Easter Bakes
Here are some of our favourite baking recipes for you to try this Easter..
Hot cross bun's
Ingredients
200 ml semi-skimmed milk
55 g unsalted butter
2 x 7 g sachets of dried yeast
455 g strong bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 whole nutmeg (for grating)
55 g caster sugar
2 balls of stem ginger
1 large free-range egg
2 tablespoons plain flour
55 g sultanas or raisins
2 tablespoons mixed peel
runny honey
STEP 1
Add the milk and 50ml water to a small pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or until slightly warm. Add the butter to a separate pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or until melted, then set aside. Transfer the warmed milk mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the yeast.
STEP 2
Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the spices, a few good scrapings of nutmeg and the sugar. Finely chop the stem ginger and stir it into the mix. Make a well in the centre and pour in the melted butter, followed by the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the bowl. Using a fork, mix well until you have a rough dough, then transfer to a clean flour dusted work surface and knead for around 10 minutes, or until soft and springy. Return the dough to a flour-dusted bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for at least an hour, or until doubled in size.
STEP 3
Transfer the dough to a clean flour dusted work surface. Knock the air out by bashing it with your fist, then sprinkle over the dried fruit and mixed peel and knead into the dough for 1 to 2 minutes.
STEP 4
Preheat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF/Gas 5. Grease and line a large baking tray. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball, evenly spacing them out on the tray as you go. Cover with the tea towel and leave in a warm place for a further 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
STEP 5
Place the plain flour and 2 tablespoons water into a small bowl and mix to a thick paste. Gently pat down the risen buns then use the batter to carefully trace a cross over the top with a piping bag or spoon. Place the buns into the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer to a wire cooling rack, brush over a little honey to glaze, then leave to cool.
Slice open the sticky hot cross buns, spread with a little butter, and enjoy!
Simnel loaf cakes
Ingredients
10 mini loaf cake cases
150g butter (softened)
150g light muscovado sugar
2 tbsp treacle
4 medium eggs (beaten)
200g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
zest of 1 lemon
350g mixed dried fruits
1 x 454g pack white marzipan
3 tbsp apricot glaze (warmed)
Icing sugar (for dusting)
floral cake decorations
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Set the loaf cases out on a baking tray. Put the butter, sugar and treacle in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, adding a little flour if the mixture starts to curdle. Sift the flour and baking powder together and stir evenly into the mixture with the mixed spice, lemon zest and dried fruits.
STEP 2
Divide half the mixture between the loaf cases and, using a palette knife, spread the mixture evenly. Cut 200g off the block of marzipan and grate coarsely. Divide between the cakes, sprinkling it evenly over the surface. Divide the remaining mixture between the cases and level the tops. Bake the mini loaf cakes for 35 minutes or until just firm to the touch. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the cases, then run a knife around the inside of the cases and remove the cold cakes.
STEP 3
Spread the top of the cakes with the warmed apricot glaze. Lightly dust your work surface with icing sugar then thinly roll out the remaining marzipan. Cut into 5mm strips and weave over the top of the cakes to make a basket effect. Press the floral decorations on top.
Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
175ml vegetable oil , plus extra for the tin
75g natural yogurt
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g self-raising flour
250g light muscovado sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 fresh nut meg (grated)
200g carrots (grated)
100g raisins
100g pistachios (finely chopped)
Icing:
100g slightly salted butter (softened)
200g icing sugar
100g cream cheese
100g marzipan
orange food colouring
STEP 1
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line a 900g loaf tin with baking parchment. Whisk the oil, yogurt, eggs and vanilla in a jug. Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg with a good pinch of salt in a bowl. Squeeze any lumps of sugar through your fingers, shaking the bowl a few times to bring the lumps to the surface.
STEP 2
Add the wet ingredients to the dry, along with the carrots, raisins and half the pistachios. Mix well to combine, then scrape into the tin. Bake for 1 hr 10 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave in tin to cool.
