Buying Guide
Australia's Foremost Mobility Equipment Retailer
Australia's Foremost Mobility Equipment Retailer
Being able to go into the bathroom, close the door and take care of our own cleaning rituals in private is something many of us take for granted. So when we experience a decrease in mobility due to aging or health issues, it can be difficult to admit we’re struggling or relinquish that independence.
However, there is plenty of assistance available to help you or a parent stay safe while showering or bathing at home. In this guide you’ll find tips and guidance to mitigate the risk of slips and falls in the bathroom, along with information on getting help if you need it.
The importance of safe showering and bathing Safety in the bathroom Bathroom aids and accessories Assisting with showering and bathing Getting help at home Shop Bathroom Aids
Showering and bathing isn’t just about personal hygiene when you get older. Laying in a warm bath can provide relief from muscle and joint pain and can also just be a way to destress. Likewise, a refreshing shower can help to invigorate the body and provide a sense of freshness.
However, bathing and showering can also bring with it a lot of anxiety. A fear of falling, dizziness or inability to manage things without assistance can make this normally pleasant ritual something to be avoided.
Meanwhile, the bathroom is the second most common area around the home where the elderly experience a fall resulting in injury. And not only is falling more likely when you are are aged 65 or older, the risk of injury – both minor and major – also increases. So it’s important to take steps to make the bathroom as safe as possible to reduce this risk and make bathing a relaxing and comfortable experience.
Creating a safe bathroom environment is essential to making those daily tasks as pleasant as possible.
Bathroom safety is not just about using mobility aids; it’s also about making the experience positive for you or your parent. Some things you can do to make bathing and showering safe are:
A good place to start when considering what bathroom aids might be suitable is to chat with your occupational therapist. They can help by assessing your current mobility and providing recommendations on ways to make showering and bathing safer, including using specific accessories or making modifications to the way you bathe.
Some of the modifications and aids you may get for the bathroom include:
Grab bars and handrails can be installed near the shower and bath to provide extra support when getting in and out. These sturdy bars give you something to hold onto and can help provide support and prevent a fall.
Grab bars are suited to people with good upper body strength who simply need another point of contact when moving or stepping over the bath. Before installing, observe how you naturally move from the shower or bath and note the points where you may reach for a wall or ledge for support.
Support bars and rails can be either bolted to the wall or attached with suction cups. Bolted on rails should be attached with the assistance of a professional as they need to be drilled into the wall stud for support.
Suction cup grab rails are ideal where you cannot install bolts – such as the edge of a bath – or if you want to avoid drilling into tile or walls. The durable, commercial-grade suction cup is easy to install and remove without tools, yet will provide adequate support for most adults. They come in standard, telescoping and pivot grip, enabling them to be installed in tight corners.
A shower chair can provide stability if you have difficulty balancing in the shower or prefer not to stand for long periods. Due to their lightweight, compact design, they can be placed in the shower when needed, then removed when other family members are showering.
They are available as either a traditional chair with a backrest or a bench style seat with handles at either end. If you have uneven surface in the shower look for a chair with adjustable legs that can be set at different heights and ensure the chair has rubber tipped feet to prevent sliding.
A bath chair or bench makes getting into and out of the bath easier, providing assistance whether you have a carer or not. Bath chairs work by allowing you to sit down at a regular 90 degree angle outside the bath before swinging your legs over the edge. While you won’t actually be able to lower into the bath, they can be used with a hand held shower head for all over wash.
These rubber mats prevent slips in the bath or shower by providing a textured surface to stand or sit on. They attach using moulded suction cups on the underside and have a non-slip rubber surface that provides grip. Bath mats are available in various sizes and are a low-cost option.
A hand-held shower is designed to be held in one hand and makes it easier to clean all areas of the body, even when seated. It attaches to the existing tap in the bath or sink and the gentle flow is ideal for sensitive skin. It’s also handy for washing hair in the sink.
Even with the use of bathroom aids, there may come a time when your loved one or parent will be unable to bathe without assistance. This may be due to mobility issues, dizziness or a loss of cognitive ability.
It’s important that you allow them to guide you on the assistance that they need, especially if they are still able to undertake most tasks without assistance. Create a dialogue by voicing your concerns, then listen to them and allow them to present potential solutions.
Your occupational therapist can help you understand the different ways you can help with bathing and showering tasks.
They’ll be able to show you ways to transfer in and out of the shower or bath and help with washing and dressing while maintaining their privacy.
Bathing and showering can bring up very real fears, especially if there have been incidents of slips or falls previously. If you’re helping a loved one to bathe, try to make the experience as relaxing as possible. Arrange to do it at a time when you’re not rushed and are feeling awake – this may be in the morning or late afternoon, depending on both of your schedules.
