Daily Living Aids

mobility aid

Your One-Stop Guide to Selecting the Ultimate Mobility Aid

Life as we know it is unpredictable. No one is immune to accidents and injuries. That certainly doesn’t mean that we have to give up on our normal way of living. The elderly, differently abled, and injured can still enjoy the ease of moving around freely with a mobility aid. Modern mobility equipment is not difficult to find with the likes of ACG Medical Supply. However, selecting the suitable one can often seem to be challenging. To begin with, let us know what exactly these modern marvels are. A mobility aid is a device designed with advanced technology to assist older, disabled, and injured individuals, get around on their own without being dependent on others. Scooters, wheelchairs, canes, and walkers are all types of mobility aids. While a few of them might be built for aiding short-term injuries other mobility aids are developed to assist people for longer durations. Choosing between two mobility devices, for instance, walking canes and Rollator walkers for seniors can frequently confuse you unless you research and plan your budget before buying. This guide will help you in choosing the appropriate mobility equipment based on your needs.

Though every individual has unique needs, mobility devices can often be customized to meet those. Regardless of customizations, all mobility equipment can be classified into:

• Minimal mobility aids for individuals with slight walking instability
• Moderate mobility aids for individuals needing support to walk.
• Maximum mobility aids for individuals who cannot walk.

Minimal mobility aids include walking canes. Canes are designed to assist in maintaining your balance or support an injured leg. A lot of canes come with flexible heights to meet the user’s needs. Individuals prone to falling can make use of a cane to deal with foot imbalance. The main objective of walking canes is to decrease effort and make walking less tiresome. You can also steer clear in congested places with the help of a cane. A good choice for arthritis patients is often offset walking canes as they provide more comfort and a better hand-grasp. A range of compact and travel-friendly folding canes are also available in the market. The specialty of these canes is that they can be fitted into bags or beneath seats. If you are someone looking for a cane with slightly increased stability than regular canes, go for a 4 feet-ended quad cane. The most popular choice in canes is still a single rubber-tipped one which can be easily obtained through ACG Medical Supply.

Moderate mobility aids are halfway between minimal and maximum mobility aids and can be of help to people who need a little more support than canes but a little less support than wheelchairs. Rollator walkers for seniors are one of the more popular medium assistance mobility equipment. With age, people tend to need support for walking and a rollator walker which has an inbuilt seat and 3 to 4 swiveling wheels is ideal for most senior citizens. These ensure maximum support and come with handle brakes. You would have to maneuver these brakes to control them from rolling around freely so it is not recommended for individuals who might forget how and when to use the brakes. Rollators and walkers are good for people with balance issues and weaker legs. Choosing the right walker is essential to avoid falling and getting hurt. All walkers including ones available at ACG Medical Supply aid in supporting a part of bodyweight while you are standing or walking. Some other types of moderate mobility aids include Standard walkers and Power scooters, which assist people in traveling long distances without walking. Power scooters are the way to go when you are shopping as they are equipped with a front section to carry storage baskets.

Maximum mobility aids like wheelchairs assist individuals who face challenges while walking great distances or can barely walk a few steps in one go. Wheelchairs that need to be operated by the user or moved around by people accompanying them are called Manual wheelchairs. Some other types of wheelchairs are Standard, Transport, and Power wheelchairs. The primary difference between Manual wheelchairs and Power wheelchairs is that while the former is self-operated or needs another person’s assistance to be moved around, the latter is battery-operated and doesn’t require to be pushed around by someone.

Sometimes moving around is not the only time an individual needs support. When you have undergone an injury or are a person who needs stability and aid to stand while bathing. There is help available in the form of bariatric bath chairs. These chairs are best for people whose safety and comfort need to be ensured while showering. An individual doesn’t have to worry about maintaining their balance or falling while bathing and can sit relaxed on these heavy-duty chairs which are designed to endure their weight. Most bariatric bath chairs are also apt for overweight people who are susceptible to falls.

