VIDEO: Research reveals benefits of heated armchair cover for elderly people with mobility needs
A heated armchair cover developed by Homeglow Products was found in a study to reduce the pain levels of nearly 74 per cent of frail and elderly people with mobility needs.
The B-Warm heated armchair cover was developed for those who suffer from the cold, including the frail and elderly, those with mobility problems and people suffering from rheumatism or arthritis.
Homeglow Products developed the product after finding that heat and slightly raised temperatures can improve wellbeing and lead to an increase in endorphins in response to heat. Endorphins, its studies found, are known to help relieve pain, reduce stress, and may cause a euphoric feeling.
A previous study established that using a B-warm heated seat cover can significantly decrease the cost of heating a home. However, numerous testimonials from users also indicate that the B-Warm also increased their sense of comfort and wellbeing.
A questionnaire was developed by Swansea University Health Technology Centre (HTC) with input from Homeglow Products, Swansea University Academics and LLEISANT Delta Wellbeing.
Delta Wellbeing used their current clientele list to contact older adults and the participants were provided with a B-Warm and completed a pre-use questionnaire. Half of the B-Warms used were provided by energy firm Cadent Gas.
After one month of using the product as they desired, Delta Wellbeing then performed the same questionnaire, with additional questions about ease of B-Warm use, their experience with the product and any effects on pain and wellbeing. The mean age of the 72 participants was 79.6 years.
The researchers discover an increase in wellbeing of participants who used it for one month with 73.9 per cent of participants declaring that they had experienced a reduction in pain levels for ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.
Approximately 75 per cent of participants declared improved wellbeing. There was an average increase of endorphin levels in males following 30 minutes of use. The product was also found to improve relaxation and mental focus.
Of those surveyed, 76.7 per cent of the participants declared they would be willing to pay a contribution toward the B-Warm and 94.2% per cent of the participants would recommend the product.
Martin Lewis, Owner, Homeglow Products, commented: “It has been a most useful project, underlining the benefits to users and to carers for the improvement in wellbeing and speed of recovery that would be helpful, also the potential reduction in hospitalisation periods with faster discharge benefits to the NHS.”
Paul Faulkner, Head of Technologies, Delta Wellbeing, added: “It was an interesting project, and I know when our staff phoned the clients back after one month of using the product, they were genuinely feeling a lot better about themselves and their wellbeing!”
