Solution For Challenges With Dexterity

Dexterity is most commonly defined as the ability to execute fine finger movements, such as gripping, pinching, twisting and turning.  Challenges to dexterity may affect our ability to use our hands and fingers to manipulate familiar objects. These movements may prove painful, and many people notice a loss of strength and/or sensation while handling the everyday tools of living.

Sometimes we tend to associate only our  senior years with a decline in different abilities to cope and function on a daily basis.  While this may be so, people who are recovering from surgery or stroke, those who have experienced an accident or trauma, or those, young or older, living with chronic medical conditions, such as arthritis, may also find everyday tasks to be quite a challenge.

Truly, anyone, at any time or age, can discover that the simple activities we take for granted aren't so simple if we become disabled even on a temporary basis.  There really is a time when we all can use a little help! 

As an example, a lady close to us recently tripped and fell, resulting in an upper arm fracture. This independent senior lady has found herself in a cast and sling to ensure that her right arm remains immobile. For her, it will be  a very long six weeks!  She has suddenly found herself needing assistance to do all those little things that we tend to take for granted.

Always a glamorous and well groomed lady, it has been frustrating for  her to be unable to properly care for her finger and toe nails. Both she and her family, are delighted to have discovered that Marnau has available special large non-slip nail and toe clippers that she can use with both hands.

These clippers will be great for her to have and use now, and will help her to maintain her independence in the years ahead.  

5 Easy Tips To Keeping Skin Moisturized

It's hard to believe that summer is actually winding down and soon winter will be upon us.  Many of us tend to spend more time indoors then, enjoying the cosy warmth of the a snuggly blanket, a fireplace and of course,  furnace heating.

Unfortunately, all types of indoor heating  can play havoc with our skin, robbing it of needed moisture which results in rough, dry, itchy skin.

The biting winds of the Fall and Winter seem to go right through us.  This harsh weather, with its dehumidified air, also both increases our skin's loss of moisture, and it's natural oils.  

Here are some suggestions to help decrease the amount of moisture loss in skin: 

• wear protective clothing when outdoors
• increase humidity levels in the home
• avoid using harsh soaps and solvents when cleaning or wear rubber gloves if using them
• wash skin with gentle cleansers
• moisturize directly after bathing.

Many people encounter difficulty when applying much needed moisturizer to those hard to reach places, such as the back or feet.  The Skinfinity applicator from Marnau Adaptive Products is a wonderful solution to overcoming this problem.

This skin care body wand with 4 unique detachable heads is easy to use, easy to clean and comes in a convenient travel bag.

Magnifiers - Keeping The Details in Focus

There was a discussion on a local AM radio station the other day. The guest, who was being interviewed, was speaking about the need to give our brains the stimulation they need to keep growing and developing into old age. "If you don't use it, you lose it ".

 It was mentioned that this could be accomplished by taking on new and unfamiliar mental challenges and "getting out of our comfort zones".  Start solving sudoku or crossword puzzles, reading, doing needlepoint, or knitting were a few other suggestions offered.

 Now I don't know about you, but lately I have noticed that my vision isn't as sharp as it once was. If I want to accomplish the fine stitching required in needlepoint, or be able to take on a difficult puzzle, I'll need a bit of assistance. A friend told me about the LED Floor Standing Magnifier available from Marnau and it is really a life saver.  I am now able to see the fine details in many of the hobbies that I enjoy.

Submitted by Mary Alice Bennett

Marnau Adaptive Products offers a selection of items to aid with magnification.  The Standing Magnifier is one of the more popular, but there is also a Free Standing Magnifier, Standing Page Magnifier as well as a selection of portable magnifiers.

Marnau Offers A Simple Solution For Traveling By Car

One of the movements that most people simply take for granted is the ability to, easily and smoothly, both enter and exit a vehicle - that is until they are experiencing limited or reduced mobility. 

Severe pain and/or numbness is a complaint that we hear often from our clients who are experiencing difficulty during the transition both in and out of their vehicles.  The movements can add additional stress to the back, abdomen, hips, legs and knees.

