Walking Aids

Crutches
Offer essential and highly effective support and pressure relief to aid walking when recovering from an injury or long term aches and pain. Most crutches are made from aluminium to ensure they are lightweight and easy to lift, they also include non-slip resistant tops for added safety.

Walking sticks
Walking sticks come in different styles, from a simple wooden walking stock with a crook handle, to an adjustable folding walking stock, which can got in your handbag. Walking sticks gives users a feel of safety, support and independence both in and outside.

3D and Fashion Collaboraion

This project involved my 3d class coming together with the Fashion class to put together garment that could be worn in a fashion show. Previously we all asked to bring I a number of items such as, string, a sock, buttons, a torch, paper lips ect. Once put into groups we had no idea of what type of garment to create and to where it as going to go on the body; so we decided to put together all are items ad sketch different ideas. From this we decide to create a shoulder piece and it would contain geometrical shapes. we started adding new ideas as we was building tis shoulder pie such as the colour scheme which was red and blue, w then started running out of things that contained this colours so we decided o add yellow and white which balanced it out. We had to come up with how the model would put the garment on and off so we made straps which was made out of belts. Overall out garment was a success and looked god on the cat walk.

Visiting a hospital

I visited a hospital in order to see equipment that was available for disabled people. However I was not allowed to take pictures as it would me violating patient privacy. I did get to look around at a number of equipment kept in hospitals, such as bed lifts, heart monitors, walking frames, food trays ect.

My mother recently has  appointment at her hospital Queens Square, to track her progress with the new drug Frampadine she was put on trail, it was to highlight if her speed of walking had improved. During this appointment I was no allowed to take images of my mother because it was in a public place with other patients. however, I did get to speak to her physiotherapist. She gave me a brief explanation on to why the hospital where giving only a limited number of patients the trail drug, this was due to funds. the NHS has not agreed to fund the drug, therefor it is privately given t patients. She also, explained to me that my mother walking had improved in speed from 2min in 2013 to 1min 6sec's in 2014, in a 25ft straight lined walk.

The reason for attending the appointment was to see how my mother used her crutches and to see how often she put them down. How she placed them down, and how many times it would fall.

Observation Of My Client - Problems

After observing my mother trying to see how I could make something that would improve and help her in her daily routine I noticed that se found it difficult to take food in and out of the oven. This task involves a number of movements such as, being down to get the food, moving forward to get the tray. Lifting the tray up whilst pulling the tray out of the oven. As well as how heavy the tray is.

I also discovered that my mother finds it difficult to sweep the floors as well as making hot drinks, as it is difficult to hold the kettle, pour the hot water in the cup as well as balancing at the same time. When partaking in a task she has to always concentrate on balancing as well as the initials task she's proceeding.

Another difficulty I saw when observing my mother I noticed that she finds it hard to stand up and hang up the washing on a washing rack, due to her lack of balance'; as she always requires on holding onto things to regain balance.

The main issue my mother has, that we both discussed is the fact that she needs aids which is crutches to walk around outside of the home. however, when they left to stand alone they tend to keep falling over. As she has a lack of balance, she finds it difficult to bend down and pic them back up.

Exsisting Aids For Disabled People

White cane for the blind

 

• The ID cane doesn't aid your mobility. It is simply a white cane that is there to let other people know that you have a visual impairment. If your visual impairment is not too severe or you simply prefer not to use a longer cane, it is an easy way of telling people about your visual impairment and allows them to be more helpful towards you.
• The guide cane not only tells others that your vision is impaired but it can also be held diagonally in front of you and gives you some protection on the street from being bumped or jostled or from walking into objects immediately in front of you. Additionally it can be held downwards and used to detect steps and curbs. If you still have a reasonable degree of vision or simply aren't comfortable with using a long cane, a guide cane can be an excellent choice.
• The long cane is the best known style of white cane. It is used by sweeping it across the floor in front of you and so can provide you a great deal of information on the terrain ahead as well as warning of obstacles in front of you. This cane combines the advantages of the other two canes with the maximum aid to mobility.

