Study - Arthritis pain is impacted by weather

According to Reuters a new study says that weather may in fact effect arthritis pain.

The study concluded:
"It turns out the participants' aches were just a little worse and joints just a little stiffer when humidity and barometric pressure levels rose."

Independent living aids for the kitchen

As a person ages, it becomes more difficult and sometimes painful for them to do the things they have done their whole lives. The kitchen is an area where many feel they become very challenged as they get older. If you are a person who is finding it harder to make your way around the kitchen, or you are the concerned child or loved one of an aging person, then you should check out the following independent living aids for the kitchen:

Eye Vac Automatic Vacuum

The Eye Vac automatic vacuum allows you to sweep the kitchen without worrying about needing to bend over to pick up the debris. Infrared technology is used to activate the vacuum when debris is in need of vacuuming and the vacuum will turn off automatically once the debris has been collected. This product makes cleaning the kitchen much easier.

Easy Cling Wrap Cutter

Arthritis sufferers can find it extremely difficult to fight with cling wrap. The Easy Cling Wrap Cutter is one of the greatest independent living aids because it makes cutting that cling wrap extremely easy. The cutter attaches easily to the box of cling wrap and you can slide the cutter easily through the cling wrap once you pull out the desired amount.

MaddaGrip Jar Opener

As a person ages those jar lids get tougher and tougher to open. The MaddaGrip Jar Opener adds the necessary amount of grip to make it extremely easy to get even those stubborn jars open. The outside of the opener is textured and it has a longer shape to it which makes it great for those with weaker hands.

One Handed Cutting Board with knife

Someone who has challenges with arthritis or weakness in one hand as a result of a stroke will find a one handed cutting board extremely useful.  There are a variety of cutting boards designed to be used with one hand, but one favorite board comes with a knife, spikes and corner guards.  Even with only one good hand it is perfect for safely cutting, chopping, grating, peeling and making sandwiches. 

There are Independent living aids for many purposes

There are independent living aids to help with everything from cooking and eating to cleaning the kitchen. These aids will give you your freedom back and help you to continue being able to do those things for yourself that you have always done, but which may be becoming more difficult.

Lap Desks and Lap Trays

When my grandmother lived alone she had this one particular chair she sat in to read, write, watch television and sometimes even eat.  She had arthritis so it was hard for her to move around the house a lot.  At Elderstore we stock several lap desks and bean bag lap trays that would have been so helpful to her if I had known about them at the time.  The lap desks are really useful for every day tasks like opening the mail, paying bills, writing notes, or even holding a laptop or book.  If you want to have dinner while watching the olympics, "Nashville", or some other favorite show then one of our bean bag dinner trays is a comfortable way to hold your plate and protect against spills.  Consider one for yourself and one for your favorite grandmother!

Cold weather impacts on elderly

With the temperatures dropping outside, I got to thinking about the impact cold weather has on the elderly.  I found this article from the American Heart Association with some good advice on avoiding hypothermia and reducing your risk of heart attack when dealing with the cold.

Popular item - Panache Laundry Trolley

One of the best-selling items on Elderstore is the Panache Laundry Trolley.  Well built and easy to use, this laundry trolley prevents having to carry a laundry basket by hand or bend over to reach the clothes to put them in the wash or in a drawer.  You can find this laundry trolley and others on foldingcartstore.com as well.

New research linking low levels of pesticide exposure and Parkinson's

A new report in Medical News Today links low levels of pesticide exposure to the development of Parkinson's disease.

Challenges with snow and ice

Having trouble with all the snow and ice this winter?  Some people have found the shoe treads for snow and ice and the ice grip cane attachment to be helpful ways to improve their footing in all this snow and ice!

Recliner Lever Extender

Having trouble reaching the lever on the side of your recliner?  Try this Lever Extender to make your life easier.

Outdoor Grab Bar

This outdoor entry way grab bar is attractive and can provide useful stability for elders without detracting from the exterior of the home.

Dealing with Incontinence in Everyday Life

Incontinence is a condition found in the old and the young. The lack of bladder control and function can be as embarrassing in youth as it is in advancing age. For those experiencing incontinence and those with a loved one living with it, understanding the proper way to handle this common condition and making life easier for those suffering with incontinence is imperative. 

Discuss Incontinence 

Incontinence is a sore subject both for the senior citizen or young adult suffering from the condition and their loved ones. Often incontinence sufferers feel ashamed and embarrassed by what is a simply a body malfunction. They feel ostracized for their condition and a lack of communication enhances these feelings. 

Rather than ignoring incontinence, have an honest, open, and judgement-free discussion with those closest to you. Incontinence isn't a reflection on the sufferer or the result of a lack of control. It's a medical condition that should be treated delicately and with respect. Only the sufferer knows the best course of action for preventing incontinence or minimizing the social effects so discuss incontinence to decide what help you can offer. 

Choose Incontinence Pads for Comfort

Technology has come a long way since the adult diapers of yesteryear. Independent senior citizens used to balk at the unsightly and bulky incontinence underwear because it was noticeable and embarrassing. Today, incontinence underwear are available in all cuts and sizes with completely discrete padding for unexpected leakage.  Boxer shorts and panties are available to adults with incontinence that look identical to the fashions available in any department store. 

You or your loved one with incontinence shouldn't feel self-conscious in public. Incontinence underwear with reusable pads allow active adults to take part in their day to day life without feeling like they're modeling a bulky diaper to the world. Medical supplies for the elderly, such as incontinence pads and underwear, are a helpful piece of resource when facing incontinence. 

Be Prepared

Incontinence comes in all varieties. Many elderly adults simply cannot "hold it" anymore. Waiting five miles for the next exit or making it to the other end of the shopping center can be frustrating and ultimately lead to accidents. Preparation is a key ingredient of gracefully handling incontinence in the young and elderly. 

Before going to new places, make sure to include frequent bathroom breaks en route. At stadiums, museums, or other attractions, find a map that includes all the available bathroom facilities. Even with the best planning, unexpected need for the bathroom may arise. Portable travel urinals are medical supplies for the elderly that provide a great way to avoid accidents caused by incontinence. They are small enough to find in a purse and can be easily stored and discarded. 

Incontinence is a common condition and medical supplies for the elderly are recognizing the need to address incontinence with discrete but vital equipment. Handling the day-to-day challenges facing those with incontinence requires open communication, preparation, and adequate yet discrete accessories.