Winter Essentials: Amelia's Top Picks for Safe and Confident Mobility

 

 

1. Heated Blanket
   A heated blanket is essential for keeping warm at home, in the office or even in hospital during the cold winter months. Hospital beds can feel clinical and a bit cold so a soft, cosy, heated blanket (if the hospital don’t allow them to be switched on this one is still fantastic without the electric element) can make all the difference! This is the one I love to stay warm and homely even if it's unplugged Beurer Heated Bordic Blanket.
   
   
   
   
2. High Performance Ferrules
   High Performance Ferrules enhance the grip and stability of mobility aids. At this time of year checking your ferrules still have decent definition in the bottom is key to ensuring you have grip and are safe on any surface. Our range of high performance tips are made from durable materials that provide excellent traction on icy or snowy surfaces. And come with a built-in flexible shock absorber, making movement smoother and safer.
   TOP TIP - if you find it hard to remove your ferrules, try soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes, this will loosen them and make it much easier to switch over to new ones!
   
3. Duvet Coat
   A duvet coat offers both warmth and comfort when hanging around outside at children's football games, Christmas carolling, or having a few cheeky Christmas drinks at the market with work. Make sure you have extra wide cuffs if you use crutches like me, to accommodate big coats and extra layers without restricting movement.
   
   
4. Sorel Boots
   Finding shoes when you have weakness, pain, nerve damage or instability in your lower body is not straightforward.  For me, the addition of an orthotic and a foot with a mind of its own means there are very few shoes and boots that I can wear comfortably, let alone put on and take off without enduring a work out in the process! Sorel Footwear boots are designed for extreme winter conditions, providing warmth for the toes and good grip on slippery surfaces. They also zip all the way to the bottom so you can easily slip them on and off.
   They aren't the cheapest, but I can personally vouch for their longevity and believe they are worth every penny!
   
   
5. Stick Safe
   Our Stick Safe is designed to minimise the risk of slips and falls when using mobility aids. It means you can easily prop up your aid when at Christmas lunches, or visiting friends and family, without it crashing to the floor OR risking having to bend down to retrieve it in crowded places or slippy weather!
6. Thermals
   Thermals are a must-have for layering during winter. I personally struggle the most with cold legs and feet and do rely on thermals in winter to keep me defrosted! I recommend looking for tops and bottoms that fit snugly under clothing, allowing for easy movement whilst keeping you toasty. You choose options with flat seams to avoid irritation, especially for those who may have sensitive skin.
   If you're looking for cheap and cheerful, then Uniqlo are a great brand, but if your budget stretches a little further, then M&S also have a Heatgen range which I love!
   
   
7. Plug in Heater / Radiator
   A plug-in heater or radiator provides a more cost-effective way to stay warm when I'm at home or at work, without having to heat the whole house. This makes the colder months more comfortable and more affordable!
   My two recommendations are:
   Russell Hobbs Ceramic Plug In Heater, £14.99 - I use this under my desk and it is fantastic, as well as keeping my feet and legs warm it heats a single room up quickly 
   Portable Oil Filled Radiator, £36.98 - I use this next to me both in the office but also in my bedroom when it gets really cold at night
   
   
   
8. Folding Walk Stick
   This is a fantastic tool for indoor use, particularly around the home where your trips are shorter. A Folding Walking Stick is especially beneficial for those who don’t rely on one constantly, as it can easily be tucked away in your bag for moments when you feel a bit fatigued or require some extra support while exploring Christmas markets!     
9. Pill Organiser
   A great product for managing medications amidst the holiday hustle and bustle! With the busy nature of this season, it can be easy to lose track of the day, making this an essential item to ensure I keep up with my medication schedule. My favourite sleek chic pill organisers are: 
   Dosey / Tabuu / Mannox
   
   
10. Radar Key
    Saving the best for last! No one wants to stress about finding a disabled toilet while out and about with mobility aids. Christmas markets, shopping and parties can be stressful enough without worrying about going for a wee, which is why a Radar Key is my top must-have for December outings.

 

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