by mobilityplus | 17th Jul, 2021 | Health
With more and more people considering their impact on the planet, it is no surprise we are looking at our food choices as one of the ways to help with sustainability. The meat and dairy industries have come under scrutiny for their part in causing damage to the environment, via greenhouse gases from livestock, deforestation and water shortages from farming, and vast ocean dead zones from agricultural pollution.
People all over the planet are adopting diets to support this movement. Ranging from flexitarians (a person who has a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish) to vegetarians (no meat) to vegans (no animal products at all). However, people are not just looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Many are looking at these lifestyle changes to improve their health too.
Diet that helps arthritis
Scientists have long known the anti-inflammatory effects of plant foods and how one can positively affect health issues, such as arthritis, by focusing on what’s on their plate. But does a vegan diet help reduce arthritis symptoms and pain?
This appears to be heavily dependent on what type of arthritis is the focus. Adopting an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’ rich in plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, for an inflammation-led disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has had promising results in trials. One study found that 4 weeks on a low-fat vegan diet improved RA joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. There is also an interesting link with improving the ‘good bacteria’ in your gut by eating more fibre from a higher plant diet. These bacteria help to keep inflammation in check and support the immune system.
Furthermore, studies show that people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are less likely to be overweight or obese compared to their meat-eating counterparts. The impact of weight on the joints and bones significantly drives factors that contribute to Osteoarthritis (OA) and RA.
One of the most beneficial type of diet for arthritis so far is the so-called “Mediterranean diet”, which promotes the intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts as well as certain types of fish for increased omega-3 intake. Therefore, while the idea is still a nutrient dense diet focusing on vegetables, leafy greens, beans and wholegrains certain non-vegan foods could still provide beneficial for decreasing inflammation.
Is meat & dairy the problem?
What the studies don’t show clearly however, is if it is the animal products causing the issues of inflammation and weight gain or if it’s the overconsumption of animals, unhealthy habits and processed foods that accompany the majority of people following a typical Western Diet. The issue is more complex than “plants good, animals bad,”. Vegan diets tend to include more healthy foods in general as well as healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and being in nature. Meat eaters as a group tend to eat more processed foods (pizza, burgers, cheese) and are more sedentary, which can trigger inflammation.
Some studies also suggest a possible link between chronic inflammation and saturated fats found in red meats, full-fat dairy foods, butter and poultry skin, while fats found in olive oil and avocado does not have the same effect
There is yet to be a study on a population who eats mostly plants, some animal products and adopts healthy lifestyle choices and the impact on arthritis, however.
Likewise, you can be vegan and still eat plenty of foods that will not help your arthritis symptoms or contribute to a healthy diet. For example, sugar, chips, alcohol, white bread and meat substitutes, which all come from plants, can trigger inflammation.
More anti-inflammatory plants
What is clear is the impact on having more plants in the diet is good for both your health outcomes and the planet. No wonder why the vegan anti-inflammatory diet is so popular with people with arthritis, people who focus on a diet with more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, healthy fats and whole grains (i.e., brown rice and barley) instead of refined carbohydrates like white pasta, bread or rice are increasing their body’s nutrient stores to support repair mechanisms in the body.
These plant foods are also packed with phytochemicals (plant-based compounds) that include antioxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids, all of which protect the tissues from oxidation and help reduce inflammation.
Possible problems with plant-based diet
If adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet sounds appealing for your arthritis, consider what you may need to supplement or provide more of in your diet.
These include; vitamin B-12 (which are only found in animal products and essential for brain function) omega-3 fatty acids (which also reduce inflammation and support cell-communication), iron (to protect against potential anaemia), zinc & vitamin D (for the immune system), calcium (for bones support) and selenium & iodine (for a healthy thyroid).
One of the main areas of consideration we hear when people talk about veganism is protein intake. While protein intake changes based on how much we weigh and how active we are, the general daily intake for the average adult ranges around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound.
That means that the average sedentary man should eat about 56 grams of protein per day, and the average woman should eat about 46 grams – but that’s only the bare minimum to hit in order to not experience negative side effects.
One thing to consider however is that older adults have significantly increased protein needs – up to 50% higher than average, or about 0.45–0.6 grams per pound (1–1.3 grams per kg) of body weight.
For this reason, it is best to add a protein source to each of the 3 main meals a day to ensure the basic needs are met. The most popular source of protein for vegans are beans, chickpeas, nuts, and tofu – all containing enough protein to cover the daily intake if consumed at a proper amount.
For example, a large egg, which is a favoured source of protein for non-vegans has only 6g of protein and both beans and chickpeas contain about 15 grams of protein per cooked cup (240 ml) so adding them in to your dishes in any format can help ensure you meet your needs.
by mobilityplus | 8th Jul, 2021 | Uncategorized
Baths are a fantastic way to unwind. The hot water is soothing, releasing muscle tension and relieving stress. But finding the perfect bath for you can be a bit of a minefield; there are so many options available, and it can be difficult to understand bath sizes or what would fit your bathroom.
Not all types of baths are suitable for every level of mobility, which can prompt additional challenges. Bathing is supposed to be relaxing, yet as we age and our mobility begins to decline, the act of bathing itself can become increasingly complex and even stressful.
In this article, we’ll look at the different types and sizes of baths available, as well as exploring walk-in baths, which are designed with mobility difficulties in mind.
