider the Handicare Xclusive. Looking for one that is durable and commercial grade? Check out the Savaria SL-1000. Want a model that can be custom built to your staircase? The Handicare Free Curve may be your best bet.No two stair lifts are the same. Compare a number of models to find the perfect one for your situation.

4) Space

Spacing is a very important consideration. You want a stair lift that can do the job, but also not gets in the way when it’s not in use. You want a lift that takes up minimal space and is not too intrusive.

The Savaria K2 straight stairlift features the most compact folded depth on the market. The Handicare 2000 is known for having tightest track bends available in the industry. It will hug the edge of your staircase leaving you with more room.

5) Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the stair lift is very important. Make sure a stairlift you are considering meets your needs now, but also in the future. For example, the Handicare Xclusive has a weight capacity of 285lbs. Many other models have similar weight capacity limits.

6) Look

The design and overall look of your stair lift matters. You want to choose a lift that fits within your home design, if possible. Many lifts offer track designs and seats that are available in multiple colours, such as the Handicare Free Curve.

Learn More About Our Stairlifts

Want to learn more about stair lift options for your home? Explore our product offerings in greater detail by viewing our full selection of Stairlifts.

Get A Free Estimate For Stair Lift Installation

At MED+ we offer a range of straight and curved stairlifts. To find out more about our stairlifts and how to decide which type you need for your staircase, please give us a call. We are happy to assist you! Call 416-477-5960. Contact us to request a free estimate anytime!

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