STEP 3
To start the icing, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add half the cream cheese and beat again, then add the rest. Remove the cake from the tin and spread the icing thickly on top. Scatter with some of the remaining pistachios. Dye marzipan orange by kneading in a drop of food colouring. Roll into little carrot shapes, then use a skewer to make indentations and poke a few pistachios in to look like fronds. Top the cake with the carrots, then serve.
Will keep in the fridge for up to five days (eat at room temperature).
Chair Yoga
Yoga can be for everyone, those who may find chair yoga especially more suited to them may include people with struggle with balance or simply people would like to start off slowly and feel more confident using a chair.
Yoga can help with stress, pain, and fatigue, joint lubrication, balance, and arthritis.
To begin you want a sturdy chair that you feel comfortable and stable in and be sure to start off each new pose by making sure your bottom is planted firmly in the seat. You will need to sit toward the front edge of the seat but still on the seat enough to feel stable.
Seated Mountain
This pose is great to simply engage your core, align your posture, and focus on your breath. Come back to this pose after each of the poses that follow.
Take a deep breath and sit up straight, extending your spine.
As you exhale, root down into the chair with the lowest part of your tailbone, or the two points that take the weight when you sit.
Your knees should be directly over your ankles, with your legs at a 90-degree angle leaving a little room between your knees.
Take a deep breath and as you exhale, roll your shoulders down your back, pull your bellybutton in toward your spine, and relax your arms down at your sides.
Engage your legs by lifting your toes and pressing firmly into all four corners of your feet.
Single-Leg Stretch
You can sit a little closer to the edge of your seat for this one. Just be sure you’re still on the chair and that you won’t slide off.
Sitting up tall, stretch your right leg out, resting your heel on the floor, toes pointing up. Be careful of how supported you are and not to fold forward.
Rest both hands on your outstretched leg. As you inhale, rise up through your spine, and as you exhale, begin to bend over your right leg, sliding your hands down your leg as you go.
Take this stretch as far as you like while not straining or forcing anything and still feeling supported both by the chair and by your hands. If you’re able to reach lower on your leg you can grasp the back of your calf or your ankle.
Inhale and exhale slowly 5 times in this position, gently going deeper each time, and then release the pose by using an inhale to help you rise.
Repeat this pose with your left leg outstretched, double-checking how supported your body is on the edge of the chair and realigning your right leg’s knee over your ankle before you bend over.
Eagle Arms
This pose relaxes your shoulders and upper back as it stabilizes and flexes your shoulder joint.
Take a breath and then, as you inhale, stretch your arms out to your sides.
As you exhale, bring them in front of you, swinging your right arm under your left and grabbing your shoulders with the opposite hands, as if you are giving yourself a hug.
If you have more flexibility in your shoulders, you can release your grip and continue wrapping your forearms around each other until your right fingers rest in your left palm.
Inhaling, lift your elbows a few inches higher.
Exhaling, roll your shoulders down, relaxing them away from your ears.
Take a few breaths, repeating the elbow lift and shoulder roll if you like.
Warrior I
Starting in Seated Mountain, take a deep breath. As you inhale, lift your arms out to the sides, and then raise your hands up to meet above your head.
Lace your fingers together, keeping your pointer fingers and thumbs out, so you’re pointing at the ceiling directly over your head.
As you exhale, roll your shoulders away from your ears, letting your shoulder blades slide down your back. This will engage the muscles that hold your shoulder joint together.
Continue to take deep and even breaths as you settle in here, taking at least 5 deep breaths before you release your clasped hands on an exhale and let your arms gently flow back to your sides.
Seated Forward Bend
Inhale in Seated Mountain, focusing on extending your spine, and simply fold over your legs. You can start with your hands resting on your thighs and slide them down your legs as you fold for a little extra support, or you can keep them at your sides as you work toward laying your torso on your thighs.
Take 5 or more even breaths in this pose. It massages your intestines, helping with digestion, as well as lengthening your spine and stretching your back muscles.
When ready, inhale as you lift your torso back to an upright position.
