Arthritis – Driving

A couple of weeks ago, I told you that in a home environment, the # 1 use for a bed rail is to help people get into and out of their beds safely.

This counter-intuitive fact offers a wide range of opportunities -both to end-use Customers…and to specialty HME and HHC retailers.

Here’s why.

If we work on the premise, that in an at-home environment, people primarily use bed rails to help them transfer in and out of their beds, then almost very person who has  trouble walking, standing, sitting, bending, etc is likely to experience increased safety, comfort, and convenience  if we educate them about bed rails and help them to find the right bed rail for their budget and needs. (of course, this means that Customers using wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, and canes might benefit from the use of a bedrail. If you have an HME/DME store…are you/your staff educating your Customers and thier care givers?)

Here are some of the most effective choices -along with some examples of the kind of people and situations each bed rail can help.

The EZ ADJUST BED RAIL from Stander has been their top-selling bed rail solution for a number of years. This is very unusual because the EZ Adjust is also their highest priced rail, with a US MSRP of $140!!!! So, why doso many people buy it?

FEATURES AND BENEFITS: The EZ Adjust is unique in its ability to adjust its length, with the press of a button, from 25″ to 24″ to 42″. This can be done easily by the user (in their bed or out) or by a caregiver. The rail also folds down 180 degrees to make it easy to change the sheets and/or  to transfer bed-ridden patients into and out of their bed. (With a non-folding bed rail, you’d need to remove the rail or try to work around it) Of course, the EZ Adjust comes with a padded pouch that has 4 convenient organizer-pouches per side, so that people have a place for tv remotes, eye glasses, tissues, sweets, etc

Dual saftey strap secures bed rail to any home or hospital bed. Supports up to 400 pounds.

THE EZ ADJUST WORKS GREAT FOR….

 a. King size beds

b. Adjustable beds…install on the head-side of the bend and the rail will extend beyond the bend…without damaging the expensive and sensitive raising/lowering mechanism.

c. Situations where a loved one has been moved home from a facility to be cared for in their home bed. You can install an EZ Adjust on each side of the bed(offset) and when extended, they will keep the patient safetly in their own comfortable bed at home.

The BEDSIDE ECONORAIL  light and very strong. Weighing less than 2 pounds, but capable of supporting 300 pounds, the Econorail is ideal for those young-at-hear people who want to travel, and still enjoy the safety and convenience of a bedrail, while staying in a hotel, or on a crusie ship, or even in the bedroom of a family member who lives in a different city.

Please allow me to explain. If you use a bed rail at home, then you probably would also benefit from having one to assist you getting in and out of bed, wherever you travel. The problem? The old-school onepience bent bedrails are big and heavy….and you just can’t imagine yourself carrying one onto the “Love Boat” or on to a 747 jumbo jet. 

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:The Bedside econorail is an ideal solution – not only because its light and strong, but also because it comes withy a stylish traveltote, which you could always just carry on board if your luggage was too full. (people would probably think you’re carrying a laptop. LOL  Also comes with no-slip grips and a saftey strap. The 4-pocket organizer is great for tv remotes, tissues, eye glasses, etc. As its name suggests, the Econorail is not expensive, and with a $70 or less MRSP, this is a fantastic value.

WORKS GREAT FOR…. people who use a bed rail and still want to travel -whether its part of their “Bucket List” to visit the Graet Wall of China or whether they just want to visit their new grandbaby on the coast.

THE 30″ SAFETY BED RAIL from Stander is a timeless classic.  Its broad flat 30″ handle makes it ideal for people with balance issues or sudden spells of diziness. And because it supports up to 400 pounds the 30″ bed rail, can accomodate very large people. The whole rail pivots down 180 degrees to make it easy to change bed linens and/or transfer in and out of the bed. If you like this rail, I highly recommend getting the optional padded pouch as well. Its very well made and has a significant amount of padding which makes life a little more comfortable  for those who toss and turn.