It is not realistic for most people to simply opt not to travel by car.  Marnau offers you more wonderful aids to help ease discomfort - a portable swivel cushion and a 360 degree memory foam swivel cushion. These cushions are padded for your comfort and help to reduce the pain that may be caused by a torso twisting motion.  

The addition of such a simple tool can truly allow for independence and the maintenance an optimum quality of life.

Having Trouble With Your Balance?

Balance is the ability to maintain bodily equilibrium; the line of gravity of our body within the base of support.

We maintain our balance as a result of several of our body's systems working together: the visual system (our eyes), the vestibular system (our ears), and something called proprioception, which is our body's sense of where it is in space. If there is a loss of function of any of these systems, we can develop a balance disorder, resulting in our inability to maintain standing erectly. 

Some people who have negative balance issues may become dizzy, feel lightheaded, have trouble reading or seeing, feel nauseous, possibly vomit, have diarrhea, changes in blood pressure, feel anxious and afraid, or may even panic. As a result of these symptoms they may become very tired, feel sad or depressed, and may experience a lack of concentration for everyday tasks.

Disorders of balance may be caused by health issues, be a side effect of some medications, or may be caused by inner ear problems.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of imbalance, a visit to your doctor for a check-up is definitely in order.

It would be helpful to your doctor if you could keep a record of how frequently you have trouble keeping your balance, how you feel during these episodes, names and doses of all the medications that you are taking, and if you have fallen.  Ask questions of your doctor and write down his/her instructions.

Unfortunately as we age our systems are slower to react to stimulation, often resulting in poor balance, and thus an increased risk of tripping and falling. It is noted that one in three adults aged 65 and older will fall each year.

To help reduce injury from lack of balance, avoid walking in the dark, and wear low heeled shoes .  It would be helpful to install handrails in your home to increase your safety and security. Marnau offers a continuous handrail system that can be installed throughout your home; in hallways, stairs, bathrooms, etc...

Making Life A Little Better - One Product At A Time

Everything that we do at Marnau Adaptive Products is done with the intention of making someone's life a little better.  We often get notes of appreciation for how our products have brought back a certain quality of life to fellow Canadians.

Here is a message we received recently - we just wanted to share it with you too:

Dear Marnau,

 

Suffering from restless leg syndrome meant interrupted sleep and periods of terrible discomfort. I was prescribed a drug used to treat Parkinson's Disease (Mirapex), but it has a serious side-effect, causing some users to develop a gambling addiction. It may sound funny, but as I already have a tendancy to buy things I really don't need (esp. shoes, purses, and books), I was not keen on taking any chances. I had noticed that if I could find a cool spot on the sheets, I could get a few seconds of relief, and had even taken to ironing my sheets to maximize the coolness factor. When Sandra introduced me to the cooling pads, I jumped on them. I have only taken the medication I was prescribed twice in the past 5 or 6 months, which, to me, is a miracle. I cannot recommend these enough!

- Linda

It certainly touches our hearts to know that we have made your life a little easier. 

Arthritic Hands Are Still Useful

Many people don’t think twice about picking up everyday household objects, however, if you are dealing with Arthritis, this simple task can be painful and frustrating.  Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide. It can affect the hand joints and make grasping thin objects especially hard to maneuver and employ.

Let’s look at a run-of-the-mill kinda day….. everything from using a tooth brush, to using standard cutlery and writing implements - and let’s not forget about keys, can be struggles with frustration.  

There are many adaptive devices available to help ease the discomfort. This Closed-Cell Tubing is one of the easiest to adapt hard to hold handles and objects in and around your home by offering greater control.  The slip-resistant “skin” is dishwasher safe -  and adaptable to a variety of lengths.

Solution for Progressive Vision Loss

Vision problems are a huge problem for people of all ages.  One of the more common vision conditions that develop as people age is macular degeneration.  It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of sixty, which is why it is so important to have your vision tested yearly.