Now that you know all about the various types of mobility aid and their uses you can easily select one that fits your needs but always remember to check out the warranty on offer and any maintenance requirements for the device while researching. If you’re still unable to decide, try ACG Medical Supply for browsing the latest mobility equipment with great deals.

bath chairs for disabled

Benefits of Bath Chair for Disabled and Elderly

Bathing is not an easy process for people with disabilities. Even though bathing is meant to be soothing, it can occasionally feel downright frightening. This can be a terrifying task because there’s a chance of tripping and getting hurt, waking up in the hospital, or both. A chair made especially for use in a bathroom is known as a shower chair. For the elderly or those with disabilities who require assistance using the restroom, a shower chair is a necessary piece of equipment. Some chairs feature wheels to function as a form of wheelchair, while others have strong, rubber feet to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. They are safe to use in water because they are waterproof and rust-resistant.

If you are elderly or a person with a disability, here are a few reasons why buying a personal shower chair for you is a smart choice rather than putting your health at risk.

Reasons For Buying A Shower Chair

  • Using a shower chair or bath chair reduces the risk of falling by giving people a secure platform in a slippery shower or bath, which increases safety. For individuals in wheelchairs, seniors, or anybody who finds moving on their own more painful or difficult, shower chairs and bath chairs are very helpful.
  • Limited mobility is only one of the many hardships experienced by those with disabilities or those who are wheelchair-bound. When they can’t do the little things for themselves anymore, they feel like they need other people and start to depend on them, which can have a very bad effect on their quality of life. Being and feeling more autonomous might be facilitated by having a shower or bath chair.
  • It’s supposed to be relaxing to take a shower. But for many, taking a bath each day can be a dreaded or difficult experience. A shower chair can help create a spa-like ambiance that enhances your sense of relaxation. For the benefit of mobility, a shower chair could also be utilized. For instance, if someone has a compound fracture from an accident, they can still take a shower without needing to stand.

Your hygiene and security can significantly improve with the use of a shower chair. Finding the ideal shower chair does not need to be a difficult effort. ACG Medical Supply helps you find the best bath chairs for disabled and elderly people. We deliver necessary medical supplies at affordable prices to those who require them.

Points To Remember When Buying The Bathing Chair

  • Size: Whenever you are buying a bathing chair, always consider the ratio between the space of your bathroom and the space that the bath chair is going to take. You should always choose the chair which not only fits right in your bathroom but also leaves enough space after being placed inside.
  • Height: Just like size, considering height before buying the shower chair also becomes crucial. Always consider buying a chair with a comfortable height. If not, buy a chair that has adjustable legs and a changeable seat height.
  • Weight capacity: Weight capacity becomes an important factor for people who weigh more than 300 lbs. hence, people who weigh more than 300 lbs, might need a bariatric shower chair
  • Support: Always buy bath chairs depending upon your comfort and your living style. Sometimes, shower chairs with arms and backrests make a huge difference in the user’s choice. These choices depend on the sitting habits of the person using the chair. Moreover, some people like using wheelchairs but have more mobility around the house, whereas, some prefer fixed non-slippery chairs in the bathroom.

Having necessary and proper shower accessories is important for the elderly and people with disabilities. Nothing is more important than their safety and comfort and these two factors should be primary when buying a shower chair.

ACG - recovery

10 Products for Post-Surgery Recovery

Have you or a loved one recently had surgery or are you planning to have surgery? Make recovery easier by having the tools you need to lessen pain and continue on with your activities of daily living. These ten products have helped many during their rehabilitation. 

1. Hip Replacement Kit

Hip replacement is major surgery. Make the recovery process easier on yourself by purchasing our hip replacement kit. It has everything you will need for dressing and bathing. Buying the kit will help to save you time and money.