Keeping Cosy and Well This Winter
Keeping Warm
Try to keep the heat in your home to a steady and comfortable temperature throughout the day. Layering up is the best way to stay warm when you venture out, and don’t forget to bring scarf, hat and gloves for when the sun goes in.
Eat Well
Spending lots of time indoors and having less to do can mean it can become easy to lose motivation to prepare meals so here are a few delicious winter warmer meals we suggest to give you all the nutrition you need, help fight off colds and keep you feeling strong.
Fish pie is a hearty meal and full of goodness, lots of vegetables for vitamins and potato as your carbohydrate. Oily fish like salmon have heart protective properties because of the omega 3 fats and white fish are full of protein.
There are lots of immune-boosting and warming soups, they can be prepared fairly quickly and can be frozen and kept in portions for other days. How does a Cauliflower Curry or Potato and Butternut squash soup sound?
To start the winter mornings off, a bowl of oatmeal, packed with a lot of nutrition that will fill your belly with good-for-you food. Try adding some yoghurt when cooking to thicken it up and add some flavour. Finish off with some sliced bananas, diced strawberries and a squeeze of honey.
Keep Active
Sitting still for too long isn’t good for you, even a little movement is good to help keep up your strength and mobility. This may also help some individuals who suffer from arthritis as some people believe that the cause of arthritis pain worsening in winter is due to lack of activity.
Stay Connected
Keep in touch with friends and family, a little chat can go a long way. Keep high spirits by sharing stories or keeping up with the latest news.
6 Heath Benefits of an Adjustable Bed
1) Lessen Swelling
Many people suffer with swollen legs and when lying flat, fluid can pool and increase swelling which can cause more pain. Adjustable beds enable people to elevate their legs and sleep with them raised, reducing the swelling and its effect.
2) Independence
Getting in and out of bed is a lot easier with the aid of an adjustable bed; maintain your independence at the click of a button.
3) Improve Circulation
Perfect your sleeping position to reduce pressure and allow blood to flow throughout your body and improve your quality of sleep.
4) Reduce Acid Reflux and Heartburn
When lying on a flat surface stomach acids can move to the esophagus which leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. When a bed is inclined at the head it reduces the likeliness of the acid travelling toward the throat.
5) Relieve Arthritis Pain
An adjustable bed can relieve arthritis and other pains by positioning the mattress to take weight off the area in pain. The movement can also reduce morning aches and stiffness by assisting them to rise out of bed more easily.
6) Ease Back Pain
You will sleep more comfortably by matching the beds surface to your body’s natural contouring, the bed allowing you to adjust to support your back and relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Raising the foot end of the bed allows the knees to bend and elevates the legs reducing pressure affecting the spine. Slightly raising the head end of the bed relieves compression for the lower back and prevents neck ache.
Giving Back to the Key Workers
One of our booking agents Karan is extremely proud to share the story of her husband’s hard work giving back to the NHS this year.
Kevin is a painter and decorator and earlier this year not only did the firm he works for donate money to East Hertfordshire NHS Trust they also decorated the local Hospitals Well Being Area & Staff Room.
Karan’s husband was 1 out of 3 men who volunteered to redecorate this area we think it’s safe to say they gave it a well needed brighten up since it was last decorated in 1995!
Rebecca’s 420 Mile Cycle
Rebecca from our customer service team has cycled a half marathon (13.1 miles) everyday for 32 days to raise money for Mind Charity.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Everyone at Comfort Plus is very proud, well done Rebecca!
If you would like to donate to Mind charity, please use the link below.
https://www.mind.org.uk/donate
Keeping Busy During Lockdown
1) Indoor gardening, not only are plants a beautiful addition to the room they have many health benefits too, like purifying the air which can also improve your sleep. Here are some easy-to-grow house plants:
- Spider plant
- Mother in laws tongue
- African violet
- Wandering Jew
- Christmas Cactus
2) Get creative with drawing colouring or painting. Why not start a scrap book or create a photo album or a family recipe book!
