Grab Bars

Grab bars are a fundamental safety feature in bathrooms. They provide stability and support when entering or exiting the shower or bathtub, as well as when maneuvering around the bathroom. Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to assist with sitting down, standing up, and maintaining balance.

Choose grab bars that are specifically designed for bathroom use and can support the weight of the user. Ensure they are securely mounted to the wall with strong anchors or by attaching them to studs. Non-slip grips or textured surfaces on the grab bars can further enhance safety.

Shower Chairs or Benches

Shower chairs or benches are invaluable for individuals who have difficulty standing for extended periods or are at risk of falling in the shower. These chairs provide a stable and secure seat while bathing, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Look for shower chairs or benches with non-slip rubber feet and a sturdy construction. Adjustable height options are beneficial for accommodating different individuals and ensuring a comfortable sitting position. Some models also have built-in armrests and backrests for added support and comfort.

Non-Slip Bath Mats and Strips

Bath mats and adhesive non-slip strips are essential for preventing slips and falls in the bathroom, particularly in the shower or bathtub. These products create a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of accidents caused by wet and slippery floors.

Choose bath mats or strips with a strong grip and anti-slip properties. Look for mats with suction cups on the bottom for secure attachment to the surface. Ensure they are resistant to mold and mildew and are easy to clean.

Raised Toilet Seats

A raised toilet seat can significantly improve bathroom safety, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or difficulties getting up from a seated position. These seats increase the height of the toilet, making it easier to sit down and stand up without straining.

Select a raised toilet seat that is compatible with your existing toilet and securely attaches to the bowl. Some models come with padded or contoured seats for added comfort. Ensure the seat has a locking mechanism to prevent it from shifting during use.

Handheld Showerheads

Handheld showerheads offer flexibility and convenience, allowing users to direct the water flow and easily reach different areas of their bodies. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have difficulty moving or standing for long periods in the shower.

Install a handheld showerhead with an adjustable height and a long hose to provide ample reach. Opt for models with an easy-to-use on/off switch and various spray settings for individual preferences. Make sure the showerhead is securely mounted and easily accessible.

Toilet Safety Frames

Toilet safety frames are supportive structures that can be attached to the toilet, providing stability and assistance when sitting down or standing up. These frames typically have armrests that offer support and leverage, reducing the strain on the legs and back.

Choose a toilet safety frame that fits securely around the toilet and is height adjustable to accommodate different individuals. Look for models with padded armrests for comfort and a sturdy construction to ensure stability.

At MED+, we can help you find the right bathroom safety product to help you improve safety. You can rent or buy directly from us. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

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The post 6 Bathroom Safety Products to Prevent Falls 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.

In this blog, we will take a look at the history of the word and the fixture that we have come to refer to as the commode.

The History of The Word

The words original meaning refers to a chest of drawers. Over time, the meaning changed with the invention of the toilet.

Abe Abbas on the spruce explains:

“In early 18th-century France, the word commode meant a chest of drawers or a cabinet for storing personal items. The word derives from the French word for “convenient” or “suitable.” 

Later on, “commode” was used to mean a particular type of cabinet that held chamber pots. And gradually it evolved to refer to a piece of wooden chair-like furniture that held the chamber pot. In the final stage of the word’s semantic drift, the term was used to refer to the porcelain plumbing fixture that replaced the chamber pot altogether—the toilet. This usage of the term still exists today.” 

The History of the Commode

Smithsonian.com provides a quick and effective summary of the history of the commode and their development over the years:

“The flush toilet was invented in 1596 but didn’t become widespread until 1851. Before that, the “toilet” was a motley collection of communal outhouses, chamber pots and holes in the ground. During the 11th-century castle-building boom, chamber pots were supplemented with toilets that were, for the first time, actually integrated into the architecture. These early bathrooms, known as “garderobes” were little more than continuous niches that ran vertically down to the ground, but they soon evolved into small rooms that protruded from castle walls as distinct bottomless bays.”

The Historical Timeline Of The Commode

The commode has undertaken significant changes over the years. localhistories.org provides a historical timeline of the history of the commode:

Ancient Times

• 2,300 BC: Stone huts in Scotland have drains with cubicles over top of them.
• 2,000 BC: Towns in Pakistan and India are built with sewer networks. Toilets are flushed with water.
• 1,200 BC: The wealthy use containers with sand.
• 100 AD: Sewers collect rain water in Rome. Public lavatories are built.