The benefits of baths
A bath isn’t just a way to stay clean and prevent poor personal hygiene. It’s an important part of self-care. Stress relief is one of the biggest advantages of bathing, while additionally, doing so in the evening can help relax you and improve your sleep.
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But the benefits of baths aren’t just mental, they’re physical too. Baths can soothe aching muscles or joints, ease pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
What is the standard bath size in the UK?
The standard bath size is 1700 mm x 700 mm, based on an average-sized bathroom. This size is most applicable to a single-ended straight bath, which is one of the most popular styles of bath in the UK.
While this is the standard average size of a bath, there are a lot of different bathrooms with a lot of different dimensions. Standard sizing is also available for smaller or larger baths.
What other size variations are available?
If it’s a tight squeeze in your bathroom already, opting for a smaller bath would likely suit you best. These measure at, on average, 1400-1600 mm x 700 mm, and so can be better tucked into smaller spaces. Though if that’s the case, there are certain styles of bath that would be beneficial – we’ll get to that shortly.
But if space isn’t an issue, you could definitely consider a large bath. These are typically 1800 mm in length and 800 mm in width, providing a great deal of space for you to relax and spread out. There’s something quite nice and luxurious about having the room you need, and it’s also more beneficial for taller adults.
How to measure the size of the bath you need
It’s worth noting that the precise dimensions of bathroom space, or the bath you want, are going to differ. It’s crucial to ensure that you get your bathroom measurements correct, as failing to do so can cause massive delays with your bathroom refurbishments.
Though sometimes it is best to consult a bathroom fitter – at Mobility Plus, we offer a specialist installation service for all of our walk-in baths and showers – if you’re interested in a traditional type of bath, you can do this yourself.
Start by picking the space you’d like the bath, or if you’re simply replacing an existing bath, begin there. It’s best to measure length first. Measure the distance from one side of your current bath, or the empty space, to the other.
For width, measure from the back wall to the front. For height, you’ll need to measure from the floor to the top edge – please remember you must measure the exterior of an existing bath for accurate results. For the depth, you’ll do the opposite: this is an interior measurement that will dictate the amount of water that the bath can hold.
What are the different types of bath available in the UK?
When it comes to modern baths, there are more variations (and more options to try and choose between) than ever before. While it can add time to the decision process, it does allow for a lot more flexibility in picking out a bath that will not only complement the style of your bathroom but also be the most practical option for you and your household.
Straight baths
Standard size: 1700 mm x 700 mm
We’ll start with the most common type of bath: the straight bath, which is the same style that we mentioned above. Probably the most commonly found bath in UK households, these are generally used for standard sizing references. These come in both single or double-ended versions, referring to where the plug and taps are placed, though double-ended tend to be slightly larger and can comfortably hold two people.
Straight baths are a popular option due to their size, they can fit neatly and compactly into tight spaces. They are often installed against walls for this same reason.
Shower-baths
If you’ve only got the space for one, a shower-bath allows its user to kill two birds with one stone. While many shower-baths are simply single-ended straight baths with the addition of a showerhead and showering functions, there are a variety of options out there.
Freestanding baths
Standard size: 1800 mm x 800 mm
For those with bigger bathrooms, a freestanding bath is a great choice. Taking pride of place in your bathroom without the need to be connected to a wall, these have a very luxurious feel and offer plenty of room within the tub itself. They also tend to offer much more depth, meaning you’re better able to properly submerge yourself in the water.
Corner baths
Standard size: 1200 mm x 900 mm
Corner baths are another common choice in the UK and are similar to straight baths in that they fit perfectly into snug spaces without taking up too much of your bathroom. In fact, they can be a far better fit as they can squeeze into corners.
If you’re pushed for space in your bathroom, definitely consider a corner bath, although despite being typically smaller in terms of standard size, you can get larger corner baths if you do have ample room for one. Because they tend to be wider and shorter than other types of baths in general, they can be a good option for those with slightly reduced mobility, and it isn’t difficult to find baths in this style that have a built-in seat for the same purpose.
Walk-in baths
While all the baths listed above have their own advantages, sometimes they aren’t suited to those with disabilities or limited mobility. If that sounds like you, then a walk-in bath is definitely something that you should consider. Bathing doesn’t stop being enjoyable just because you get older; in fact, if anything, it’s only more beneficial.
However, it can become far more difficult. Getting in or out can be stressful and require assistance, but this is something that many don’t want to ask for. A walk-in bath allows people with limited mobility to enjoy that same experience in a safe, stress-free way, whilst enabling them to assert their independence.
What is a walk-in bath?
Walk-in baths have watertight doors, which means people can get in and out without having to lower themselves into it like a traditional bath would entail. In terms of sizing, they vary depending on what kind of experience the user is looking for. While some can be small and compact, and better suited to tighter spaces, which usually require that the user sit up whilst bathing, there are other full-length options that allow you to lie down as you would in a ‘traditional’ type of bath.
What types of walk-in baths are available?
Walk-in baths come in different variations, each suited to a different level of mobility. For example, there are many that have a low threshold to get into the bath itself, while some walk-in baths have a lift, so that the user doesn’t need to step upwards through the door at all.
Walk-in baths also have features that are designed to cater for older people or those with mobility problems. These include non-slip surfaces, hand bars for additional support, low entry doors, and additional features for comfort and relaxation like chromotherapy or spa therapy.
