Tag Archives: mobility aids

Best Bottom Wiper 2024


composite image of bottom wipers and text "Best Bottom Wiper"
The Best Bottom Wipers for Personal Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene can be challenging for people with limited mobility or flexibility. Reaching to wipe after using the toilet strains the back, shoulders, and hips. Fortunately, there are products called “bottom wipers” that extend your reach to make self-wiping easier and more comfortable.

Key Points Table

Key Points Table

Section Sub-sections
Introduction – Importance of Personal Hygiene Aids
– Challenges Faced by Individuals with Limited Mobility
Understanding Bottom Wipers – Definition and Purpose
– How They Enhance Independence and Dignity
Key Features to Consider – Ergonomic Design
– Material and Durability
– Portability and Discreetness
– Grip and Release Mechanism
Using Your Bottom Wiper – Step-by-Step Guide
– Tips for Effective Use
Safety Precautions – Safe Use of Bottom Wipers
– Avoiding Injuries
A Brief History of Bottom Wiping – Various Civilizations and Their Wiping Methods
Buckingham Easywipe Original
Buckingham Compact Easywipe (launched 2010)
Buckingham Pocket Easywipe – launched 2015
The importance of hygiene for disabled people – Challenges Faced by Disabled People in Maintaining Hygiene
Disability And Water Access Globally – Physical Barriers
– Social Barriers

 

A brief history of Bottom Wiping!

Based on historical articles, here’s a table showcasing various civilizations and their unique methods of bottom wiping:

Civilization Wiping Method
Ancient Romans Sponge on a stick (xylospongium)
Ancient Greeks Pottery shards (pessoi) and stones
Ancient Chinese Early forms of paper
Medieval Europe Hay, moss, and cloth
Indigenous Peoples Leaves, corn cobs, and natural fibres
19th Century America Newspaper pages and corn cobs

The first bottom wiper of the types we are reviewing was invented by Chris Buckingham of Buckingham Healthcare in 2005.

The Buckingham Easywipe Bottom Wiper is a clever tool invented by an experienced Occupational Therapist to help people who struggle to reach and clean themselves after going to the bathroom.

Chris was working with a client with MS. The lady found it impossible to keep herself clean because of her illness. She had to ask he husband and sons to help her after using the toilet and this was very embarrassing. When Chris got home she decided to create the first bottom wiper and made it to the specifications that the client needed. It was important that it held the toilet paper and released it without the person needing to touch the paper. – interview with Simon Buckingham

 

It was made to be super easy to hold and use, thanks to Chris’ experience of helping patients in her work as an OT and her ability to create smart designs. This tool is all about making sure everyone can take care of their hygiene easily and comfortably, no matter their mobility issues. The original Easywipe was launched in 2007.

 

Buckingham Easywipe Original

The original Easywipe model has a fixed 15-inch length. Its durable plastic and smooth silicone head are gentle on the skin. The curved handle and angled wiping surface provide ideal access for self-wiping. A slot secures standard dry toilet paper or moist wipes.

diagram of how to use a bottom wiper showing 3 drawings

Key Features:

  • Ergonomic design by OT
  • Secure grip and easy paper release
  • Works with tissue or wipes
  • Smooth, rounded edges

They can be purchased for UK and international delivery here

Buckingham Compact Easywipe (launched 2010)

foleding easywipe in a blue carry case

This folding version has the same excellent functionality but collapses to half-size. The compact Easywipe fits into its included carrying case for discreet transport and storage. It extends to a full 15 inch length for use.

photo montage showing a hand attaching tissue to the bottom wiper

Key Features:

  • It folds down to a compact size
  • Handy travel case
  • Identical features to the original
  • Discreet personal hygiene aid

These are available to buy for UK and International Delivery here

Buckingham Pocket Easywipe – launched 2015

Extremely portable and pocket-sized, this tri-folding bottom wiper tucks into a bag or large pocket. At only 6 inches long when collapsed, it reaches 15 inches when extended for use. The soft pouch allows subtle transport.

photo composite of the comapct easy wipe, jointed in two places and folded up

 

Key Features:

  • Tri-folds into a very compact size
  • Fits in a pocket or purse
  • Ideal for travel
  • Soft carry pouch included

Buckingham Healthcare’s Easywipe range offers high-quality bottom wipers to suit different needs. The ergonomic designs provide proper reach and angle for effective personal hygiene. Convenient folding models and cases allow discreet transport for active lifestyles.

In our opinion, they are the original and still the best models out there! For the many other types available click here.

No products found.

