Of course, any person who shows signs of fever or other flu symptoms should promptly see their physician to be properly checked for this particularly dangerous flu.  Treatment within 48 hours or two days of showing flu symptoms can hasten full and fast recovery.

There are plenty of news articles and information about Swine flu or H1N1 flu including a website established by the government to keep citizens updated,  http://www.flu.gov/    This site includes a section specifically for caregivers, http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/caregivers/index.html

 Please take extra care to protect yourself and loved ones during this flu  season.

 Efficient kitchen layout and adequate work space make a really big positive difference when cooking by increasing safety and reducing the amount of travel between the primary kitchen zones; refrigerator, stove, sink and preparation surface.  Ideally a triangle is framed by the appliances and sink with a counter surface (perhaps with cutting board) near the sink and stove.

 Aside from quality cookware with even heat  distribution and cool touch handles, knives that hold a fine, sharp edge and kitchen utensils with easy to grasp, heat resistant handles, there’s a few simple and inexpensive items that can make many tasks easier and safer.

 Burns are a common and avoidable kitchen injury that frequently occur because of haste.  The Hot Hand™ Hand Protector and Jar Opener slips instantly over finger tips and thumb to cover the entire palm with a silicone heat resistant cover that, unlike cloth pot holders, creates a non-slip grip.  The natural gripping feature also allows it to work very well to loosen screw lids on jars and bottles. 

Hot Hand Hand Protector and Jar Opener

Here is additional information http://www.care4u.com/753590000.html

After years of use, some stove knobs become difficult to turn and temperatures become difficult to control, especially for persons with arthritis.  The Turning Knob Operator can be used on virtually all dial type stove knobs to easily rotate the knob to set the desired temperature.  To use it, just press it over the knob and turn; it automatically “grasps” the raised part of the knob without slipping or scratching.   The Knob Turner also works well on many faucets.

Stove Knob Turner

To learn more, http://www.care4u.com/753100001.html

Keeping pots and pans in place on a burner while stirring or sautéing can be challenging if one hand is weak.  The pot and pan holder is a simple to use device that captures the handle between two posts to stop the cookware from turning and sliding.  Suction cups hold it in place without damaging the stove and allow it to be relocated as needed.  On most stoves, more than one pot and pan holder can be used at the same time. 

Stovetop Pot and Pan Holder

To View more information, http://www.care4u.com/753430000.html

 The small plug ends on the power cords on kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, food processors and toasters can be difficult to grasp and hard to push into and pull out of outlets.  By adding a Plug Puller to the most frequently used appliances, they’ll be simpler to plug in and easier to unplug, reducing the hazard of an appliance that remains plugged in and overheats. 

Power Cord Plug Gripper

Here is a link for more information http://www.care4u.com/plugpuller.html

We hope these easy to use products will give you ideas on how to help maintain or bring back the pleasure of cooking.  Bon appetit!

Alzheimer’s disease is generally considered by researchers to be the result of a life long progression of factors, (some of which are controllable), that eventually results in disease onset later in life.   While research is ongoing to better understand the disease, there are no cures for this condition, only treatments that attempt to prevent or delay onset.  Fortunately an effective “vaccine” to guard against the potentially damaging effect of cholesterol, one of the controllable factors, is inexpensive, immediately available without a prescription and may have many other beneficial side effects.  

“Eat well, exercise regularly, repeat”

For many, the primary change will be an increased focus on the fresh produce aisles in the grocery store or healthy menu choices at their favorite restaurants combined with more walking and moderate exercise.  There are lots of sources of free information on the Internet about healthy eating.  Check with your physician before increasing aerobic level exercises which should also be included as there appears to be a correlation between heart and brain health.

Update, August 24, 2009…….another study just released in the Journal of the American Medical Association, August 12,  http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/302/6/627  adds more science to your parent’s and doctor’s advice about the benefits of eating well and exercising.  This study found that a combined Mediterranean style diet AND exercise were associated with an even greater preventative effect of reducing the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease in seniors than either of these two activities alone.

For person living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are a number of specialty products available from Care4U.com to help people in their every day act ivies.  For dining aids, check this listing http://www.care4u.com/eatingdrinking.html.  For ideas on products for leisure time,   http://www.care4u.com/handaids.html and http://www.care4u.com/reading.html.

Regardless of age and history, the common sense  advice “eat well, exercise regularly, repeat” continues to apply to all of us with benefits to yourself and all those around you.

Elevated Toilet Seat for Safer Bathroom

Transfer Bench for Safer Showers

Bathrooms are statistically the most likely room in the home where a senior will have an accident or injury, particularly a fall.  Many of these falls are attributed to using the bath or shower, others to the toilet. Improving safety in this room will give everyone more peace of mind and help seniors maintain independence.