What are walking or zimmer frames?

Walking frames (frequently also called zimmer frames) are a common sight in hospitals up and down the country.

They’re great at providing support for patients who are slightly unstable on their feet or recovering from certain operations.

There’s a wide selection of walking frames for use around the home too. Taking the best parts from walking or zimmer frames from hospital, walking frames for the home tend to take into account the reduced operational space.

We’ve written this guide to provide you with an overview of the different types of walking frame available, together with the range of accessories for walking frames too. This will help you to determine whether a walking frame is right for your requirements and wish one is the best one to choose.

Why use a walking or zimmer frame at home?

Walking frames are usually used around the home to provide additional support when walking around. The majority of walking frames tend to be constructed from aluminium which helps to keep them lightweight and easy to use. The majority have four feet with solid rubber tips (called ferrules) at the end providing a solid grip and non-slip contact with the floor. There are wheeled versions too which we will cover later in this guide.

Bathroom Products

 

        Bathroom Products  

 

 

 

The primary purpose of a commode is to provide an alternative to using a toilet for people who can't get to a bathroom or can't sit on a toilet. A secondary purpose for commodes is for use as a showering device for people who require a seat in a shower stall which can be rolled into and out of the shower. Models designed to be used in a shower are known as shower commodes or rehab shower commodes. From the bottom end basic commode to the highest end rehab shower commode the prices range from less than $100.00 to over $5,000.00 depending on the features and options required.

Standard Commode

Standard commodes are stationary device which can be used in a bathroom, bedroom or sickroom or anywhere else as needed. Generally, a basic commode will feature adjustable height legs so the seat height can be optimized for the user's transfers, a toilet seat and lid, a pair of arms for support, a bar across the back for safety, a bucket for waste and a splash guard. The splash guard is similar to the bucket but doesn't have a bottom and is used to direct the user's waste into the toilet bowl when the commode is used positioned over the toilet. When used in other places than over the toilet, the waste goes into the bucket which can be removed from the commode and taken to a toilet for dumping by a caregiver. The buckets usually come with a lid.

 

Drop Arm Commode

Drop arm commodes are much the same as the standard commodes, and come with all the same features, but the user or caregiver has the option of releasing a lever and having the arm drop down to the side of the commode. This is a benefit for those users who need to transfer to the commode by sliding across from a bed or wheelchair. A removable arm on a commode would accomplish the same benefit however it is preferable to have the arm attached to the commode so the user or caregiver doesn't have to reach for the arm if it is set on the floor or elsewhere. By having the arms permanently attached to the drop arm commode, they won't get misplaced as often happens with other types of equipment used in institutions.

 

Folding Commode

Folding commodes are kind of rare but the folding feature is a benefit to some users. Sporting the same features as a standard commode, the folding commode is easier to transport and store when not in use. I really can't imagine there are many people who travel and need to take a commode along with them, but for families who have a disabled relative, a folding commode which can be easily stored away when not needed or brought by the user is certainly worthwhile. The 3 in 1 folding commode pictured here can also be used over the toilet as a toilet frame or raised toilet seat in addition to its use as a commode.

 

Bariatric Commode

A bariatric commode is simply a commode which is designed for people who find a standard commode too small to be comfortable. These commodes are not only wider than a standard commode but they also have heavy duty frames which can accommodate higher weight capacities and have extra wide seats with lids. The pictured bariatric commode features a 650lb weight capacity, drop down arms, adjustable height seat and can be ordered with wheels.

Exsisting Aids For Disabled People

Chair Lift

A chair lift allows a person who is difficult to travel up and down the stairs more easily.

Stair-lifts have become fairly famous over the last few years and thus many more people are thinking about taking the plunge into getting one. For people for whom a lift is simply unfeasible or too expensive, a stair lift can provide a very exciting and a very useful alternative. Stair lifts can allow elderly people, but also younger people with mobility problems, to have a greater degree of independence and stay in their own homes much longer as they make it much easier for people to travel between the different levels of their home.

