Author Archives: Brett F
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Creating a Handicap Accessible Bathroom: 9 Essential Steps
As you lose mobility, you may find yourself having trouble navigating your bathroom. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to make your bathroom handicap or wheelchair-accessible and ensure utmost safety. Read on to learn the best ways to create a handicap-accessible bathroom. 9 Steps To Creating a Handicap-Accessible Bathroom Creating a handicap-accessible bathroom may take a bit of time and money, but it’s a worthwhile investment. When you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom, consider the following steps to make it as accessible as possible. 1. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures Lighting is essential to avoid accidental slips or falls while in the bathroom. While having enough lighting is a great first step, you also need to make sure the lighting is accessible. This may mean switching out your previous lights for motion sensor lighting so switches or pull strings are not an issue. Depending on your specific needs and budget, smart lighting controlled by voice may be another option to consider. 2. Install Grab Bars Installing grab bars can make your bathroom just a bit more handicap-accessible. Both vertical and horizontal grab bars can be installed beside the toilet or inside a shower. These can provide stability for individuals maneuvering around the bathroom. 3. Update Shower/Bathtub From a simple update to a whole new installation, updating your shower or bathtub is a must for a handicap-accessible bathroom. Installing a shower chair, creating a walk-in tub, or investing in a bathroom transfer system. The type of shower or bathtub adjustments will vary depending on the level of mobility assistance needed. 4. Lower Sink Height For those using a wheelchair, the average sink height may be too high. The best option is to lower your sink height. According to the ADA, a wheelchair-accessible bathroom should have a sink no higher than 34 inches. You may also need to remove the cabinetry under your sink to make room for a wheelchair. 5. Mount Toilet If possible, mounting your toilet to the wall may be an ideal decision. Wall-mounted toilets can free up space and be adjusted to the best height to easily move on and off. A plumber can assist you with customizing the height of your toilet and securely mounting it to the wall. 6. Replace Door Traditional doors can sometimes be an obstacle in entering a bathroom. Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms may need wider doors. One such option to achieve this is to install a sliding door in place of your existing one. These often offer a wider doorway and are much easier to navigate in a wheelchair. 7. Move Cabinets In addition to moving the cabinets underneath your sink, other cabinets in your bathroom may need to be lowered. Your current cabinets may be too high for those in a wheelchair to reach. You may also want to consider removing the doors off of cabinets if they do not have a handle for easy opening. 8. Consider Slip-Resistant Flooring Though it can be a major investment, slip-resistant flooring is a top choice for those prone to falling. These floors can handle the additional water that may come from the shower or bathtub and provide a stable platform for safe movement. 9. Avoid Hazards The last step in creating a handicap-accessible bathroom is to be mindful of hazards. Don’t leave dirty towels or clothes laying on the floor where a wheelchair may get caught. Place mats or install new flooring that can protect you or your loved one when the floor is wet. These simple habits can make your bathroom a safe space for the entire household. Make Your Bathroom Handicap Accessible With Amica At Amica Medical Supply, we understand that bathroom safety is a top priority for you or your loved one. That’s why we have just what you need to create a handicap-accessible bathroom. Find quality shower seats, bath transfer systems, grab bars, removable showerheads, and more from our extensive collection. Not sure where to start? Give us a call at 1-888-939-0774 to learn more about our stock of bathroom safety products and what might be best for you
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Best 15 Hospital Beds for Home Care
Hospital beds for home care provide a huge level of comfort for patients. We’ve compiled a list of the best hospital beds for home care.
