Assistability

The new Dahl VarioDock™ seat anchoring system makes life easier.

The latest innovation from Dahl Engineering is the only power-height adjustable wheelchair docking station that facilitates securing both vehicle passenger seats and wheelchairs with different ground clearances. This system offers more flexibility and versatility than any other, as the seat and wheelchair layout can be changed quickly with minimum effort. No tie down straps on vehicle floor to trip over!

Having met strict in-vehicle safety testing requirements for seats and seat belt anchorages, the team at Assistability is confident that wheelchair users and other seated occupants can be secured with ease.

Enjoy the trip! https://www.assistability.ca/product/dahl-variodock/

FeedSpot curated a list of the “Top Disability Magazines and Publications” from around the English-speaking world, ranked according to traffic, followers and freshness. They provide an excellent resource for support, news, tools, and solutions. Highlighted are a range of topics relevant to those living with disabilities and showcased are voices from this diverse community. For example, there are selections for active wheelchair users, the latest on mobility news, topics covering health and lifestyle, ethical issues, and more.

Check out this list! https://blog.feedspot.com/disability_magazines/

Caregiving is at the very heart of society. It impacts the daily lives of individuals and affects communities. The scale of caregiver contributions, not just to loved ones, but to the care economy and the very fabric of the nation, offers incredible value according to any measure that can be applied. For example, according to research from the Universities of Alberta and Manitoba, family caregivers contribute 5.7 billion hours of care work per year, with an estimated annual economic value of $97.1 billion. Most of this is unpaid, hidden, voluntary, and not fully appreciated.

As rewarding as this role may be, it takes a heavy toll on the caregiver. The relentless demands of caring for someone with an illness or disability can be physically, mentally, economically, socially, and emotionally taxing. Caregivers deserve care, too.

Here are a few general reminders quoted from the University of California San Francisco Health for handling common challenges:

✔ Take time for yourself and your own needs. Watch for signs of stress, such as impatience, loss of appetite or difficulty with sleep, concentration or memory. Pay attention to changes in mood, a loss of interest in usual activities or an inability to accomplish usual tasks.

✔ Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water every day.

✔ Exercise by taking short walks daily or at least three times a week.

✔ Listen to guided relaxation recordings or relaxing music.

✔ Schedule short rest periods between activities. Make it a priority to get a good night's sleep.

✔ Set limits for what can be done.

✔ Don't overload the daily to-do list. Be realistic.

✔ Find a few hours several times a week for activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable.

✔ Let family members and friends help with household chores, meal preparation, childcare and shopping.

✔ Keep lines of communication open with family and friends.

✔ Share feelings with family members and other caregivers, connect with community agencies, or join a support group. Engage with peer groups to share personal experiences and feelings.

✔ Give yourself credit: The care you give does make a difference.

You can find this quoted list here: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers

This is a brief reminder to make space for ourselves. If we don’t look after ourselves, we can quickly burn out looking after others. Find a balance.