Walk-in baths also tend to have better, and easier to use temperature controls, than traditional baths, so that elderly people don’t have to worry about the shock of too cold or too hot water – which can definitely ruin the experience of a stress-relieving bath! Spa Therapy systems are also particularly helpful for elderly people; not only do these features really help you to unwind, but they’re great at tackling those aches and pains we talked about earlier, and have been known to aid arthritic discomfort.
If a bath isn’t actually your cup of tea at all, there are also walk-in showers and wet rooms which can fit a similar purpose.
Whatever the design of your bathroom, and whatever your concerns regarding practicality and mobility, there’s a huge amount of variety on the market, and you’re bound to find a style to suit your needs. When it comes to mobility-friendly baths, we take pride in offering the largest selection of walk-in baths in the UK – and we’ll always work around your requirements. Take a look at our range or get in touch with our team.
by mobilityplus | 18th Jun, 2021 | Accessibility
There are 14.1 million people with a disability living in the UK. These figures take into account a broad spectrum of conditions that are classified as a disability which can require a variety of different adjustments to make a space more accessible. But, what is often common among the varied conditions experienced, is that accommodations make living with a disability easier for those people. From ensuring environments account for accessibility to providing safety features and enhancements, there are lots of ways we can make our homes more disability-friendly.
Depending on the type of disability or mobility concern you or your loved one is experiencing there are a multitude of ways that homes can be adapted to make them a more welcoming space. From a little help in the kitchen or bathroom which are considered high-risk areas for slips and falls, to making a property wheelchair accessible, we’re going to review how to make your home more accessible.
- Provide ramps instead of steps
Whether you or someone you live with uses a wheelchair or has mobility issues, swapping out stairs for a ramp is one of the best ways to make your home more disability-friendly. If you can’t completely renovate your property to exchange your stairs for a ramp, consider whether you can use temporary measures.
Like a portable ramp or if wheelchair access isn’t required, evaluate how you can make the stairs more accessible – such as by adding non-slip surfaces and handrails for extra support. Before you start any work on installing a ramp, you will need to check what permissions are required for any work completed on your home, as well as what will be possible with your current fit-out.
- Widen doorways to create more space
Space can be one of the biggest barriers when it comes to accessibility in the home. To make your house more disability-friendly, consider widening doorways to accommodate the additional width of a wheelchair or walker. With many British homes being hundreds of years old, they tend to be built narrower than modern homes.
Broadening the width of your doorway can be a costly process. You may need to ask what changes you can make to your property if there are restrictions or covenants in place before you undertake any work.
- Consider automatic doors
While not as common, you can look to install automatic doors in your house. While these are more commonly used in commercial buildings, they can be particularly useful for those in a wheelchair. Giving the option of greater accessibility by removing the need to try to open doors, this may be an option you wish to consider.
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- Install a stairlift if you have a multi-storey property
A lot of British homes are multi-storey, which means stairs are an inevitable part of your living experience. If you or someone living in your home is a wheelchair user or has mobility issues that make stairs an impossibility, a stairlift is a modification worth considering for your home.
Stairs pose a problem for many people who experience mobility issues, so installing a stairlift can make a huge difference to the quality of your living space. Stairlifts are available in both permanent and on-the-go solutions that provide flexibility depending on your circumstances. So long as you can transfer in and out of a wheelchair, a stairlift is a wonderful addition to make your home more accessible.
- Handrails on both sides of the staircase
If you or your loved one can still access and use stairs but requires a little additional support, then adding another handrail could be all you need. By offering support on both sides, it can increase the safety of using stairs in your home. It’s worthwhile extending the handrail beyond the first and last stair. This will enable residents to secure their grip before approaching the stairs and is particularly useful for those with visual impairments, as it offers support before walking on an uneven surface.
- Replace carpets with wooden floors
Whether someone in your home is using a wheelchair or has other mobility-related concerns, switching out your carpeted floors for wooden flooring can make moving around the home much easier. Carpets, especially those with a deeper pile, can prevent wheels from moving freely, obstruct or catch walkers, or cause trip hazards for people that may have trouble lifting their feet higher off the ground. Changing your flooring is a moderately affordable change to your home that can be done fairly quickly and has a big impact. Likewise, large rugs can also be an issue, particularly posing a trip hazard as the rug isn’t affixed to the flooring.
- Adjust the height of worktops
Adjusting the height of worktops can be a big job when adapting your home to be more disability-friendly. However, if you or someone you live with uses a wheelchair, this can make an enormous difference to the accessibility of the home. There are two options that you can consider when reviewing the height of your worktops. The first is to completely adapt the height so that most or all of the space is wheelchair accessible, which will involve lowering the height overall.
If this isn’t suitable, you may want to consider adjustable height worktops which allows you to adapt the height based on the needs of the user. This is especially useful if there are multiple users in the house, but not all require the same height. Adjusting the height of your worktops doesn’t only benefit wheelchair users. Those who may be unable to stand for long periods but want to use the kitchen can also make use of the lower level bench tops by using a seat to support them when cooking, preparing meals or washing up.
