September has officially been declared ‘Self-Care Awareness Month’ — calling attention to the importance and care of those with physical disabilities.

No matter the type of disability that you or your loved one has, taking care good care of oneself on a daily basis can affect ones outlook on life- either really or negatively. And because each disability has its own set of challenges, addressing them individually can help to clarify the best daily living aids and apparatuses, creating a more constructive, product and emotionally stimulating day!

Parkinson’s Disease:

Because PD makes it difficult to dress and bath due to the tremors and balance challenges, choosing the right products/aids to make daily life easier will be essential for this patient.

Items to consider:

Dependa Bar Grab Bar—designed for bathing, toileting and other environments where grab bars are found. Combines the sturdiness of a wall mounted grab bar and the functionality of a dual support rail that moves in step during standing and transferring in the bathroom.

Large Universal Weighted Holder—designed to hold a toothbrush or disposable razor. It weighs approximately 7 ounces and includes an Allen wrench. This can help to alleviate the movement while trying to shave or brush your teeth!

Easy Sock Aid Kit—assists individuals who have difficulty bending to put on or take off their socks. This easy to use sock assistance kit is designed to allow users to put on socks and remove socks easily, and without bending over. This is perfect for someone with PD who has balance issues.

Arthritis:

Arthritic patients are typically challenged with dexterity in the hands/wrists and elbows. Certain aids can help make dressing, bathing and other basic hygiene habits easier to accomplish.

Items to consider:

Myself Belts One Handed Belt—a new line of belts designed to help those with hand dexterity problems. Myself Belts’ closure allows for one-handed closure promoting independence! Also available in brown and black!

Roll Easy Lotion Applicator—massages the body while applying ointments, creams, lotions and medications for those hard to reach areas, including the back. Includes 2 massage rollers and an inverted and round roller; pivoting head on the handle allows rollers to be used at any angle.

Freedom Wand –a self-wipe, sanitary, easy to use, multipurpose, portable, personal toilet tissue aid. The versatile, long handle is specifically designed for personal cleaning/hygiene. Perfect for anyone with limited mobility due to arthritis or other conditions.

Alzheimer’s

For someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, especially those with early onset where the patient is still cognizant of their surroundings, they will want to still feel independent when trying to dress, bath and perform basic hygiene habits, as well as eating, even if its with the help of a caregiver.

Items to consider:

Redware dishes: People with Alzheimer’s have difficulty in distinguishing light colored foods and tableware—researches have noticed in studies that tableware high in contrast (i.e.: bright red and bright blue), that food intake of Alzheimer’s patients increased by 60%.

The Aqua Shampoo Gloves Case: Individuals with dementia can be easily stressed when washing and bathing. Many, in fact, can become quite agitated while shampooing hair. The shampoo contains no soap and requires no rinsing or drying. Perfect for caregivers!

Bath Board provides a stable seating surface. The wider end of the bath board provides a stable sitting surface and helps to make transfers in and out of the tub easier.