Take things slow and explain what you’re going to do before you take each action. Keep the bathroom warm and have plenty of towels available.
While many people are happy and willing to assist with the daily care of a loved one, it’s also important to know that there is support available, whether you just need help for certain tasks or require assistance for particular times or days of the week.
My Aged Care is a government program that can help you access support at home to carry out daily tasks. A range of services are offered, all designed to assist you to maintain your independence and improve your wellbeing.
Through My Aged Care you can arrange to have someone come to your home to help with bathing, showering, dressing and toileting, along with other services.
The first step in getting help is by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You’ll be asked questions about your needs and circumstances so My Aged Care staff can refer you to the right aged care services. From there you’ll have an assessment, before being provided with a care plan that outlines the services you’ll receive.
For more information visit the My Aged Care website https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
Lift chairs may also be known as rise-and-recline chairs, power lift recliners, electric lift chairs or medical recline chairs. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and are available in small to large widths.
A lift chair looks very similar to a standard recliner and works in much the same way by allowing the user to recline for comfort (or perhaps a quick afternoon nap). The key difference is that a lift chair not only reclines, but also provides support when going from a seated to standing position. Rather than having to lift yourself – which can cause strain to the shoulders, arms and hips – an electric lift chair gently stands you up, reducing fatigue and possible injury.
For carers, an electric lift chair can make caring for your loved one easier. Back injuries associated with lifting someone are common in carers. However, a lift chair can help to prevent injury by assisting with the transfer of the user from one position to another.
A lift chair may be ideal for people who have difficulty getting out of a seated position without assistance. Because the lift mechanism does much of the work of getting you to a standing position, there is less strain on the muscle, which can lower the risk of injury or fatigue.
A lift chair also offers therapeutic benefits for people with a range of medical conditions – such as arthritis, poor circulation and back pain – by allowing the user to find a comfortable position, whether that’s seated or fully reclined.
The myriad seating positions can also help people who spend a lot of time sitting as the chair can help to reduce the risk of pressure sores, improve circulation and provide optimum support for specific activities.
As with any other mobility aid, it’s important that you have the ability and awareness to operate your lift chair safely. A lift chair can seem relatively easy to operate, however it’s essential the user has the cognition to operate the controls and get themselves from a standing to seated position without assistance.
A good first stop is to chat with your occupational therapist about whether a lift chair is right for you. Because a lift chair takes on much of the work that our muscles normally do when we go from sitting to standing (and the other way round), there is a risk these muscles could weaken even further. Your occupational therapist can help by giving you specific exercises, such as leg raises, to strengthen the muscles.
Single motor or dual motor operation
Single motor chairs have just the one operating panel that controls both the back recline and leg rest. There are fewer positions available, but they can be easier to operate due to the single control panel, and they are often less expensive.
Dual motor lift chairs have independent controls for the backrest and leg rest, offering a wider range of seating positions, which is ideal if you have difficulty finding a comfortable position.
Finally, space-saving recliner options are designed to be placed closer to the wall and take up less space than standard chairs when in full recline mode. These can be ideal for both seniors who live at home but don't have a lot of space, as well as those who live in a nursing home and are restricted by the size of their room.
Lift and recline chairs should be fitted to the user, based on height and weight. The seat of your lift chair should be wide enough to accommodate your hips while still allowing your arms to rest comfortably on the arm rests.
You should be able to sit comfortably with your feet resting on the floor and your legs at a 90 degree angle when in the standard seat position. Look for a depth adjustable seat for personalised comfort and positioning that can be adjusted over time.
It’s likely you’ll spend considerable time in your lift chair, so comfort is important. Adjustable padding will allow you to find the most supportive position and maintain good posture in all positions.
Fabric choice should also be considered. The most common fabrics you’ll find are easy-clean suede or medical-grade upholstery.
Easy-clean suede is soft to touch while offering commercial grade durability and is resistant to mildew, flame retardant and anti-pilling.
Alternately, medical-grade Dartex upholstery provides is preferred if you’ll be spending a lot of time seated. The fabric is designed to reduce the risks of pressure injury by distributing the weight across the surface. The fabric has moisture-permeability properties to ensure the surface remains dry and is antimicrobial to prevent infection.
The single motor rise and recline chair is ideal if you need a basic chair for everyday use. With a single motor, the chair will go from standing to seated and reclined with the footrest up. Options may include an emergency battery backup system to ensure the chair still functions in the event of power failure.
