Free Shipping on Karman Wheelchairs This Month!

As we age, everyday activities previously taken for granted can become difficult or even impossible to perform.  In their usual design, common items like a pen, light switch, or playing cards may be difficult to hold or use as we age. Wheelchairs Abound offers alternatives to these same items redesigned for easier use, to promote activities of daily living (ADLs). For example, suppose putting on socks has become difficult because of back pain, osteoporosis or arthritis.  The Deluxe Flexible Sock Aid by Maddak, Inc. allows people to put on socks with minimal bending.  Wrap the sock aid with a cute pair of socks or nylons for a nice gift that will be used, remembered and appreciated everyday.

Opening cans or turning on the stove are tasks that can become impossible due to weakened hand grasp, arthritis or other hand limitations.  Special jar openers and knob turners are available to overcome these limitations.  Imagine giving the gift of independence in the kitchen, accompanied by gourmet food and a fancy apron.

Reachers are giant pliers-looking devices that can be a great gift for almost anyone on your list.  They can be used to grab items from kitchen shelves and pick things up from the floor reducing the need to bend, stretch or strain.  Personalize this gift by pairing it with something humorous.  You might want an extra one for when you drop something behind your washer or dryer!

Card games are a common social activity among older adults, but often arthritis or other hand limitations make holding cards uncomfortable or even painful. A card holder is a simple, perfect, solution.  Wrap the card holder, or a set of four holders, with a deck or two of premium playing cards that can be enjoyed by the entire bridge club.

Writing is also difficult with arthritis, Parkinson’s or other hand limitations. Maddak’s Ableware® brand of ADL solutions includes the Steady Write® Writing Instrument. The Steady Write® has a wide, triangular base that increases stability and requires little or no gripping strength.  It helps to improve handwriting and decreases the effort needed to write.  Purchase a nice pen, some elegant stationary or note cards and stamps for a nice gift ensemble. Read more of this article written by Barbara L. Kornblau, JD, OTR/L

For maximum service, it is recommended that the wheel bearings be cleaned, inspected and re-greased about every six months. Adjust brakes when necessary. Check periodically for loose screws, bolts or spokes and repair immediately. The best way to preserve the finish is to keep it clean by sponging with a damp cloth and drying immediately with a soft dry cloth. The chrome should be polished occasionally with chrome cleaner. Remove lint or dirt to prevent the wheel from binding. The front casters can be cleaned readily using chrome cleaner on the plated parts and a mild soap on the molded rubber tires. Most of the hinged or movable parts may be lubricated with “White Graphite”. The bearings should be cleaned and repacked with grease approximately once a year by dealer.