Your doctor will go over your medical history with you and enquire about any family history of macular degeneration.  You will also go through a complete eye exam.  Typically, your doctor will look at and examine the retina, located at the back of your eye.  There are also test which can be used to test for defects in your vision.  One such test is the use of an Amsler grid.

Click here to access an online Amsler grid vision test.   Please note that this online tool does NOT replace a proper vision test performed by your doctor.

The loss of vision can be debilitating, but Marnau offers you solutions that you can use to help minimize the impact.  One such solution is the Quantum Fashion Talking Watch - this watch features a white face with black dials to create a crisp contrast for easier viewing and a one-touch button that operates a clear speech output.

Solutions To Help Combat Night Sweats

Night sweats are no laughing matter.   There are many causes of night sweats that run from menopause to diabetes to hormonal imbalances and some types of chemotherapy.

While common, there is not much that is more uncomfortable than waking up soaking wet with a damp pillow, soaked bedsheets and  clingy pajamas.   Night sweats can be both embarrassing and a disruption to both the woman and her partner.

It can be easier to control your symptoms during the day (think layers), but the hours while you are slumbering can be more problematic.   Marnau Adaptive Products has heard the plea of many looking for solutions - and we now have a full line of products to help alleviate the sensation of being wet and sticky.

Here are some ways that can help you battle the dampness:

Gel Cooling Pads - Regular and Large

The gel cooling pad is the ideal solution if you are often too hot and uncomfortable.  Requires no refrigeration or electricity, the comforting pad cools and soothes for hours! Perfect for use on a chair, sofa, inside a pillow case, bed, wheelchair and more!

Moisture Wicking Pajamas

The material is designed to pull moisture directly away from the skin. As such, the fabric draws sweat and perspiration off of the skin and out to the exterior of the fabric, so you never feel wet.  Secondly, it dries quickly (100% faster than cotton or poly/cotton), so your body temperature stays controlled and regulated.

Sweet Sleep Sheets

These sheets repel the sweaty sensation and adapt to the body to conserve a constant temperature.  Enjoy a long, dry, and restful slumber night after night.

Alzheimer Support for those affected and their families

Receiving the diagnosis of Alzheimer's can be a devastating occurrence for both the person affected and his/her family. It is important to have good and open communication with your doctor. He/she can be an invaluable support for all involved.

During the early stage of Alzheimer's, which may last for years, there may be mild changes in thinking and learning abilities. Generally speaking, the person can and should participate in the activities of daily living, and be encouraged to live as independently as possible. Feeling "in control" can be good for the person's emotional well-being.

         

Families caring for their loved one at this stage are really in a supporting role, assisting when needed to perform certain tasks, such as keeping appointments, managing money, and help making plans for the future. A daily routine should be maintained, as regular schedules may make the person feel more secure.

         

The person should be encouraged to share feelings, as he/she may be anxious, frustrated, or fearful of the future.

       
If the Alzheimer's patient lives alone, it is imperative that caregivers stay involved. Daily phone calls or visits can be a great emotional support, as well as helping to keep on top of potential problems that may occur or develop.
       
The safety of the person living alone is of paramount importance, and needs to be closely monitored by the caregiver.  The Safe-T-elements Cooktop System is engineered to help prevent cooking fires and reduce the amount of electricity required to cook.  The burners are retrofitted to existing electric coiled stoves and electronically control the temperature of the plate.
         
As the disease progresses, behaviors start to change. This can be very distressing for the person affected, as well as for the loved ones caring for them. Irritability, sleep changes, physical and verbal outbursts, and wandering may occur. As the ability to communicate decreases, the person may become repetitive and lose their train of thought. Dressing and grooming will start to become more challenging.

Eating regular and nutritious meals may become problematic. If possible, meals should not be rushed and be taken in a quiet area with little to no distractions. The person may have difficulty handling utensils and can become overwhelmed with a variety of food choices. 