The 30 ” SAFETY BED RAIL WORKS GREAT FOR….  people who want solid reliability -without a lot of bells and whistles. With a 400 pound weight capacity, this rail just works -all the time, every time. Many long term care facilities will choose the 30″ Safety Bed Rail because its reliable finctionality and specifications meet and exceed most government requirement and with a mid-range price poiint, the 30″ is honest value.

THE MOBIITY BED RAIL is a bed rail with legs…and a swing out arm. Numerous HME store managers and staff have told us about Customers who come in and shake each bed rail, while saying “this doesn’t feel very stable”. The Mobility Bed Rail and its sibling, the Stable Rail, have sturdy legs that reach the floor and provide great support and an increased sense of stability. (I’ve seen a Mobility Rail shoved between a mattress and box spring in less than 10 seconds…and then watched a 250+ pound man support his whole body weight on the rail, while balancing with legs lifted!) The swing out arm provides an excellent additional transfer point for people who are moving from their bed to a walker, wheelchair, or rollator.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Swing out mobility arm pivots outward to provide improved transferring
• 4 pocket organizer provides storage for handy items
• anti-slip grips secures the rail between the mattress and bed frame
• Easy installation – installs in seconds, with no tools required

SPECIFICATIONS: Weight capacity 300 pounds

WORKS GREAT FOR….

a. People who need to tranfer from their bed to a wheelchair, walker, or rollator

b. People with the new thicker pillow-top-type mattresses. The Mobility Bed Rail, not only adjusts down to reach the floor -it also has a second adjustment up, so that the rail handle can extend up above a thick mattress (17.5″ to 22.5″)

 STABLE RAIL - the Bed Rail with Legs.  The Stable Rail is great for people who want “more stability”. While I have never heard of a bed rail that has broken…we do hear regular comments about rails that “don’t feel solid” -especially from people who like to walk into a show room and grab each bed rail with both hands -and shake them back and forth.  The Stable Rail feels more solid, because it has legs that reach the floor.

WORKS GREAT FOR….

a. people who want/need an extra level of stability, derived from bed rail legs that reach the ground

b. People with thick mattresses, who could benefit from the Stable Rail’s vertical adjustment.

 BEDCANE: The Bedcane has been around for more than a dozen years; yet it continues to meet specialized wants and needs, such as:

1. People who don’t want an “institutional/hospital” feel in their home.  The Bedcane has an ergonomic, non-institutional look, with a non-slip padded handle.
2. 2. People and institutions who are concerned about entrapment issues will ofetn choose the Bedcane, because it meets and exceeds all US requirements against entrapment.  The padded handy 4 pocket rganizer provides an extra level of protection -as well as a convenient place to store remotes, tissues, glasses, etc. (We’d be happy to  provide details upon request)
3. 3. Beds without a traditional boxspring and mattress. Many stores tell us about the problems they’ve had finding a bed rail solution for Customers, who have non-tradtional beds.  (no box spring) Because of its broad sturdy wooden platform, the Bedcane is often just the solution required.
4. 4. Preganant females: In the later stages of their pregancy, many women could use a little help getting in and out of bed more comfortably. The Bedcane is often a great solution, because its strong and supportive…but doesn’t look “hospital-like” and therefore, doesn’t carry the negative connotations, which may be associated with ”hospital equipment”.

Questions?

Comments?

Email me at patrick@avenueinnovations.com.

I’ll be happy to provide more information.

If you said “to keep people from falling out of bed”…that’s logical and a good answer. (It would also be THE answer for use in a hospital or institutional environment)

However, in a home environment, most people first use their bed rail to assist them sitting up ….and getting in and out of their bed. Preventing them from rolling out of bed is a secondary benefit.

Understanding this subtle nuance can make a big difference – both to caregivers and to the HME/DME retailers who want to be of service.

Here’s why!

