Author: Jessica Belkowski, MS, OTR/L, C/PAM

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-belkowski-ot/

Weekly pill organizers come in a variety of shapes, designs and sizes. There are several key elements that should be considered when choosing an organizer. Ease of access, efficiency, and intuitive design are all important elements to a medication management system.

Ease of access to the medications is essential. The Remedic Weekly Pill Organizer divides into daily pill boxes that could be taken out of the system if you are leaving the house to carry in a large pocket or your purse. It provides convenient access when you are making an outing into the community. For people who travel for work, it provides a better solution of packing one week’s worth of medications rather than packing separate bottles of medication.

The most unique feature is the patented shape of this pill box, which includes a color-contrasted blue rubber lip situated in the middle of the lid of the device, and a groove on the corresponding area of the bottom of the device. It allows for a non-slip grip as a user’s finger easily settles into the groove on the bottom while gentle pressure from the thumb opens one or two compartments at a time. It can also be opened with one hand rather than requiring two hands to open, which can improve ease of use for people with hemiplegia or bilateral tremors.

While the patented shape improves the physical ease of use, utilizing an efficient system can decrease some of the mental work for users. For someone taking multiple medications, many with different dosing frequencies and schedules, it can be complicated to keep track of which pills should be taken at which time of day. Utilizing a weekly pill organizer with intuitive design like the Remedic Weekly Pill Organizer streamlines this process. Many weekly pill organizers are only divided into the days of the week and do not accommodate multiple medications needing to be consumed at different times of the day.

The Remedic Weekly Pill Organizer has the day of the week clearly visible on the side of each daily box, and has the time of day (morning, noon, evening and night) clearly visible on the lid of the box. When you fill up the pill box, you can place each pill appropriately according to its schedule. For example, pills taken twice daily can go in the morning and evening slots; pills taken with meals can go in the morning, noon, and evening slots; pills taken only at bedtime can go in the nighttime slot. Instead of setting alarms to take three different pills at bedtime, you can just set one reminder to take your nighttime medications from the nighttime slot, and you know you’re getting all the medication you need at that time of day.
Intuitive design means that anyone can utilize this system. It may be the person who takes the medication and fills the boxes themselves. However, if an older adult has difficulty organizing his or her own medications, a caregiver may load the medication compartments for that person to use throughout the week. Alternatively, if a person has multiple family members or caregivers involved in their care, if one caregiver fills the compartments, other caregivers can provide the medication from the Pill Organizer.
It can fit the needs of one person or a person with one or more caregivers involved in their life; of someone with four pills a day or twenty pills a day. Easy to open and shut and convenient to take with you for a day or short trip; effectively reducing mental load; and designed to be intuitive to use: the Remedic Weekly can fill the need of any person looking for improved efficiency with their medication regimen.

Buy now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Weekly-Pill-Organizer-Times-Day/dp/B08C4ZH589/

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Author: Meredith Chandler OTR/L

Date: 04/05/2024

Keywords: Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair, occupational therapist, seniors, aging, arthritis, falls, adaptive equipment

Introduction

Bathroom safety tends to be a priority concern for aging adults, especially when mobility issues arise. Like any daily activity, bathing should be safe, efficient, and painless; however, many seniors and their loved ones lack the appropriate environmental modifications to make it happen. In this article, we will be reviewing the benefits of the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair and its implications for seniors living with arthritis through an occupational therapy lens.

What is arthritis?

There are several hundred types of arthritis, but the most common include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types result in breakdown of joint linings and cartilage. With time, the joints become more inflamed and stiffer which causes reduced joint mobility overall. Arthritis can occur anywhere in the body, but common places include the hands, shoulders, knees, hips, and spine. With time, long-term arthritis can negatively affect someone’s ability to sit comfortably for lengthy periods of time, reach and bend, and grip objects with appropriate strength or precision.

What functional problems result from arthritis?

Individuals with mild arthritis can typically go about their day without painful interruption, even with the use of over-the-counter medication. For others, especially seniors who’ve lived with arthritis for many years, simple motions like walking, bending down, reaching, and gripping are difficult and excruciating. Joint inflammation is also wearing on the body and mind, resulting in paralyzing fatigue that can compromise sitting and standing balance. All these factors are embedded in every daily living task, including bathing and showering activities.

Purpose of Bath and Shower Chairs

Post-operative pain, illness, injury, and fatigue can make showering in standing or lying down in tubs nearly impossible and extremely unsafe. That’s where bath and shower chairs come in. Shower chairs are fitted and placed in walk-in showers or shower stalls while bath benches are typically placed in tub/shower combination stalls and draped over the edge of the tub. The primary purpose of bath and shower chairs is to provide users with a safe way to bathe when balance is compromised.

Who is the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair Suitable For?

The soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair offers a more cushioned feel in a seated position while bathing, perfect for seniors with mobility and balance issues as well as arthritic pain. This model is fit for adults up to 330 lbs and is height adjustable. The chair does not come with armrests or a back support, so it’s great for seniors who have good core strength and who don’t require a grab bar to push up into a stand. This is a great option for patients approved for bathing after joint surgery (i.e. hip, knee) and for those with cardiac or respiratory illnesses.

What is set-up like for the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair?

The set-up of the chair requires no tools and is easy to assemble the screws are large and easy to twist by hand, even for someone with mild arthritis. The four legs slide right into place and come with non-slip feet already attached. The handle on the seat makes it simple to transport the lightweight chair with ease. The height adjustment feature is relatively intuitive, but individuals who just a hip or knee replaced should consult with a therapist for accurate height settings.

Benefits of the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair

Compared to similar bath and shower chair models, the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair offers unique benefits, including:

• Soft, plush seating system for seniors with arthritis
• Reduces inflammation to conserve energy during bathing tasks
• Circular, concave seat to offer security and repositioning
• Drainage holes to avoid pooling and slipping off the seat
• Easy assembly which includes no tools and ergonomic-friendly screws
• Easy to sanitize and disassemble when needed

Professionals who may Recommend a Bath and Shower Chair

Commonly, bath and shower chairs are recommended by rehabilitation healthcare professionals. This includes occupational therapists and physiotherapists. On occasion, nursing staff and physicians may request a referral or a consultation with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. When therapists want to explore adaptive equipment options with patients, they may consult with medical equipment providers.

Equipment used to Enhance use of the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair

When a senior requires the use of the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair, they may also need additional adaptive equipment to complement their bathing experience and enhance their overall safety.  For seniors who fatigue easily and need extra sitting support, grab bars (suction cup or professionally installed) for shower use pair well with the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair. Additional equipment may include non-slip shower/tub mats, installed soap dispensers, long-handled bath sponges, and hand-held extendable shower heads. Pairing adaptive equipment with the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair will look different for everyone and should be determined with the assistance of an occupational therapist.

Who the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair may not be Suitable For

Per an occupational therapy perspective, the first few aspects that are missing from this chair is a back support, a 330 lb weight capacity, and armrests. With that in mind, the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair may not be suitable for individuals with:

• Moderate to severe sitting balance issues
• Vertigo or other forms of acute or chronic dizziness
• Quadriplegia or other conditions that impact postural stability
• Body weight greater than 330 lbs
• Severe cardiac or respiratory illness

Conclusion

Arthritis can be a lifelong condition that worsens with age, causing debilitating inflammation, reduced joint mobility, and plaguing fatigue.  Seniors living with arthritis may notice how symptoms negatively impact their ability to perform daily living tasks efficiently and safely. Bathing tasks take time, energy, and intentional navigational skills to prevent falls or injury. The Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair offers seniors who have arthritis added comfort and safety in a customized, height-adjustable manner. While this chair provides seniors with ways to conserve energy, manage their bathing time, and reduce their risk for falls, the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair may not be for everyone. Consult with an occupational therapist to see if the Soft Seat Bath and Shower Chair is right for you.

Buy now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Remedic-Tool-Free-Assembly-Adjustable-Shower/dp/B08B64SC1D/

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Author: Meredith Chandler OTR/L

Date: 4/25/2024

Keywords: arthritis, strength, coordination, pain, hand, Remedic Hand and Finger Training System, occupational therapist

Introduction

The human hand is a complex and extraordinary system consisting of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, and over 100 ligaments and tendons working in conjunction with the nervous and circulatory systems to produce movement. Although the inner workings of the healthy hand and its separate parts function like the gears of a new clock, there’s great risk for breakdown and chronic pain with time.

In this article, we are going to discuss the potential health problems adults face that could cause arthritis and other joint pain in the hands. More importantly, we will talk about the innovative Remedic Hand and Finger Training System, who the training system was designed for,  its benefits in improving hand function and reducing pain, sample hand exercises, and pre- and post-care tips from an occupational therapist.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects any joint in the body, resulting in swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. The most common types of arthritis, out of several hundred forms, are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While osteoarthritis causes the joint cartilage to break down due to wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. No matter the type, arthritis causes mild to severe joint inflammation that can greatly restrict movement and result in debilitating, daily pain. Hand arthritis can result in poor coordination and grasp during everyday tasks.

What Other Conditions Lead To Joint Breakdown And Pain?

Arthritis is not the only condition that causes hand pain and joint breakdown. Hand injuries, repetitive use injuries, and nerve disorders (carpal tunnel), can also trigger daily discomfort and inflammation, making it difficult to participate in daily living tasks that require fine motor coordination or a steady grip. Additionally, hand pain will make it less likely for adults to seek the opportunity to regularly strengthen their muscles, resulting in chronic hand weakness and worsening coordination.

What Is The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System?

The patented Remedic Hand and Finger Training system is an exceptional exercise program designed to provide an easy, practical way to strengthen the hand while increasing joint mobility and reducing inflammation. The kit includes a single, silicone BPA-free sphere with two interchangeable, flexible rings that make hand exercises intuitive and pain-free. This handheld device molds perfectly to the palm and comes paired with more than 30 hand exercises organized in a pamphlet.

Features Of The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System

The hand trainer comes with two resistance rings that easily slide over the silicone BPA-free ball. If one resistance ring proves two hard or easy, it can be switched out anytime. Each resistance ring and the hand trainer are ergonomically-friendly to fit the natural shape of the palm and fingers comfortably. The ribbed feature on the hand trainer adds dexterity for a better grip for users who may experience limited hand sensation. Accompanying the hand trainer is an exercise pamphlet filled with over 30 hand exercises to strengthen the hand muscles to improve joint mobility, coordination, and comfort.

Benefits Of The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System

The remedic hand and finger training system offers adults living with acute or chronic hand pain and joint limitations with a wide array of benefits, including:

• Step-by-step instructions to participate in the guided exercise system as written or in a tailored approach
• Challenging and engaging exercises that are versatile and practical for any environment
• Easy-to-assemble with only two-step instructions for ring placement and removal

• Isolating finger movements to focus on individual muscles that need more strengthening
• Increasing joint mobility lost with muscle weakness of the hands
• Facilitating typical grasp and finger positions that are essential for daily use
• Using a trainer that’s waved, ribbed, and ergonomically-friendly for adults with impaired dexterity and grasp
• Gentle material and shapes that strengthen the hand muscles while reducing overall joint pain
• Easy-to-clean materials that are durable for long-lasting and repetitive use
• A program that’s suitable for adults with various types of hand conditions including arthritis, sports injuries, repetitive use injuries, work-related stress injuries (i.e. prolonged computer or cellphone use), and so much more

Types of Training Exercises With The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System

As mentioned previously, the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System offers over 30 exercises for hand strengthening, joint mobility, and pain reduction. Before we dive into a small portion of these exercises, it’s essential to explain some of the language use describing the exercises in the training guide:

• Flexion: moving the joints to shorten a muscle belly to produce a contraction
• Extension: moving the joints to lengthen a muscle belly or stretch the muscle tissue
• Adduction: moving a body part towards the center of the body
• Abduction: moving a body part away from the center of the body
• Opposition: positioning a tip of a finger to touch the tip of the thumb
• Thenar press: pressing on the thenar muscle, a large muscle at the base of the thumb
• Carpus press: pressing on the eight small bones in the wrist

Each individual exercise provided by the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System offers functional benefits to improve hand motion; however, a combination of exercises can maximize hand function for a wide variety of daily tasks. For example, a hand grip exercise may help someone better remove a lid from a jar, but exercising individual finger muscles in combination with hand grip exercises can make this activity even more successful.

Here are a sample of just five exercises out of more than 30 available exercise ideas provided by the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System:

Finger Extension

We are constantly grasping, gripping, and pinching at things during daily activities, sometimes giving the finger joints a good stretch is placed on the back burner. Finger extension elongates the finger flexors on the palm side of the hand, releasing endorphins to reduce pain and increasing overall joint mobility.

Hand-Massage and Relax

The silicone BPA-free material of this device makes massage application perfect to tired or sore joints after exercise or due to chronic pain. Massage can be used as a pre-care or post-care technique depending on the individual’s unique needs.

Thumb Extension-Thumb Stretch

Here’s an example of how the resistance rings can be used separately to isolate finger movement. Since the thumb is constantly flexed to form necessary grips and grasps, this thumb extension exercise offers users the opportunity to stretch muscles and joints, opening up the palm and tiny wrist bones. Any joint motions releases endorphins, a necessary peptide produced by the brain to reduce pain. Furthermore, the base of the thumb is the most at risk for arthritis and should receive therapeutic attention.

Finger Spread-Finger Abductions

The Finger Spread exercise produces a combination of movements including finger abduction and extension, which provides the hand with an excellent stretch after holding a prolonged grip. The ring can be moved up and down the fingers depending on which individual joints the user wants to give attention to. The texture of the ring prevents it from sliding off the hand.

Full Grip

The Full Grip includes flexing all fingers while extending the thumb. Any grip can either be held in position or can be pumped by pressing into the device multiple times in a rhythmic pattern. Depending on the user’s comfort, the Full Grip can be performed with or without the ring.

Before beginning The Remedic Hand and Finger Training System exercises, construct some reasonable goals for daily sets and repetitions. Here are some tips for creating a goal-oriented approach:

• Get a notebook or a phone to log your exercise program
• Identify which joints need the utmost attention for physical strengthening
• Identify which joints to avoid to prevent increasing pain
• Select up to five hand exercises from the provided regimen guide
• Use a resistance ring that challenges the fingers but does not cause additional pain
• Start with a reasonable number, such as “three sets of 10” and taking 30 second rests between each set. Apply the “three sets of 10” commitment to all five exercises daily
• After 1 week, increase the number to “three sets of 15”, then “three sets of 20”, increasing by five every week. Only make the increase if it doesn’t cause unnecessary pain
• Once the first resistance band gets too easy, switch out for the high resistance band and consider selecting five more exercises.

Set aside some time everyday to commit to a tailored exercise program. Keep the device in an accessible, visible area and pair the exercise time with another daily commitment, such as a meal, physical exercise routine, or bed time routine to prevent forgetting the program altogether.

