Author Archives: Brett F
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7 Reliable Alarms for the Elderly For Safety & Peace of Mind
Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to caring for the elderly. However, it can be difficult to constantly monitor their movements, especially for those seeking to maintain a high level of independence. That’s why personal alarms for the elderly were created. These alarms seek to give the elderly and their caregivers some peace of mind. Read on to learn more about these safety alarms for seniors and where to find reliable personal alarm options. What Are Alarms for the Elderly? Personal alarms can come in a variety of formats, such as charms, pendants, pull string devices, and more. These alarms for the elderly are intended to promote a sense of safety for those in need. Most often, personal alarms are meant to protect the elderly in the instance that they feel unwell, fall, or are in need of additional assistance. Portable alarms such as pendant alarms for the elderly are an ideal option for those who also get lost easily. When activated, they can alert individuals in a few different ways. If the elderly individual is not living alone, the loud alarm noise will let fellow household members know assistance is needed. If this is not possible, some alarms will connect to a 24/7 monitoring service that can track the location of the alarm and send emergency services. Reliable Alarms for the Elderly When it comes to investing in alarms for the elderly, you’ll want to look for reliable and convenient options. To get started with your search, check out the wide range of personal alarms below. Advantage Magnetic Alarm With Amica’s Advantage Magnetic Alarm, caregivers can carefully monitor elderly people and inhibit wandering for just $36.99. The magnetic pull switch can be released from any angle, reducing the number of false alarms. Additionally, caregivers won’t need to worry about setting off the alarm while checking the battery level. The built-in battery tester can inform the caregiver of the battery level without making any loud noises. Safety Sentry Alarm For individuals worried about false alarms, the Safety Sentry Alarm is a top choice. This alarm lacks an on/off switch and comes with a safety lock that decreases the amount of tampering that may occur. It also contains a volume control for those who need to adjust the alarm noise depending on their distance from the elderly individual. Caregivers can turn the alarm louder in the instance that they must walk away from the elderly to ensure the alarm is heard when needed. Deluxe Personal Safety Alarm This personal alarm is a great option for elderly people who need constant monitoring. The Deluxe Personal Safety Alarm monitor system attaches to a resident’s bed while the Safety Klip attaches to the resident. The easy-to-use pull string can set off the alarm in the instance of non-resident approved movement, reducing the risk of lost elderly individuals or injury from accidental falls. Micro-Tech Sentinel Alarm The Micro-Tech Sentinel Alarm attaches directly to a nurse’s call system, effectively creating clear communication for elderly individuals in need. This alarm for the elderly is great for wheelchair or bed monitoring as it connects to a sensor pad that can be placed in the chair or bed. With no on/off switch and tamper-resistant controls, this device is built to reduce false alarms and provide a personalized experience for just $107.85. Guardian Alert 911 As the world’s first personal emergency response system (PERS), the Guardian Alert 911 allows for communication with an emergency operator. A 911 dispatcher is immediately alerted and sent to the alarm location while the elderly individual talks with the operator if possible. This pendant is water-resistant and powered by AAA batteries. This alarm for the elderly does not require a monthly fee for services either. For $137.50, you’ll have access to emergency care when needed. Quick Alert Ultra II The Quick Alert Ultra II is the ideal option for those needing wheelchair monitoring. With five delayed alarm options and nurse call compatibility, wheelchair monitoring is much easier. Enjoy a protective silicone cover, volume adjustment, and a low battery indicator for convenience and safety with this personal alarm. FreedomAlert The last personal alarm option on this list is the FreedomAlert. This alarm for the elderly is easily programmable with up to four contacts, meaning you can quickly communicate with friends, family, or neighbors when assistance is needed. The FreedomAlert offers two-way communication, four pendants, a 24-hour emergency backup battery, and more for a one-time payment of $451.61. Stay Safe With Amica When it comes to investing in an alarm for the elderly, Amica has you covered! Our high-quality products are designed with user experience in mind. You’ll be able to find the right alarm for you or your family members with our wide range of alarm options. Enjoy peace of mind and top-tier safety with Amica. Contact us today at 1-888-939-0774 to learn more about our alarm systems and how you can keep safety a top priority with ease -
When To Go From a Walker to a Cane As You Recover