3) Make your own Christmas decorations, if not for yourself then maybe for the grandchildren; check out how to make a DIY Unicorn Christmas Ornament:
- Firstly remove the cap off a clear plastic ball ornament.
- Lightly water down some acrylic paint in your chosen colour.
- Carefully pour the paint in the opening of the ornament and rotate until the inside is fully covered with paint; then pour the excess out
- Allow the paint to dry then reattach the cap.
- Using colours of your choice mould some sculpting clay to form ears and the unicorn horn; allow to dry completely.
- Carefully use some hot glue to attach the mini ears and horn and some fake flowers for decoration.
- Use a gold pen to draw on eyelashes.
- You can also add the name of who you’re making it for and the year it was made on the back of the ornament.
4) Festive baking, try out this recipe for delicious Christmas biscuits:
Ingredients:
100g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
100g caster sugar
1 free-range egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
275g plain flour
To decorate:
400g icing sugar
3-4 tbsp water
2-3 drops food colourings
Edible glitter
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale, light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, a little at a time, until well combined.
- Stir in the flour until the mixture comes together as dough.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of 1cm.
- Using biscuit cutters or a glass cut biscuits out of the dough and carefully place onto the baking tray. To make into Christmas tree decorations, carefully make a hole in the top of the biscuit using a straw.
- Bake the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to harden for 5 minutes then cool on a wire rack.
- For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a large mixing bowl and stir in enough water to create a smooth mixture. Stir in the food colouring.
- Carefully decorate the biscuits with the icing sprinkle over the glitter.
- Set aside until the icing hardens and enjoy!
We would love to see your recreations of DIY Christmas ornaments and biscuits!
Send in pictures and have chance to feature in next months newsletter and on our Facebook!
info@comfortplusproducts.co.uk
5 Things to do in Autumn
1 Autumnal Walks
Take advantage of the sunny autumnal days with a scenic stroll; enjoy the fresh air and colourful views nature has to offer. Keep an eye out for some nice greenery and fallen leaves to pick up.
2 Prepare for Sping
Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs to bloom in spring. For all you garden lovers this is a great way to take full advantage of gardening before the coldest winter weather sets in.
3 'Tis the season for Comfort (Plus Products) Food
As the seasons change we look forward to some of our comfort food favourites to cost up with on these autumn nights. Here's some much-loved recipes recommened by Comfort Plus employees :
Laura loves Sainsbury's slow cooked lamb shank, its super easy and perfect for her to leave cooking whilst she is at work.
https://recipes.sainsburys.co.uk/recipes/main-courses/slow-cooked-lamb-shank
Rebecca recommends BBC Good Food curried chicken pie. With a spin on this traditional favourite, this dinner is both healthy and delicious!
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/curried-chicken-pie
Jamie is more of a sweet tooth kind of guy, he loves crumble but peach and plum is his all time favourite.
https://www.asdagoodliving.co.uk/food/recipes/plum-peach-crumble
4 Visit a pumpkin patch
Find a pumkin patch near you or at your local farm. This is a fun day out and something the grandchildren can come along to and pick a pumkin too!
5 Pumkin Painting
Skip the mess and get creative with pumkin painting. Its a super easy and fun way to keep a season tradition going.
NEW - The Kensington Executive
Our Bespoke Kensington Rise and Recline chair has now got even better, with the latest upgrade, the NEW Kensington Executive. As standard, we have now introduced removable back cushions for maximum adjustment to gain the optimum level of comfort, and a new coiled spring seating system for the best seating experience we have ever produced.
We have also added a carefully selected range of accessories to include a removable table with drinks holder and a phone or tablet holder. The table can easily be added to the chair through our new accessory dock and can be swivelled for use at the side or moved in front to eat or write.
Our new clever system will also allow us to improve our range of accessories in the future, which will all be easily connected to the chair. Therefore future upgrades will be available, without the need to change your chair.
For more details see here, or call us now on 01462 678050.