If you believe that the number one use for a bedrail in a home environment is to assist people getting in and out of bed, then:

a. People with balance issues and/or difficulty standing up or sitting down on chairs, sofas, etc should consider if/how a bed rail might positively impact their safety and comfort in their bedroom.

b. Family members or caregivers should consider if/how a bed rail might prevent a fall …or just make life easier and more comfortable.

c. HME/DME business owners should look at the opportunity on a more proactive basis. Instead of being an order-taker, waiting for an OT or PT to write a scrip AFTER a person has a fall… consider offering an appropriate bed rail solutions to prevent or reduce falls.  If your Customer is using a walker, rollator, wheelchair, cane, etc…the chances are pretty good that they would benefit from having a bedrail as a “transfer assist” in their bedroom. (Business owers: if you’re truly looking for a way to grow your business in these tought times -here’s a opportuntiy to help more people and generate cash sales!)

There are many quality bedrail solutions in the marketplace. Stander Inc., the marklet leader in bedrails, offers more than a dozen choices and Stander’s slogan is “A Unique Bed Rail for Every Need & Budget!”  In my next blog, I’ll tell you about the various features, price points, and what to watch out for.

In fact, I never even  owned a Mac, an iPod, or  iPad….BUT I’ve bought one or more of each product for family members.

I haven’t downloaded any music from iTunes….but I regularly bring home the Free Dwnload cards from Stabucks, so my wife can add to her enormous music collection, which of course, is housed in her MAC and played mostly on her iPod.

Steve Jobs – I never met you and I am a PC user.

Having said that, I salute you as a visonary and creative force – a modern Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell!

You changed our world….my world, and I thank you.

You were one in a billion …and you will be missed

 Post Script: I you’d like to hear the motivating speech which Steve Jobs delivered to the graduating class at Stanford University, please check out

 http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html#.To8WQXBPbWd.email

http://savvysenior.org/today.htm

But what is there to help people who drive…or who are automobile passengers?

The Handybar!!!!!!!!!

The Handybar is a simple, safe, and reliable device, which helps the elderly and infirm get in and out of automobiles.

handybar-commercial-avi

The Handybar fits into the striker plate of 98% of all automobiles made since 1999 -including but not limited to  Acura, Chryslers, Fords, GMs, Kias,  Nissans, Suzukis, Toyotas, etc.

For many disabled people, the Handybar is a “life-changer”, which gives them back their dignity and independence. By using the Handybar, they are able to get into and out of automobiles, trucks, and SUVs -without needing assistance or to be lifted by family, friends, or caregivers.  I have personally experienced emotional Handybar ”thank you’s” and testimonials from people ranging from Beijing, China to Birmingham in the UK.

We have hundreds of unsolicited written testimonials on file.  Please feel free to browse through a few of them below.

Cheers!

Wish we’d found this sooner! by Emcee: Due to an accident, my husband cannot walk and is confined to a chair. He must use his upper body strength to get into a car or van. This nifty little gadget is PERFECT! It allows him to push up and makes it easier to get his body up and into (as well as out of) the car. Fits into the U shaped part of any door latch. We ordered another one for our daughter’s car that we frequently ride in. A must for anyone who has difficulty getting into and out of a car. Only wish we had found the Handybar a year ago.

Great Investment by Independent Woman Genuine Heart: I purchased this for my 86 year old mother who has a difficult time getting out of the car due to arthritis and degenerative joints. This has been a tremendous help to her as she is able to apply her weight to it instead of the car door. It fits perfectly in the steel portion of the car’s body where the door latches. It also fits comfortably in the door pocket for storage. Mom has found this to be exceptionally helpful to her plus it is another way to help maintain her independence and dignity. I forwarded the link to our doctor’s office so they can show to other seniors and/or individuals in need of mobility assistance. Furthermore, I purchased two more for my aunt and uncle who are like parents to me. The day they received it, they were able to use it as they were going to a doctor’s appointment. They said it was a great benefit for both of them. My uncle has bad knees and my aunt needs some assistance due to a medical condition. I am so very happy I was able to find this product. I will more than likely purchase more in the future since I have a large family. This is a great investment and I highly highly recommend it.