Medieval Times

• 12th Century: Monks create stone chutes that exit into the sea. The tide flushes away sewage.
• 1200: Toilets in castles use a vertical shaft cut into the walls. A stone seat is on top.
• 14-15th centuries: Towns in Europe introduce public toilets.
• 1500: People use plant leaves as toilet paper.

1596

This is one of the most significant years in the history of the commode. Sir John Harrington invented the flush toilet. Due to many societal factors at the time it took until the industrial revolution and improvements in manufacturing for the idea to catch on.

Nate Barksdale on History.com explains how his toilet works:

“Harington’s device called for a 2-foot-deep oval bowl waterproofed with pitch, resin and wax and fed by water from an upstairs cistern. Flushing Harington’s pot required 7.5 gallons of water—a veritable torrent in the era before indoor plumbing. Harington noted that when water was scarce, up to 20 people could use his commode between flushes.”

1775

Building on the original concept by Harrington, Alexander Cumming patents a flushing lavatory. This is the point in time when the modern toilet we use today began to become a reality. Barksdale explains the significance of Cumming’s work:

“His greatest innovation was the S-shaped pipe below the bowl that used water to create a seal preventing sewer gas from entering through the toilet. In the late-19th century, a London plumbing impresario named Thomas Crapper manufactured one of the first widely successful lines of flush toilets. Crapper did not invent the toilet, but he did develop the ballcock, an improved tank-filling mechanism still used in toilets today.”

Modern Times

• 1852: The first modern public washroom is introduced.
• 1857: Toilet paper goes on sale in the USA. It is sold in sheets. Toilet paper is not sold by the roll until 1890.
• 1884: The first pedestal toilet pan is created.
• 1900: Some homes are built with door bathrooms with toilets.

Explore Commode Solutions For Your Home

At Med+, we offer a variety of commode solutions for your home. Whether you are looking for something stationary, wheeled, or even a shower commode, we have you covered. Check out our selection of commode products:

Stationary commodes
Wheeled commodes
Shower commodes

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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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Keeping active is an important part of healthy living. But it can be challenging to keep active. Other things in your life can get in the way – family, your health, mobility issues and many other factors.

The good news is there are lots of ways to work around these potential distractions and deterrents. To help you keep fit, we’ve put together a great list of 7 tips to follow to keep active while living in a retirement residence:

Schedule activities

Life gets busy and it can be easy to skip activities. To make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle you need to make being active a priority. You can do this by scheduling activities. Sign up for the classes, visit the fitness centre regularly and try to schedule some type of activity daily. Once activities become routine, they become part of your life and help you stay active.

Train your brain

Many overlook the importance of staying mentally active. It is just as important as staying physically active. There are many fun and engaging ways to challenge your mind – problem solving games, playing cards, reading, trivia and memory games. The great news is all of these can be done in alone or with other people at the retirement residence.

Get social

People crave comradery. It’s important to be social and engage with others. There are plenty of social activities you can do daily to keep busy. Go for coffee with some friends, volunteer on a committee, visit with family, and look for activities you can do in a group setting. Bingo, gardening, movie nights, and special interest clubs are a great way to be actively involved at the retirement residence. Even if you just meet with others to talk, it gives you something to look forward to.

Take an evening walk

Going for an evening walk is the perfect way to wrap up the day, decompress, and even catch up with some friends. How far you walk and how long you walk for is up to you. It’s a great activity to keep your heart strong and your body moving.

Go for a swim

Swimming is one of the best types of exercise for seniors. Its low impact, places minimal strain on your joints and provides you with all the benefits of other types of exercise. You will keep your muscles strong, burn fat, and it can help you overcome many physical health and mobility issues.

Get on a fitness program

Most retirement residences have a fitness and wellness centre. A regular visit to the centre is a great way to stay active and challenge yourself. If personal training services are available, get yourself on a fitness plan that meets your personal health goals.

Do what you love

If you have a passion for a particular activity, do it. Pursue the things you enjoy doing. It will bring you happiness, keep you busy and you will keep active without feeling like it’s a burden.

Staying active is important for your health. Use these tips to keep active and enhance your experience when living in a retirement residence.

The post 7 Tips for Keeping Active While Living in a Retirement Residence appeared first on MedPlus.