Start with simple and inexpensive changes that are instant safety improvements such as brighter light bulbs (if the fixtures are rated for higher wattage bulbs) and adding an inexpensive night light.  Many cordless phones have an independent  handset that could be mounted on an accessible wall.  Floors must  be kept clear of tripping hazards and shelves and counters cleared of all but absolutely necessary items to reduce the chance of dropped items which leads to bending and falling.  Frequently used items including first aid products should be easy to retrieve without extra reaching and bending.

There are a large variety of hand hold bars and non slip products that are easy to use and  sure to reduce the possibility of injuries.  Using a towel bar or shelf for support is likely to contribute to an accident.  Products such as permanently mounted grab bars and hand holds require secure mounting/installation to walls in the proper location for maximum benefit but this is a relatively simple home improvement project for a do it yourselfer.  Try searching the internet using the keywords “grab bar” to quickly find many online sellers of a variety of styles to match most decors.  You will also find information about where to place them for maximum benefit and safety.   If the bath or shower enclosure can accommodate it,  a simpler choice might be to select two or three high quality suction mounted handles that will adhere to very smooth wall and tub surfaces (pay very close attention to mounting instructions).   Try searching using the keywords “suction grab bar”  or visit a local home improvement center, hardware store or even large pharmacy for any of these products.   Adding a non slip bath mat or adhesive non slip strips in the tub or shower  (available in most department stores or large pharmacies) are quick and inexpensive ways to reduce possible slipping without dramatically altering the appearance of the bath.

Getting into, out of and using a bathtub/shower enclosure is much safer for many people if they use a transfer bench and handheld shower.  Using a bench greatly reduces the unsteadiness and tripping potential of stepping over the tub edge and allows a seated position during bathing which reduces the chance of slipping.  To use this simple and safe bench,  a person sits on the end of the bench outside the tub, slides themselves over the tub edge  and into the bathtub/shower enclosure, all the time remaining seated.   Here is a very good example of a bench that is height adjustable and supports up to 300 lbs. http://www.care4u.com/727142500.html

To improve safety when using the toilet, an easy to install elevated toilet seat (add as little as  2-3 inches to the height of the toilet seat) reduces strain, discomfort and possible balance issues when sitting or standing.   These are examples of some of the many elevated seats available, you’ll see that some even include handles, http://www.care4u.com/725600050.html , http://www.care4u.com/725690050.html , http://www.care4u.com/725753110.html and http://www.care4u.com/725710000.html

Take some time to assess the safety needs of any seniors and schedule some time to eliminate the easy to change hazards as soon as possible.

If you have questions about any of the suggestions offered please don’t hesitate to call 877.538.6568 or post a comment

Wear Ease® Shoe Fasteners http://www.care4u.com/73817.html

With injury, a medical condition or age, shoe laces can become a challenge to tie and then untie.  For children, this problem has already been addressed with hook and loop strap closures that are safe and work every time.  Adults may now see some examples of this style of shoe but there aren’t many to select from and they’ll not be as comfortable as that favorite pair of laced shoes, sneakers or boots.. There is now an easy way to continue wearing your existing lace up style footwear by converting them to easy to use hook-and-loop closures using Wear Ease® Shoe Fasteners.  http://www.care4u.com/73817.html  They are available in black, white, brown and tan so there’s a color to complement or match most shoes.   Each strap has  a D-ring on the end for gripping with the hand or manipulating with a dressing aid.   For persons with edema, they’ll appreciate being able to quickly adjust the shoe fit for comfort over the course of the day.   Wear Ease® Shoe Fasteners may also be a great temporary help during recovery from back, hand or joint injury.

If you are aware of other products that might help anyone who has trouble with shoe laces, please help by posting a comment.

Lotion Applicator easily reaches feet and legs

Maddawash Terry Soap Mitt, gentle and thorough cleaning  http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/741320002.html

Remote Toenail Clipper, reduces bending discomfort  http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/741390000.html

Diabetes is a growing problem in America with over 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  The total number of people with this condition exceeds 15 million or about 5% of the total US population.  One of the many serious related problems seen in diabetic patients and the most common cause for hospital admission is foot complications.  This frequently results from a degradation of nerves in the foot in leg (peripheral neuropathy) and changes in blood vessels.  Both conditions can combine to create a condition whereby a small injury to the foot can go un-noticed (nerves don’t sense pain or discomfort) and un-healed (blood vessels don’t deliver adequate blood supply to nourish cells) resulting in ulcers.  This is one of many excellent and detailed sources of information about this condition http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/armstron.html  and many more are easily found using the search terms “diabetic foot disease”

Daily gentle cleaning and examination of the feet are a key component to maintaining proper foot health and preventing serious health issues.   Foot cleaning should include complete drying and application of skin cream to prevent dry and cracked skin, a common initial cause of foot issues.  Toenail care is also important to prevent ingrown or cracked nails.  Products to help with these steps of this this vital care regimen can be viewed at http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/grooming.html

If you or a loved one has diabetes or is at risk for it,  please take the time to learn as much as you can about this condition that can, with sometimes only slight lifestyle changes, be managed.