Very good multi-tool by Manny: This product is well made and helps me in getting in and out of the car. An added bonus are the emergency window or windshield breaker and the emergency seat belt cutter. Three tools in one

A lifesaver following knee surgery by Java Skull: This is an amazing little device that was incredibly useful following my knee injury and subsequent surgery. It made getting in & out of car so much easier! I lent mine out and bought a second to keep on hand.

Love it! Love It!, by Paulette: I’m soo grateful to find this product! I drive a lot & people depend on me, but due to medical circumstances, I have found it increasingly difficult to get OUT of the car by myself WITHOUT help! Friends have followed me home to help and some have made a separate trip to my house to help AFTER my frantic telephone call!

This handle provides a SAFE and sturdy thing (hamdle) to help boost me through those perilous unsteady inches when I’m trying to stand/stabilize!! It gives me confidence & stability!! I now feel safe & independent again!

I hope the ads/advertizing on this product are expanded/increased! Therapists & rehabs should be giving demos on this when teaching people and evaluating SAFE exits from cars. It will save the backs of friends/families or caregivers. Perhaps they already know & I WAS IN THE DARK!

Fantastic!!!! by Johnny R. Wardlow: This is one of best inventions made for the disable oranyone haveing trouble getting in and out of the car. Hghly recommended!!

From Nann: The handybar can be inserted at different levels depending on which groove you allow it to sit into. It can be higher or lower. I use mine to enter and exit and have use it since 2006 exclusively as I am handicapped and unable to enter or exit a vehicle without it

From Steph: I bought this for my Grandfather after his hip replacement so he could get into and out of the car more easily. He loves it! And he was an engineer so it must be well designed. He said it provides a sturdy handle that he can grab to support himself when sitting down or getting up & out of the car. It also has a few other tool capabilities. It can be used in case of flooding to break the window, hopefully that won’t be needed, but hey its there if you do!

Very Helpful if you have back or leg problems… by Jaybe: I have had 4  knee surgeries within the last 15 months and find getting in and out of cars a major problem. This provides the support I need to get myself out of the car once I am turned on the seat and facing the outside of the car. I drive an SUV so this is not a problem for me on a normal basis but my mother has severe lower back problems and I purchased this one for her – she loves it. She uses it for support both in and out of the car plus like the idea of the additional value adds if offers such as cutting a seat belt in an accident.

Amazing Gadget by Carol R Taylor: Amazon recommended this to me by their “people who buy that want this too” function when I purchased a portable bed rail to assist my mother getting in and out of bed after hip surgery. This gizmo for the car is absolutely amazing to help someone push up with their arms to get into and out of the car. Her physical therapist had never seen one and even she was impressed. I am ordering another for my mother in law who also has mobility issues. Inexpensive, easy to use, easy to store, convenient, nothing to assemble, and works just the way it promises to. If you or someone you know can use a little help getting in and out of the car, buy this!

Daughter by Dee: THIS IS A GREAT PRODUCT. MY MOM IS 96 AND WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING IN AND OUT OF CARS. THIS GIVES HER A VERY GOOD HANDHOLD TO PUSH HERSELF UP. IT IS EASY TO PUT IN PLACE AND TAKE OUT BUT STILL PROVIDES A VERY SECURE GRIP FOR EITHER PUSHING OR PULLING. UNLIKE SOME OTHER SIMILAR AIDS I SAW, THIS ONE DOES NOT GET IN THE WAY OF THE PERSON WHILE USING IT. IT CAN FIT ON THE FLOOR BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE CAR DOOR FOR STORAGE SO IT IS OUT OF THE WAY BUT EASILY AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED. EVERYONE WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE ONE OF THESE. IT IS A GODSEND. THE MERCHANT WHO SOLD IT TO US WAS EXCELLENT TOO. WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER WITH THIS PURCHASE.