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Check surroundings. Make sure there are no obstructions in the way that may tip your ramp or catch on your wheelchair. Clear the area of any potential obstacles before moving. Use safety features. If your wheelchair comes equipped with a seat belt or anti-tip wheels, double-check that they are firmly in place before using your ramp. Center yourself. To avoid any accidental tips or falls, center your wheelchair right in the middle of the ramp. Being too far to one side may cause your ramp to tip. Go slow. There’s no rush to get where you need to go. Take your time and go slow to monitor for unstable movement or to avoid sliding back down the ramp. -
How to Safely Install a Wheelchair Ramp
For those who want to make their businesses or homes more accessible, installing a wheelchair ramp is a great idea. With over 6.8 million Americans using assistive devices like wheelchairs, scooters, or canes, it is important to think about their mobility! Of course, when it comes to ramps, there are many options to choose from. These options include: temporary ramps, permanent ramps, or portable ramps. Depending on your mobility and situation, we suggest different items. For the most part, portable ramps are a great way to ensure that you, a family member, or a patient is always able to move about their surroundings. To learn more about wheelchair ramp installation, keep reading! What is a Portable Ramp? Portable wheelchair ramps are essentially ramps that require no formal installation. In other words, no screws or bolts necessary! Instead, they arrive preassembled and simply need to be unfolded and placed in the desired spot. Because they can easily fold up, they can also be transported in the back of nearly any vehicle — which makes it perfect for on-the-go individuals. Furthermore, these ramps are capable of supporting up to 600 lbs! Many individuals feel that because these ramps are not permanent structures, that they are not as safe as other options. But this isn’t the case! Because they are made from premium metals like aluminum, they are lightweight to carry but extremely dependable. Keep reading to learn more about the simple wheelchair ramp installation process and what you should know before installing your portable stair ramps. What to Know Before Wheelchair Ramp Installation Before you purchase and install your portable stair ramp, there are a few factors you should consider. We’ve outlined a few below for your convenience. Ramp Placement As you prepare to purchase your wheelchair ramp, you’ll want to know where you’ll be using it. Is there a particular door that you always enter? Is the area clear enough to properly use the wheelchair ramp without obstructions? Will the door be wide enough for easy movement? These questions will help you determine the best placement for your wheelchair ramp. Ramp Size Once you know where you’ll be using the ramp, you can calculate the proper height, width, and length that you’ll need. Review the safety features of all your options and ensure that the ramp you select is the best fit for you. If you’ll be traveling often, you’ll also want one that has a quick and easy wheelchair ramp installation process. Ramp Material There are a variety of wheelchair ramps available in all different materials. Aluminum or steel are often used for portable stair ramps as they are easier to install. The heavier the material of your ramp, the harder it will be to install and carry around. Weather Impact If you’ll be using your wheelchair ramp outside frequently, you’ll also need to consider the impact weather will have on your device. Steel ramps are more likely to rust in rain or snow, so if you live in a location with inclement weather, you may want to choose a different style. Extreme heat may also be an issue if your ramp is made of a material that heats up quickly. You won’t want to burn your hands trying to fold your ramp back up. Maintenance The final factor to keep in mind is maintenance. The frequency you use your ramp will play a large part in how often you may need repairs. Some manufacturers may offer regular maintenance or extended warrants depending on use levels, materials, and more. Factor these maintenance needs into your budget when purchasing your wheelchair ramp. We’ll cover the best wheelchair ramp safety tips to abide by once you’ve purchased your ramp. Wheelchair Ramp Safety Precautions Safety is a top priority when using a wheelchair ramp. Before you begin using your ramp, there are a few best practices to follow for safe use every time. Check surroundings. Make sure there are no obstructions in the way that may tip your ramp or catch on your wheelchair. Clear the area of any potential obstacles before moving. Use safety features. If your wheelchair comes equipped with a seat belt or anti-tip wheels, double-check that they are firmly in place before using your ramp. Center yourself. To avoid any accidental tips or falls, center your wheelchair right in the middle of the ramp. Being too far to one side may cause your ramp to tip. Go slow. There’s no rush to get where you need to go. Take your time and go slow to monitor for unstable movement or to avoid sliding back down the ramp. Now that you know how to safely use your wheelchair ramp, it’s time to learn how to properly use it. How Do I Use a Portable Ramp? Portable ramps are extremely user-friendly! Wheelchair ramp installation can be completed in just four easy steps. The first step one should take is to position the ramp correctly! Depending on the length of your ramp, you should place it a similar length away from the step you are trying to cover. Next, place the ramp upward with the open end down and undo whatever locking mechanism is in place. Then, unfold the first end of the ramp which has the main hook. It is important to ensure that this hook is firmly placed against the edge of the first step to stabilize the ramp! After that, extend the ramp’s width if it has that feature. Ta-da! You have successfully installed your portable ramp. If it sounds too easy to be true, we have some news for you. It really is that easy. If you prefer a video tutorial to show you in greater depth, click here! All in all, a wheelchair ramp is a great investment for anyone! It is an easy way to make your business or home more accessible and put a smile on people’s faces. With wheelchair ramp installation that takes less than 5 minutes, portable ramps are a great tool. Moreover, their ability to fold up and go wherever you need them to is an added plus. What is the Proper Slope for a Wheelchair Ramp? To ensure a seamless wheelchair ramp installation process, you’ll need to ensure you use the proper slope. However, with portable stair