Apr 30

Netflix Launches New Disability Show ‘Special’

Matthew

Netflix has been highlighting the challenges disabled people face in their daily lives with the launch of its new show entitled ‘Special’.

This comedy is based on Ryan O’Connell’s memoir I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, which recounts the comedian’s experience with cerebral palsy.

He has now taken the book to the screens and stars in the eight-episode series as himself, giving the general public an insight into what it is like to live with his condition.

O’Connell spoke to NBC News lately on behalf of everyone with a disability, saying: “For so long, we’ve been ignored. I really hope that stops.”

Cerebral palsy affects a person’s movement, whether they have jerky or clumsy reactions, walk on tip-toes, have weak limbs, or are too stiff or floppy. This condition varies significantly and is caused around the time of childbirth, though it is often not detected until two or three years after they are born.

Though there are some treatments for cerebral palsy, including occupational therapy, medication for stiffness, and physiotherapy, there is no cure for it. Therefore, those with the condition have to learn to lead independent lives while living with their disability.

For O’Connell that included writing his 2015 memoir and making it into a TV series, telling the world about his physical challenges, his relationships, his work experience, and the obstacles he has to face.

While able-bodied people may take for granted being able to complete everyday tasks, something as simple as washing yourself can feel like a huge hurdle for someone with reduced movement. Having a walk-in bath fitted into your home, therefore, could be life-changing for a cerebral palsy sufferer who struggles with their motor functions.

Apr 04

Sport England Launches Campaign To Keep Elderly Active

Matthew

More elderly people might start improving their health, strength, flexibility and activity levels due to a campaign Sport England has launched to help the over-55s stay fit for longer.

The group has unveiled its Active Ageing fund to encourage elderly people to get moving, so they can prevent illness till later in life.

The Telegraph reported Mike Diaper, executive director at Sport England, as saying: “Being active is one of the most important things people can do to maintain health and wellbeing as they age.”

Pensioners could find themselves attending volleyball classes run by Volleyball England, which allows older people to play from their armchair with an inflatable ball.

Or, they might be interested in lessons from British Weightlifting, which is encouraging the elderly to improve their strength by lifting water bottles and foam bars.

Getting fresh air is very important to stay healthy, so many people might be interested in making their way around the altered trails established by British Orienteering. This allows them to participate in the activity without having to walk far from home.

One of the biggest ailments people suffer from as they get older is arthritis, which can impede on their physical activity and make it difficult to stay moving.

However, advice from Arthritis Care highlighted in the Express could be of help to the elderly, informing them to keep fit by taking part in pilates, yoga, bowls and petanque.

No matter how much exercise you get involved with, it is important to bear in mind your physical abilities will decline as you age. Therefore, it is wise to install a walk-in bath in your washroom, as this will enable you to stay in your home and keep your independence for as long as possible.

walk in bath with glass door
Nov 14

Walk-In Baths Top Of List For A Safe Bathroom For Seniors

Matthew

If you were in any doubt about investing in a walk in bath for your home conversion for an elderly family member then magazine for New Zealand’s over-50s GrownUps could convince you.

The news site and community revealed that in New Zealand, one in four over-85s suffer a fall each year and preventing slips, trips and falls in the bathroom where there are potential hazards such as wet floors and loose mats is key.

“A walk in tub is a fantastic option for seniors who prefer taking a bath because they can sit, but don’t have to worry about getting in and out of a slippery bathtub,” the news outlet stated.

As well as walk in baths, GrownUps recommended good non-slip mats for outside the tub or the shower, as well as near the sink where splashes can cause puddles on the floor.

Grab bars are considered an essential for a converted bathroom for an elderly family member, especially in the shower and near the loo, both to assist those who need them to move around independently, as well as to give them a grip should they lose their balance.

Finally, a raised toilet seat is recommended to aid independence and bring comfort to family members who may feel less stable on their feet.

Practical Bathing now offers even more choice of accessible baths with a new product addition to our collection.

The Louisiana 1 shower bath offers a step-through curved glass door with matching shower screen and has been redesigned for 2017 with improved panels.

Oct 16

A simple adaptation providing significant benefits

Paul

Another interesting installation. This customer wanted to replace their existing bath with a walk in bath with glass door (the Cirrus Glass), a glass shower screen and a bath shower mixer with hand held shower plus overhead soaker. Minimal disruption was to happen as the parents are both elderly and vulnerable, so work was coordinated to start when they would be away for the day. The job was completed and provides a fresh new bath and shower experience with greatly improved safety.

bath with easy access door
Aug 29

Small Changes For A Safer Bathroom

Matthew

As well as investing in essentials for a safer bathroom environment for yourself or a loved one such as a practical walk in bath, there are some smaller changes that can make bathing the relaxing experience it is supposed to be for everybody in the family.

Dr Santosh Datar, Medical Director and Consultant Doctor at Ziqitza Healthcare suggested some basic but crucial changes in an article on The Health Site that could bring peace of mind.

Using rubber mats may seem obvious, but a decent non-slip surface is the best way of preventing accidents in the bathroom, as a slip or a fall can lead to unpleasant injuries, especially in an older person.

Dr Datar also suggested installing door furniture that can be unlocked from both sides should the bathroom user require assistance, while allowing everybody privacy at the same time.

The expert also recommended conducting a safety check around the home – and in no room is this more important than the bathroom, especially when it comes to flooring.

Broken vinyl flooring and tiles can be easily forgotten about when you see them every day, but it is little things like a bit of lino buckling by the bath causing a trip hazard, or a fragment of broken ceramic tile that could graze the skin, that are easy fixes.

