Sensible Exercises for the Elderly

Posted on 9 December, 2011 by admin

There are many changes that occur in aging bodies, but that doesn’t mean that elderly active living is out of the question. The fact is that if you begin working out at any age, you can greatly increase your muscle mass, your bone density and even your balance and coordination. In short, working out at any age is just plain smart!

A great article from the Senior Insider .com all bout keeping healthy and active. Read on:

Over 65 Exercises That You Can Do Now
Your first step in getting back in shape, regardless of your age, is simply to start moving in some form or another. In this article, we will look at 10 different ways that you can begin to workout safely and make the most out of your time exercising.

Before you start an exercise programme, you should always have a meeting with your doctor to discuss your current level of fitness to ensure you are safe. Every medical situation and physical fitness situation is different. Keep this fact in mind before you start any excercises.

Tip #1 for Over 65 Exercises – Start Slowly
If you get injured you will need to time to fully recover and it could be a while before you are fit enough to being exercise. So DO NOT over exert yourself to begin with. Start slowly, gently warming up and paying attention to what your body is telling you. If it hurts, stop.

Tip #2 for Over 65 Exercises – Pick Smart Exercises
Exercising should be harder work than normal, especially if you haven’t worked out in a while. Therefore don’t pick exercises that you hate or don’t enjoy. There are lots of ways to get fit at any age, by picking a workout that you don’t like may require superhuman willpower. So keep it simple and fun.

Tip #3 for Over 65 Exercises – Walk It Off
Walking is a great way to start. Elderly active living can be enhanced a great deal with the power of walking. Walking has so many benefits that it should never be overlooked. Walking is low-impact, has a low risk of injury, and is an exercise that most individuals can start doing immediately. It is free, keeps joints lubricated, strengthens ligaments, gives a great cardiovascular workout and improves balance. In short, walking is a fantastic exercise!

Tip #4 for Over 65 Exercises – Work with a Pro
If you can afford it, use a Personal Trainer to help. This will greatly improve the quality of your training, reduce risk of injury. When you are considering a new trainer, ensure they have qualifications in instructing and ask to see their credentials. The best personal trainer I have ever used is Oliver Jurascheck, he is assigned to LA Fitness, for advice in personal training email pt.oliverj@hotmail.co.uk and he will recommend you to a local quality personal trainer.

Tip #5 for Over 65 Exercises – If You Feel Pain, Stop
The idea of “no pain, no gain” isn’t for you, at least not if you want to keep injury free. If you ever feel pain, simply stop immediately.

Tip #6 for Over 65 Exercises – Keep a Good Log of Elderly Active Living Activities
Elderly active living is possible. IBy keeping records of your progress, you too will be able to prove your results and boost your confidence and self esteem. A good Personal Trainer will assist your here, even if you just had the initial consultation they will provide you with all you need to know.

Tip #7 for Over 65 Exercises – Keep Hydrated
Always drink plenty of water. You lose a great deal of fluids when you exercise, so keep the water flowing.

Tip #8 for Over 65 Exercises - Footwear vitally important
Whether you are walking, doing a little light weightlifting or jogging, ensure you invest in the quality footwear. Further, select footwear that is right for your activity. Good footwear will help you avoid injury and looking rediculous!

Tip #9 for Over 65 Exercises – Set Smart Goals for Elderly Active Living
Be realistic, expecting too much, too quickly, will leave you discouraged and inactive. Your goal is to get in shape and stay healthy while doing it. You want to feel good remember too, so feeling satisfied is better than feeling sick due to over exersion! (If only we were 16 years old again hey!)

Tip #10 for Over 65 Exercises – Avoid Boredom, Change Your Routine
Keeping active as a senior means that you need to keep up regular exercise. By changing your routine and trying new exercises, you will avoid boredom and, in the process, you will miss fewer workouts.

For more helpful information visit the link at www.seniorinsider.com article.

THE ELDERLEY DILEMMA

Posted on 1 December, 2011 by admin

As regards the costs of caring for Elderly, to quoting the Washington Times USA – “No one anticipated so many would need so much assistance while preferring to stay in their own homes or with their loved ones”.

A son said, my mother who is 96 years old has been living with me for the past six years. Almost three years ago she broke the same hip twice within six months, which rendered her semi-invalid. She is also sliding into dementia. She was extremely damant that she would not go into a care home.

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An interim report earlier this year found that elderly people have been left in bed for 17 hours at a time, abandoned in soiled bedding and clothing, while others had to choose between being washed and being fed because visits were so brief.

Exclusive research by Age UK found that 82 per cent of English councils provide care only to those described as having ‘substantial’ or ‘critical’ needs.

Impact of elderly care cuts

Posted on 30 November, 2011 by admin

Figures recently disclosed show that government funding for nursing homes and support for frail pensioners has been cut by almost a fifth.

Millions of elderly people are now facing a “care crisis” after figures disclosed that government funding for nursing homes and support for frail pensioners has been cut by almost a fifth.

The Telegraph recently published this article ‘More than £1.3 billion has been removed from councils’ annual spending on help for the over-65s since the Coalition came to power, House of Commons analysis found.
Most councils are increasing the fees they charge families for home help and meals on wheels as they attempt to plug the funding gap left by Treasury cuts, The Daily Telegraph has learned.
Campaigners for the elderly warned that more pensioners would be condemned to long stays in hospital wards and that people would be forced to give up work to look after their parents.
Ministers said there was “no excuse” for councils to target the elderly to balance their budgets, but Labour attacked the Coalition for failing to protect the most vulnerable adults in society.
The Government is considering plans to overhaul funding for care home places and home help services, which it hopes can protect pensioners from being forced to sell their homes to cover the cost of support. Cross-party talks are being held in an attempt to reach a consensus on social care funding and a White Paper setting out the Coalition’s plans is due to be published in the spring’

This could cause a huge issue for elderly people, their families and carers. In the same article Emily Holzhausen, director of policy at Carers UK, another elderly support charity, is quoted as saying many were suffering from the “real terms cuts”. She said: “It is extremely worrying as we look at what the impact is on families’ lives. We know that families are already under an enormous amount of stress and that will only get worse with these cuts.”

Worrying times indeed whilst it is understandable that the Goverment needs to make cuts this is not the area to make them in.

What are your thoughts on this?

Dementia Care – Keeping Independent

Posted on 24 November, 2011 by admin

As we get older, we can all notice problems with our memory, where did we put the TV remote? the car keys? Even what we did yesterday, often stress, tiredness, anxiety even depression can lead to memory problems which can occur at any age, however, forgetfulness can be an early sign of Dementia as we get older.

Dementia is characterised as a group of symptoms, loss of memory, mood changes and confusion caused by damage to the brain. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way.

There are several diseases and conditions that cause dementia. These include:

Alzheimer’s disease − The most common cause of dementia. During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells.
Vascular disease − The brain relies on a network of vessels to bring it oxygen-bearing blood. If the oxygen supply to the brain fails, brain cells are likely to die and this can cause the symptoms of vascular dementia. These symptoms can occur either suddenly, following a stroke, or over time through a series of small strokes.
Dementia with Lewy bodies − This form of dementia gets its name from tiny spherical structures that develop inside nerve cells. Their presence in the brain leads to the degeneration of brain tissue. Memory, concentration and language skills are affected. This form of dementia shares some characteristics with Parkinson’s disease
Fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick’s disease) − In fronto-temporal dementia, damage is usually focused in the front part of the brain. At first, personality and behaviour are more affected than memory.

As challenging as these circumstances may sound, there are lots of people enjoying life who cope very well with Dementia. They continue to have an independent life simply by making some small changes to their home, routines, and with support from family and friends as well as taking advantage of the wide range of Dementia daily living aids available on the market.

In the North West, Top Flight Mobility and Top Flight Stairlifts, can source aids to help you to live more comfortably. Top Flight Mobility help people to cope more successfully from memory loss, right the way through to getting around the house and even to the local shops.

There are some great ideas and solutions that are available that you just may not have been aware of, for instance:

Key safes allow family support and such like, to have access in emergencies whilst protecting your safety.

Door phones – an aid which securely enables the elderly and disabled attend to callers. A useful security device for any home or building, especially those with vulnerable occupiers who have visitors. Personal Message Recorders, these are great for recording those mental notes that you can play back at any time, to ensure you don’t forget what is important, such as appointments or jobs that need doing. Quite often weekly planners are used by a variety of individuals to prevent missing those important activities.

There are large button telephones from a little as £18.69 that can really make it easier to hear due to the amplified call volume. As well, a visual light to indicate incoming calls. It’s much easier to dial using the extra large key pad too.

We also have automatic water release sink plugs, water level alarms to prevent the bath or sink from overflowing. Even Gas detectors to put your mind at rest, and prevent your family from undue concern.

How about your health??? You know, Tablet Wallets are great for holding your medication safely and securely at home or when travelling. Our customers find the alarm reminder pill boxes extremely useful especially, at affordable prices and because they are easy to use automatic pill dispensers.

To avoid the pitfalls during the night sensor lights have been a great way to avoid those unnecessary trips and falls. Fall detectors and pressure mat alert kits are a fabulous way to prevent injury and improve the quality of your health. Did you know? You can have a location tracker, door /window opening alarm, home CCTV system, so that your family and friends can be confident you are in safe hands. These greatly minimise the risks of disturbances that many face today but most importantly they make you feel safer and secure in the comfort of your own home.

Making life easy for yourself

To prevent the unnecessary accidents around the home, why not scan the list below to see if you could benefit from the TOP 15 quick win solutions that make life easy, comfortable and safe:

1. Rise and recline Chairs – Hot Offers Available

2. Electric rise and recline beds- Hot Offers Available

3. Wheel Chairs – Hot offers Available

4. Non Slip Mats

5. Perching Stools

6. Shower Chairs

7. Water Proof Bedding

8. Ramps

9. Walking Frames

10. Bath Rails

Top Flight Mobility and Top Flight Stairlifts can source all mobility products offering delivery throughout the UK. Simply give us call on our free phone 0800 093 6117 and ask us how we can help or assist you.

On a local level we can deliver large items free of charge (over £100) to all the following locations:-

Middlewich, Northwich, Sandbach, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Stockport, Cheadle, Stoke, Crewe, Alderley Edge, Sale, Altrincham, Bowden, Stairlifts Manchester, Flint, Liverpool, Warrington, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Buxton, Wirral, Chester.

Who are Topflight Stairlifts?

We are an independent company that provides UK stair lifts as well as reconditioned stairlifts within the UK. Some of the brands that we deal in are Brooks Stairlifts, Acorn, Bison Bede and many more. We offer a range options accompanied with specialist advice, as we appreciate it can be challenge to choose the right stairlift depending on your needs and the property. If you are looking for specialist stair lift advice on purchasing a straight stairlift or curved, we are here to help. There are occasions where you may not necessarily need a curved stair lift, there are other options to achieve the same result as a curved stairlift, this may reduce costs.

We also supply stairlift warranty cover as well as stairlift breakdown cover, to give you the peace of mind you deserve. We provide stairlifts in Manchester and stairlifts in Liverpool as we have an office & showroom conveniently located in the heart of the North West. With the opening of our new showroom in Sandbach J17 M6, we are conveniently supplying stairlifts in Staffordshire, making us an ideal stairlift supplier in Stoke. Operating in the North West and surrounding areas we thus cater for people who are looking for Electric Rise and Recline Chairs in Stoke as well as Electric Beds in Stoke, Manchester, Liverpool and surrounding areas. We have a large number of customers all over the UK, from private homes and Care Homes to Museums.

Please call contact us on FREEPHONE 0800 093 6117

What is Independence and why is it so important?

Posted on 13 September, 2011 by admin

: Curved Stairlifts in Macclesfield & Cheshire from £3695

It is the state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by, others; self-subsistence or maintenance; direction of one’s own affairs without interference.

For many who are aging or suffering with health, it’s about feeling competent. This affects levels of self-esteem or self-worth which in turn affects our confidence levels. Our confidence in daily life has a bearing on our likelihood of trying out new things, exploring in activities, stepping out of our comfort zone, which often leads to personal growth. Trying out new things or living makes us feel good, we are having fun, enjoying our freedom and life. No wonder people fear losing it!

Read this Blog if:

Want the Latest Facts on Independence & Costs
Increase your independence or your families
Want to Buy a Stairlift in Macclesfield
Rent a Stairlift In Macclesfield or Cheshire
Want to sell a stairlift in Macclesfield or Cheshire
Or to repair a stairlift in Macclesfield or Cheshire

An article in the ‘The Telegraph’ headlined:

More people ‘fear losing independence in old age than death’, survey says

And went on to say that “more people are afraid of losing their independence in old age and being forced to move into a nursing home than they are of dying, a survey has found.”

It’s a powerful statement which makes clear how people still desire to remain independent as opposed to being pressured or even forced to move into a care home – was the findings of one study.

Due to the rising costs of elderly care, two out of three are concerned about the pressure it places on friends and family to provide care in old age. The survey revealed that three in four people were concerned about getting ill in old age as opposed to less than one in three who were concerned about dying. Quoting The Telegraph it said “Nearly 50% of people expressed a fear of moving into a care facility according to the Disabled Living Foundation Charity”.

Even the government has issued forth warnings and increasing concern over the health care system saying that it was facing a “time bomb” due to the growing section of Britain’s ageing population.

Without getting everyone depressed – this article in the The Telegraph was simply acknowledging some sobering facts. The serious question is: What can we do to fight back? How can we beat the time bomb and also help our loved ones retain their independence, remain in their homes if that’s their wish – which essentially impacts their life and happiness?