THE BENEFITS OF A RECLINER CHAIR
Improved circulation: Anyone who suffers from poor circulation will be familiar with the discomfort that numbness and swelling brings. The massage technology in your recliner chair will help reduce the impact of bad circulation and provide resistance to conditions such as Atherosclerosis. This function (if available) can also provide gentle vibration which will help with relaxation through to full, deep massage designed to relieve muscular pain.
Support to the back: For those affected with back pain, joint pain and Arthritis the extra support offered in a recliner chair will be the most important feature of the chair. Research has also proved that leaning backwards will relieve the compressive load on the spine - taking the pressure off the spine will provide instant relief.
Stress relief: Research has shown that stress is a primary cause of back pain. Sitting in a comfortable position with the feet up and gently reclined will aid relaxation and therefore reduce stress. Having the advantage of automatic adjustment, at the touch of a button, to an optimum personal position will go even further in aiding relaxation and providing relief and comfort.
Improved posture: A reclining chair will do the opposite of what we naturally tend to do which is to hunch forward, therefore it can help encourage proper spinal alignment.
Remain independent: The rise function on you recliner chair will be one of the most vital functions of the chair for maintaining independence. At the simple touch of a button you can prevent any strain on your back and knees by being gently lifted to standing position, avoiding unnecessary loading to the joints and reducing dependence on others
A NEW PRODUCT FOR 2018!
WE ARE VERY EXCITED AND DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PRODUCT FOR 2018 - AN AUTOMATIC TOILET LIFTING SYSTEM.
This model is brand new to the market and only available in the UK through ourselves!
This has been designed for anyone who needs a helping hand standing up from the toilet with an automatic system that allows you to rise at the touch of the button. Our aim is to give you the confidence and freedom to use your own toilet, in comfort, without the need of independent help.
Our automatic toilet system offers these main benefits:
• Raises and lowers the toilet at the touch of a button
• Designed for anyone with reduced mobility
• Full independent use of a toilet
• Ergonomically designed for comfort and maximum help
• Battery powered to ensure no additional cables or building work is required
For further information please call us on 0800 0356595
STAYING INDEPENDENT IN YOUR OWN HOME
HOME CARE SERVICES
Everyone wants to live as independently as possible in their own home. But sometimes to do this you might need some extra support.
Home care is when a care worker comes to visit you in your own home to help you with a wide range of everyday tasks that you can’t manage alone.
These tasks might be;
- dressing and undressing
- washing, shaving and bathing
- helping your take your medication
- preparing light meals and snacks
Home care workers do not usually help with cleaning services or preparing large meals.
How can I get home care?
To get home care funded by your local Council you will need to be eligible for help from your local social care services. Your eligibility is established by an assessment of your care needs. Alternatively there are many companies providing private care which you pay for yourself.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy services provide equipment and home adaptations to help people who are living with disabilities or who are frail through old age,
To remain living independently in your own home as long as possible. Sometimes this can be done through making small changes to someone’s home to help them get about more easily, or through giving that person a piece of equipment to help them in their day-to-day life.
What are occupational therapy services?
This is a service which provides equipment and adaptations which can help people with their day-to-day lives who are living with disabilities or who are becoming frail through old age. The professional workers who can assess people for this service are ‘occupational therapists (OTs)’.
Examples of equipment and minor home adaptations
There are lots of different products available to make your daily activities easier. Some of these include;
- grab rails
- raised toilet seats
- walking frames
- perching stools
- pick up and reaching aids
There is a free, interactive self-assessment tool to get an idea of equipment to help your situation, which you can use by following this link to visit AskSARA.
Some typical examples of major adaptations include:
- widening doorways
- installing ramps
- installing a stair lift
- creating disabled access to showers
- lowering of work surfaces in kitchens
Equipment will always be considered before adaptations to the home, and minor adaptations before major ones.
BE ACTIVE & SOCIAL!