Whereas once it may well have been a chore to walk up stairs to go the bathroom or to go up to bed, it can be much easier and much more relaxing once a stair lift has been installed.

Stair lifts can be fitted onto the side of your banister and thus there is no major structural reworking which needs to be done to your house; this means that you don’t have to be stressed by lengthy and unnecessary work being done on your house- stair lifts are also cheaper than disabled lifts or passenger lifts.

 

Wheelchairs

A person may use a wheelchair for many different reasons. Many people in wheelchairs suffer from partial or complete paralysis, which is the loss of control over the movement of some part of the body. Paralysis can result from injury to the nervous system, including the brain or spinal cord, or damage to the muscles that control movement. It can also be caused by certain diseases that affect the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis. Some people use a wheelchair not because they are paralyzed but because an injury or disease-like arthritis or scoliosis-has made walking extremely painful or difficult. Many older people, suffering from a stroke, a broken hip, or perhaps simply the weakness and frailty that sometimes accompany old age, must use a wheelchair to get around.

There are many different kinds of wheelchairs, from the manual types that are propelled by moving railings attached to the wheels, to electric wheelchairs that are operated by hand controls that resemble the joysticks used in video games. Some people prefer a motorized cart, or scooter, with either three or four wheels. These carts are generally smaller and easier to manoeuvre than typical wheelchairs.

 

 

Potentual Ideas

• A device that allows you to exercise whilst performing different tasks.
• Something that helps you balance without the aid of another person.
• A hover suitable for disabled people.
• Creating something other than a wheelchair or a scooter, that would allow you to move. Something that doesn't stand out from the crowd. For example - People who have false legs look normal, so why cant those who need wheelchairs look normal.

Interview With My Client

What do you find difficult doing in the house?

• Bending down to pick up things from the ground, as I find it difficult to maintain my balance as I feel unstable.
• Hovering
• Carrying things around the house, cant carry certain items due to my balance, also I have to hold on to things.
• Going up the stairs.
• I find it hard to walk on carpets, I find it easier to walk on wood floor. I would like a carpet that doesn't create friction making easier for me to slide me feet across the floor.
• Putting on shoes and socks.
• taking things out of the oven.
• Going in an out of the house on the half step.

What is the most difficult room in your house?
Why?

• The bathroom because of the lack of space and equipment.

If you could change anything in your house what would it be?

• Creating a downstairs toilet.

What piece of equipment would you like in your house?

• Stair lift

What piece of equipment do you think can be improved?
Why?

• A stocking aid because I find it hard to use, especially if you got problems with your hands.

What device could help you loo k after your pets that you would like?

• Something that would help me clean the litter tray. As well as something that would help me clean them.

What is a huge problem for you?

• Not being able to answer the door to people.
• Taking food out of the oven.
• Carrying things around the house.
• Putting the rubbish out.
• Grooming my nails.

Adaptation In A House - Downstairs

Living room

• Use ‘reaches’ to pick things off the floor or down from a shelf
• A chair that’s the right height for you with filled-in arms can be easier to get up from. Filled-in arms also stop magazines and TV remotes from falling through.
• Avoid raising your chair height with piles of cushions. This is bad for your back and can make getting out of the chair more difficult

Stairs

• Two banisters can be a real help with balance
• Stair lifts are also a good option for some people

Entrances and exits

• Making sure you have easy access to and from your home is as important as improving things inside
• Fitted handles on the side of a door frame can be helpful to get up and down a step. Adding a half step to reduce the height of the step can also help
• If you use a wheelchair sometimes, you might want to have ramps fitted, or use temporary ones
• If you use a wheelchair, you might need to widen doorways to fit through

Garden

• Grow plants in containers instead of in the ground
• Use long-handled garden tools saving you from getting down to ground level
• Use automatic watering systems
• Paving or decking is generally easier to maintain and more accessible

Adaptation In A House - Upstairs

Kitchen

• Single lever or automatic taps and easy-grip handles on cooking utensils and cutlery can help if gripping is a problem.
• A ‘perching stool’ can help you avoid standing up to do the washing up or ironing
• Non-slip mats can keep things from sliding around worktops when preparing food.