- Consider smart home installations such as blinds, lighting and TV
Smart home installations are a newer solution on the market, but they can have a big impact on improving the accessibility of a home. Blinds, lighting and TV controls that can either be managed from an app or panel can provide more autonomy for users and may require fewer changes to your household overall in the long term.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom
Grab bars are a fast and easy way to make your home more disability-friendly without costing you a lot of money or taking a long time to install. A quick and easy process that helps to turn your bathroom into a disability bathroom, grab bars offer additional support. Particularly useful for those who need a little extra confidence in high-slip locations such as tiled areas, they can make showering and using the toilet considerably easier.
Grab bars can be added to the shower to prevent slips and falls on slippery floors while also adding a balancing aid for people who experience mobility issues. Similar to wall grab bars, a frame can be installed around your toilet to provide additional support when sitting and standing – this can be beneficial for people who have mobility or strength-related disabilities or be added as a more temporary installation for those with injuries such as someone who is using crutches.
- Flip down shower chair
Not everyone can stand in the shower, which is why the addition of a flip-down shower chair can be a wonderful addition to your home. If you don’t have a bath, a flip-down shower chair can be used to provide waterproof seating for people who are unable to stand for long periods – such as for the length of a shower. Installing a flip-down design means the seat is secured to the wall, making it less hazardous than a freestanding chair which could tip, and it can be neatly stowed away when other members of the household are using the shower.
- Consider a walk-in shower
A walk-in shower is a great way to make your bathroom more disability-friendly. By removing the barriers of stepping into a shower, such as with a shower-over-bath design, trip and slip hazards are minimised. People with mobility issues or wheelchair users can access the shower with ease. Walk-in showers, sometimes known as level-access showers, don’t have a high tray either, making them a highly beneficial consideration when reviewing improvements to make to your home.
Walk-in showers also feature a range of other benefits that increase their appeal for a disability-friendly home, including the ability to add a foldable shower chair, support handrails, non-slip flooring to reduce slip risk, an easy temperature control system and the enclosures are easy to clean.
- Discover the benefits of a walk-in bath
Like a walk-in shower, a walk-in bath is an ideal consideration to make your home more accessible for disabled users. Designed to promote a safe and relaxing bathing environment, walk-in baths have watertight doors, allowing people to get into and out of the bathtub without having to lower themselves down into it. They’re usually compact and can be made so that the person sits up while bathing, but there are also more traditional walk-in baths that are full-length, allowing the person to lie down to enjoy their bathing.
Users can choose to have a walk-in bath with a lift that goes one step further and helps the person into the bath without them having to step through the door itself. Non-slip flooring, easy temperature controls and grab rails also make a walk-in bath a great choice for making your home more disability-friendly.
- Change doorknobs and tap fittings
There are many disabilities that affect a person’s dexterity which means using doorknobs and certain tap fittings can be a difficult task. Instead of a doorknob that is round and requires a firm grip around to turn, switch them for lever-style handles that can be pulled down and don’t require a tightened grip. The same applies to tap fittings. Rather than designs that require a turning motion, opt for lever designs that need less strength and give the user a greater space to pull to use the tap.
- Two-way switches
Two-way switches are convenient and increase safety in your home, making them the perfect addition to make your living space more disability-friendly. By installing switches at the entry point and near the bed for example, users can move from one area of the space to another without the risk of visibility issues. By providing dual-access points for power, particularly lighting, residents can also benefit. Whether someone is bedridden and needs to access to lighting from bed, those on crutches can move around without fear of tripping or wheelchair users can confidently move around without having to feel their way through the dark. Two-way switches are a small but mighty change that will improve the experience for everyone in the home.
- Review furniture placement
Furniture can become an obstacle for those with mobility concerns or those using a wheelchair to navigate their way around the home. Careful consideration of furniture placement can make a space significantly more liveable for those with disabilities. Keeping thoroughfares clear of furniture, avoiding pokey spaces that need to be accessed and ensuring there are no tight turns or sharp corners will make your home much more accessible for users. Also ensure you keep everyday items like utensils and serving ware, books and remote controls in easy-to-reach places, so they can be accessed quickly and without any barriers.
Making your home more accessible can include a range of adaptations from minor adjustments to larger renovations. The changes you consider will depend on the type of disability you are accommodating your living space for, and your budget. By creating a more disability-friendly home, it will ensure it becomes a space to relax and feel safe while nurturing a welcoming and enjoyable environment.
Whether you choose to add small touches because you’re renting a property or updating your forever home to accommodate your needs, these tips should help inspire you. Let us know which features you’ve made in your home to foster a more disability-friendly space.
by mobilityplus | 10th May, 2021 | Health
We’re regularly reminded of how important hydration is for everyone, young or old. But did you know that our hydration requirements change as we age? Water is one of the most critical elements, with up to 60% of the human body made of water. Keeping hydrated is essential for the normal function of our bodies. So, why do we need to monitor our hydration more closely the older we get?
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From the effects dehydration has on the body and mind, to the benefits a well-hydrated system can offer, there are lot of reasons we need to manage our water intake. A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found hydration plays an essential role in managing body temperature and fighting off a range of health issues. With water used by every cell in our body, we must take care to fend off dehydration, especially as we approach the warmer months in summer.
It’s not always well known that we need to increase our water intake as we grow older, which means this gap in knowledge can be causing many to underestimate how much water they should be consuming every day. Discover why hydration is so important and how to improve your water intake.
Why is hydration important?
