Things to help manage your Arthritis

There are many things out there which can either relieve the symptoms of Arthritis or help you manage them:

1. Fischer handles canes with orthopedically shaped handles which distribute pressure evenly across the hand, ideal for people who have difficulty gripping and are unsteady on their feet. 
2. Elastic shoe laces which enable you to slip your foot into your shoe and you won’t have to keep tying your shoe laces.
3. Large handled cutlery are much easier and more comfortable to grip. There is a choice of shape, weighted or non-weighted as well as different handle material such as foam or rubber.
4. Jar/bottle/tin openers to help with opening containers, aids such as anti-slip discs which help with gripping jars; electric can openers as well as an “easy squeeze” can opener.
5. Kettle tippers reduce the strain on the wrists dramatically and the worry of spilling hot water down you as you aren’t having to pick up the weight of the kettle. You just have to fill the kettle up using a small jug then use the kettle tipper to pour your boiling water out.
6. Pill poppers can be used instead of having to fiddle with blister packs and dropping your medication, the medication is collected in the tube and can be poured out into a hand or container..
7. Pen/pencil grips that go over your pens and pencils and give your something larger and softer to grip onto making it easier and more comfortable to write.
8. Biofreeze is a topical gel pain reliever of aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis without the use of prescription drugs.

If you have any questions or would like to order any of these products you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

The Different Types of Mattresses

The type of mattress you choose is really important for your comfort and health, so the type of mattress best for you depends on your needs. There are seven main types of mattresses which each have different features and benefits.

1. Spring – Spring mattresses are the most basic of mattresses and have been around for years. They are fantastic value for money and come in a range of different comfort levels. The majority of the support comes via metal coils that run through the mattress.
2. Memory Foam – Memory foam contours to your body shape and then returns to its natural shape when the weight is lifted. This means your mattress will last longer. There are also different densities of memory foam available for different comfort levels which offer pressure relief for low, medium, and high risk.
3. Gel – Like memory foam, gel mattresses contour to your body shape which gives you great support while you sleep as well as pressure relief. They also regulate your body temperature, by storing and releasing heat when you’re too cold, and drawing heat away from you and into the mattress when you’re too hot.
4. Latex – Latex mattresses are incredibly durable which makes then great value for money if you’re planning on keeping your mattress for as long as possible. Like memory foam and gel they are very supportive and will mould to the shape of your body so are great for pressure relief. A latex mattress might be a great choice if you suffer from allergies as the materials are hypoallergenic and anti-microbial.
5. Air – When you hear air mattresses you might be thinking camping equipment but pressure relieving air mattresses are used in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
6. Water – These mattresses are filled with water and are usually heated. They aren’t as popular as they used to be as better alternatives have become available.
7. Hybrid – A Hybrid mattress is any mattress made up of two or more different materials whether it be spring and memory foam, foam and gel, or foam and air. Hybrid mattresses take the best features and benefits from each mattress type and combine them to get very high risk specifications, which are comfortable

If you have any questions about beds and mattresses you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Top Tips For Buying A New Bed

Buying a new bed can be a difficult decision, because there are lots of things to consider. Here are our top five tips for buying a new bed:

1. The bigger the better – Larger beds are more comfortable. Not only do you have more space to stretch out, you are less likely to be disturbed if you’re sharing with a partner.
2. You get what you pay for – We spend a third our lives in bed, which makes buying a bed one of the most important purchase you’ll make. So spend as much as you can afford to.
3. Look to see if it’s NBF approved – It’s important you look for the National Bed Federation’s (NBF) ‘big tick’ mark of approval to be sure you’re buying a safe, clean and honest product from a reputable manufacturer.
4. Buy a base and mattress that work for each other – You don’t want to buy a new bed base if you’re mattress doesn’t work with it. So consider the type of mattress and well as the base when making a purchase.
5. Thinking ahead – It’s good to think ahead, you might have a static bed now and not need an adjustable bed but your needs or your partners needs might change so that an adjustable bed would be more suitable.

If you have any questions about beds and mattresses you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Do you need a new bed?