Dr Datar’s sound advice echoes the recommendations to ensure bathrooms are well illuminated published in the Journal-News, which suggested looking at lighting as an effective way of ensuring the bathroom is a safe room in the house for everybody.

Jul 06

Regular Exercise ‘Could Reduce Risk’ Of Chronic Back Pain

Matthew

Those of you with mobility issues, pain and sensitive backs may find that doing some regular exercise helps to manage your symptoms, whether it’s something intense like going to the gym or simply increasing the amount you’re walking.

New research from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki – published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine – has found that regular physical activity could in fact reduce the risk of chronic pain in the lower back by up to 16 per cent, Reuters health reports.

Speaking to the news source, Dr Joel Press – physiatrist in chief at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York – commented on the findings, saying that people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of activity.

“We were meant to move. We were not meant to be stagnant in any way, so I think this study does confirm that. It’s a big study where they looked at a lot of people,” he explained.

Getting in the swimming pool and engaging in something like water therapy can be especially beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis or anything that hinders movement and makes other forms of exercise difficult and painful.

The force of gravity is less when you’re in the water which means that a lot less pressure is put on your spine and joints, so you can exercise and increase your body movements without putting any excess strain on places that might be sensitive or painful. It’s also easier to move about in water, so this kind of therapy can help you build up your muscle strength as well.

Need new small walk in baths? Take a look at what we’ve got in stock.

Mar 09

Obesity Linked To Arthritis

Matthew

A new study conducted in Canada has found that obesity could be linked to a higher rate of arthritis, which could also explain why a higher number of younger people are suffering from the painful condition.

The Express reported on the research, which was conducted by scientists at the University of Toronto, who examined data from over 8,000 participants in the Canadian longitudinal national population health survey.

By splitting them into four birth groups, ranging from those born during World War 2 to so-called Generation X (those born in the late 1960s and early 70s), they have been able to look at generational differences as well as lifestyle issues.

The researchers found that those in younger generations were at a higher risk of developing arthritis, as well as noting that those who were obese were more likely to develop the condition.

Lead author Dr Elizabeth Badly commented: “The odds of reporting arthritis increased with increasing levels of BMI.”

She added that those who were classed as severely obese were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from arthritis than those of a normal weight. Smoking was another risk factor that was found to increase the likelihood of people developing arthritis.

Last month, Arthritis Research UK highlighted a study which found that men with rheumatoid arthritis also have mental struggles with the condition that women don’t share.

The research by the University of the West of England revealed that men often find the condition challenges their perception of their own masculinity, and can leave them feeling powerless.

If you suffer from arthritis, you should make everyday tasks in your home as easy as possible. This could include fitting a walk in bath to make it easier and less painful for you to bathe.

Jan 12

More Elderly Brits Opting For Live-In Carers

Matthew

With more and more people in the UK living longer, a growing number of families are having to face the difficult decision of whether to move their relatives into care homes.

However, the Telegraph reveals that there is growing interest in live-in carers, where a carer moves into an elderly person’s home to help them with day-to-day tasks and to provide companionship.

The newspaper revealed that the cost of having a live-in carer is comparable to the expense of moving into a care home, but that there could be other advantages for those who are able to stay in their own homes.

The publication cited research which showed older people who stayed in their own homes with live-in care and where the appropriate adaptations have been made, such as installing railings, walk-in baths and easy access toilets, are less likely to suffer falls and need treatment for hip fractures.

In fact, those who stay at home suffer one third fewer falls than their counterparts who are in care homes.

And there are a number of steps people can take to make their homes safer as they get older, including fitting handrails on both sides of staircases, making sure there is non-slip flooring in rooms that are likely to get wet, such as bathrooms or kitchens, and fitting seats in showers to make washing easier.

Elderly people themselves should also consider what shoes they wear in the house and ensure these are comfy, have good grip and are sensible, as well as making sure that their home is kept tidy and unnecessary obstructions aren’t left lying around.

However, the issue currently being faced by the care sector is finding enough live-in carers to meet the growing demand.

Dec 30

Start 2017 With A New Bathroom

Matthew

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to make changes to your life, including alternations in your home. And if you are struggling to use the facilities to their full potential, it could be time to look for new solutions to make every day life easier.

For someone who is elderly or disabled, here are some bathroom features you might be interested in installing this new year.

 

  • Walk-in baths

Having a bath is a lovely way to wash away the day’s stresses, and for those who find it hard to stand up for long periods of time, they are far safer to use than showers.

However, lots of people may struggle to climb into a tub, which is why a walk-in bath may be the ideal solution.

These have a door for you to let yourself in, so you don’t have to lift your leg over the tub, and some have seats so you can sit down comfortably and stand up easily without having to exert yourself.

 

  • Bath lifts

If you don’t want to get a new bath, but instead just want some help getting in and out of your tub, you could get a bath lift.

There is a range of different types available, including ones that are inflatable or bath belts that can help lever you out once you have finished washing.

 

  • Shower seats

Alternatively, those who love the feel of a shower can choose a shower seat that enables them to sit down when they are tired. These fold away, so the cubicle can also be used by those who are able bodied.

walk in bath with glass door
Dec 03

DECEMBER WALK IN BATH SALE!

Paul

The end 2016, we are pleased to announce our December sale on selected products. The price reductions will run from 5th to 31st December, so don’t miss out! If you are considering a walk in bath for yourself, or a relative, now is the time to purchase! Our prices are already very competitive, but these reduced prices offer incredible value for money.

Baths take 2-3 weeks to manufacture, so we can still deliver pre-Christmas if you order early. Otherwise delivery will be in the New Year.

Take a look now on www.practicalbathing.co.uk