Roberts Book Holder, Supports books or magazines

Reading can be a pain in neck, arm or shoulder when holding a book or magazine.  For persons with reduced muscle control from conditions  like Parkinson’s or Huntington disease, holding a book steady may be very difficult.   The Roberts™ Book Holder   http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/732310000.html  adjusts to hold a wide variety of sizes of books and magazines wide open at a comfortable viewing angle.  The holder can be used on the lap or a desk but can also be helpful in the kitchen or next to the computer.

When it’s not in use, it folds flat and is easy to carry with a built in handle.

Bring back the relaxing pleasure of reading with a book holder.

Halo Cup with wide base reduces chance of spills

Pediatric persons with disabilities have similar needs as adults for daily activities including dressing, eating, toileting and leisure.   Difficulty with any of these activities may be especially acute for persons with Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome. Epilepsy or Tourette Syndrome.

Fortunately many products for adults are suitable for use by smaller hands and arms that are not quite as strong.  While eating utensils  and drinking items may need to be specifically sized for children, specialty plates and bowls can be used universally and there are many to choose from, available from many sources including local medical supplies stores, pharmacies and online suppliers. 

Dressing aids including dressing sticks or button aids may only need to be cut down for a shorter reach and smaller hands.

Bathroom safety can be improved by installing lower grab bars and of course using correspondingly smaller sized and dedicated child bath and toilet seats.

This link will bring you to a web site Care4U.com, offering a number of these types of pediatric products.  http://www.care4u.com/care4uforkids.html      When searching the internet for additional specific products, be sure to include the word “pediatric” in your search terms.

A search of the internet found a number of specialized books devoted to guiding caregivers helping children, the following links should lead you to a few of these books, there are certainly many more

http://books.google.com/books?id=hBxyPpBm0ygC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s

http://books.google.com/books?id=yKX6Kipdgm0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=pediatric+aids+for+daily+living&source=gbs_similarbooks_r&cad=2

http://books.google.com/books?id=1-CvZFkPk9IC&dq=pediatric+aids+for+daily+living&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Caregivers for children face many challenges helping a child learn, grow and develop, we hope that these sources help guide you to additional resources.

An internet search of recent articles about Alzheimer’s disease and treatments uncovered this site, Science Daily (2009-06-23) and a news story about a student in the UK who is working on an idea to help his grandfather and others challenge their minds while sharing time with others ….. the product is a puzzle with larger pieces and images that may evoke memories.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090659.htm

Student’s Design Helps Piece Together Parts Of The Alzheimer’s Puzzle

It was inspiring to see that a grandson, while identifying an activity that the family could all do with their grandfather, expanded his thinking to develop a new product that could benefit others.  The grandson took the time to research and test a variety of options and then focused on viable solutions that other patients and caregivers could use.

While these new specialty puzzles may not yet be available, this creative thinking could be a prompt to others to try something as simple as this to help someone maintain cognitive abilities and better quality of life.  If you have ideas for activities that you have found to be enjoyable and beneficial, please don’t be shy, add a comment so others will be helped.

Scooper Bowl stays put and helps guide food onto fork or spoon

Meals and dining are a universal opportunity for sharing and spending time with others, an  important activity that promotes health and wellness.  Preparing and enjoying food at your own pace is part of that pleasure.  While preparing a complete meal may be difficult for many seniors because of disability or illness, the pleasure of dining independently, without help can still be enjoyed, sometimes with just a little help from adaptive products.

For people with reduced muscle control or partial paralysis, a plate or bowl that doesn’t slide on the table can help reduce spills and the frustration of  a moving plate.   There are a number of plates or bowls that might help including the Scooper Plate and Scooper Bowl, both with suction anti-slip base.  Try these two links to view more information on both products.

http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/scooper-plate-nonskid-base-blue.html

http://www.care4u.com/scoopbowl.html

Both will adhere to smooth surfaces like a Formica table and stay where they are placed .  Their design includes a curled rim so that food pushed into this rim naturally falls back onto the utensil without the need to use a knife (or finger).

For persons who have better muscle control or could hold a plate if needed, but still have trouble getting food on to a utensil, try the Inner Lip Plate that looks much more like a standard plate but includes a curled back inner rim to help food on to the fork or spoon.  This specialized plate does not have an anti-slip base.

http://care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/745310000.html

If you have questions about other adaptive products or need ideas for adaptive products to help you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to respond with comments, or call 877.538.6568, we’re here to help.