Good hydration is a crucial part of a healthy diet. Healthy hydration levels affect almost every bodily function, including supporting our blood system by carrying essential glucose, oxygen and nutrients to cells, helping our kidneys to filter waste products we no longer want from our systems, lubricating our joints and eyes, helping the normal function of our digestive system and keeping our skin healthy. Good hydration levels have also been linked to improved cognitive function, better quality sleep and overall improvements in mood.
Signs of dehydration
There are a broad range of symptoms that we can experience if dehydrated, and they often depend on the level of dehydration being experienced too. Signs of dehydration often include:
- Dry mouth, lips or eyes
- Feeling thirsty
- Dizziness or light headed
- Infrequent urination and/or darker coloured urine
If you notice these signs, you should prioritise increasing your fluids to prevent the problem becoming worse. If symptoms persist, this could lead to complications associated with dehydration, such as:
- Low blood pressure
- Sunken eyes
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Drowsiness, confusion and/or disorientation
Long term dehydration can result in:
- Reduced kidney function and infection
- Constipation
- Muscle damage
- Dry or flaky skin
- Fatigue
Causes of dehydration
There are a number of reasons someone can become dehydrated, from not consuming enough fluids to illness. Commonly associated causes of dehydration include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Heatstroke
- Diabetes
- Excess sweating
- Fever
- Consumption of certain drinks such as alcoholic beverages
- Certain medications that are known as diuretics
Why is hydration more important as we age?
Dehydration is a common problem among elderly people in the UK, made more pronounced during the hotter months of the year. There are a number of reasons this occurs more often in older people than in younger. The water levels in our body decrease as we age, meaning that between the age of 20 and 80 years, there is approximately a 15% reduction in our water volume.
This is a natural effect of the ageing process, which is why as we age, we must take care to pay attention to our fluid intake. This reduced water volume as we age means we become more susceptible to dehydration the older we get. Our threshold for hydration is decreased, meaning the onset of dehydration can happen more rapidly than when younger.
Sweat is a common function of the body that helps us to regulate body temperature. However, when we are older, this becomes more difficult to manage. With naturally lower water volumes, the body doesn’t manage heat regulation as easily, which can result in increased strain on the heart, especially during exercise.
Temperature regulation isn’t only associated with exercise, though. It affects us whenever we need to adapt to our environment, whether hotter or cooler. Hydration helps mitigate issues related to body temperature, such as risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and adverse heart problems.
Some important benefits of maintaining hydration extend beyond the regulation of body temperature too:
Improved physical and mental health
Our minds have been found to be healthier when our hydration levels are higher. This encourages improved cognitive function and allows our brains to function at their full capability. Exercise is also easier for people when they are hydrated, improving endurance levels, heart rate and speeding up the recovery process.
Prevents illness
It’s no surprise healthy hydration keeps illness at bay. From reducing short term risks associated with dehydration, such as urinary tract and kidney infections, to long term conditions such as diabetes, hydration plays a key role. Not only does healthy hydration reduce the impact of illness, but it also helps with the recovery process if we do fall ill.
Better mood
Hydration has been linked to your mood, with even mild dehydration having an impact on how we feel. From feeling more tense or ‘off’ to playing a role in feeling down, not getting enough H20 can have more of an impact than we realise. With water playing a vital role in our emotions, ensuring we’re reaching optimum hydration levels can keep us feeling better.
How much water do I need to stay hydrated?
Most adults should aim for around two litres of water per day to maintain good hydration levels. For most people, this equates to around 8–10 classes per day. While this is a good base indication, it’s important to note that water intake will differ from person to person and is highly dependent on activity and climate. This is why in the summer we often need more fluids than during winter.
A lot of people wonder if only water intake contributes to their hydration. While water is the best source of fluids to maintain your hydration level, tea and coffee contribute to your fluid intake, as do foods with high levels of water such as cucumber, watermelon and berries. It is important to ensure you are not relying on food and tea or coffee to provide all of your fluid intake.
How to improve your hydration levels
Maintaining hydration can become more difficult as we age. Older people tend to have reduced thirst levels, which means they don’t notice they are dehydrated until later than a young person would. It can also be difficult with people who are experiencing dementia as they may forget to drink.
To improve hydration levels, consider these tips to help you stay on top of your fluid intake.
- Drink small amounts often. By drinking smaller amounts of water more frequently you can maintain improved consistency in hydration levels.
- Swap regular tea and coffee for decaffeinated versions. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the body to eliminate fluids. By switching your tea and coffee to low caffeinated versions, you will reduce the diuretic effect.
- If you have trouble drinking two litres of plain water daily, consider adding fresh fruit including citrus or berries to your water to gently and naturally flavour it.
- Keep a bottle or jug of water close to you. If you keep water within your sight, you are more likely to drink it more often and reach your daily target.
- Keep tabs on how much you drink. This can be noting down how many glasses you are having or using a water bottle that has measures on it to show you how much you’re consuming.
- Add high fluid foods to your diet. Soups, smoothies and lots of fruits and vegetables contain higher amounts of water. While these shouldn’t be relied upon to increase fluid levels, they can contribute up to as much as 20% of your daily water intake.
- Setting yourself reminders can be a useful way of ensuring you keep up your fluids consistently throughout the day.
- Drink a glass of water with every meal, this makes it easy to remember to drink and can also help you avoid overeating at mealtimes.
Can you drink too much water?