Works Great by Jo Vandy, Upstate NY: This Handybar is a terrific help for getting out of my minivan. I like that I can use it whether I’m in the driver seat or passenger seat. It’s especially useful on the driver side because their is no grab handle on this side. I used to grab the steering wheel for support, but it turns a bit while doing so, putting me off balance. With the Handybar, I get steady support. You know when someone parks too close and you can’t open your door all the way to get in? You can’t use the door for balance because it just swings back and forth. Now the Handybar really comes to your rescue! I also like the Handybar over similar products because the handle is nice and big for arthritic hands, and it also can be used as a car window breaker and seat belt cutter. Other brands didn’t have these extra features. The Handybar works great for me and now I don’t have to get custom grab bars installed at an expensive detailing shop.

Absolutely Necessary, by Carolyn G. Powers: I bought this for use by my 91 year old Mother. She refused, but a neighbor took it for her ailing husband and loved it. A friend broke his leg, so I ordered one for him to use. After I gave it to him my Mother said, but what will I use now? LOL So I ordered a third which she finally is using. Makes it so much easier to get in and out of the car.

Great Asset by Pat Swartz, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL: This product is so helpful getting my elderly mother in and out of the car. It fits nicely in the side door pocket when not in use and is easy to use. I’m very glad I purchased it. I highly recommend it for every household because you can also use it in case of an emergency to smash your car window or cut yourself free from your seatbelt.

I’m a little slow, but… by Michael Hale: This wonderful little device makes a reassuring difference for me, especially when getting in the passenger side of my van (my right hip and knee is significantly weaker than my left). Slip it in the door latch, instant FIRM handle to work with. Friend of mine who owns a wheelchair carrying van has one of these. A little slow on the uptake (should have done this months ago!), I finally sought and bought the Standers Handybar. As a prior welder, I can appreciate both the solidity and simplicity of the craftsmanship. If you’re having trouble getting in and out of a vehicle, for a solid solution grab one of these (all puns intended)!

Much More than I expected by Perkies: I purchased this for someone with severe leg weakness that made getting in and out of the car was very difficult. I was skeptical and thought perhaps the product would be flimsy and easily broken. NOT SO!! It is extremely well made and very sturdy. It fits firmly in the “u” shaped bracket in the door, and provides perfect support. When placed in the “u” bracket in the car door, it is just the right height to grasp for support. I find that now I only need to help a little. It is a win-win for both of us, and makes exiting the vehicle so much safer. I would recommend it to anyone needing assistance getting out of the car.

From Thomas Gettle: Since having back surgery exiting a vehicle has been a problem for me. I have tried several products to aid me in this task. The problem was so bad, that I had to trade vehicles to find one that is easier on me. I now have a full size Mercury Grand Marquis, they don’t come any larger than that in my price range.

Even after all that, I was still having a problem. I will note that the typical assist handle in most vehicles provides no assistance at all in exiting the vehicle. This is because they are inside the vehicle and can not be used to help exiting unless you are double jointed.

I did a lot of research and it came down to the “Handybar” or an assist strap that temporarily install through an open window and wraps around the door frame. The problem with the latter is that you need assistance to safely use it. Someone must be there to prevent the door from closing when you put weight on the strap. This more of a problem if you are parked on an up hill slope. The “Handybar” requires no assistance to use; even when parking on a hill. As long as the door detents will hold the door open, it is a one person operation.

I have only one negative which I plan to write the company about. It is my opinion that the handle design should be modified to raise the height of the handle when it is installed in the door latch. I have found that this latch is not at a uniform height in all cars. In some of the smaller vehicles I have tried it in, the handle is low enought to affect its useability. This is because of the vehicle size, the design places the door latch at a much lower height. However in my retro full size American four door sedan the product works very well indeed.