The 1^st of March marks the start of National Bed Month, the month dedicated to improving a good night’s sleep with a comfortable, supportive bed and mattress.

If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these questions you’re not getting the best possible night’s sleep possible. And answering ‘Yes’ to five or more means it’s definitely time to buy a new bed!

• Is the mattress seven years old or more?
• Would it be embarrassing if neighbours saw it without its covers?
• Does it make suspicious noises in the night?
• Did you have your best recent night’s sleep in a bed other than yours?
• Are you waking up more frequently unrefreshed and aching?
• Do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally in the middle of the night?
• Do you have enough space to sleep comfortably?
• Is it sagging?
• Does it feel lumpy in the night?
• Is the bed too small to give an undisturbed night’s sleep?
• Is the divan or base uneven or sagging?
• Are the legs and castors worn out?

Watch out for more posts about beds and mattresses!

If you have any questions about beds and mattresses you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Having trouble bathing?

Many people have trouble when it comes to bathing, this could be trouble stepping in and out, lowering and raising yourself or reaching to wash yourself. There are many potential solutions so these problems such as:
A Bath Step
A bath step makes it easier for someone to step into the bath by decreasing the height you have to raise your leg when stepping in and out. Works well for those who have trouble bending their knees.

A Bath Shortener
A bath shortener does exactly what you think, it shortens the bath. This enables you to always feel the end of the bath so that you have something to push against and don’t slip under the water if you don’t want to. Great for shorter people or just someone who wants  added security.

A Bath Mat
Bath mats not only stop you from slipping in the bath they can also provide you with some cushioning against the bath which makes it more confortable to lay down. If slipping is your problem you could just try non slip bath strip stickers.

A Bath Seat
A bath seat is a small seat that sits in the bath and usually has non slip suckers on the bottom. This enabled people to sit in the bath but not have to sit all the way down into it, as they may have touble getting up from a completely lowered position.

A Bath Lift or Cushion
A bath lift is a seat which sits in the base of the bath and can be raised to the edge of the bath so you are able to slide across and be lowered down into the bath. The bath cushion works in a very similar way when a compressor pumps air into the cushion and then releases it when you want to be lowered. A bath lift or cushion is great for someone who wants to keep their independence but still wants to be able to have a bath instead of a shower.

A Bath Hoist
A Bath hoist is for someone with very little mobility who isn’t able to slide across a seat or raise their legs over the bath, the hoist does it all for you. The hoist is positioned adjacent to the bath. It lifts you up and over the bath then lowers you down into it.

If you have any questions about bathing solutions or want to try some out, you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

 

Walkers & Rollators – Things to consider

For those who have difficulties walking unaided or experience problems with balance but wish to retain their independence, Walkers and Rollators can provide a valuable solution.
There are lots of different styles of walkers and rollators with different features, so depending on your needs there are lots to things to consider.
Below are some questions you should be asking yourself.

Where will I be using it?
There are Indoor walkers which are slightly narrower then outdoor ones so that you can manoeuvre around your furniture more easily, they also tend to have smaller wheels.
Outdoor walkers have bigger more substantial wheels so that they can grip and cope with less even terrain.

Do I need a seat?
Having a seat on your rollator can be really important if you need the occasional break whilst walking, if you want to stop for a chat or just get tired of standing whilst waiting in line at a supermarket.
If you want a seat you will need a four wheel walker if not then a three wheel walker might suit you although they can be a little less stable than the four wheeled walkers.

How heavy is it?
Depending on whether you will have to lift or transport the walker the weight of the walker could be very important.
The lightest walkers start from around 5kg (think five bags of sugar), and these are made of strong aluminium.
There are steel framed walkers available but these are much heavier and harder to transport. The weight of the walker/rollator also affects its  price: the cheaper the walker the heavier it’s going to be, so don’t be misled by apparent (often online) bargains!

How do I store it?
Almost all walkers and rollators fold up in some way – front to back or side to side. This makes them much easier to store when not in use (in a corner of a room or cupboard out of the way); those that fold side to side are usually more stable when folded than those which fold front to back.   There are even models which have an additional folding option which makes them more compact – ideal for putting in the boot of a car, the luggage compartment of a coach or the hold of an aeroplane!!