 The importance of hygiene for disabled people:

Maintaining personal hygiene can be challenging for many disabled people due to mobility limitations, health conditions, accessibility barriers, and lack of caregiver support. However, hygiene is critically important for health, dignity, and quality of life.

Inadequate hygiene increases risks of skin breakdown, infections, and illness.

For those with spinal cord injuries or incontinence, hygiene is also essential for preventing dangerous pressure sores

The ability to independently attend to personal hygiene promotes autonomy and self-esteem. Adaptive aids and routine assistance enable more freedom and participation.

Unfortunately, many disabled individuals cannot access adapted facilities and struggle with self-care. Better disability awareness and accommodations are needed.

Caregivers require guidance to properly assist clients while respecting dignity and preferences.

With suitable support, disabled people can maintain hygiene, health, and self-determination.

The disability community deserves fully accessible and inclusive options for this basic human need.

symbolic image showing abstractr symbols and a lack of accces to toilet facilities

Disability And Water Access Globally

The acronym WASH, invented by the United Nations, stands for “water, sanitation, and hygiene.”
Access to clean water and proper sanitation (WASH) is crucial for everyone, but people with disabilities face unique challenges. These can include:

Physical Barriers:

  • No toilet at home
  • Far or crowded public toilets
  • Steps and narrow entrances
  • Poorly lit areas
  • Difficult-to-use doors and handles
  • Slippery floors
  • High controls for flushing and washing
  • Lack of support aids for toilet use

Social Barriers:

  • Discrimination and ignorance from society
  • Need for assistance compromising privacy
  • Extra time needed in facilities leading to issues at school or work
  • Limited opportunities to voice concerns

 

Wheelchair Push Rims & Handrims – your secret weapon for push and grip

The Many Benefits of Wheelchair Pushrims

blue pushrim covers on a wheelchair wheel

Wheelchair pushrims, also called handrims or push rims, are an important part of manual wheelchairs. They allow the user to grip and propel the wheels forward through pushing motions. Selecting the right pushrims is crucial for wheelchair performance and preventing injury. This article will explore the clinical, functional, and design benefits of various wheelchair pushrim options.

What Are Pushrims and Why Do They Matter?

composite image of young lady with pink pushrims and text"Pushrims the secret weapon of pushing"

 

Wheelchair pushrims are the circular bars that surround the rear wheels of a manual wheelchair. As the name suggests, wheelchair users grip these rims and push forward to propel their chair. This moves the drive wheels and controls speed and direction.

Choosing an optimal set of pushrims is important for several reasons:

  • Mobility: Good pushrims improve propulsion and make the wheelchair easier to maneuver. Their grip, size, shape and material impact mobility.
  • Injury Prevention: Bad pushrims can strain the hands, wrists and shoulders. Ergonomic options prevent overuse injuries.
  • Function: Pushrims must match the user’s strength, range of motion and coordination. Custom options suit different needs.

In short, pushrims act as the critical interface between wheelchair user and chair. Their design directly impacts mobility and health.

The Clinical Benefits of Pushrims

Research confirms that pushrim design has tangible clinical benefits.

Well-designed pushrims can prevent upper body overuse issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or rotator cuff injuries. How? Through improved grip, better biomechanics and reduced strain during propulsion.

Specifically, ergonomic pushrims:

This lessens the risk of chronic pain or injuries to the hands, wrists and shoulders.

In one study, wheelchair users reported immediate pain reduction when using an ergonomic pushrim model. The benefits are clear.

Of course, pushrim needs depend on the individual. A good fit considers hand strength, sensation loss and joint mobility restrictions.

Pushrim Materials and Durability

Pushrims come in a variety of materials, shapes, diameters and other options. Materials impact grip, comfort and durability.

Common choices include:

  • Stainless steel: Offers good corrosion resistance and a sleek look. Not the grippiest choice.
  • Coated aluminum: More lightweight than steel. Can add grippy coatings. Prone to scratches.
  • Titanium: Extremely strong yet lightweight. Low maintenance and durable. Very expensive.
  • Plastic/composite: Affordable option for basic to moderate use. Last well even with frequent/rough use. A brand this is often recommended are Rehadesign Pushrim Covers;

In general, metal pushrims offer the best durability for frequent or rough use. But plastic is cheaper for basic needs.

Added grip coatings (like rubber) provide extra traction and comfort on any material. This helps optimize contact and push mechanics.

