Blog

RSV, flu and Covid are working their way through the country.

The perfect storm, as described by some health officials, is causing chaos across all areas of the health service.

Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. Here are 5 ways to practice good hand hygiene:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water: This is the most effective way to remove dirt, germs, and bacteria from your hands. Wet your hands, apply soap, and scrub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.

Falls can be dangerous, especially for adults with mobility challenges. Here are 10 tips to help you avoid falls at home:

Hydration is critical to maintaining a healthy body and nothing hydrates you better than plain water. Even though it is not officially a nutrient, it is essential to our health and, despite media stories highlighting how important water is, most of us still don’t drink enough of it. How much water do you drink on a daily basis?

First, some medical facts by way of illustration:

Your kidneys may not work as effectively with age, leading to a fluid imbalance in your body.

Since your body has less water composition as you age, you become dehydrated much quicker than when you were younger.

On average, we should aim to drink about 2 litres of water a day to prevent dehydration. That’s the equivalent of about 8 glasses – not a lot when you break it down.

Dehydration causes fatigue and lethargy, so your energy levels suffer and you’re less likely to want to exercise. By making sure you get enough water every day, you may be surprised at how much more alert, energised and focused you feel.

Water is particularly important when you’re trying to achieve a healthy weight loss, as it improves the digestive system so that fats are eliminated from the body more efficiently.

In effect, drinking water helps to flush your system out. You should set yourself a daily water intake goal.

Top 5 hydration tips to help you get your daily water intake:

1. Bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go. If you have a bottle with you at all times you are more likely to sip from it during the day. Don’t forget to fill it up at every opportunity. Why not invest in a quality water bottle?

2. Build it into your daily routine. Drink a glass of water on waking, have another before mealtimes and so on throughout your day. Keep in mind that 2 litres is approximately 8 glasses; before you know it, 2 litres of water will be part of your daily routine.

3. Drink water before your daily walk. This will replace fluid lost through sweating. If you’ve taken point 2 on board then your body will be hydrated but bear in mind that you should aim to top up just before exercise.

4. Give it some zing! Add a slice of lemon or lime to a glass of water – a refreshing pick-me-up first thing in the morning! The health benefits of lemons are well known and provide a welcome change.

5. Go herbal. Unlike regular tea and coffee, herbal teas are not dehydrating and with such a wide variety to choose from, this can be a great way to supplement your daily fluid intake without any sugar or calories.

Drinking 2 litres or 8 glasses of water a day is one of those easy-wins and not only that, you are doing yourself the world of good.

Hydration is so important and as you’ll find out, it’s a really easy good habit to fall into.

The Beechfield In-Home Demonstration Service is the ideal way to try out one of our mobility solutions from the comfort of your own home. If your Occupational Therapist of Physiotherapist recommends a mobility product, you can arrange for one of our experts to visit you in your home to show you how the product works.

The visual support provided by an in-home demonstration is an important consideration. When looking to purchase a specific mobility product, you will benefit greatly from seeing it in person. Scrolling through a website can only provide a superficial understanding, whereas the opportunity to see the product in you home is far more supportive. The ability to see, feel and sometimes smell the product is generally more appealing than simply reading a report recommending a particular mobility aid. This is especially true if you are a more visual or hands-on learner, as you often need to see the product in action to fully grasp its value and potential.

Providing proof is another important consideration. The in-home demonstration will enable you to see first-hand how the product delivers on its intended use(s). Showing what the product can do, and letting you experience it in the comfort of your own home, provides necessary proof.

If you’ve any misgivings then the in-home demonstration is the most effective way to address those concerns.

Finally, in-home demonstrations are often attended by family members. They too may have questions relating to their interaction with /use of the product. Again, the in-house demonstration will help address those concerns and pave the way to a successful adoption of the product into your environment.

Last but not least and not to be overlooked, you can arrange a date and time that suits you. This is especially important if any members of your family want to be present.

We offer free in-home demonstrations for the following products:

- Power Chairs

- Scooters

- Riser Recliners

- Thera Trainers

- U Step walkers

- Troja walkers

- Wheelchair Power packs

- P PODS & Home chairs

- Hoists, Able Assists & Patient Turners

- Wheelchairs

Top 4 Benefits of Our In-home Demonstration Service

1. Gives you a greater understanding of the mobility aid you are interesting in purchasing.

2. You can check out the mobility aid in familiar surroundings - in the comfort of your own home.

3. Speak to our expert – our team are there to help you make the right decision.

4. Choose a date and time that suits you.

Call us on 0818 989 353 to talk to our friendly and expert team.