A big helped in mobility and independence by Ali Julia: I recently had back surgery and have been looking for gadgets that will allow me to be more mobile and independent.
This product is one of them.

One of my main requirements was that I had to be able to install and remove it by myself, without assistance.
Other options, such as straps that are hung on the open window require another person’s help. However,
I can handle installing and removing this handle without asking for help.

How does it work? The most common way to use this handle is to insert into a door latch. It provides something
you can lean on when exiting/entering the car. I am short, so this handle is at a very good height for me.
I suppose if you are very tall it might be a bit low. You can test it by imagining a handle at the level of the
door latch. I think it would in any other hole that might exist in the door frame, if you can find one at a
better height.

It works by Michell McManus: I bought for my dad. he says it works well and he is happy. he says it helps him get in the car as well

A great invention by Flor Silvestre: My mother, age 90, after a hospitalization and intense physical therapy was able to be out and about, but I was afraid to take her out in my car because I was not sure how to assist in transferring her. After a helpful lesson from a physical therapist, she introduced me to the “handybar.” I quickly went online and ordered one. It is very easy to use, and with the handybar and just a little extra help from me, my mother can get herself out of the passenger seat. I have told all my friends, young and old, and my family about this tool. I believe everyone should have one in their car.

http://www.medtrade.com/medtrade/

Medtrade is the largest Home Medical Equipment show in the US. Manufacturers and Distributors from around the world come to Medtrade to show the latest products,  share ideas, and network with retailers and health care professionals (especially OTs and PTs).  There are usually two Medtrade shows per year – a fall show in Atlanta and a spring show in Las Vegas.

This year’s fall show will be held October 25-27th at the Georgia World Congress Center, which is located in the heart of Atlanta -near the Georgia Dome, CNN, and the former site of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

How can Medtrade benefit you and your business?

1. Meet and learn from a wide range of manufacturers and distributors -from the world’s largest to innovative start-up businesses.
2. See, touch, and experience new products ….or products that are just new to you.
3. Learn from industry experts, who put on dozens of useful seminars, ranging from Current Reimbursement Challenges That Effect Your Bottom Line to Venous Disease and Compression Therapy
4. Network and share ideas with people who are in the same situation as you. All across America, there are individuals and small to medium size businesses with similar problems and situations. Medtrade can provide you with a non-competitive opportunity t exchange ideas and learn.

What about the costs?

Fair question.  Whether you fly or drive to the show, attending Medtrade will cost you some time and/or money. It would be easy to say the costs of attending Medtrade should be viewed as a small investment in making your business better and more profitable. But times are tough and many people need to make practical dollars and sense business decisions just so they can keep their doors open. To them, knowledge, learning, new products and relationships would be nice to have, but noy more important than “paying the bills.”

Good news! There are lots of hotel rooms available at good rates. More good news! Many/most exhibitors offer “show specials” – great products at special low prices only available at the show. For example, if you drop by Avenue Innovations booth # 2568, we’ll have special prices on every product offered in our booth. Stop by and say “hello” in person to Scott or Patrick. We’d love to meet you in person. See you there!

Stander Inc. is such a positive difference-making company, and Jan Miller is the person who started the business out her personal desire to help her elderly Grandmother and make a positive difference in the world. I am fortunate to know Jan Miller and her inspired team, so I thought I would retell their story.
I hope you are similalrly impressed. The following history has been quoted directly from their website. www.stander.com