Bathroom

• If you have problems with balance and standing, bath and shower benches or boards provide a place to sit when in the bath or shower
• Use non-skid safety strips or a rubber bathmat on the bath bottom and add grab bars to the wall or edge of the bath for support
• A removable showerhead with a long hose can make rinsing easier.
• A raised toilet seat, which fits over your existing one, can help with getting up and down from the toilet

Bedroom

• An occupational therapist can show you the most effective ways to get in and out of bed
• Raise the height of the bed with correctly fitted equipment. Don’t use improvised raisers (such as wooden blocks or bricks or telephone directories)
• A ‘bed lever’ attaches to your bed and can help you to sit, lie, stand and steady

Outlook Of MS

MS can be a challenging and frustrating condition to live with but new treatments over the past 20 years have considerably improved the quality of life of people with the condition.

MS is not fatal, but some complications that can arise from severe MS, such as pneumonia, can be.

As a result, the average life expectancy for people with MS is around five to 10 years lower than the population at large. This gap appears to be getting smaller, perhaps because of improved medical care.

Who Is Affected By MS

It is estimated that there are currently around 100,000 people with MS in the UK.

MS is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 20-40, although it can happen at any age. Children can also get MS, although this is rare.

For reasons that are unclear, MS is three times as common in women than men, and more common in white people than black and Asian people.

Causes Of MS

 Causes

MS is known as an autoimmune condition. This is where something goes wrong with the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) and it mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue – in this case, the myelin covering of nerves.

This can cause multiple sections of the brain and spinal column to become damaged and hardened (sclerosis), which can disrupt the nerve signals passing through these areas.

Exactly what causes the immune system to act in this way is unclear, but most experts think a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved.

Read more about the possible risk factors and causes of multiple sclerosis.

Treatment For MS

There is currently no cure for MS but there are a number of treatments that can help.

Relapsing remitting MS can be treated with disease-modifying drugs. These are designed to reduce the number of relapses someone has. They may also be able to slow the progression of MS. But they are not suitable for all people with MS.

Some of these drugs can also be used for treating secondary progressive MS, if someone is still experiencing relapses.

At the moment, there is no treatment that can slow the progress of primary progressive MS.

There are also a wide range of treatments, including physiotherapy, that can help relieve symptoms and make day-to-day living easier. Steroids can also be used to speed up recovery from relapses.

Read more about the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

The Different Types Of MS

Around eight out of 10 people with MS are diagnosed with the relapsing remitting type of MS.

Someone with relapsing remitting MS will have flare-ups of symptoms, known as relapses. These can last from a few days to a few months.

These will be followed by periods where symptoms are mild or disappear altogether. This is known as remission and can last for days, weeks or sometimes months.

Usually after around 15 years, around half of people with relapsing remitting MS will go on to develop secondary progressive MS.

In secondary progressive MS, symptoms gradually worsen over time. Some people may still have relapses, but without full recovery from symptoms.

The least common form of MS is primary progressive MS. In this type, symptoms gradually get worse over time and there are no periods of remission.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of symptoms including problems with muscle movement, balance and vision.

Each nerve fibre in the brain and spinal cord is surrounded by a layer of protein called myelin, which protects the nerve and helps electrical signals from the brain travel to the rest of the body. In MS, the myelin becomes damaged.

 

This disrupts the transfer of these nerve signals, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, such as:

• loss of vision – usually only in one eye
• spasticity – muscle stiffness that can lead to uncontrolled muscle movements
• ataxia – difficulties with balance and co-ordination
• fatigue – feeling very tired during the day

 

No Limits

I am creating a product suitable for disabled people, tat will support them and give them the confidence they need. My client that I will be making my product for will be my mother, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

After talking to her about what product that she would want me to make for her, she insisted in me creating a vacuum that she would be able to use, in which will give her a combination of support, confidence and independence. However, I aim to observe her by documenting the way she lives through her day to day life. I will mainly document how she solve problems and challenges she faces in her daily routine; from this I will try and create a product to fit her needs.