As you’re recovering from surgery and trying to avoid additional injury, walking aids like canes and walkers are excellent solutions. In many instances, your healthcare provider or physical therapist will likely recommend starting with a comfortable walker until you’ve fully recovered or begin to feel more stable. After a while, you may be wondering when you can go from a walker to a cane. Before we take a look at when to go from a walker to a cane, let’s discuss how to safely use a walker vs. a cane so you can easily transition between the two with little complications. Safely Using a Walker The first step in safely using a walker is to select the right one for your needs. When choosing a standard walker, you’ll want to consider factors such as adjustability and storage. An adjustable walker can match your needs and meet your specific requirements. A combination of adjustable height and a walker with wheels can assist with independent mobility. Many walkers also are available with collapsible designs for neat storage or easy travel. Take a look at a few of our high-quality walkers to find the right one for you: Universal Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker Adult Paddle Walker Fixed Wheel Dual Paddle Folding Walker with Glides Deluxe Folding Travel Walker Walklite Walker Once you’ve chosen the proper walker, you’ll need to adjust the height properly so that your hands can comfortably rest on the top of the bar when standing straight. From there, keep your walker at roughly arm’s distance and slowly push forward. Use the handles for balance and focus on pushing straight down into the handles as you begin to walk. Pushing forward on the handles can cause the walker to slip and lead to further injury. Continue this process at a comfortable pace until you reach your destination. Safely Using a Cane When you’re ready to go from a walker to a cane, review how to safely use a cane to avoid further injury. Similar to a walker, you’ll want to choose the proper type of cane for your specific needs. Canes offer a variety of options, including features such as quad bases or gel handles, that can help you properly balance and navigate your way to your next destination. Consider a few of the following canes as you search for the best fit: Height Adjustable Folding Cane Gel Grip Offset Cane Glow and Go Folding Cane Aluminum Offset Cane Small Base Quad Cane After selecting the best cane for your needs, you’ll want to know how to safely use it as you transition from a walker. First, ensure that your cane is the proper height. If your mobility device does not reach roughly around the crease of your wrist, it may not be the right height for you. Your hand should be able to rest comfortably on the top without a slight bend to your elbow. You’ll want to hold your cane on the opposite side of your body that needs support. If you’ve just had surgery on your right leg, for example, your cane should be held with your left hand. This is to avoid putting additional strain on the recovering side of your body. As you step forward, lead with your recovering side, using your cane as support before bringing the cane up to meet the leading leg. Continue this process until you’ve reached your destination. Transitioning from Walker to Cane When it comes to using a walker vs. a cane, knowing when to transition from a walker to a cane is essential for safety and mobility. However, there is no right answer for when to make this transition. When being discharged, your healthcare provider may offer a rough estimate of when you’ll be able to go from a walker to a cane, but the reality is that it’s really up to you. When you feel comfortable enough to begin navigating with a cane instead of a walker, you can consider slowly making that transition. Before fully making the switch, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to ensure that this transition from a walker to a cane won’t cause further damage to your recovery. As you begin your journey through recovery with either a walker or cane, you’ll want to invest in the highest quality products to promote safety and keep your recovery process moving smoothly. With Amica, you can trust that our mobility devices are built with the utmost care and consideration for your needs. You’ll find a variety of quality walkers and canes that are guaranteed to help you move seamlessly around your space. Contact our professional team today at 1-855-557-5446 to learn more about our products and get started with your next walker or cane -
7 Super Comfortable Recliners That Support a Heavy Weight
Recliners are a must-have furniture piece to achieve comfort and relaxation while still receiving the support your body needs. In some instances, you may require a heavy-duty recliner. These are recliners meant for a heavier weight that offer additional support. Some of these chairs boast an up to 600 pound capacity. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top recliners for heavy weight to make the search a bit easier. Recliners for Heavy Weight Our top quality recliners for heavy weight provide the luxury of plush comfort with the reliable support your body requires. Read on to learn more about each one and why it may be the best one for you. Winston 3-Position The Winston 3-Position Recliner boasts a plush seat and armrests, making it an ideal choice for supreme relaxation. Safely recline back with the chair’s unique Golden lifting mechanism to kick back after a long day. This recliner for heavy weight easily raises you to a standing position or provides the opportunity to move into Full Napper mode. Have simple command over your chair with the two-button control system. Easy Comfort Superior 3-Position Kick back and relax with the Easy Comfort Superior 3-Position Recliner. The hardwood frame of this recliner for heavy weight offers reliable support, while plush terry fabric cushions provide much-needed comfort. This plus-size recliner is able to hold up to 500 pounds with a heavy-duty steel lift mechanism. Safely ease into a comfortable position with the entirely electric motion power recliner. Comfort Extra Wide 3-Position Starting at just over $1,000, the Comfort Extra Wide 3-Position Recliner comes equipped with two heavy-duty motors. This bariatric lift chair has the highest lifting capacity around, with the ability to lift roughly 700 pounds. Extra-wide seats and a Full Napper position make this recliner for heavy weight an ideal comfort choice. Golden PR535 With Chaise Medium-Wide Experience the luxury upgrades of the Golden PR535 Comforter Recliner in a medium to wide size. A new take on an old classic, this recliner for heavy weight features plush comfort with a modern design. Built with