What accessories do I need?
Most walkers and rollators come with a bag or basket to put things in, some even have both but there are lots of useful extras such as a cane or an umbrella holder. Trays and anti-slip mats are also available so you can carry drinks etc.

If you have any questions or would like to try out some Walkers and Rollators then you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Mobility Scooter Insurance

Do I have to insure my mobility scooter?
The short answer is no you don’t have to get insurance for your mobility scooter, BUT there are so many reasons it’s a good idea, the first being peace of mind!

What’s covered?
Different insurance policies offer different cover but the majority will all have accidental damage cover which means if you damage your scooter the repairs will be covered.
Public liability cover is one of the most important things to consider because it covers you if you were to have an accident and hurt or damage someone and their property.

Who to use?
There are many different insurance companies, we recommend going for one that specialises in insuring mobility equipment such as the First Senior Group or Blue Badge Mobility Insurance.

If you would like to insure your mobility scooter or any other piece of mobility equipment then you can follow this link: http://www.firstsenior.com/Policy-Pages/buy-triple-star-products-page.html?dealer_code=%20OUT003
Or if you have any questions about taking out mobility scooter insurance you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Why service your mobility equipment?

All mobility equipment with electrical or moving parts such as scooters, riser recliners, adjustable beds and power chairs require regular servicing and maintenance. This is not only to ensure they are kept in good working order, but also so that they are kept safe for both the user and members of the public.

Here at Out & About we can service and repair all types of mobility equipment including mobility scooters, riser recliner chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, stairlifts, adjustable beds, and bathing equipment such as bathlifts.

Why Mobility Scooters?
Many people believe that mobility scooters do not require servicing as they are electrically powered. A mobility scooter needs a different maintenance routine to a vehicle with a combustion engine, but it is no less important. A number of the working parts of a mobility scooter are hidden beneath the body’s shell and require specialist knowledge and tools to access. It is important to remember that a mobility scooter still has safety critical elements such as brakes which need to be checked. This is even more important on 8mph scooters that are used on the road at higher speeds. This emphasises the need for good maintenance routines and checks. We recommend a yearly service.

To ensure that your mobility equipment is kept in good working order and safe to use, a regular service is required. If you have any questions or would like your mobility equipment serviced then you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com/

Mobility Scooters – Things to consider

When walking any distance becomes more difficult, or if you are reliant on others to get out and about, a mobility scooter might be just the thing for you. Mobility scooters come in all shapes and sizes and whatever it is you want a scooter to help you do, there’s every chance that there will be one to suit you.

Finding the right scooter for you  
There are many different makes and sizes of Mobility Scooter available and it can be difficult to know how to begin choosing one that will be right for you. There are three different classes of scooter; Mini (sometimes called boot scooters), Midi, and Maxi. Each class of scooter has different features and benefits. So to help you choose the right one for you, here’s some things to consider:

• Will you be using it for short or long trips?
• Will you be using it on paths, roads or rough ground?
• Will you need to transport the scooter in a car etc?
• How important is the comfort of the seating?
• Do you need lots of leg room?
• Do you need Delta handles?
• Where will you store and charge your scooter?
• How much do you want to spend?

Mini/Boot Scooter

• 4mph
• Can be used for short distances
• Better on paths and even ground
• Can be broken down and transported easily
• Has convenient on board charging, but also a removable battery pack that can be charged
• Basic seating and comfort
• Most models have no suspension
• Minimal leg room
• Prices from £695

Midi Scooters

• 4-6mph
• Can be used for short to medium distances
• Can be used on paths, some roads, and slightly uneven ground
• Some models can be broken down but not easily transported
• Has convenient on board charging
• Reasonably comfortable seating
• Some suspension
• More leg room
• Prices from £1395

Maxi Scooters

• 6-8mph
• Can be used for short to long distances
• Can be used on roads and uneven ground
• Can’t be broken down and not easily transported
• Has convenient on board charging
• High levels of comfort seating, usually with a captain’s seat
• Full all round suspension
• Lots of leg room
• Prices from £1995

Once you’ve found the Class of Scooter that best suits you, you can then look at the different options in each class. A range of accessories are also available, including scooter bags and baskets to hold shopping, as well as a range of covers to protect you and your scooter from the weather, either while you’re riding it or when it’s being stored.