Features to look for:
Dual motor rise and recline chairs offer the widest range of seating positions. The two motors control the recline and foot rests independently, allowing the user to find the most comfortable position for them and relieve the effects of sitting for too long.
Space saver lift and recline chairs offer the benefits of a single or dual motor chair, while requiring less clearance at the back when in the full recline position. They are ideal if space is limited or you want to maximise the clearance in front of your chair.
A lift chair should be chosen specifically for the user based on their height, as this is what determines the distance the chair needs to lift off the ground to facilitate a safe exit. Other considerations should be given to the user’s weight and how they intend to use the chair.
Lift chairs generally come in three sizes – small, medium and large – and will also have options to adjust the backrest and padding to your personal preference.
Lift chair size guide
|
User’s Height |
Under 160 cm |
160cm - 172cm |
175cm - 188cm |
|
Chair Option |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
|
Seat Height |
47cm |
48cm |
51cm |
|
Seat Depth |
69cm |
71.5cm |
74cm |
|
Seat Width |
45cm |
48cm |
50cm |
|
Seat to top of Back |
59cm |
62cm |
67cm |
When you get your lift chair home, you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of it. First, consider how much space you’ll need around the chair. Ensure you have a clear space in front for you to stand up without tripping. Also, make sure you have adequate clearance behind the chair and the wall when it’s in the full recline position.
If you use a walking aid or wheelchair to move around, clear some space so you can keep it next to your chair while you’re seated.And of course to make things more convenient, consider having a small table nearby for things like water or a cup of tea.
Think about how you’ll spend your time when seated. Do you prefer to watch television, in which case angle the chair so you can see the screen without glare. Or perhaps you like to read or knit, so natural light during the day and a good reading lamp are essential to avoid eye strain.
Avoid the power cord being a trip hazard by placing your chair near a power point. If there is no suitable power point an electrician can install one for you.
To enjoy your lift chair for many years check the power cord regularly and keep it away from liquids, pets and children. Inspect the fabric regularly for tears or pulls. To clean your chair, use a mild fabric cleaner and gently dab at the area.
The addition of a chair pad can make clean up easier, especially if spills or incontinence is a concern.
Browse the full range of lift and recliner chairs for sale at Mobility HQ
Your guide to understanding how to manage your needs under the National Disability Insurance Scheme
What is the NDIS? How the NDIS works Getting funding under the NDIS NDIS plan management NDIS and other services Getting started with the NDIS Getting help
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is changing the way Australians with a permanent disability manage their treatment, empowering them to tailor their support to their particular needs and goals.
The Australian Government began rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in June 2016 to all eligible Australians. The rollout is expected to be complete by 2019 and by that time around half a million Australians will be receiving assistance under the NDIS.
This guide is designed to introduce individuals and their carers to the NDIS and provide information on how to access the scheme and what assistance is available.
For more information on the NDIS, and to check your eligibility and apply to be a participant, visit the government NDIS website.
The NDIS is a nationwide disability scheme that aims to provide individualised support to help the thousands of Australians with a permanent disability or impairment. The NDIS was put in place after a productivity commission found the existing disability support network was “underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient.”
The scheme is open to all Australian residents under the age of 65 with a permanent impairment or condition that substantially reduces the ability to perform tasks or actions without the help of someone else and/or an assistive device.
The NDIS covers a range of disability, including intellectual disability; neurological disabilities; physical disability; acquired brain injuries; visual impairment; psychosocial disability; hearing impairment; and sensory or speech limitations.
Funding is allocated to the individual, based on their particular requirements and in consultation with the participant, and their carers, if relevant. Once a plan is approved, the participant can get funding for things like:
One of the aims of the NDIS is to offer increased control and more choice for those people who need support to manage their disability. By allowing individuals to be involved in developing their care plan and deciding where their funds are best spent, they’re empowered to make choices that will improve their lifestyle and encourage them to be more involved in the community.
There are a number of ways that a plan can be managed, depending on the specific needs of the individual.
Once you have been assessed by the NDIA. they will determine whether or not your situation is suitable for you to self-manage your NDIS funding, completely or partially.
As a self-managed NDIS participant, you’ll receive funds directly into your NDIS bank account which you can then use to pay for specific equipment and services. You’ll be responsible for choosing and arranging your own support services, and to ensure invoices are paid on time.
The benefit of managing your own NDIS plan is that you have more freedom when it comes to choosing your providers, regardless of whether they are NDIS registered.
If you choose to self-manage your NDIS plan, it’s important that you keep an accurate record of your invoices and payments. You’ll need to request invoice details from providers and then submit a claim to the NDIS in order to receive the funds to pay for them; or pay upfront and then seek reimbursement.
