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Disclaimer: The material presented in this site is intended for public educational purposes only. The author is not offering medical or legal advice. Accuracy of information is attempted but not guaranteed. Before undertaking any diet, or health improvement program, you should consult your physician. The author is in no way liable or responsible for any bodily harm, physical, mental or emotional state of any patient reacting to any of the content on this site. Thetinman.org has not examined, reviewed or tested any product or service mentioned herein. We are not being paid to advertise or promote any product or service mentioned herein. The links are offered strictly as examples of resources available. The site assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind related to the content of external sites or the usage of any product or service referenced. Links to external sites were live at the time of creation of the link. Thetinman.org does not create content for or manage external sites. The information can be changed or removed by the external site’s administrators at any time and they are responsible for the veracity of their information. Links are provided to support our data and supply additional resources. Please report broken links to administrator@thetinman.org. Thetinman.org is not a charitable foundation. It neither accepts nor distributes donations or funds of any kind.
w Allow adequate time to complete tasks. Rushing can lead to stress which can lead to spasms or accidents.
w Have towels close by the tub or shower and sink.
w Use a stool to sit on while brushing your teeth, shaving, drying or styling your hair, putting on cosmetics, etc. to conserve energy.
w Rest your elbows on the counter or vanity if your arms tire easily.
w Leave the doors to the bottom cabinets open to accommodate your knees if you sit on a stool but need to be closer to the sink.
w Use a hand-held or vanity mirror, preferably with a magnifying side, to do close up work rather than trying to bend across the sink to reach a wall-mounted mirror.
w A long-handled sponge or brush can help you reach your back and lower legs.
w Electric or battery operated toothbrushes can help if your arms tire easily.
w Electric razors can help you avoid cuts.
w Consider a hands-free hair dryer or hair dryer stand.
Hammacher Schlemmer Hair Dryer
Sharper Image Physics-Hands-Free-Hair-Dryer
Bed Bath & Beyond international-hair-dryer-stand
w A stool in the shower or bathtub can help you avoid falls.
w Non-slip mats made for the inside of the tub and shower can help you avoid slipping.
w Non-slip rugs with rubber backs next to the edge of the tub and the shower can help you avoid slipping when you step out.
w Grab bars, installed by hardware or adhered to the wall, can help you get into/out of the tub or on/off the toilet. Have the bars professionally installed if at all possible.
w Do not use toilet paper holders, towel bars, or other fixtures to help you stand or sit.
w Do not use bar soap, especially if you cannot bend down.
w Install a nightlight in the bathroom.
w Bring a cordless phone into the bathroom with you and have it within reach should you fall.
w Lower your water temperature to 120 degrees to avoid accidental burns or install scald-guards.
w Consider installing a hand-held shower head.
w Turn the light on before entering the bathroom.
w Consider installing a shelf or shower caddy in the shower to avoid having to bend down.
w Consider installing hands-free faucets.
w Levers are easier to turn than knobs. Consider changing out faucet fixtures.
w Installing a pedestal sink makes it easier to maneuver around in a bathroom with walking aids or a wheelchair.
w Consider removing cabinet doors and linen closet doors to make access to stored items easier and so that wheelchair users can better approach the sink.
w Install a sturdy toilet seat. Cheap plastic seats can slide and throw you off balance.
w Elevated toilet seats with grab bars can help you get onto and off of the toilet.
w There are many types and styles from rings that sit on the existing toilet, chair frames that straddle an existing toilet, beside toilets, etc. These can be ordered through your local pharmacy or purchased at local home improvement stores. You can also order bars that straddle the toilet to help you rise and lower yourself onto the seat.
w Portable toilets can be placed next to the bed if you have trouble reaching the bathroom in an emergency.
Electric toilet seat lifts can also be installed.
First Street Online Neptune Toilet Lift
Accessible Construction Power Toilet Aid
Vitality Medical Phillips Lift Systems
Incontinence Tips
w Start visiting the bathroom routinely throughout the day, even if you don't feel the urge, perhaps every two hours during your waking hours.
w Visit the bathroom right before you go to bed.
w Monitor your water intake and reduce caffeinated drinks that act as diuretics, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
If you find yourself going frequently during the night, limit evening fluid intake for the two hours preceding your bedtime.
w Incontinence products offer support during the night time hours and if you are bedridden and need assistance in getting to the bathroom.
w There are many brands of disposable underwear products. These can be doubled if necessary.
w Incontinence products also offer you more security when you are away from home.
w There are "condom" catheters for men.
Northshore Carec adult-diapers
w Disposable plastic lined absorbent pads can be placed on top of the sheets. A plastic mattress shield can be placed on the mattress to protect it from accidents.
w If you need help transferring to the toilet, make sure your caregiver is trained in how to help you do so safely.
w If you are bedridden, you need some sort of bell or loud signal to alert your caregivers that you need assistance.
w A baby monitor could also be used for this purpose. There are many types from sound only to video and sound.
Consumer Reports: Baby Monitors
w Two-way radios could also be used.
w A purse alarm can be clipped to you to alert a caregiver when you stand up.
w Identify where the bathrooms are wherever you go.
w A list of emergency medical devices and apps can be found here.
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Disclaimer: The material presented in this site is intended for public educational purposes only. The author is not offering medical or legal advice. Accuracy of information is attempted but not guaranteed. Before undertaking any diet, or health improvement program, you should consult your physician. The author is in no way liable or responsible for any bodily harm, physical, mental or emotional state of any patient reacting to any of the content this site. Thetinman.org has not examined, reviewed or tested any product or service mentioned herein. We are not being paid to advertise or promote any product or service mentioned herein. The links are offered strictly as examples of resources available. The site assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind related to the content of external sites or the usage of any product or service referenced. Links to external sites were live at the time of creation of the link. Thetinman.org does not create content for or manage external sites. The information can be changed or removed by the external site’s administrators at any time and they are responsible for the veracity of their information. Links are provided to support our data and supply additional resources. Please report broken links to administrator@thetinman.org.