heavily padded arms, you can safely lift yourself out of this chair. Integrate this plus-size recliner seamlessly into your space and enjoy the reliability of this top-notch recliner. Golden PR535 With Chaise Small/Petite Looking for a recliner that’s just a bit smaller? The Golden PR535 Comforter Recliner in a small/petite size may be just right for you. This high-quality recliner will be a highly coveted staple in your living room. Contemporary design meets classic dependability in a refreshing recliner for heavy weight. Easy Comfort LC-500 3-Position Put on your favorite show and watch in comfort with the Easy Comfort LC-500 3-Position Recliner. With a 500-pound weight limit and furniture-grade plywood, you can easily enjoy the comfort of this luxury chair. Unfortunately, this chair has been discontinued, but be sure to keep an eye out on our website for more information regarding this chair and other recliners for heavy weight! Comforter Super-Wide Power Lift Recliner You can’t go wrong with the Comforter Super-Wide Power Lift Recliner from Amica. Safely maneuver this bariatric lift chair any time of day with its built-in LED light system and battery back up. Offered in five models to fit your varying size needs, this high-quality recliner is perfect for steady lifting and reclining. Relax in Your Quality Heavy Weight Recliner From Amica With the largest selection of high-quality, dependable products, Amica Medical Supply is the ideal choice for your medical needs. We value customer satisfaction above all, which is why we ensure that we are providing the best products on the market. Receive top-tier recliners with the support and comfort you desire when you order from our supply of chairs. Contact our team of medical supply professionals today to find out why a heavy-duty recliner may be the right choice for you -
5 Smart Ways You Can Enhance Bath Safety for the Elderly
The bathroom can pose a high level of risk for elderly people if not properly equipped. Towel racks, bath mats, and night-lights are all helpful bath safety products that can bring peace of mind to elderly people trying to navigate their bathrooms alone. Ensuring that your bathroom is modified can increase general safety for seniors and offer a sense of freedom in eliminating the need for help. 5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors The bathroom comes with a handful of potential safety hazards that should be avoided when possible. We’ve compiled a list of tips to achieve bath safety for the elderly that can help reduce risk and injury without limiting the freedom to navigate the space alone. Keep a Clean and Organized Bathroom The first step in increasing bath safety for the elderly is to prioritize cleaning. Having a clutter-free bathroom can eliminate potential trip hazards and leave a clear pathway open to the bathtub. Remove any laundry baskets, additional shelving, or other unnecessary items from the bathroom floor to decrease the risk of bathroom accidents. Create a Shower Caddy One of the leading causes of dangerous accidents in the bathroom is being unable to reach items safely. Having to stretch or move too far for an item can lead to an injury-inducing fall. Consider creating an easy-to-reach shower caddy that holds any toiletries needed during a bath. You can attach this to the side of a shower chair or create a removable caddy that can be brought into the shower when needed. Keep items at arm’s reach to enhance bath safety. Install Wall Mount Grab Bars Slipping while climbing in or out of the bathtub is another danger posed in the bathroom. For elderly people with a bit more mobility, installing a grab bar or rail to the walls of the shower may be an ideal solution. These bars provide extra stability, support as you climb in and out of the space, and can help prevent falls. Invest in a Non-Slip Shower Chair Another bathroom safety tip for seniors includes investing in non-slip shower chairs. These devices are helpful solutions for navigating the shower, particularly for individuals with limited mobility. The chairs stick firmly to the shower floor and, when paired with a detachable showerhead, are a great way to clean off without risk of a fall or injury. If your bathtub cannot accommodate a chair, consider a non-slip mat to ease the risk of falls. Consider Lighting Changes Though a remodel may be a bit of a hassle, it may be a worthwhile investment in the long run. By increasing the amount of lighting in the bathroom or re-arranging the current lighting to a more convenient location, you can reduce the risk of bathroom injury. By adjusting the lighting amount, it can be easier to see potential trip hazards, find toiletry items, and navigate the shower space, particularly when using the bathroom at night. Bath Safety Products to Invest In Bath safety for the elderly is essential in reducing bathroom injury risk and hazards. Luckily, there are plenty of bath safety products designed to make maneuvering around the bathroom a little easier. Shower Chairs Shower chairs are a convenient way to get clean without the fear of slipping and falling. The Deluxe Aluminum Bath Chair from Amica is a resourceful solution to a safe bath. The chair boasts an adjustable height and skid-resistant suction feet that will fit your needs and keep you securely seated. The lightweight design may even work as a safer option to attach your handy shower caddy to. Grab Bars & Rails When shopping for grab bars and rails to attach to your bathtub, you’ll want to find a durable and protective design that ensures top-tier safety. Thankfully, Amica offers a Tub Rail that meets those exact standards. The easy-to-clean product even comes with all the tools you’ll need to properly install the device. Detachable Showerheads A detachable showerhead can be extremely useful for enhancing bath safety for the elderly, especially those using shower chairs. A Deluxe Handheld Shower Spray can be used as a regular showerhead or a