The simple answer is yes, you can drink too much water. Over hydration is a problem when someone consumes too much water, which reduces the electrolytes in your body. A fall in your electrolyte levels can cause headaches, nausea and muscle weakness. Signs you have consumed too much water can include swollen lips, hands and feet – though this differs to fluid retention caused by other conditions. If you are concerned about over hydration or dehydration, you should speak with your doctor to ensure you are maintaining optimum hydration levels to keep you healthy.
Mobility Plus are dedicated to making life around your home, in particular your bathroom, easier and more livable. By providing a range of walk-in showers and walk-in baths for disabled and elderly, we help people improve their bathrooms for increased access so showering and bathing at home becomes safer. Explore our full range to discover how you can make the most of these modern and stylish additions to your bathroom.
by mobilityplus | 4th May, 2021 | dementia
Many people are aware of dementia and Alzheimer’s, with both the internet and the media providing a certain amount of awareness on the topic. There is also an abundance of films about dementia and Alzheimer’s, which certainly helps people’s understanding of them. However, there is often confusion around what the diagnosis means and as such, a lack of understanding when it comes to symptoms, outcomes and associated struggles.
Motion pictures can often help to portray things clearly and communicate the experiences people have with certain illnesses. When we follow on someone’s journey through diagnosis and management, and get sucked into the character’s lives, it can often provide a new perspective.
While there is a plethora of information available to self-educate on the subject of both dementia and Alzheimer’s, it can be difficult to understand the differences between the two conditions. As the Alzheimer’s Society explains, dementia is caused by diseases which damage the brain by causing a loss of nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease is one specific cause of dementia and it is the most common.
In the UK, 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia and there are currently around 850,000 people who have been diagnosed. The statistics show that by 2040, this will rise to 1.6 million people.
With the subject being such a prevalent issue and one that is and will continue to affect such a large percentage of the population, we highlight four moving films about dementia and Alzheimer’s. Each one conveys the challenges facing those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s and the significant effect this can have on both their own lives and the surrounding relationships. Let’s explore each film and its characters below.
- Still Alice
Based on a book of the same name, Still Alice is a heartfelt film, following the story of Alice Howland – played by Julianne Moore – and the ways in which Alzheimer’s can unravel your life and your identity quickly, and without notice.
Happily married at age 50 with three children, the film sees Alice as an acclaimed linguistics professor who suddenly starts to forget her words. Upon receiving the diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, the film focuses on the struggles in which both Alice and her family face following on from the diagnosis. It can be a challenging film to watch, as it is both disconcerting and a heartbreaking insight into the disease.
Still Alice is one of the most popular films about Alzheimer’s and is an accurate depiction of how it feels to detach from the person you believed you once were. However, as you watch Alice grapple with the loss of her own identity, the film also offers an inspiring and hopeful take around the diseases.
As she states in the film, “Who can take us seriously when we are so far from who we once were? Our strange behaviour and fumbled sentences change others’ perceptions of us and our perceptions of ourselves. We become ridiculous, incapable, comic… but this is not who we are. This is our disease and like any disease, it has a cause, it has a progression, and it could have a cure.”
- Alive Inside
Of all the films about dementia and Alzheimer’s, the 2004 part-documentary film Alive Inside focuses on a different narrative. The ways in which music can be used as a tool to improve the quality of life in those living with the disease.
Working with the staff at Cobbler Hill Nursing Home in Brooklyn, the film follows social worker and nursing home volunteer, Dan Cohen, as he brings music to the isolated residents suffering from dementia. His aim is to ‘bring them alive before our very eyes’.
In doing so, Dan sets up personalised playlists to its long-term residents, and it seems to flip a switch in the brain of some, igniting memories of days past. “The novel and creative use of iPods and MP3 players with personalised playlists proves to be an effective therapy for people with dementia who have lost their identity and connection with their loved ones.”
This is one of the most moving and uplifting films about dementia, including interviews with neurologist Oliver Sacks and fellow scientists exploring the effects of music on the human brain, and some of the strongest arguments centre around the featured dementia patients. One such example is a woman who professes not to remember the details about her life, but as soon as she listens to a couple of songs, it brings up memories within her and she is able to talk about certain events in her life from decades ago.
Winning the “Audience Award” at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014, this incredibly moving film is a fascinating insight into the effects of music, particularly personalised songs when it comes to the memories and legacy of those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Away From Her
An insight into intimate relationships and the effect diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s can and certainly do have on these, Away From her is a 2006 independent film centred around the marriage of a husband and wife – Fiona and Grant – living with the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Married for 44 years, the viewer quickly learns Fiona has Alzheimer’s disease, as we see a scene in which she places a frying pan into the refrigerator. Later, she heartbreakingly states, “I think I’m beginning to disappear”. After deciding to move into a care home – to avoid her husband viewing her demise so directly – Fiona forms a close attachment to another care home resident.
Ultimately, and as one of the most poignant films about Alzheimer’s, it addresses the painful aspects of losing a loved one to the disease as well as navigating the intense attachments formed within hopeful, long-lasting relationships. The film explores the ways in which “we are anchored by love and relationships, and how the unmooring that accompanies dementia – for example – the loss of shared memory affects not just those whose memories are lost, but also those whose memories remain intact or, at the very least, much more secure and stable.”
