Aging is a normal phenomenon, and when the process sets in, it has a major impact on our physical and mental ability. If you have an elderly person living with you, it is imperative that you make your home senior friendly. Installing lift chairs, having a wheelchair or a walking stick is a good idea, but there’s another part of your house that needs to be senior friendly – the bathroom. There are various senior shower aids available that are designed to make bathrooms a safer place for seniors; slip and fall incidents of seniors aren’t something to be overlooked. So, if you have an elderly person living with you, here are some senior shower aids that you need to install for their safety.
- Grab bars and rails
Grab bars and rails are a must for making the bathroom senior friendly. You can install grab bars near the shower or the bathtub, and even near the toilet. The grab bars and rails provide support to seniors, and they can get up or sit down with the support of the rails. Senior shower aids are designed to help seniors with their mobility issues and protect them from mishaps as well. - Lever faucets
It is common knowledge that the process of aging weakens the individual, and simple tasks such as twisting and turning the faucet can be quite difficult. In such cases, you can choose from the wide-range of faucets available in the market. You can opt for lever faucets that are hassle-free, or you can even opt for foot-operated faucets. - Detachable showerhead
Senior shower aids consist of detachable showerheads as well. These are quite convenient since they can easily remove the showerhead and hold it in their hands while bathing. This is quite useful since it doesn’t require the individual with mobility issues to stand in the shower for long; they can shower even while sitting. - Toilet seat riser
Sitting on the toilet and getting up can be a strenuous task for seniors; you can opt for senior shower aids for this purpose. You can invest in a sturdy toilet riser that increases the height of the toilet seat and allows the elderly individual to use the toilet without experiencing joint or knee pain. If not the toiler rise, you can ask the plumber to fit the toilet a few inches higher than the regular spot. - Non-slip bathmats and rugs
Non-slip bathmats and rugs are highly-effective senior shower aids; they are instrumental in preventing any injuries that the individual might sustain due to slipping and falling in the bathroom. So, ensure that you place the non-slip bathmats and rugs strategically to prevent accidents.
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Learn to differentiate the cost of fireplaces
Read moreNothing makes a home warm and cozy like a fireplace. If you live in a cold region, then you can easily understand how crucial they are for residential and commercial buildings. Though HVAC and other heating machines have become increasingly popular among most people, the charm of a fireplace is still unbeatable. Adding a fireplace to your property will improve its market value as well. So if you want to make any investment in your home, then opting for a fireplace won’t disappoint you. Consult your building authority before installing the fireplace, as some may have restrictions.
The cost of installing a fireplace can range from $400 to $10,000; choose one that fits your budget and requirement well. There are readymade units available as well as brick-lined hearths or custom mantels.
For those who do not want to spend too much on fireplaces can opt for a free-standing gel fuel or electric fireplace. The best thing about electric fireplaces is that it eliminates the installation cost.
Costs of a wood-burning fireplace
Wood burning fireplace has always been a popular choice due to its elegance and style. Installing a wood burning fireplace will require skilled masons and a high budget. So if you are ready to spend about $10,000, this is the right choice for you. One can fix the fireplace in existing home as well, but for that one has to spend on a chimney and other essentials. It may increase the cost by $7,000 to $10,000. To save on your wood burning fireplace choose drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.Costs of a gas-burning fireplace
Gas burning fireplace unit uses natural gas or propane it requires $2,000 for the basic materials package. The Installation and finishing will demand $2,500.
Cost saver tip: To reduce the cost of the fireplace use simpler surround and mantle, replace chimney with a direct-vent fireplace and save on your chimney. Another option is vent-free gas fireplace; it will cost only $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.Least-expensive option
For those who want to install a fireplace in less than $1000 can opt for a gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace. It starts under $400. It has a portable unit, so just remove packaging and start using, no costly installation or renovation is required to get it fixed.
For a stylish look one can include a mantel package, but then its cost will increase to $800 and can go up to $1,600. What makes this gel fuel fireplace really interesting is its sound that matches the crackle and pop of a real fire.Ongoing costs
To get a realistic idea about the ongoing cost, estimate the energy cost. You can use a fuel cost comparison calculator for this. A wood-burning fireplace demands $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces require an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance, so they are cheaper and better alternatives. -
Managing type 2 diabetes with medication
Read moreManaging type 2 diabetes with medication
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body produces insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and there are about 27 million people in the country that suffer from this disease. In this condition, the body’s cells are unable to respond to the insulin produced. While this is a lifelong disease, it is possible to manage this condition with the help of the right diet, exercise, and prescriptions by your doctor. Ensure that you are aware of the symptoms and take immediate help if they last for too long.Symptoms to be aware of:
- Frequent urination
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
- Non-healing wounds
- Yeast infections
- Blurry vision
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Not just one, but usually a combination of things causes this condition.
Genes
Your DNA determines how your body will make insulin, and hence some people would genetically be at the risk of developing this condition.Obesity
Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, and hence it is important for everyone to keep a check on their diet and exercise.Glucose production
The liver makes and sends out glucose when there is not enough in the body. But for some people, this secretion is unstoppable resulting in excess glucose in the body.Metabolic syndrome
People who have conditions like high blood glucose, extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, triglycerides, and high cholesterol are more likely to be affected with type 2 diabetes.Some medications that you can research more about are:
SymlinPen
Its common name being Pramlintide, it is used with mealtime insulin, along with a proper diet and exercise program that helps control high blood sugar level in people who are suffering from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Patients who are already using insulin take this medication to control their blood sugar.Xultophy
This is a combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide. It is used by patients of type 2 diabetes along with a proper diet and exercise program.Victoza
Also known as liraglutide, this medication is similar to a natural hormone called incretin in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels in the body by releasing an appropriate amount of insulin. However, if you require insulin treatment, liraglutide is not an alternative for insulin.Ozempic
This medication is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help control blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes patients. The common name for this medication is also semaglutide, and it should not be used as a substitute for insulin if you already use insulin.Trulicity
Dulaglutide being its common name, works similarly to a natural hormone in our body called incretin, which helps control blood sugar. It is again used with a proper diet and exercise program for type 2 diabetes patients.Glumetza
This medication helps the patient restore the body’s proper response to the insulin it naturally produces. It helps decrease the amount of sugar made by the liver, and the amount that is absorbed by the stomach or intestines. Its common name is metformin.Always take medicines that are prescribed by your trusted professional, and while research is good, do not let the internet be your doctor. Prescription for each diabetic patient could be different as one’s insulin and medication quantity may differ from the other. It is important to eat healthy food and exercise regularly to control your sugar levels.