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Knee & Hip Surgery Checklist

A-P X-ray of a complete hip replacement. Photo credit the American National Institutes of Health on Wikimedia.

Hip replacement and knee replacement surgery are some of the most common surgeries performed in Canada. While recovery times vary for everyone, the majority of patients take from 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully.

During that time period, you'll need a few things to help keep you mobile, safe, and supported. We've put together a list of some of the most common equipment needed by those recovering from hip and knee surgeries. For the most part, both kinds of surgeries require the same items, with only a few exceptions.

Battery Care For Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooter users at the Australia Zoo. Photo credit @Phasmatisnox on Wikimedia.

When people are first introduced to their medical equipment, the proper daily use and care of your wheelchair or mobility scooter is something that's often overlooked. There are some very specific steps to follow, especially with new batteries, in order to optimize your battery's life.

Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you are getting the most your of your mobility scooter's or electric wheelchair's battery.

Working With Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists review the Activities of Daily Living Simulation Suite at the University of Salford. Photo credit @salforduniversity on Flickr.

One of the most common things we hear from our customers is, "I just don’t even know where to start!"

Disability can be very overwhelming for yourself and loved ones. You want to live in your own home for as long as possible, but you also want to be safe and secure. Occupational therapists are there to make that happen for you.

An occupational therapist is trained to assess your abilities, disabilities, home and environment, and your personal specific needs. And don't worry, this can all be done free of charge!

Get Started With Urban Poling

A couple using Nordic walking poles on a city sidewalk. Photo credit Tsippendale on Pixabay.

More and more doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists are starting to prescribe and recommend walking poles! Studies show that using walking poles is not only good for physical recovery, but also good for balance, confidence, and your overall health.

Island Mediquip carries poles from Urban Poling, a Canadian-owned and -operated company dedicated to not only providing quality poles, but also educating people on how to use them to optimize their health. Urban Poling offers two varieties of walking poles, both offering different health benefits.

How To Choose A Mobility Scooter

Shoprider 778 EL Cobra Scooter

Motorized mobility scooters are a great way to keep your independence and continue to have an active, fulfilling life. Whether you had to give up your drivers license for medical reasons, or simply decided that you don't want to drive your car much anymore, scooters are a great option for getting around. They give you the freedom to head out for coffee with friends, get the groceries, hit the golf course, or enjoy some of the beautiful scenery around us.

Buying a scooter may seem like an easy, straightforward purchase, but there are a few things to take into consideration when looking at the many options that are available to you.

Residential Stair Lifts

Handicare Curved 2000 Stairlift

Our homes are our sanctuaries. We spend a majority of our lives working for them and making them a place of comfort and security. So when we get older and our mobility starts to decline, the thought that we may have to leave our home is often very scary. It is one of the most difficult decisions to make for a lot of people. While your head might understand that by staying in your home you're putting yourself at risk every time you need to use the stairs, the idea and feeling of leaving a place of comfort is overwhelming.

Thankfully, there's an option that can help keep you safe while still living in the home you love: Stairlifts.

Hospital Beds For Home Care

Rotec Multi-Position Homecare Bed

Purchasing an adjustable hospital bed can be a great way to make it possible for your loved one to continue living at home instead of moving into a facility. The versatility of a home care bed can make it easier for nurses to properly and safely care for your family member, while keeping your loved one as comfortable as possible, regardless of whether they're sleeping or sitting.

Home-use hospital beds, also known as home care beds, universal beds, medical beds, or nursing beds, come in a few different styles that suit different users. Learn more about them.

MS Society of Canada: Support With More Than Money!

The MS Society of Canada was founded in 1948 to provide support and services to those suffering from multiple sclerosis. They also raise funding for MS cure and prevention research. Communities all across Canada come together once a year for the MS Walk, MS Bike, and MS Golf, as well as I Challenge MS and Women Against MS, raising awareness of the disease and collecting donations to help and support those affected by it. Their website is also a great way to send in a monetary donation at any time of the year.

But did you know that financial donations aren’t the only way you can help?

How To Choose A Walker

Piper Rollator

We often have customers come into our store looking to purchase a walker for a loved one. While this in itself is wonderful, we can't help choose the right walker for your loved one without having them test it in person. Here are only a few of the things we need to take into consideration when helping you choose a walker that is both safe and comfortable: