// BLOG

Diabetic Patients Use Jetted Bathtubs For Critical Footcare

October 12, 2009

Diabetes is a disease growing significantly in the United States. The American Diabetes Association states that 8 percent of the U.S. population, or 23.6 million people have either Type 1 or 2 diabetes. It accounts for more than 60 percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations. The rate for amputation in diabetes patients is 10x higher than it is for people without the disease.

People with diabetes and neuropathy are vulnerable to footcare and wound issues. The use of whirlpool hydrotherapy baths and soaking can help improve circulation. “…This kind of bath tub will help the foot gently be massaged, which helps the foot begin to circulate blood more evenly. … [These tubs] are easy for any patient to use in their home or at the hospital. The patient simply puts their foot into the hydrotherapy whirlpool bath tubs and allows it to soak for a prescribed amount of time. This therapy can be repeated over the course of days or weeks, depending on the condition of the patient and the recommendation of the physical therapist of primary physician. While the tubs won’t completely heal the poor circulation, there is significant evidence that using a bath tub like this for therapy will reduce the possibility of ulceration and the need for amputation of the foot in severe cases.” This article by Gary Gordon is helpful in describing the therapeutic effects of whirlpool or jetted tubs for diabetic patients with neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease and can be found here: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/hydrotherapy-whirlpool-bathtubs-help-rehabilitate-patients-414251.html

Another good article, The Diabetic Foot , gives great advice such as daily foot inspections. http://www.footsolutions.com/diabetes.htm

Check diabetic feet daily

Custom Metalwork For Railings With Beauty AND Safety

October 4, 2009

Last week our dear client, Mrs. M, had some medical issues. Sis told us that she will probably need that walk-in bathtub as soon as next week when we are scheduled to start the project.

As we talked, Sis was real worried about the front door which Mrs. M uses regularly with no handrails. She grabs ahold of the brick on the side of the house to pull steady herself as she climbs the two steep steps.

Dave Frei measuring for an artistic and safe railing for Mrs. M

Lori called up another great “couple company” that she’s know quite well — Cobalt Designworks to help design, build, and install wrought iron railings. Mrs. M wanted something that matched the design of her home/landscaping AND was safe and functional. Jennifer Corio, the Owner/Designer, and Dave Frei, the Owner/Production Manager, have great ideas to meet her needs. Find their beautiful metal designs and projects at www.cobaltdesignworks.com . Besides railings, you can find gates, signs, furniture, sculpture, and public art.

Lori met Jennifer and Dave at Mrs. M’s home last week. It was great that the Best Bath System Walk-In Bathtub was delivered while we were there. All 300 lbs by the trusty FedEx man. She inspected the biscuit jetted tub and extension to find no transportation defects.

There will be 3 designs for Mrs. Mand Sis to review in about a week. Sis has a good design eye having been a florist for many years. Mrs. M will choose her safe and beautiful wrought-iron railing soon.

SWAAD Can Help Mobility-Impaired With Costs

September 21, 2009

The Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities (SWAAD) is part of the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and a public service agency solely dedicated to helping persons aged 60 and over, adults with disabilities and their families to access needed community services in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat and Skamania counties. This agency may help you with retrofitting your home as your mobility or your ability to get around changes and depends on your qualifications.

Photo by Rawlinson

You can find more info at SWAAD’s website: www.helpingelders.org

Another helpful agency which has links to SWAAD is the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)’s agency called Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) for Washington State, www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov .

Assistive Technology is a national website featuring new technologies and products: www.assistivetech.net/index.php . You can find nifty devices like the tush push toilet seat lift.

Tush Push toilet seat lift

Access at Home, Inc. is an approved supplier for the SWAAD and DSHS ADSA agencies!

Look forward to more information posted about Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas in Oregon as we develop our relationships with similar agencies serving them.

New Bathroom Retrofit In The Works

September 18, 2009

Our sweet 80-yr-old customer, Mrs. M, loves to take baths and lives alone. Her gorgeous 4-yr-old home has a fabulous triangular jetted tub with 2 full length glass block walls on both sides of the tub in her master bathroom. (A photo would be nice to see this — maybe next week.) One late evening a few weeks ago, she tried to take a bath and could not get out by herself. She had to make an urgent call to her dear sweet sister (and was fortunate to have brought the phone with her.) When Sis showed up, they giggled so hard about the situation, it took both of their energies to get out. Mrs. M’s a night owl bather and wants to keep her independence. She is also adamant about keeping the new home’s elegant style and designs. She doesn’t want it to look like a hospital or institution at all.

Tony and Lori, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists were called after a nephew found them at the Fair. They did NOT want to touch that beautiful master jetted tub due to her request to keep her home’s elegant design in synch. She is currently using the shower with a chair as needed. She sure misses the soaking and hydro-therapeutic bathing. Her calves and ankles were swollen and surely needed the hydrotherapy from water and air jet systems.

Surprisingly, they discovered another bathroom that had a low-end bath/shower insert with plastic doors. It also did not fit the sophistication and high quality look of the home. The bathroom has stone flooring, polished traverteen counters, and redwood cabinetry. This is where she snuck a bath but knew it wasn’t very safe for her either. They recommended the perfect solution calling for the installation of a Best Bath Escape jetted walk in bathtub, gray tile surrounding that matches the floor, additional lighting, and a white ceiling.

See the before pictures. Stay tuned for updates. Construction begins in October (‘o9).