Pre- and Post-Care For The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System

Before beginning any physical exercise, adults living with chronic pain or reduced joint mobility should take some precautionary steps to both prepare for the exercise regimen and to properly care for muscles and joints after physical exertion. Here are a few tips to care for joints and muscles of the hands and fingers before and after participating in the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System:

• Apply a small amount of lotion or soap-free moisturizer to the palms, fingers, and webs by massaging it generously into the skin.
• Remove excess lotion with hand soap and WARM water, followed by drying the hands thoroughly. Once the hands are dry, start your exercise regimen while the joints are still warm. Additional heat can be applied with packs or hot pads if needed for approximately 10-15 minutes.
• Once your exercises are complete, either rinse your hands in COLD water and/or apply an ice pack to the joints and muscles of the hands. Ice application for approximately 10 minutes after exercising muscle groups can calm the nerves and reduce soreness.

Note: If you are living with joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition, consult with your primary physician before applying hot or cold packs for an extended period of time.

The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System: Material And Maintenance

The Remedic Hand and Finger Training System is super easy to maintain since it’s made from durable, silicone BPA-free materials. Here are a few tips to maintaining and sanitizing the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System equipment for long-lasting use:

• Wash the ribbed ball and rings in dish soap and warm water. For filthier items, allow items to soak in a small bowl for 15-30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
• Pat each item dry with a lint-free washcloth.
• Sanitize each device if sharing with other users to reduce germ transmission.
• Keep items out of direct sunlight and in a place at room temperature.
• Keep items stored safely away from small children and pets.
• Use items from The Remedic Hand and Finger Training System according to their intended use.

Who Is The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System for?

The Remedic Hand and Finger Training System is intended for adults living with just about any form of joint pain or immobility of the hands and fingers. Examples include adults who:

• need to use repetitive movements in the work setting: typing, filing, construction work, massage therapy, heavy lifting, cooking/baking, etc.
• are active musicians, athletes, artists, chefs, carpenters, or any employee who requires fine finger movement or holding a steady grip
• Have arthritic conditions of the hands and fingers that limit joint mobility
• Have unusual weakness of the hands and fingers due to age or illness
• Are rehabilitating their hands or fingers after an injury or surgery

Prioritizing hand health and strength can also lead to improved mental well-being and quality of life by reducing unnecessary daily pain and enhancing participation in activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

Who Should Not Use The Remedic Hand And Finger Training System?

Like any exercise program, there may be a group of individuals who may not benefit from its well-intended layout; in fact, using the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System could make things worse. This includes individuals who experience any of the following:

• Moderate to severe joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis
• Active fractures or muscle/tendon/ligament tears of the hand or wrist
• Complete amputation of the hand(s)
• Uncontrolled gout in any of the joints of the hand or wrist
• Severe carpal tunnel syndrome of one or both hands
• Active or open wounds of the hand
• Poor cognition or mental function that reduces someone’s ability to use this system safely without assistance

If you have a medical condition of the hands, fingers, or wrists and are unsure if you can safely participate in the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System, consult with your primary physician. In some cases, certain hand injuries need time to rest and heal before participating in ANY exercise program, including repetitive use or fracture injuries.

No matter what exercises a user selects for their daily regimen, they should follow basic rules regarding pain. If any exercise causes sharp, searing pain, then the participant needs to either reduce their repetitions, try a less resistant ring, or eliminate that type specific exercise for a while. Each user should expect some soreness or dull discomfort, especially if the exercise is new to them, but no exercise should cause excruciating pain or make joint mobility worse.

Conclusion

Arthritis, repetitive use injuries, and other medical conditions of the hands can cause debilitating pain and reduced joint mobility, which makes participating in meaningful activities infrequent and sometimes unbearable. The Remedic Hand and Finger Training System comes with ergonomically-friendly devices and over 30 exercises to strengthen the hands and fingers and reduce unnecessary joint inflammation. With the right combination of exercises, pre- and post-care techniques, and routine maintenance strategies, the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System can increase many adults’ quality of life and participation in hand-related activities they love or need to do. Adults who have questions or concerns about their unique hand concerns, consult with a primary physician, an orthopedic specialist, and/or a certified hand therapist before investing in the Remedic Hand and Finger Training System.

See more Remedic products on https://remedic.co/products/

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