A fully self-managed plan may not be appropriate for all participants, and you can choose to work with an agency or your plan manager to get assistance with managing your plan.
You can opt to have the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manage your plan for you. If you choose this option, the NDIA will pay your support providers directly on your behalf. If you choose this option, you will need to make sure your providers are NDIS registered. Look for the NDIS button, like what you see on our website, or ask them directly if they are registered.
• The service provider claims directly to the agency or plan manager
• The NDIA or plan manager is responsible for payment to the service provider
• You can only access services from approved Providers
• You receive regular statements from your service Providers
Alternately, you can have a third-party plan management look after your NDIS funds and payments. Your plan manager will manage your funding and pay your Providers one your behalf. These are server Providers who are private companies that specialise in working with persons who require multiple supports and therefore there will be a fee charged for services rendered. The cost of this service can be included in your NDIS plan, if appropriate for your situation. Need to explain that these are Registered Providers and will charge a fee for service
You can also choose to have your plan managed in a combination of the above options. Perhaps you’d like to manage more frequent costs and have payments for things like equipment come directly from the NDIA.
You may also be entitled to set up automated payments to cover transport services you use regularly.
If you’re eligible to become a participant under the NDIS, the first stage is to develop a plan which outlines your specific goals and what you need to achieve them.
The NDIS provides funds for various services and aids outlined in your care plan. These things must be linked to a particular outcome, and help you improve your lifestyle and activities. Funding can be applied to:
Once you apply, you’ll be put in touch with someone from the National Disability Insurance Agency who’ll speak with you to develop your plan. This first plan runs for 12 months, and will then be reviewed to ensure you receive enough funding to help you achieve your goals.
The aim of the NDIS is to offer flexibility and appropriate funding to meet your needs, rather than broad solutions that may not be suitable for everyone.
The NDIS is designed to cover all “reasonable and necessary supports”. Your funding can be used to pay for services, products, and assistive devices that will help you become more independent and engage more within the community. The specific things this covers is broad and it’s up to you, your carers and the NDIS to determine the exact type of support you need.
As a result, NDIS funding is determined on an individual basis – no two plans look the same, and there isn’t a set amount of funding for each person.
When you meet with your NDIS representative, they’ll ask you questions about your daily support needs, how you manage day-to-day activities, and what goals you have for increased social, economic and community interaction. From there, they’ll help you come up with a set of goals and outcomes, and determine the funding you need to achieve these.
Your initial plan runs for 12 months, but you can ask for it to be reviewed at any time if you feel it’s not helping you meet your goals.
Some things the NDIS can be used to pay for include:
Find out more about how the NDIS can be used to purchase mobility aids and products for home, work and social activities here.
Your first interaction with the NDIS is through the creation of your first plan. While the NDIA aims to make this process as streamlined as possible, it can still be confusing. What’s important to consider is what is missing from your current supports that would make your life easier or better, and how could you use NDIS funding to get those supports.
The NDIS process is as follows:
The NDIS focuses a lot on goals and outcomes, and if you haven’t done much goal setting in the past, it can the daunting to consider these things
While your NDIA representative can help, it’s a good idea to go to your first meeting with a few of your goals written down and the specific things you need to help you reach them. It can help to speak with your family, healthcare professionals and carers (both informal and formal), to talk about what a positive outcome could look like for you.
For more on coming up with your goals and preparing for your first meeting, click here.
The NDIS is part of a broader support system designed to improve the lives of people with disability. It’s not intended to replace clinical, community and some government support services.
Instead, it’s intended to offer more choice and self-determination when it comes to engaging with service providers.
Some disability support and health services you use will still be provided under state and federal programs, including things like medication, acute care, and health services.
The NDIS is a relatively new scheme and there is a lot of conflicting information around about how to access it and what is covered.
Help is available to assist you in the process, including understanding your eligibility and developing and managing your plan. Some of this assistance can even be funded under the NDIS.
As you develop and implement your plan, it’s important that you ask any questions as they come up, reach out to experienced providers and gather as much information as you need.
You can also speak with registered NDIS providers about the type of support you may be able to receive and how to incorporate them into your plan. Aidacare {Mobility HQ} are a registered NDIS provider and our expert team is able to help you with: finding the right assistive technology for your needs; trialling a range of assistive technology and products either in our showroom or at home, and home modifications advice and fittings help you live more independently.
To speak with one of our team, call 1300 017 592 and we will connect you with an Equipment Specialist.
For more information about the NDIS, visit the website at https://www.ndis.gov.au/
The service from MobilityHQ was first class, my wheelchair was ordered and delivered fully assembled faster than I can get an envelope delivered!
Mrs M Kerry
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