World Parkinson’s Day – 5 products to help make life easier

To observe World Parkinson’s Day, we’ve had a think about the products our customers find most useful. Parkinson’s can present a wide variety of symptoms and affects different people in different ways. However, within our wide range of products, we’re sure we’ve got a few bits you’ll find useful.

1. Bed Lever

If you struggle to get yourself upright after a snooze, our bed lever can provide something stable to grip onto. It’s helpful for manoeuvring yourself in and out of bed, as well as turning in the night. The base tucks neatly under your mattress, which makes it very stable and relatively discreet.

If you want a more robust solution, an electric profiling bed could be the solution. If you struggle with your core strength, the backrest is helpful for mechanically raising your torso into an upright or reclined position. Plus, raising your legs a little via the knee-break can provide relief.

And when it’s time to get up and at ‘em, our easy-on stocking aids and long-handled shoe horn can help you look your best without the need to bend.

2. Plate guard

If frozen or shaking hands are making eating and drinking more difficult, our plate guard could help. Acting as a barrier for food, it keeps spills at bay, and also provides a flat surface to help scoop food onto your fork or spoon.
We also have two-handled beakers, which can be handy if your dominant hand isn’t as strong as it used to be.

3. Mobility Aids

If rigid muscles and stiffened movement are affecting your mobility, there are a range of aids available that can make getting around easier. For some people, something as simple as a walking stick can do the trick – the added stability can make you feel much more confident on your feet, and give you something to lean on if you stop mid-motion.

For others, more high-tech solutions can make all the difference. Powerchairs are particularly useful, as they can be used both indoors and outdoors – however, this means they are the most expensive option. The best way of identifying which aid will be best for you is either popping by our Ipswich Showroom, or calling our friendly retail team. Between them, Elizabeth and Linda have over 20 years’ experience in healthcare.

4. Clothing protectors

If you find eating and drinking particularly challenging, easy-to-clean clothing protectors could be the way forwards. Our apron-style protector is available in two lengths, and is absorbent and washable.

5. Bathlifters

If reduced movement is making getting in and out of the bath tricky, a bathlifter could save the expense and hassle of costly adaptations. Mechanised lifters raise and lower a seat so you don’t have to stand up at all. However, they are side transfer, which means you need reasonably good control of your legs to swing them into and out of the bath, once you’ve taken a seat on the lifter.

If this is bit beyond reach, you could replace your existing bath with a walk-in model. These feature side doors, so you can enter and exit the bath with ease. The downside to this is that you must fill the bath with water around you, so make sure you get the temperature right! You also have to wait while the water drains before getting out, which can be a bit chilly.

Remember, you can always give us a call if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help.