James Gargan

With the weather to take a turn for the worse this week, everyone, especially the elderly, needs to take extra care. The consequences of a fall are far more serious for the elderly and that’s why they need to take precautions and mind themselves in the bad weather.

Whether it’s the slippy footpath or something hidden by the ice or snow, there is no way of predicting a fall and it can happen suddenly. Sometimes being prepared for the worst can be the only way to prevent these trips and falls. Some of these precautions are things you can do for yourself and others are things you can do around your home.

Personal safety

• In icy weather and conditions, wear sensible, flat shoes with non-slip soles. If you really need to go outside, try to limit the walking you will be doing. (It is so important for elderly people to wear well-fitting shoes every day, not just during the bad weather!)
• Have your eyes tested regularly. Poor

According to the HSE one of the most important steps in maintaining good health as we age is to exercise for 30 mins, 3-5 days a week. This exercise does not need to be strenuous but it is recommended that you get your heart beating a little faster and your lungs breathing a little deeper.

Activities can range from everyday tasks such as working in the garden, washing the car, walking the dog or even strolling around the shops.

Regular exercise in the elderly has shown brilliant health benefits. Such as:

• Improved blood pressure
• Improved sleeping pattern
• Improved muscle function
• Improved short term memory
• Decreased heart disease
• Decreased depression
• Decreased risk of falling
• Decreased risk of colon, breast, prostate, rectal cancer and dementia.
• Decreased diabetes

Exercise that is suited to you:

One excellent form of exercise

This Christmas at Beechfield Healthcare, you are sure to find the perfect gift for your loved one. We have individual gifts and stocking filler packs that are ideal for those who need a little help with daily living, feeding and even exercising. We have gifts for him, for her and for the home. Why not buy your friends and family a stylish gift that they will really want and more importantly need. Our gift ideas range from long handled hairbrushes to comfortable fireside chairs, so don't miss out on these amazing gifts, start shopping today!

The stocking filler packs are:

The Dining Pack (€29.99)

Contains an easy grip fork, knife and spoon, dining mat and coaster.

• This dining pack is the

When your mobility is limited, this is when you realise how important it really is. Simple errands like popping to the shops or visiting a neighbour can prove impossible. However, we here at Beechfield Healthcare, don’t think that limited mobility should stop you from getting around and doing the things you love. If you are finding it harder to move about and are relying on the help of others, it may be time to start thinking about investing in a mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooters come in a wide range of models, and are a great option for those who want to remain active despite their limited agility. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right mobility scooter for your specific needs. Some of these include:

Will you be using the scooter daily or just a couple of times a week?

If you are going to be relying heavily on your scooter then you must buy a good quality, durable scooter with a long life and extra comfort.

For a limited time, we are giving our stairlift customers a money off gift voucher, when they installed a stairlift in their homes and pay for it in full.

•  If you have a straight stairlift installed, we will give you €100 off your next Beechfield Healthcare purchase
• If you have a curved stairlift installed, we will give you €250 off your next Beechfield Healthcare purchase.

Your voucher can be used in our retail store, online at beechfieldhealthcare.ie or over the phone on 1890 989 353.

Straight Versus Curved Stairlifts

Since every home and every person is different so are stairlifts, they are available in straight and curved to suit all stairs.

If your staircase is straight and does not have any corners or bends then you will need a straight stairlift. Alternatively, if your stairs has bends

A commode is a mobile toilet, that is suitable for the bedroom and can be moved from one room to another.

Who uses a commode?

Commodes can be a life changing piece of equipment and are perfect for anyone who is bed bound, or recovering from an operation or an accident and needs a toilet solution nearby or downstairs to reduce walking distance. For the larger person, a bariatric version of the product may be more comfortable to use. We have a wide range of bariatric toilet seats, bariatric commodes and bariatric shower commodes. Most of our commodes are height adjustable which makes life easier for the user.

What does a commode look like?

A commode usually looks like a chair and can come with or without wheels. They are available in a range of colours and styles.to suit the users wants and needs. We also have commodes that look like normal wicker chairs for ultimate discretion.