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1. Evaluate the level of mobility of the end user. For instance, a person with moderately good use of their lower extremities and minimal arm strength would possibly want a with swing-away foot rests to self propel by using their feet on occasion.
2. Know and understand the medical condition/s of person being considered for mobility equipment. Also consider the anticipated length of time it will be used, as well as the progression of disease/ condition. Some products can be converted accordingly.
3. Consider the method of transferring into/ out of equipment to help decide if swing-away or removable arm rests and foot rests are recommended. Also, if transferring alone anti-tippers are recommended.
4. There are factors to consider when determining if a head rest is necessary. Is the person alert and oriented? How is the neck, shoulder muscle tone and head control of the intended user? In some instances seat belts or a harness may be in order.
5. Gather data on the body type of the end user. Weight and height are major factors as mobility equipment vary greatly in size and durability. Use measurement forms for assistance with choosing the right size product.
6. Considering the length of time the person will be spending in the equipment, to decide the best seating and tilt options.
7. Know if the product will be used indoors or outdoors (or both), the types of surfaces and inclines that will be encountered. Know the turn radius required for the space available. This will help determine the type of wheels/casters you should choose.
8. If traveling with the equipment, you should be sure it will fit into the transporting vehicle. Some products fold, others do not.
9. Ask what the “Standard Options” are versus the “Extra Options”.
10. Find out whether or not the product can be rented if not intended for long term use.
11. When shopping around for the best deals, it is best to use the model number combined with the product name to make accurate price comparisons.

Incontinence is a condition involving the loss of bladder and/or bowel control, which is a condition that millions suffer from. This ailment causes accidental urine or stool elimination, which can be very embarrasing to alert individuals. This problem affects people of all ages; but is most common in older adults and women. The cause is a disruption in the normal urinating/deficating process. However, there are various types of urinary incontinence. Today I will discuss two prevalent types, Stress incontinence and Functional incontinence. 

Stress incontinence is the inability to prevent escape of urine during stress such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting or sudden movements. Stress incontinence occurs in men and women, and most frequently in young women of childbearing age, and is classified as “normal”. Fortunately, there are exercises women can try to help strengthen the mucles responsible for bladder control. These muscles are called pubococcygeus (PC). The most common method used to strengthen the PC muscle are Kegel exercises, named for the gynecologist who devised them as treatment for women with urinary incontienence. First you must identify where the PC muscles are, and how to contract them. To practice, sit on the toilet seat with your legs spread as far apart as possible. When you begin to urinate, contract your pelvic floor muscle to stop the flow of urine. Practice this method until you have a good sense of where the PC muscles are and how to tighten them. Once you have identified the PC muscles, you can do the Kegel excercises anytime and anywhere (lying, sitting sqatting or standing). Dr. Kegel used to recommend contracting and releasing the PC muscle 300 times per day, but even if you don’t do quite as many, establishing a daily routine of at least two sessions a day, building up to contracting for ten seconds, then relaxing for 10 seconds for 10-25 repetitions could help to improve bladder control. There are medications designed to help improve bladder control in males. Consult your physician. 

Functional Incontinence is when you are aware of the urge to urinate or have a bowel movement; but due to physical limitations or communication problems, you may not have timely access to toileting facilities. There are a variety of treatments and products to help prevent incontinence. However, the onset of these ailments should be investigated by a physician to be certain it is not caused by a structural abnormality. Also, the urine should be cultured to rule out urinary tract infection. As always, I place emphasis on prevention. Good hygiene is key. Simply wiping from front to back can help prevent urinary tract infections. Also, it is recommended by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld to try natural remedies to promote good urinary health, such as drinking some kind of berry juice at least three times a week, eating yogurt two or three times a week, or both.