We’re all aware that moving is good for us but there’s also plenty of evidence to suggest that engaging with others is good for our mental health and our general sense of wellbeing. If you’re able to get out and about ensure you have plenty of social contact through clubs, activities or your local library. Fitness is, obviously, important whatever your age or physical ability. If there’s an activity that you can enjoy or do with other people, even better! Swimming, walking, cycling and dancing, for example, are all fantastic exercise but are excellent social activities too.
Age UK offer ‘befriending’ services in order to combat loneliness, through ‘visiting’ services. This might be something you could either benefit from or even volunteer to help with. Click here to find out more.
Social interaction and physical fitness will help you retain your independence for longer.
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Who doesn’t benefit from a good night’s sleep? Waking up from a comfortable night’s sleep means the day after is so much easier. Your health, your mood and general wellbeing all benefit from sleeping well. Here, at Comfort Plus we like to say “The day is only as good as the sleep you’ve had!”
A very common problem for people with reduced mobility – whether due to age or disability – is getting to sleep at night. But at the touch of a button an adjustable bed can ease you into the best position for a good night’s sleep. Most adjustable beds offer the support you need for the entire length of your body providing relief from arthritis as well as more common joint pains and back ache.
Enjoying your own bed is surely one of the joys of staying independent in your own home!
ENJOY A BESPOKE RECLINER CHAIR
As long as you can get in and out of a chair, living in your own home is both realistic and preferable and a chair made just for you will do wonders for your quality of life in your own home.
There are lots of recliner chairs on the market and lots that promise to be bespoke but when it comes to recliner chairs one size does not fit all. A properly bespoke chair is one that is built from scratch to make your life more comfortable. Most Rise and Recline chairs will swivel, recline, lift and massage but the ultimate prize is one based on your individual needs, body type and measurements. Accessories are the icing on the cake and unique to our chairs, here at Comfort Plus, is an adjustable back support; at the touch of a button the firmness of the lumbar region can be adjusted to support your back and suit your needs.
Owning a bespoke recliner chair, that has been made especially for you will provide not just comfort but also help your mobility – both of which are key factors in retaining your independence.
USING MOBILTY PRODUCTS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
Here at Comfort Plus we are privileged to meet lots of people who either depend on mobility products to make life easier or who have discovered that they make them more comfortable and independent.
After nearly 20 years of being in this business this is what we hear from those in the know;
The day is only as good as the sleep you’ve had!
A very common problem for people with reduced mobility – whether due to age or disability – is getting to sleep at night. At the touch of a button an adjustable bed can ease you into the best position for a good night’s sleep. Most adjustable beds offer the support you need for the entire length of your body providing relief from arthritis as well as more common joint pains and back ache.
Here’s what one of our customers, Mrs. Badcock from Burwell in Cambridgeshire had to say about our 5-point adjustable bed;
“I recently purchased an adjustable bed and am writing to say how comfortable it is. The massage controls are vastly improving my spinal/back problems. Long may it last!”
Getting outside without depending on others is the key to freedom
For those with long term difficulty with mobility a scooter can make the difference between independency and dependency on others for almost everything outside the home. It’s a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken without expert, independent advice but some of things you might want to consider are where you would store the scooter when it’s not in use? what insurance is available?
To help you, the NHS offers a guide to care and support here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support/mobility-equipment-wheelchairs-scooters/ plus the consumer website ‘Which? Elderly Care’ https://www.which.co.uk/elderly-care has lots of advice on choosing and buying mobility products and the Motability Scheme can offer options on hiring a Mobility Scooter. Click on the links for more information.
A completely bespoke recliner chair will be a chair for life!
There are lots of recliner chairs on the market and lots that promise to be bespoke but when it comes to recliner chairs one size does not fit all. A properly bespoke chair is one that is built from scratch to make your life more comfortable. Most Rise and Recline chairs will swivel, recline, lift and massage but the ultimate prize is one based on your individual needs, body type and measurements. Accessories are the icing on the cake and unique to our chairs, here at Comfort Plus, is an adjustable back support; at the touch of a button the firmness of the lumbar region can be adjusted to support your back and suit your needs.