- The Savages
Directed by Tamra Jenkins. The Savages is a 2007 comedy-drama film that evokes an entire array of emotions, from sadness to humour, and ultimately acceptance and self-growth, in the wake of a dementia diagnosis. Focusing on the estranged brother and sister relationship of Jon and Wendy, the film looks at the relationship between the two characters and the struggles they face following on from their father’s dementia diagnosis and their subsequent caring responsibilities.
After learning about their father’s diagnosis, the film explores the struggles both Wendy and Jon face when dealing with the condition as well as the effect this has on their own lives and relationships within the family as a whole. Making for a moving watch, the film unites both characters and focuses on their emotional growth as they care for their father and try to navigate his condition.
The Savages explore the struggles placed upon not only the person living with the disease but the associated issues that can, and do, affect their loved ones in such an impactful way. Of all the films about Alzheimer’s and dementia, this film portrays a particularly heartfelt and tender insight into the issues surrounding the onset and progression of dementia.
- The Iron Lady
The Iron Lady looks at the life of Margaret Thatcher, with Meryl Streep playing the role of the imperious British Prime Minister. We see flashbacks of her time in government, but flash forward to the present day when she is battling dementia. One particular scene where she appears distressed and confused when buying groceries from a shop really hits hard and sets the tone for the film.
There are poignant moments throughout the film that show how this illness can affect absolutely anyone, no matter how powerful they are or were in life.
- The Notebook
Well-known for being one of the most heartfelt and touching movies of the 2000s, the Notebook tells the story of husband-and-wife Noah and Allie. In the present day, Allie is in a nursing home because she has Alzheimer’s disease, and Noah is reading to her from his old notebook, which he kept up during their youth.
In the film, the younger pair are played by the charming Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, whose enduring love for one another makes the present-day situation that much more tragic. The Notebook captures the difficulty of couples dealing with this illness but inspires by showing the dedication of a person to their significant other.
Movies convey what it’s like to manage these conditions
As these movies all highlight in their own poignant ways, living with and caring for loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s can be a challenging and daunting time. Alongside the symptoms of memory loss and confusion, someone living with the disease may forget where they are, where things are placed within their own homes and also how things work.
This can often mean the introduction of necessary adjustments, such as kitchen and bathroom customisations within key areas of the home to ensure that essential care and support is put in place. This can help not only help those directly affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s, but also for those in a care-giving role.
As the disease can also affect mobility, particularly within its later stages, the implementation of Walk-in Baths and Walk-in Showers can help to offer safety and support as well as instilling some much-needed confidence for those affected. It’s changes like these that can make a world of difference and greatly enhance people’s day-to-day lives.
by mobilityplus | 1st May, 2021 | Family
With so many options to engage with your loved ones these days, there’s never been a better time to download the latest interactive platforms and inject a little bit more fun to an otherwise normal phone conversation. And sometimes, it’s not possible to physically spend time with your nearest and dearest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still play a game or two, especially over the festive period.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of interactive games you can play over FaceTime, Skype, Zoom – and any other video app – with your Grandkids to keep the fun going. From classic question activities to board games with an online spin, read on to find out our top pick of exciting games you can play from screen to screen.
- Charades
A classic party game to play over Facetime, Skype or Zoom with the grandkids, Charades has been around for a long time, but it never gets old. One of the great things about this game is the fact that you can play it in person or in the virtual world and the rules are the same.
To play Charades over a Zoom call, all you need is a computer or mobile device. You can either come up with the ideas on your own or visit one of many websites out there dedicated to the game. Try getcharadesideas.com for some inspiration, from here you can select the ‘charades for kids’ option and get going with your imagination.
- Pictionary
Another classic game to play with your loved ones over Facetime, Zoom or Skype, Pictionary is one that involves mental stimulation, creative skills and a quick hand. It’s also a whole host of fun. It’s a great game to play in person, but if you can’t see your Grandkids over the holidays, that’s no problem, you can also easily play it virtually.
If not using FaceTime or Skype, it’s probably best to utilise Zoom or Microsoft Teams as your virtual platform due to the screen size and the fact you’ll need a digital whiteboard so that all participants can join in the fun. It’s super simple to set up, as both Zoom and Microsoft have a whiteboard feature – you can integrate the latter with Teams. Then, once you’re set up, you’ll just need to follow the below steps and Voilà! Let the drawing commence:
- Find a word generator website – this one has varying levels to make it Grandkid-friendly (or, of course, you can think of some yourself)
- Taking it in turns, one person from each team draws a picture of the generated word.
- Set a timer to 60 seconds
- If the opposing team correctly guesses the answer within the time, they win a point.
- Keep switching sides, and you can go on for as long as you feel like. The team that ends up with the most points is crowned the virtual winner.
- I Spy
This one is really simple to play over Facetime or another virtual platform – all you need is yourself, your eager Grandkids and your imagination. Due to interacting from behind a screen, you just might be lacking a little in space, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, it only adds to the challenge.
Starting with one side of the screen, one player picks an object in the background of their area, and the other player or team tries to guess the item using a series of questions. Easy-peasy and endless fun from one home to another.
- Guess Who
Another family favourite that’s easy enough to transition from reality to the virtual world is Guess Who. You’ll need to ensure that all players have an official board – or if you’re feeling extra creative, you can create your own and send an identical board to your Grandkids ahead of time.