“There’s no place like home
With her mind as sharp as ever, and a home full of family, Grandma Essie celebrated her 90th birthday on a beautiful spring day in 1997. Shortly after, Essie’s
physical health started to deteriorate and daily tasks that used to be easy became very difficult. Fortunately, the family she had taken such good care of for
so many years was committed to helping her age as comfortably as possible.
Together, they arranged for Essie to be admitted to the finest assisted living
center that money could buy. This state of the art center was built in a scenic
mountain valley and complete with a personal nurse/assistant for every resident
and a never-ending schedule of activities. However, there was one small problem:
Grandma Essie had no intention of moving into any type of “nursing home” no
matter how many marble floors, flower gardens, or bridge clubs it advertised.
She was determined to maintain her dignity and independence by living out her
years in the red brick home her late husband had built 50 years earlier. And
that’s exactly what she did, thanks to her innovative granddaughter.
From the Classroom to the Boardroom
Jan Miller, an elementary school teacher by trade and Essie’s granddaughter,
wanted to help. By caring for Grandma Essie, Jan saw there was an enormous
need for affordable assistive devices that could help the elderly and disabled
maintain their independence and freedom. Jan said, “Grandma had difficulty
performing simple daily tasks like getting in and out of bed or standing from a
couch or car and we could not find any products that would make those tasks
easier”. This understanding, combined with Jan’s commitment to better society,
inspired her to create Stander, Inc., inventor and manufacturer of affordable
mobility devices for the elderly and disabled.
So Easy Even a Rocket Scientist Could Do It
Stander was attempting to accomplish what no company before them could:
provide high-quality, affordable assistive devices that would help people get in
and out of a couch, bed, or automobile. Jan knew that the secret to success was
in the product design and that accomplishing this task was first dependent upon
finding the right inventor / engineer.
Fortunately for Stander, Jan was married to Troy Miller, a real, live, rocket scientist.
Troy applied for the position, and after a grueling interview process he got the
job. Stander’s first three inventions, the BedCane, CouchCane and CarCaddie,
were designed specifically to solve Grandma Essie’s greatest mobility challenges.
Grandma’s needs inspired the design many other products and she was able to
live the majority of her life comfortably in the privacy of her own home.
Stander Today
Stander’s product line consists of over 30 innovative mobility solutions and we
have many more coming soon. We employ the best and brightest engineers and
patent attorneys and our team is committed to listening to your needs and
inventing products that make your life easier. Together, with your feedback and
our patented inventions, you can Live the Longer Life You Love.“

Our dilemma gets magnified because we are increasingly so time-challenged and we don’t know what to do…or how to help.

Good news! There are many no-cost and low cost ideas to possibly help you …and help your aging loved ones.

Some great idease came out of a 2005 Colorado Sate University paper published by K.R. Tremblay Jr., and C.E. Barber1. The writers lay out the following “Quick Facts”The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home.

Tremblay and Barberl also provide some quick and easy tips that YOU could use to help accident-proof the home of your loved ones.
“At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. The most common hazard for falls is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors include poor lighting, loose rugs, lack of grab bars or poorly located/mounted grab bars, and unsturdy furniture.

BedroomPut in a bedside light with a switch that is easy to turn on and off (or a touch lamp).
Have a nightlight.
Locate telephone within reach of bed.
Adjust height of bed to make it easy to get in and out of.
Have a firm chair, with arms, to sit and dress.
Stairways, Hallways and Pathways
Keep free of clutter
Make sure carpet is secured and get rid of throw rugs.
Install tightly fastened hand rails running the entire length and along both sides of stairs.
Handrails should be 34 inches high and have a diameter of about 1.5 inches.
Apply brightly colored tape to the face of the steps to make them more visible.
Optimal stair dimensions are 7.2 inch riser heights with either an 11 or 12 inch tread width.
Have adequate lighting in stairways, hallways and pathways, with light switches placed at each end. ”