Ideal Pushrim Design Qualities

Beyond materials, certain design qualities make for excellent pushrims:

  • Ergonomic shape: Contoured to fit the hand’s natural closed grip. Reduces strain.
  • Grip surface area: Wide enough for whole-hand contact. Prevents fingertip pressure.
  • Mounting: Quick-release and easy to remove. Enables maintenance.
  • Visibility: Color contrast against the wheels and chair frame. Improves safety.

Of course, individuals have unique needs and preferences. But these qualities optimize function, mobility and injury prevention.

Specific Pushrim Models and Features

Many pushrim models offer distinct features and benefits. A few top options:

  • Natural-Fit: Ergonomic shape fits hand contour. Black rubber coating prevents slippage
  • Q-Grip: Cushioned rubber surface improves grip. Easy to mount without tools
  • Surge: Replaceable silicone grip insert on aluminum rim. Bright green color aids visibility
  • Rehadesign Ultra Grip – affordable and durable rubber push rims that are easily mounted in seconds

Mobility shops can help find the ideal model for one’s needs and environment.

Research on Power-Assist Pushrims

Recent studies analyze the benefits of power-assist pushrims. These motorized wheels sense and amplify the user’s push force.

The reduced strain could prevent upper body overuse issues. Power-assist shows great promise to boost function.

Of course, these wheels add expense and width to a chair. But the independence and mobility gains appear substantial.

Innovations in Wheelchair Pushrim Design

Some novel wheelchair designs separate the pushrims from the drive wheels. This offers new advantages:

  • Improves wheelchair maneuverability and control[]
  • Allows wheel/pushrim customization to user size and needs
  • Pushrim location prevents contact with dirty drive wheels

The separation ensures hands stay clean after propulsion. This can help reduce secondary infections and pressure ulcer risk.

As technology advances, we will continue seeing pushrim innovations. The quest for improved propulsion and injury prevention persists.

Conclusion: Matching Users and Pushrims

Wheelchair pushrims serve critical propulsion and braking functions. Their grip, diameter, material and other factors impact mobility and health.

Choosing the right pushrim involves matching user strengths, range of motion and coordination abilities. Ergonomic shapes provide a better fit and reduce strain.

While often overlooked, pushrims deserve careful selection consideration given their profound impact. Consult mobility rehab experts to explore options and find the best possible fit.

With some research and customization, wheelchair users can reap substantial benefits from their all-important pushrims. Mobility, independence and pain-free wheeling await.

For wheelchair users who have poor grip or are tetrapleglic, this post discusses the best choices of handrims.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pushrims connect the user to the wheelchair – their design impacts propulsion, control and injury risk
  • Ergonomic shapes distribute pressure evenly and require less force to push
  • Power-assist pushrims boost efficiency and obstacle climbing while lowering repetition
  • Separating pushrims from drive wheels aids maneuverability and hand hygiene
  • Matching grip type, diameter and material to user ability and environment is key

 

About the Author: Duncan Edwards

  • Married to a spinal injured person, I’ve navigated the complexities of wheelchair accessibility and accessories firsthand.
  • My expertise extends to wheelchair pushrims, where I’ve spent years identifying the best options for comfort and efficiency.
  • Collaborating with Disability Horizons, I’ve reviewed countless wheelchair accessories, always seeking to enhance mobility and independence for users.
  • Supporting my partner and engaging with a community of wheelchair users has deepened my understanding and passion for accessible solutions.
  • My background in welfare benefits and managing Disability Horizons Shop has equipped me with a unique perspective on the needs of disabled individuals and their families.

Liverpool Mi Smarthouse

Liverpool Mi Smarthouse

Mi Smarthouse Kitchen Area

Mi Smarthouse Kitchen Area

At the Museum of Liverpool there’s a small, unassuming exhibition which looks like the recreation of a normal house. When you get inside you realise it has been setup with every possible gadget and gizmo to support independence. The Mi Smarthouse is a project put together by More Independent (Mi).

More Independent is a Government-funded initiative that is being piloted across four UK regions. As there website says the scheme exists to:

  • enable you to take charge of your health, wellbeing and lifestyle
  • use technology to allow you to feel safer and live more independently in your own home
  • give peace of mind to yourself and your family
  • reduce the amount of time you have to spend on appointments, by supporting you to manage better at home

The Mi Smarthouse at the museum is kitted out with a wide range of equipment covering all the key areas of the home. Here we’re taking a look at some of the gadgets they’ve highlighted and used in their perfect, accessible home.

General

These gadgets could be useful at any place in your home and can make it feel more safe and secure.