ramps, there is not one set proper slope. It will depend greatly on where you are using the slope. The easiest way to calculate the proper slope for your wheelchair ramp installation is to divide the length of the ramp by the height. This will give you the right ratio to create for your slope. No matter what number you get, the first number in your ratio should always be 1. For example, a slope that is 6 feet long with a rise of 2 feet, you’ll use a ratio of 1:3. Ready to get started with your wheelchair ramp? Shop a few quality choices below. Check Out These Awesome Ramps To Choose From 1) Wheelchair-Scooter Aluminum Folding Ramp This ramp is a great option for those who are on the go. Complete with a carrying bag, this ramp folds up quickly and neatly and can fit in almost any vehicle. It also has perforated slots to keep water from collecting on ramp- a major safety issue. Not to mention this small device is capable of supporting 600 lbs! >> Shop The Product 2) Single Fold Safety Ramp From the leader in powered mobility auto lifts comes a world-class series of portable ramps designed for ease of use at home or while traveling. These commercial quality ramps are built to traverse steps, curbs and other unkind elevation changes. >> Shop The Product 3) EZ-Access Suitcase Single Fold Ramp This portable ramp, with its single-fold design, sets up quickly and is ideal for scooters and wheelchairs. These quality ramps can easily navigate over traverse steps, curbs, and other elevation changes using a slip-resistant tread. >> Shop The Product Find the Right Wheelchair Ramp with Amica At Amica Medical Supply, we have access to the leading wheelchair ramps. Our strong working relationships with manufacturers provide us with an array of top-quality ramps and other medical devices around. We’re equipped to meet all of our patients’ needs and ensure that you receive the durable, long-lasting equipment you need. Contact us online or call us today at 1-888-939-0774 to learn more about our wheelchair ramps and how to safely install them
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9 Gadgets for Dementia Patients That are Incredibly Helpful
When a loved one begins to show the signs of dementia, it can raise safety concerns for friends and family. The last thing you want is to find out your loved one has wandered off on their own or is facing a medical emergency and is unable to get ahold of anyone. Fortunately, many devices for dementia patients have been created in response to this concern. Learn more about the best gadgets for dementia patients below. Gadgets for Dementia Patients Start your list of things to buy for dementia patients with a few of these useful gadgets that can promote safety and independence. Safety Alarms The first gadget for dementia patients on our list is safety alarms. These wearable devices can connect directly to emergency services in the instance that immediate assistance is needed. Your loved one can simply press a button to alert that a medical emergency is occurring. Amica Medical Supply provides a variety of portable safety alarms that can alert both medical professionals and caregivers of an emergency. Time Tracker Dementia patients often lose track of time. They may not remember what day or even year it is. A time tracker, such as a clock that tracks both the time and date, can serve as a frequent reminder. It may help them remember important details about the day or act as a soothing agent when they become confused about where they are. Wearable GPS For dementia patients who develop a habit of wandering off, a wearable GPS device may be just the solution. Caregivers can connect the device to their cell phones and enable alerts if their loved one leaves their home. This will help caregivers locate individuals with dementia and help them safely find their way back home. Picture Phone Add a picture phone to the list of things to buy for dementia patients. Sometimes dementia patients can recognize faces even when they cannot remember a name or phone number. Picture phones allow caregivers to program the phone with photos of each person that may need to be contacted. When a dementia patient clicks on the photo, the phone will automatically call that individual. Tablets In addition to picture phones, tablets are another great gadget for dementia patients. Video calls such as Skype or FaceTime can help dementia patients connect with loved ones visually. Since not all dementia patients can clearly communicate with words, they can still use body language or facial expressions to talk with loved ones or medical professionals via video on a tablet. Smart Lock Minimize the concern of a wandering dementia patient with smart locks. These locks are built to open with ease for caregivers but may present challenges that keep dementia patients from opening them. You may consider placing these on basement doors to avoid falls down the stairs or locking away hazards such as sharp objects. Electrical Appliance Monitors Not all dementia patients have severe memory loss. In more minor situations, a dementia patient may be able to still use appliances throughout the house. However, they may forget to turn off the stove or unplug a heated device. Electrical appliance monitors are power strips that alert a caregiver when a device or appliance has not been turned off in a while. This allows them to visit the residence as needed to unplug devices or turn off appliances to prevent injury. Automated Pill Dispensers Individuals who have a difficult time remembering medications may benefit from this gadget for dementia patients. Automated pill dispensers can be programmed with a timer to distribute medication as instructed by a medical professional. This will eliminate the potential for patients to forget medication or accidentally take too much. Caregivers can regularly check the system to ensure that patients are receiving their medication and can make changes as needed. Motion-Sensor Lights The final device for dementia patients on our list is motion-sensor lights. Dementia patients may be at an increased risk for potential falls and injury. Having motion-sensor lights throughout the house can brighten the hallways and illuminate any potential trip hazards that may be in the way. Dementia Patient Safety with Amica Start your search for the best gadgets for dementia patients with Amica Medical Supply. As the largest online Authorized Dealer of countless medical devices, you can find the right products with ease. Our strong manufacturer relationships allow us to provide customers with the highest quality brands at special prices. Learn more about our safety alarms and other products for dementia patients today! Give us a call at 1-888-939-0774 or contact us online