MORE GOOD NEWS!
There are a number of low-cost, simple, and reliable specialty products, which are quick and easy to use or install in a home enviroment. When we consider the vast majority of residences, its easy to predict that many accidents are likely to occur in several very common situations. I’ve listed a few of the top ones along with some relaible solutions. I strongly recommend that you check with the experts at your local specialty Home Medical Equipment shop to find out which solution best fits your wants and needs:
a. IN THE BATHROOM: Getting in or out of a shower/bathtub or sitting down on/ getting up off a toilet: A solid grab bar or rail securely fastened into the studs of a wall has always been a good choice. But, for those who want the security and stability without having to find studs or drill into walls, the Stander Security Pole or Security Pole with Grab Bar are excellent alternatives, because, they’re:
- easy to install (2-3 minutes, tops)
- tension mounted – seldom require drilling into floors or ceilings,
- height adjustable to fit 7′ to 10′ ceilings,
- require no tools,
- Support up to 300 pounds
- Have a lifetime replacement guarantee
- Low cost: Usually US $200+/-

b. Getting in and out of bed! Did you know that, in a home environment, most people who use bed rails…use them to sit up in bed, or help themselves safely and comfortably get into or out of their beds? If your loved one is using a walker, cane, or wheelchair, you should really consider getting them a bed rail, which they can use to transfer themselves in and out of their bed. Stander is a market leader in bed rails, with more than 14 to chose from. Their slogan is “a unique bed rail for every need and budegt” and you can check out videos and specifications at www.stander.com. They all carry a lifetime replacement guarantee and generally range in price from $60 to $160. Three of their most popular include: the EZ Adjust Bed Rail; the Stable Rail; and the Bedside Econorail.

d. Getting up or sitting down from a favorite chair or sofa. Have you noticed that “Uncle Bob” or “Grandma Essie” has a hard time getting off the sofa or out of their favorite chair? (They have to rock themselves forward to get up…and/or they just drop onto their seat because their legs or lower back just aren’t strong or stable enough?) Take a look at the Couchcane by Stander. It fits under the legs of a chair or sofa, and has a sturdy handle which people can use to help lift themselves up or lower themselves down. The Couchcane supports up to 250 pounds and usually retails for about $129. (Note: you can add a “swivel tray” to a Couchcane to create a “cool TV tray for 2011″ that rotates 360 degreesand can be used for multiple purposes -ranging from doing small creafts to watching a ball game with a beverage and a meal. Kids and grandkids might try to take it over for their laptops of video games)

d. Getting in and out of an automobile. We love our automobiles and trucks…and that love affair/necessity doesn’t diminish with age. But for many older drivers, and passenger… todays’ lower cars/higher truks & SUVs, coupled with rain and snow…make it harder and more dangerous to get in and out of automobiles. Fortunately, their is a simple, relaible, ande effective solution. THE HANDYBAR, which fits 95% of all car made since 1998. The Handybar requires zero tools or installation and simply fits into the striker plate on each door in an automobile. With a lifeteime replacement guarantee and an MSRP fo $40, the Handybar is hard to beat as a tool for preventing falls and giving people back some dignity and independence. Check out thier testimonails at www.handybar.com

“According to the Pew Research Center, just over 1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between 7 to 10 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance. US Census Bureau statistics indicate that the number of older Americans aged 65 or older will double by the year 2030, to over 70 million.” Wikipedia

http://www.drmarion.com/interactive/tv_cable_show

Of course, this situation can put enormous pressures and stresses on the care giver in the middle. He, or more commonly, she is likely to be extremely time-challenged by a full time job; a marriage or relationship; suporting children; and caring for an elderly loved one. Moreover, the emeotional and financial burdens may be immense.

Fortunately, more information and professional support-systems are being developed to inform and assist people with thier eldercare responsibilities. One of the leaders in this field is Dr. Marion
Somers, PhD.

“Dr. Marion To The Rescue” Trailer from MTP, Inc. (Michael Thelin Produc on Vimeo.

Dr. Marion offers advice on many eldercare topics -ranging from practical matters, like finances, legal, and housing to helful tips regarding mobility and adaptive equipment. For those who really want to study up and immerse themselves in the subject, Dr. Marion offers e-Learning course and a book, called “Elder Care Made Easier”