The Benefits of Toilet Support Frames
Filed under Disability, Handicap Bathroom
Toilet support frames are structures designed to provide additional support and stability for toilet functions. It consists of toilet safety rails positioned ideally at the sides from the toilet bowl. They are useful for getting up from the toilet, transferring from wheelchair to toilet, and sitting down gently and safely. Support frames provide a greater opportunity for an independent lifestyle especially for the elderly or for handicapped individuals.
Reasons For Toilet Support Frames
Many individuals, especially as they age, experience back or joint problems. For example, arthritic knees are quite common for people, even if they have enjoyed good health most of their lives or have been competitive athletes. We tend to gain weight as we age, which of course, puts even more stress on the back and joints. Toilet support frames are a blessing for any person who suffers from such painful back and joint problems because the frames greatly relieve the pressure that the back, knees, and hips must exert to use the toilet.
Some individuals suffer from a debilitating dizziness symptomatic of serious illness or a common vertigo. These individuals depend on the sturdy assistance a frame provides. It is more than enough for people to try to handle the stress and weakness of a long-term illness without worrying about using the bathroom. It may sound simple, but a toilet support frame eliminates one more stress for people whose lives are already stressed to a very high level. The basic routines of life should not have to be compromised. Toilet support frames are one way to help take the risk out of using the toilet.
Purchasing Toilet Support Frames
Many high-quality companies specialize in toilet aids with products such as support frames or handicap commodes. Prices range from the mid forty-dollar range to close to $200 depending on the need for additional features such as padded armrests, magazine racks or added steel supports to handle weights up to 600 pounds. Most toilet support frames are easily adjustable to fit the variety of toilet sizes. Some frames are stand-alone models that can be moved from toilet to toilet; others attach to one toilet, usually with a tool-free assembly procedure. Maintenance is minimal; it is usually best if the frame is kept dry; otherwise, a normal bathroom cleaning is all that is required.
If you are still unsure whether these toilet support frames are right for you, consider these scenarios.
- When the toilet seat is just too low.
- When you are unable to stand up from a toilet because there is too much hip or knee strain.
- There is a little water puddle near the toilet seat creating a slippery hazard.
- You do not have enough strength in your legs to stand up.
- You are experiencing dizziness or vertigo.
The main point is that toilet support frames will be there when situations are bad and also when you need an extra hand in the bathroom.
Handicap One Leg Knee Walkers
Filed under Disability, Handicap Bathroom
If recovering from an amputation, foot problems or surgery, adult knee walkers may be of help to you. One leg walkers are also known as adult knee walkers. There are different styles and types of these handicap walkers to choose from. These types of walkers are a great alternative to using standard crutches to get about with foot problems.
Knee walkers come with wheels that make them easy to maneuver around furniture, tight spaces and around obstacles. To use the walker, kneel and put the knee of the injured foot or leg on a cushioned kneepad that comes with most models. Various models may be steerable and come with a braking system. These walkers can be rented or purchased. Purchase prices start somewhere around $130 up to $400 or more. This depends upon your particular needs and how long you may need to use your one leg walkers.
- Lightweight One Leg Knee Walkers – This lightweight design allows for easy movement and maneuverability.
- Steerable Knee Walkers – These knee walkers also have brakes.
Benefits of Knee Walkers
There are many situations where using these knee handicap walkers can be of great value to a patient with an amputated foot or foot problems. With the use of the healthy foot, a patient does not have to always rely on crutches or a wheelchair. Working around the home, cooking, doing laundry, standing for any long periods of time can present painful problems for those with any type of foot injury. The walkers allow movement and support for the foot till recovery. Shopping in large stores, at the grocery store and standing for long periods of time is another example of when this type of leg walker could be advantageous. Unlike using crutches, there is support for the injured foot. The patient with the injury now has support for the injury and can stop and rest the injury. Both hands are free for reaching and shopping for items. As long as the surface is smooth, a patient can scoot just about anywhere.
Maintenance of a rolling knee walker is minimal. Clean and disinfect the handlebar grips as needed or replace. Dry your walker well after using in an environment that is wet or high moisture areas. WD40 can keep things lubricated and also help to stop corrosion problems as well. Rotate or replace wheels that show excessive wear. With proper care, these walkers can last a long time and give much service to the user. In summary, the benefits of knee walkers over crutches for those with foot injuries are many.
Tags: Walkers