If you have any questions or would like to try out some mobility scooters then you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Website: http://outandabout-uk.com

Daily Living Aids – Arthritis

Around 10 million people in the UK have arthritis and it can affect all ages depending on the form of arthritis. Arthritis can have a drastic effect on someone’s day to day life and so we have listed some aids which can help with daily activities.

Getting around

• Fischer Canes – The orthopedically shaped Fischer handle distributes pressure evenly across the hand, ideal for people who have difficulty gripping.
  
• Walkers with Arthritic Attachments – These walkers are great for people with limited hand use and offer additional support in the form of padded gutters which allows you to rest your forearms comfortably.
• Cane stay – Cane Stays enable you to lean your cane against a wall or counter when in and out of the home.

Getting Washed & Dressed

• Long Handled Sponges – A simple solution if you find it hard to reach certain areas due to stiff joints etc. Different shaped sponges are also available so you can even wash in between your toes with ease!
• Button & Zipper Hooks – Enable you to do up buttons and zips with ease and without fuss, ideal for those who are loosing dexterity in their hands and fingers.
• Dressing sticks – If you have trouble reaching and bending your arms then the dressing stick might be for you.
• Bra-Angel – The Bra-Angel was made specifically to assist those with mild to moderate upper limb restrictions or limited hand dexterity to fasten a bra.
• Elastic Shoe laces –Enables you to slip your foot into your shoe and you won’t have to keep tying your shoe laces!
• Shoe horns – Shoe horns aid with sliding your foot into your shoes without the need to use your fingers.

In the Kitchen

• Tap Turners – Taps can be quite hard and fiddly to grip but the soft textured handles of tap turners provide a comfortable and secure grip when placed over the head of the tap making it a lot easier to turn. There are different tap turners for different styles of tap head.
• Large Handled Cutlery – Cutlery with wider handles make them easier and more comfortable to grip. There is a choice of weighted or non-weighted as well as different handle material such as foam or rubber materials.
• Angled Utensils – Angled knives etc can take the strain off your wrists and make it easier to grip.
• Jar/Bottle/Tin Openers – There are many different aids to help with opening containers such as anti-slip discs which help with gripping jars; electric can openers as well as an “easy squeeze” can opener.
• Two Handled Mugs – These are ideal for people who find it difficult to drink from standard mugs due to frail hands, weak wrists or not being able to grip enough.
• Kettle tippers – Kettle tippers reduce the strain on the wrists dramatically and the worry of spilling hot water down you as you aren’t having to pick up the weight of the kettle. You just have to fill the kettle up using a small jug then use the kettle tipper to pour your boiling water out.

In & Around the Home

• Key turners – Key turners can hold up to three keys and provides extra leverage and grip. They are lightweight and the keys fold away into the handle when not in use.
• Pill Poppers – Instead of having to fiddle with blister packs and drop your medication, the medication is collected in the tube and can be poured out into a hand or container.
• Plug tugs – Makes it easy to remove a plug from a socket and reduces the strain on the fingers and wrists.
• Pen/pencil grips – These go over your pens and pencils and give your something larger and softer to grip onto making it easier and more comfortable to write.
• Playing Card Holders – This makes holding a hand of cards very easy!
• Book Stand – For those people who like to read but find it hard to hold the book comfortably.
• Big Button Phones – Phones with larger buttons make it much easier to dial numbers which is great for those with reduced dexterity.
• Long Handled Dustpan & Brush – The long handles eliminate the need to bend down or kneel on the floor, putting less strain on your joints.
• Easy Grip Gardening Tools – Easy grip tools are designed to increase grip and comfort when gardening. Ergonomically angled handles keep the hand and wrist in a natural position whilst gripping.

If you have any questions or would like to order any of these daily living aids then you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.