Fall Detector

Fall Detector

Fall Detector

A fall detector can be worn around your neck and it connected to a system which will alert your carer if you do fall even if they’re not on the premises.

Large Buttons Picture Telephone

Phone keypads can be hard to use and it can also be difficult to remember phone numbers. This phone has spaces for photographs of those people you call regularly as well as large, clear numbers for when you need to dial out.

Home Safety Alert

The Mi Smarthouse has a bonus caller panic button installed by the front door, giving the residents the chance to press the button if anyone arrives at the door who they’re not comfortable with. Similar home safety alarm system can be found elsewhere too.

Supra KeySafe

Supra KeySafe

Supra KeySafe

The Supra KeySafe is the UK’s first police approved key safe and is the perfect place to store your emergency keys. You choose a combination number and you can share this number only with somebody you trust implicitly.

Carbon Monoxide Sensor

Carbon monoxide can kill. It’s odourless and can’t be seen so the only way to sense it before it is too late is with a dedicated carbon monoxide sensor. Sensors can be easily installed and can save your life.

Fingerprint Lock

A fingerprint lock is a great option if you struggle with keys. You can add the details of your carer and friends as authorised ‘pad-pressers’ so they can get in and out with ease when necessary too.

Kitchen

We’ve talked regularly about the importance of gadgets to make access to the kitchen easier. It’s potentially a dangerous environment so anything to make it less so is a good invention in our book. In the Mi Smarthouse they demonstrated a range of kitchen-specific gadgets.

Talking Microwave

The controls on a microwave oven can be difficult if you have difficulties with your vision or dexterity. A Talking Microwave Oven can help guide you to the buttons you need and it will also tell you when the door is open or closed and let you know whether the food needs stirring or left to stand.

Induction Hob

An induction hob only cooks the pot upon it. There is next to no danger of being burned by it and they’re becoming a common installation in supported living environments to aid independence. This type of hob is also energy efficient and reaches top temperatures in record time. In the Mi House the hob was fitted but they can also be bought as separate electric units .

One cup Kettle

one-cup_kettleWe’ve talked before about how useful the one cup kettle can be. Never worry about spilling boiling water as the kettle will dispense the exact amount you need with the simple pressing of a button.

Entertainment and Living Area

Many of these items listed below could be used all around the house but are most useful when you’re relaxing in front of the TV or lounging on the sofa.

Big Switch and Remote

Big Switch Remote

Big Switch Remote

A Remote Control Big Switch can be positioned wherever you need it to avoid bending to switch off items which have plug sockets uncomfortably out of reach. The big switch can be used with any electrical appliance in the home.

Voice Recorder Switches

If speech has always been or is becoming difficult then these small voice recorder switches can be used to record key phrases. They can have messages such as ‘I’m hungry’ or ‘I want to go home’ ready recorded for when you’re home or out and about when speech has become difficult.

Chair Occupancy Alert

This item is extremely useful if you have an outside care team supporting you as it allows them to monitor the time spent out of your chair. If it seems exceptionally long they may phone you or come around the check everything is OK.

Big Jack Controller

Big Jack Multi-Controller

Big Jack Multi-Controller

The Big Jack can replace all your smaller, fiddly remotes and switches. It can be programmes for a whole range of jobs and can be used to change channels on the TV, switch off lights and even use the telephone.

Personal Care

The personal care element of the home is the most private. Both the bedroom and bathroom are places where you want to maintain as much independence as possible and some of these gadgets are designed to guarantee this as well as ensure you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Epilepsy Sensor

Epilepsy Sensor

Epilepsy Sensor

Living with any form of epilepsy or convulsions can be extremely frightening – especially if you’re alone when one occurs. This epilepsy sensor will alert an outdoor care team if a seizure is taking place, allowing them to provide the right support ASAP.

Enuresis Sensor

Enuresis Sensor

Enuresis Sensor

Designed to fit comfortable under the top sheet, an enuresis sensor will alert your carer to the fight signs of dampness whilst in bed – ensuring you’re not left uncomfortable for a long period of time. We have looked at these aids previously for helping children but they can be equally useful later in life.

Flood Detector

A flood detector will guarantee you never forget about another bath. It’s very easy to forget the bath is running but with the installation of a simple detector, it will be safe and you can avoid the risks of damage to your home and the even higher risk of slipping.

The Mi Smarthouse in Liverpool is one of the first examples of how all this technology can come together and successfully be used to help people remain in their own homes independently. You can take a virtual tour of the Smarthouse here. We recently visited the £D printing exhibition at the London Science Museum and will cover the potential benefits in a future post.