Disability Newsfeed for Disabled People, Parents, Carers, Occupational Therapists and AHPs

Thanks to a next generation Abacus bath Norma Beaumont can continue to bathe her 31-year-old daughter who lives with physical and mental disabilities. Lucy Beaumont, aged 31 is a delightful disabled adult who lives with her mother in Swanley, Kent. Lucy lives with undiagnosed physical and mental disabilities that were probably caused by a developmental brain defect before birth. Lucy is able to tentatively walk with carer support however has limited mobility and cognitive abilities, no speech and requires care 24/7. During the week Lucy attends the Gravesend Community Day Service Centre which allows her mother, Norma, to work part-time. Apart from these weekday visits Norma cares for her daughter at home which is an uncommon situation bearing in mind Lucy’s age. This is possible by ownership of only one piece of specialist equipment – a  power-adjustable assistive bath from Abacus Healthcare. The variable height bath with integrated platform which Norma uses is the second Pisc...

It may be the smallest room in the house, but the bathroom is the most dangerous one in the home. This is due to a blend of complex activities (occupations), restricted space, humidity and its wet environment – the combination of which can lead to accidents and injuries. Occupational Therapists (OTs)  can help design safety features for bathroom layouts and also choose the appropriate products to meet the client’s needs, avoiding potential injuries. When designing a bathroom, a client’s unique goals should be prioritised. OTs need to involve their clients in the decision-making process regarding layout and products, while clearly explaining why certain design features or specific products are being recommended. Below are six tips to safer design in the bathroom, from the simple to the complex: 1. Flooring Always recommend R10 (1) rated slip-resistant flooring, reducing potential slips and falls.  Remember that slip-resistant flooring does not always have to be ‘...

It is important to know how simple strategies can assist Occupational Therapists (OTs) and their clients who live with memory impairment, brain injury or learning difficulties. A client’s independence relies on a clear strategy for organising their daily routines, medication and social life. Strategies for memory loss Some people in the early stages of dementia or memory loss will begin to find it increasingly difficult to maintain their schedules and manage money. They may be reluctant to ask for help and this can lead to covering up errors which can be a major source of stress. Learning new coping skills and strategies can bring about a renewed sense of accomplishment for people with dementia. OTs helping someone manage their daily routine should consider the following: The problem:  make a list of tasks that have become more challenging  read more....

‘Personal Care’ is a free-to-attend event that provides visitors with the opportunity to see and compare the latest products to assist people with a range of disabilities. Paediatric and bariatric solutions will be on display, and this includes variable-height baths, showers, bath lifts, transfer chairs and other such aids to assist with daily hygiene. Among a list of exhibitors, Abacus Healthcare will be demonstrating its Gemini hi-lo platform bath. Read more:  http://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/news/details/40/see-abacus-at-the...

Bathrooms have to cater to the needs of all family members within a household, both young and old. Everyone needs good levels of light but as we get older these needs increase as less light reaches the retina and visual clarity deteriorates. In fact, most people at the age of sixty need three times more light than when they were aged 20. Two million people in the UK are currently living with sight loss and around 20% of those are aged seventy-five and over* Whether individuals have a visual problem or just wear glasses, the chances are that the bathroom is where they are likely to remove their glasses to wash, shower or shave. This means lighting levels are critical to enable people to carry out these essential activities. Effective lighting can make a huge impact to the look and feel of any bathroom so it’s important to always consider a number of factors when planning any bathroom installation. Here are the 5 main considerations to bear in mind when selecting lighting for the bathroo...