Ministers have previously said Britain’s ageing population poses as big a threat to the country as climate change, as the government grapples with how to help the 1.7 million more people expected to need social care over the next two decades. Small independent companies like Top Flight Stairlifts are already on the case.

How can the elderly or sick can gain independence?

: Ideas and ways to help independence are out there!

Top Flight Stairlifts & Mobility are a company that specialises in supplying stairlifts, installing and servicing even repairing stairlifts in Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Alderley Edge.
Supplying a range of mobility aids for in and out of the home it’s an ideal place to see what they can do to help.

They aim to help people relieve the effects of disabilities, illness or even old age – Top Flight Stairlifts have a mobility range that can help ones to gain that much desired freedom and independence and comfort. This has been through mobility scooters, stairlifts, daily living aids to improve independence in the home.

Gain more freedom in your home by using a stairlift. It can make a huge difference, especially when care is so expensive, or the risk of falling or not being mobile in your home is high. Having installed stairlifts in Alderley Edge & Macclesfield Top Flight can help keep you in your own beautiful home, happy, safe and healthy too.

Stairlifts in Macclesfield help independence

Brand New Stairlifts in Macclesfield can be acquired from £1395 including warranty and stairlift installation (same goes for Alderley Edge and Wilmslow). This price is based on the Brooks Lincoln stairlift, which is very popular in Cheshire and Macclesfield. The Brooks Lincoln stairlift is a straight Stairlift with a slimline track, one of the best on the market due to it’s reliability, quality and subtle slimline fold away design.

Having a Stairlift in Alderley Edge or installing a stairlift in your Macclesfield home can give you peace of mind and avoid the need for extra care and support. It can give you the
confidence needed to get around in your own home as and when you please with no concern, perhaps like you did once before.

: Curved Stairlifts in Macclesfield & Cheshire from £3695

If you have a curved staircase in Macclesfield, Alderley Edge or Wilmslow and you require a curved stairlift or a curved chair lift in Macclesfield, then they start from new at around £3595 based on the Freelift stairlift which is again a very stylish and slimline design with a single track and a carriage that blends in with your beautiful Cheshire home.

The Stairlifts sold in Macclesfield and Cheshire by Top Flight Stairlifts Ltd are mainly British made, such as Brooks, Meditek, Platinum – the reason is because they are the most reliable and provide the best quality chair lifts. Stairlifts are installed by the Top Flights own stairlift engineers and the warranty is provided also by the Stairlift company. With new stairlifts, they come with factory parts & warranty for 1 year and sometimes up to 2 years.

This honest, trustworthy family run business is growing due to the reliable service they provide. Also, selling used Stairlifts or recondition Stairlifts in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and
Alderley Edge too from £695 including a Warranty on parts and labour – call 0800 093 6117 or call 01625 886 724 to ask for more details.

Used Stairlifts Macclesfield or Sell a Stairlift in Macclesfield

If you want to keep the cost down and want a reconditioned stairlift in Macclesfield or a

: Straight Brooks Stairlift from £1395

chair lift then Top Flight Stairlifts are the people to speak to. They buy back Stairlifts in Cheshire especially in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge and therefore have a constant flow of quality used stairlifts that have been serviced and maintained by the team of engineers at Top Flight Stairlifts and therefore can provide an excellent second option instead of a new stairlift.

Rent a stairlift in Macclesfield

Often stairlifts maybe required for a short period of time in Macclesfield and Cheshire, perhaps because of an injury or an illness. If this is the case, Top Flight Stairlift in Macclesfield have a Stairlift Rental agreement whereby you can hire a Stairlift in Macclesfield and Cheshire from £50 per month! This is great if you are expecting to only require a stairlift anywhere from 1 month to 6 months approximately, otherwise for an extended period of time it may well be worth purchasing a second hand stairlifts in Macclesfield or a Recondition Stairlift in Wilmslow from £695.

Heavy Duty stairlifts are available too where the stairlifts in Macclesfield can easily take a weight of 25 stone call 01625 886 724 to ask for more details.

That’s all folks from the Stairlift suppliers and fitters in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge.

Visit www.topflightstairlifts.co.uk

Best Quotes on Old Age and Health

“People want to remain in control over their own lives, to be able to do things for themselves and carry out everyday living tasks independently, like dressing, bathing and cooking,” she said.

“Getting older should not be a barrier to having choice and control over the quality of your life, or be a reason to move out of your own home.”

“Many older people just need help, ideas and advice about the simple equipment that exists to help them with daily tasks and to lead full, active and safe lives.”

A range of Mobility solutions from Top Flight Stairlifts in Macclesfield