How Hard Plastic Toilet Seats Benefit the Disabled
Filed under Handicap Bathroom, Handicap Equipment
Hard plastic toilet seats offer a wide array of benefits to people suffering from disability or injury by making their lives easier. The right toilet seat can add convenience to a home, minimize pain, eliminate stress and save time and money.
Benefits of Hard Plastic Toilet Seats
- They’re very cost effective depending on your needs. Plastic is an easy and inexpensive material to manufacture.
- Plastic toilet seats come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles to fit any taste and decor.
- Because plastic is a light material, it allows for easy installation, removal and transportation.
- Hard plastic toilet seats are very sturdy and can support a lot of weight without bending, denting, cracking or breaking.
- Plastic toilet seats are more pleasant to use than metal, especially in the winter, because plastic doesn’t tend to get as cold. Toilet cushions further reduce this occurrence.
- They’re long-lasting and can’t be corroded, degraded, warped or rusted like metal or wood toilet seats.
- Plastics can be embedded with antimicrobial agents for more reliable and consistent defense against illness, especially when used by multiple people.
What the ADA Says About Toilet Seats
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that handicapped toilet seats be between 17 and 19 inches above the floor, which is in line with the average height preference. Higher toilet seats are very important because handicapped individuals must be able to get on and off of the toilet with relative ease. It is a violation of the ADA for any public handicapped toilet to be fitted with a toilet seat that springs back into an upright position after use.
How Special Toilet Seats Can Improve Life
The lack of maintenance required helps relieve some of the burden of responsibilities for people who aren’t able to move about quickly or easily, allowing time for more enjoyable activities. Also, many people with disabilities endure financial hardship paying for medicine, medical care and insurance, so the relatively low cost of plastic toilet seats relieves some of the stress that can happen with having to purchase equipment.
They can even be useful for certain situations. Sometimes, a handicapped person might have to go someplace that doesn’t have an ADA complaint toilet. In this case, portable raised toilet seats are available for convenience. Special toilet seats are also an ideal solution for people with bad knees for whom sitting or standing from a low position can be quite painful.
Cost and Maintenance
Price varies widely, but basic plastic toilet seats start at around $20USD, but ones with all the bells and whistles can run close to $200USD. Maintaining them is an easy matter. Simply spray them with disinfectant or wipe them down with diluted bleach or strong alcohol.
Tags: Bathroom Toilet Seats, Higher Toilet Seats
Solving Leg Problems with Compression Stockings
Filed under Handicap Equipment
Compression stockings are specially designed hosiery items constructed with elastic or rubber fibers. They fit the lower limb snugly to provide either graduated or even pressure that helps to increase blood circulation and reduce swelling. They are used in treating varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, fluid retention and DVT or deep vein thrombosis. The stockings are also recommended to diabetics with poor circulation. Daily wear relieves swelling and helps to prevent complications in the lower limbs of women and men.
Compression Socks For Work
These products can also benefit healthy people who sit or stand for long periods. Retail workers, nurses and waitresses gain support and comfort, and office workers can experience relief from common edema. If the eventual development of varicose veins is likely because of work habits or lifestyle, compression therapy can help to prevent them.
People who stay at home for most of their day can benefit from compression stockings just as those who are constantly on or off their feet can. Active elderly individuals and busy stay-at-home moms may experience lessened fatigue and increased stamina. While daily wear is recommended for chronic symptoms, occasional wear for travel, home and garden projects or extended periods of inactivity can also be useful. Regular use can improve activity levels, productivity and social life.
Recommended Leg Compression Equipment
- Open Toe Compression Stockings – These stockings are below the knee and have an open toe that allow for unrestricted toe movements.
- Sheer Mild Compression Stockings – Great for reducing the swelling if you stand on your feet for hours straight.
Athletic Compression Socks – Has 20-30mmhg of compression pressure. They fit over the calf and are worn like regular knee high socks.- Compression Stocking Aids – If you have trouble reaching and wearing the compression stockings or socks onto your feet, use this helpful tool.
Types of Compression Stockings
Compression hosiery is classified as either gradient or TED (Thrombo Embolic Deterrent). The compression level of gradient stockings lessens gradually towards the top of the garment, and these are usually effective for general edema and leg fatigue. They are also appropriate for pregnant women under a doctor’s supervision. TED or anti-embolism hosiery and stockings have a more even distribution of pressure. For those who need stronger compression levels than over-the-counter products offer, a medical examination and prescription is usually required to ensure safe usage and a proper fit.
Types of stockings include knee-highs or thigh-highs, open or closed toe styles and various color choices. Compression stockings for women and men are usually very affordable. Many products are available for under $20. Regular laundering is generally the only maintenance required. Along with leg massagers and targeted exercise, compression hosiery can significantly reduce swelling and increase leg comfort for many people.