Forty percent of Alzheimer’s patients experience significant weight loss. People with Alzheimer's are not able to distinguish light colored food and drink on or in typically light colored tableware. Researchers have noted a 24% increase in food intake and 84% increase in liquid intake when eating and drinking with tableware that offers a high contrast color. The Redware Tableware Set provides the human eye with a hue that is both more easily seen and likely to be high in contrast to most foods.

While an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is certainly anxiety ridden, it is important to remember that there is a large network of support available for both the individual and their families.  An excellent place to start looking for information is the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada - www.alzheimers.ca/en.   You will find valuable advice and a slew of links that are sure to be advantageous in your quest for guidance.

Support offert pour les personnes et les familles vivant avec l’Alzheimer

Recevoir un diagnostic d’Alzheimer peut être un événement dévastateur pour la personne affecté ainsi que sa famille. Il est important d’avoir une bonne communication avec votre médecin. Le médecin peut fournir un support inestimable à tous  concernés.

Pendant le stade  initial de l’Alzheimer, qui peut durer pendant des années, vous pourriez percevoir des changements légers dans votre capacité de penser et d’apprendre. En général, la personne peut et doit participer dans les activités quotidiennes, et être encouragé à vivre aussi indépendamment que possible. Se sentir en contrôle peut être bon pour le bien-être émotionnel.

Les familles qui s’occupent de leurs êtres chers à ce stade sont finalement dans un rôle de support, aidant à effectuer certaines tâches tel que respecter les rendez-vous, gérer les finances et pour aider à faire des plans pour le futur. Une routine journalière doit être conservée,  puisque une cédule régulière peut donner un sentiment de sécurité.

         

La personne doit être encourage à partager ses sentiments, puisqu’elle peut être anxieuse, frustrée ou inquiète pour l’avenir.
     
Si le patient d’Alzheimer habite seul, il est primordial que les soignants demeurent impliqués.  Des appels téléphoniques journaliers ou des visites peuvent être un excellent support émotionnel, en plus d’aider à rester à l’affut des problèmes potentiels ou qui se développent.

La sécurité des personnes qui résident seuls aussi primordial, et doit être  surveillé  par le soignant. Le Système pour Poêle Safe-T-Elements  est conçu pour prévenir les feux de cuisson et diminue la consommation énergétique requis pour la cuisson. Le ronds se posent sur les serpentins existants et contrôlent la température électroniquement.

Losque la maladie progresse, le comportement commence à changer. Ceci peut être très perturbant pour la personne affectée mais aussi pour les gens qui s’en occupent.  Irritabilité, changements sur le plan du sommeil,  emportement physiques ou verbaux  et  l‘errance. Lorsque la capacité de communiquer diminue, la personne peut devenir répétitive et perdre son train de pensée. L’habillage et le toilettage commenceront à être plus difficiles.

Se nourrir de repas réguliers et nutritifs peut devenir problématique. Si possible, les repas ne devraient pas être hâtés et devraient se passer dans un lieu calme avec peu de distractions. La personne peut avoir de la difficulté à manier les ustensiles et peut aussi devenir confondue face à une variété de nourriture et de choix multiples.

Quarante pourcent des patients d’Alzheimer subissent une perte de poids significative. Les gens avec l’Alzheimer ne sont pas capables de différencier la nourriture et la boisson dans la vaisselle de couleur pâle. Les chercheurs notent  une augmentation de consommation de 24% de nourriture et 84% de liquides quand la vaisselle est d’une couleur hautement contrastante.  L’Ensemble de Vaisselle Redware fournit à l’œil humain une teinte qui est plus facilement visible en plus d’être hautement contrastante à la majorité des nourritures.

Même si un diagnostic d’Alzheimer est rempli d’anxiété, il est important de se souvenir qu’il y a un très grand réseau de support qui est disponible pour les patients et leurs familles. Une excellente place pour commencer votre recherche d’information est la Société d’Alzheimer du Canada – www.alzheimer.ca/fr. Vous y trouverez une foule de ressources et de liens qui seront certainement avantageux dans votre quête de conseils.