removable handheld spray. The flexible use of this product provides a customizable experience to increase safety and comfort. Bathroom Transfer Systems For a more advanced safety experience in the bathtub, you may want to consider a bathroom transfer system. With a TubBuddy, you can securely transfer from the toilet seat into the bathtub without having to navigate slippery surfaces. Be aware of the weight capacity of both your bathtub and toilet before installing this transfer bench in your space. Enhance Your Bath Safety with Amica With so many bath safety products and solutions available, finding peace of mind in the bathroom doesn’t have to be an overwhelming challenge. Your customer satisfaction is Amica’s top priority, so you can trust that our products are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and bath safety for the elderly. Contact us today to find out how our experienced team can help you overcome any risks your bathroom brings -
8 Home Accessibility Solutions For Aging In Place
What is one home accessibility solution for aging in place? To help you find accessibility solutions for your home, we asked business leaders and home experts this question for their best solutions. From stair lifts to easy-to-grab door handles, there are several ways you can make your home more accessible. Here are eight accessibility solutions for aging in a place: Massage ChairsStair LiftsShower ChairsComputer Workstations Bathroom AccessoriesPathway LightingEasy To Grab Door HandlesMobile Alert Buttons Massage Chairs Therapeutic massage chairs are not only striking in appearance and aesthetically appealing, they give you a deep, relaxing massage which is a wonderful solution when aging in place. Massage chairs can be used in facilities as well as at home for pain management and rehabilitation. Dan Poliakov, Amica Medical Supply Stair Lifts Especially in the pandemic, we're seeing more aging adults choosing to live at home. As more adults choose to age in place, moving freely throughout a home may be met with accessibility challenges from staircases and basements. Stair lifts can be a great home accessibility solution that does not require construction and can attach directly to stair treads. By installing a stair lift, homeowners can gain access to their entire home and overcome accessibility challenges. Brett Torfin, Arrow Lift Shower Chairs Over 36 million older adults fall every year! These falls can result in serious injury, which is why it is so important to invest in devices that can protect those at risk. Shower chairs are a great solution for older adults, as it provides them a comfortable and safe way to bathe. It is far too easy to fall in a slippery bathroom, and a device like this or anti-slip mats are a must. Elliott Greenberg, Wholesale Janitorial Supply Computer Workstations Ergonomics in the home is very important to age gracefully in place. Everyone has bills they do at home, sends emails, surf the internet, and reads news online regardless if a person is 25 or 95. If this work is done without the correct workstation or postures, seniors can get injured. Therefore if one is retired, it is still very important that the computer workstation is set up to promote healthy postures. Seniors should invest in a quality ergonomic chair that fits their body and a workstation that is supportive and ergonomically correct. This is all prevention that promotes long-term health. This is not only true for computer work but as people age, they have hobbies that also need to be set up ergonomically. We work with seniors sewing 4–8 hours a day without proper chairs or table height. Or they are painting with their neck leaning down for hours. Seniors need to be aware of ergonomics to feel great aging and to enjoy their life at home. Annie Berzanski,Pacific Ergonomics Bathroom Accessories Many people do not think of making small modifications until they can no longer perform certain tasks or until an accident has happened. Most often than not, those accidents occur in the bathroom. Manageable solutions like adding grab bars and handles are a secure and safe way to get in and out of a bath or shower. There are many types of adaptive bath equipment like shower and bath chairs, toilet seat risers, and more that can make a difference in the life of the elderly, and it is a simple solution that assists with aging in place. Piyushi Dhir, Help and Wellness Pathway Lighting One home accessibility solution for aging in place is to add pathway lighting. This can be especially beneficial for people with visual deficits, mobility limitations, and dementia. Pathway lighting is illumination low to the ground that can help people navigate down hallways and through living spaces without the need to turn on bright lights. It can also help those with dementia to orient them toward specific rooms. These can be small, battery-operated units or rope lighting. It is available in several colors to fit your needs. Tyler Forte, Felix Homes Easy To Grab Door Handles Replace the doorknobs in your home with lever-style handles. The ADA approves these because they’re easy to operate, even if you don’t have full use of your hands. People with arthritis, in a wheelchair, or who have general mobility issues will retain their independence to move about the home. Lever door handles can also add a feeling of elegance to your home. Andra DelMonico, Trendey Mobile Alert Buttons Aging in place is a big topic for many elderly—and rightfully so. Often the house isn’t ready for the change. Often door sills and stairs make it harder and add additional risks. While not all risks can be avoided, at least the effects can be mitigated. In case of a fall, it might be hard to get back up and call for help. An alert button connected to the phone carried around like a necklace can help prevent the worst here. It keeps the confidence up that someone is in reach. Edward Briggs,Home Reviews Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.