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As the colder winter draws in, and we move into January, it’s important to know how to care for yourself and your loved ones. These colder temperatures, and the unpredictable inclement and severe weather, can be especially difficult for seniors, who often have trouble regulating their body temperatures and are more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. 

Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to help make things easier for seniors throughout the winter, which we’ve detailed in this post. 

For many people with mobility needs, especially as they get older, getting around from place to place can be a challenge. There are problems stemming from overbalancing, as well as the inconvenience of needing regular rest periods.

A walker is a great way of providing additional support, which not only helps people to maintain and improve their independence and confidence, it also helps them to remain safe and secure when getting out and about. 

A walker — or as it’s sometimes referred to as, a rollator — is similar in construction to a walking frame, but with the addition of wheels and brakes, with both 3 and 4 wheeled options available.

A lift chair is an electric powered armchair allowing the user to adjust it to safely lower themselves into a seated position, or lift them into standing. This mechanism alleviates the strain and pressure that can come from getting in and out of a chair, and makes users less dependent on others for assistance.

We carry a variety of lift chairs, also known as recliner chairs, and so here is a look at some benefits and specific chair highlights.

When it comes to retaining your independence and making sure you can still get to all the places you want to go with ease and comfort, using an electric scooter is a fantastic aid.

But if you’re new to owning one, whether you’re upgrading from wheelchair use or new to mobility aids, it’s important to ensure you have all the knowledge you need to operate your mobility scooter safely. 

Living independently with a disability often requires a few extra tools and supports that help you stay safe while you’re at home. Unfortunately the shower and bathtub are among the most dangerous places in the home for people with disabilities, and there’s no avoiding using them. 

The big reason for this is there is a risk of slipping, coupled with no safe place to land if you do fall. However there is a small but valuable tool that can change all of that: Grab Bars. 

Grab bars give you an extra place to brace yourself and something to hold onto that will make falls a little less treacherous if they do happen. 

There are many types of grab bars that work for more than just the shower or bath and you don’t have to break the bank to get the right one. You also don’t need to change the walls of your home or drill holes for every model, depending on the type of support you need. Use this guide to discover which grab bar is right for you and how it’s installed.

For many older adults, mobility limitations, health issues and low energy can keep them from the social engagement they once enjoyed. Especially in seniors who live alone, social isolation can lead to loneliness, depression and poor physical health. Pet therapy has been shown to benefit seniors by improving depression and anxiety symptoms, increasing self-care, and even improving heart-health. It turns out giving and receiving unconditional love is literally good for your heart!

If you find yourself needing a little companionship, you might consider adopting a pet. A dog or cat is the perfect roommate that won’t take up all your space or independence and will provide you with comfort and something cuddly to look after. If you do decide to adopt a pet, here are a few things you should do to get prepared for the new experience, to make sure you are ready to handle the responsibility of a new pet. 

Getting around your own multi-story home is relatively simple if you’re able to climb stairs. But if you aren’t, whether due to age or disability, heart or lung issues, vertigo, or whatever the reason is, if you find climbing stairs difficult or impossible it makes going around your own home very frustrating. 

Not being able to manage stairs in your home can potentially lead to being forced out of your home into a bungalow or building with an elevator to avoid the issue. 

However, there is a better option! 

A home elevator is a safe and effective option for getting around stairs. You might have considered this option in the past and thought it was not available to you or that it was out of reach due to the cost. 

But, a home elevator might be a lot easier to have installed than you thought. You don’t need a custom home or to completely alter your existing structure to get a lift installed that will help. 

It is incredibly frustrating not to be able to move around and be comfortable in your own home. To need help just getting out of bed, positioning yourself to read, work, or eat, and even reaching for a snack in the pantry can make a person feel like aging or their disability will always stand in the way of their independence.

Thankfully, there are some support items that can help you stay comfortable and increase your independence safely. Here are some of the products we carry that while little can make a big difference in your life. 

Crutches provide support if you're struggling to balance or need to take the weight off of one, or both, of your legs. They can feel more stable and secure than a walking stick, and are a crucial part of having some independence when needed. 

Most people use non-weight bearing crutches when they need to keep weight off an injured leg, so they can heal and get back to full mobility. Non-weight bearing crutches can be used for both short and long-term mobility assistance and can help you support your weight when you’re unable to do so on your own.

Whether your situation is temporary or you’re a lifelong user of crutches, we have what you need to ensure comfort, safety, and durability for the duration of your time on crutches. 

Swelling occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. It’s typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Swelling can occur internally, or it can affect your outer skin and muscles. It can be painful and tender to touch, and can often slow down healing.

There are a variety of ways and remedies to reduce swelling. Your treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. 

One method which can significantly reduce the pain and speed up your healing time, is cool healing technology, and there are specific pieces of equipment that can help reduce swelling.