2. Rolling Walkers

We have all kinds of rolling walkers to choose from. Some of our walkers have baskets, fold small and are even able to be used while standing upright. Rolling walkers help you to regain balance and independence as you recover. 

3. Commodes

It’s sometimes very difficult to get out of bed while you are recovering. It may make your recovery time take even longer if you are moving around too much. A bedside commode, like this 3-in-1, is easy to use and can be modified for other uses later on. 

4. Pill Organizers

Sometimes, it’s hard enough to remember to take your vitamins. It can be even more challenging to remember medications after surgery. This top-of-the-line pill organizer comes with a daily alarm and will help you to manage your health more effectively. 

5. Body Wedges

As you rehabilitate, you will want to find a different position to lay in. You won’t be able to put pressure on the area in the same way you did before. These wedges are great for elevating yourself to a comfortable state. 

6. Ice Packs

Ice packs will help with swelling and help you to sleep. These packs also can be heated if what you need is heat therapy. 

7. Braces

We have a variety of braces that can help give you support as you recover from surgery and as you go through physical therapy. 

8. Bandages

We offer a wide range of wound dressings. Wounds typically need to be cleaned twice daily. You won’t want to have a shortage of clean bandages. There are self-adhering bandages, bandages with ionic silver and more for every need. 

9. Walking Canes

The type of cane one wants after surgery may vary, but many people like the offset aluminum cane because of the variety of colors and the comfortable latex-free design. 

10. Reacher 

You may not want to ask someone to hand you everything you need. Overexerting yourself may set you back in recovery. You can use this to pick up items off the floor or from a high shelf without having to bend or stretch. This is a safe alternative that fosters independence. 

If you started off the new year in recovery from a procedure, don’t forget to get the supplies to help speed that process up! We have a vast selection of products to help you recover. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. 

New Year Resolution

New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

New Year’s resolutions are for everyone, yet hardly anyone follows through with them. When considering your resolution for this year, remember to choose one that not only interests you but can contribute to your health and wellness for longevity. Here are some great ideas you can consider when choosing your 2020 resolution!

Make Life Easier

Are there things you keep doing that frustrate you, without thinking about an easier way to accomplish a frustrating task? Too often we let ourselves get annoyed with various tasks instead of thinking of a way to eliminate or minimize the annoyances. For example, if you seem to drop things on the floor or forget to grab an item before you crawl into bed, consider purchasing a reacher. It’s a simple and inexpensive fix. Consider other areas of your life that could be made easier with one simple fix.

Strengthen Your Brain

Keep your brain sharp by challenging it. This could be through games, puzzles or even reading. Maybe try reading something out of the ordinary or begin a puzzle that’s out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself with something you enjoy doing. 

Drink More Water

Our bodies need water to function at its best. It’s suggested that most people drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day. You’ll find renewed energy by drinking more water, as it helps to flush out the things your body doesn’t need. 

Speak Up for Yourself

Too often we decide to choose the path of least resistance. However, there comes a time when you should speak up for yourself and say what it is you want. Let this be the year where you let your voice be heard. 

Mentoring

As an older adult, you have a lifetime’s worth of advice to share with someone. Consider joining a local mentoring program where you can share your knowledge and kindness with someone. They may even surprise you by teaching you a thing or two about yourself. 

Start a Club

Start a club based on a hobby that you enjoy. It’s a great way to surround yourself with like-minded people while doing something you love. 

Eat More Vegetables

You’ve been told to eat vegetables your whole life. If you’re not a veggie-lover, we’re sorry to say that making sure to eat your greens is still a necessity for a healthy life. You can try different ways of cooking them to make it fun!

Be Active

An active lifestyle makes for a happy lifestyle. Implement daily movement for at least twenty minutes to feel your best and keep your body strong. This could be through walking, biking or anything that gets your heart rate up!

Now that 2020 is officially here and underway, what are your New Year’s resolutions? Check out our catalog or reach out today to see what products we have to help you reach your goals. 

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