Once you have your board, each player will pick out a card of someone on their board, and the other players have to guess who they’ve picked by asking a series of questions, such as “are they wearing glasses” or “do they have brown hair?” When you successfully Guess Who it is, you win.
- Battleship
If it’s just you or one other player, or you fancy joining up as one team on each side of the screen, Battleship is an ideal game to play virtually because it really doesn’t need to be any different from real life. If anything, it’s even better to play online because you’ll want to hide your board from your opponent.
Each player will need a Battleship game, and once all set up, you can go from there. Once you’ve placed your ships on the board, you take turns to guess the coordinates in order to sink the other player’s ships. The first one to sink all the opponent’s ships is the winner.
- Scattergories Online
If your Grandkids are of a slightly older age and looking for a way to really challenge themselves while keeping their finger firmly on the fun button, why not give Scattergories Online a go? With a few different variations online, it works in pretty much the same way as the main board game.
You roll a die with letters instead of numbers, and each player completes a list with random categories. Whichever letter the dice lands on is the letter the answer needs to start with. Points reign supreme for each original answer, but if someone else has the same word as you, neither of you gets the point. Cue squabbles and sneaky shortcuts all around – it’s all part of the fun.
And if you don’t want to share your screen, you can head to Scattergories Online and play the game using a shareable link. All you need to do is set up the Scattergories room and select which game categories you want to include from a list.
- Dance Party
Keeping both your mind and your body active, this is a great game to play to inject a little activity into your schedule – perfect for the festive season after one too many mince pies. First things first, make sure you pick a great playlist. YouTube offers some great examples of dance playlists for kids of any age.
And if you want to make it seem like a proper party? You can schedule a meeting on Zoom. Start by going to the “Meetings” tab located on the left side of your screen – the same on both your desktop or the home screen of your smartphone app if using a mobile phone. You can then select “Schedule A Meeting” and set all details, from the date and time to participants.
When you type in your Grandkids emails – if they don’t have one, you can ask the parents or guardians – they’ll get their own invitation to “party”. When the date comes around, all everyone has to do is join the meeting. You can then pop on your chosen playlist and even change your Zoom virtual background for extra atmosphere. Then the only things left to do is get your groove on.
- 20 Questions
20 questions is a fantastic way of getting your mind working and having a lot of fun in the process. This classic game is as simple to play as it sounds. You ask each person 20 creative questions and, much like the game of Guess Who, you have to work out what the object is through the process of elimination.
The best part is, it can be anything you like, but you must state if it is an animal, vegetable or mineral and questions can only have yes or no answers. If your Grandkids get it right within 20 questions, they win. Here are some fun ideas to get the game going:
- Is it something that’s living or if it has lived?
- Is it bigger than a house?
- Does it have a tail?
- Is it a specific colour?
- Can you give it as a gift?
- Can it count?
You can have your Grandchild go first, so they understand how the game works and then take it in turns over Skype or FaceTime.
- The Memory Game
You may remember this from your own childhood but a really creative game to play is the classic memory game, this time with a twist, since you’ll be playing from behind a screen. All you need to do is grab a tray and gather a number of objects – try to limit these to a maximum of eight or ten to keep things simple.
Once your Grandkids have dialled in on the Skype or Zoom call and memorised what’s on the tray in front of them, just pop a tea towel in front of the camera, take one of the objects away and get the kids to remember what was there. Pick some interesting things to make the game even more fun. You can then switch it up by asking them to do the same activity back to you once they’ve had their turn. Fun and brain training all around.
- Treasure Hunt
A super appealing game to kids no matter their age, organising a virtual treasure hunt could be just the thing you need to really liven things up without being able to see your Grandkids in the real world. All you need is a little bit of organisation and once set up, let the fun commence.
If the idea of organising a treasure hunt is at the top of your virtual list, you’ll need to start by creating a small physical list of items that can be easily found in your Grandkids house – or wherever they might be staying. Once you’ve got your list organised and have ensured the items can be found at the other end, it’s time to get dialling by way of FaceTime or Zoom call.
After you’ve explained the rules, you can set them off to find the items you’ve specified. Set them a time limit for each item to make things really fun and at the end, you can present them with a virtual trophy that they can pick up next time you meet, and if not, you could have one ready and waiting at their end.
- Traditional Quiz
Depending on how mature your grandchildren are and their level of interest in general knowledge, one fun game to play over Skype, Zoom or Facetime that they could love is a traditional quiz. For those who are yearning for as much knowledge as possible at a young age, a quiz could be the perfect game to play.
You can tailor the game so that it’s on a topic of their interest (space exploration, nature, sports, the arts – there’s so much to choose from!) or go for a more general approach to the quiz questions. Not only is this beneficial for improving their knowledge about the world we live in, but could help them develop a further interest in an area.
It’s easy to set up and do – all that’s required is a little bit of preparation devising the questions and answers. Make sure to pick questions that are the right level of difficulty for them, and you’re away!
Once you’ve settled on your chosen game or games you’re ready to play; you’ll want to make sure your home is comfortable and ready for you to settle down. The more comfortable you are, the more fun you can have. This is where we can help by providing you with the necessary adjustments for your home, from your kitchen to your bathroom.
At Mobility Plus, we’re specialists in creating accessible bathrooms for people who have limited mobility. Take a look at out our range of Walk-in Baths and Walk-in Showers to make sure you’re home, and game ready.