Here’s what Mrs Williams of Chester has said about her bespoke recliner chair;
“I’m sincerely impressed and so very grateful by your firm’s proficient and excellent help in delivering my recliner chair to me. It’s a beautiful chair – so comfortable, so perfect in every way”
Using a bath aid can take the fear out of one of life’s simple pleasures
Taking a bath can be one of the first things that you give up when your confidence in your own mobility starts to slip. It’s not uncommon to become unsteady on our feet as we get older so it’s understandable that particularly those who live alone may choose to not put themselves at risk and therefore miss out on a relaxing and enjoyable part of their daily routine.
But using a bath aid can restore that confidence by comfortably lowering you in and raising you out again enabling you to continue enjoying a relaxing bath at the end of the day.
Over £14,000 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support
As we approach our third year supporting Macmillan Cancer Support we are really pleased and grateful to the many people who have helped us to raise over £14,000 for this fantastic charity.
Georgia Clark, Fundraising Manager for Hertfordshire, says: ‘Thank you very much to Comfort Plus Products for donating over £14,000 in 2016 and 2017 for local people affected by cancer. This fantastic amount could help run a small Macmillan information and support centre for 3 months, like the one at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, helping people affected by cancer to find information and support. We look forward to their continuing support in 2018.”
It’s always good to know how these funds are used so we are fascinated by these interesting facts and thought we’d like to share them with all of the wonderful people who have helped us to raise our contributions to this hard working and worthy charity;
In 2016
1320 people called the Macmillan Support Line - “I have had to fight and strive for every bit of information and having someone just say ‘do you want me to tell you about that’ was a breath of fresh air” – MSL Caller
710 local people used a Macmillan Information Centre – “I was feeling really ill and the bus was like a beacon shining in the distance! I found it very helpful, the service for benefit forms has been absolutely brilliant” - Client
£1,081,400 in unclaimed benefits was identified for local people by the Macmillan Support Line and face to face benefits teams – “Macmillan helpline advisors were so amazing during the call that within 24 hours I got a text from DWP saying I was getting benefits. That’s one hell of a service!” – MSL Caller
310 Macmillan grants, worth over £106,000 were issued to local people, totalling over £106,000 – “Due to my son’s intensive treatment, he had difficulty walking and Macmillan kindly helped me pay for travel. Now I’m in a position to pay this back so you can help someone else” - Carer
These are the important services that you are helping to raise funds for so please don’t stop! When we’re next in your area demonstrating, all we ask is £1 from every person who attends one of our product demonstrations. There’s a free cuppa on offer plus NO obligation to buy! If you’d like to know when we’re next in your area please call us on 0800 035 6595
Remember:
£28 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for 1 hour, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.
£390 could pay for an average Macmillan Grant.
Every £1,000 we spend on our phone service could lead to our welfare rights advisers on our Macmillan Support Line helping people affected by cancer to claim £39,350 in benefits they are entitled to.
Don’t be lonely this Christmas
HAVE A PLAN
Before the Big Day have a think about how you’d like to spend the day. Being alone doesn’t have to mean you will be lonely. Whether or not you’re able to venture out of doors it’s important to plan your day and have some structure. Here are some suggestions as to what you might think about;
STAYING IN
If venturing outside isn’t an option there are still ways of making the day less lonely – here are some suggestions;
Speak to someone
If it isn’t possible to speak to loved ones on Xmas day there is always someone you can speak to. Age UK’s Call in Time service is a free service for the over 60’s connecting you to volunteers who provide a friendly ear and are happy to talk
Sign up today or call 0800 434 6105
· Or you could speak to like-minded people on Gransnet
· The Samaritans are also available to listen, no matter what, on 116 123
Plan your TV viewing
If you have a TV then make sure you have all the listings to hand and plan your viewing to suit your mood. You may love to indulge in all of the Christmassy programmes but you may not. In which case, there is plenty of alternatives on offer these days.
Enjoy something special to eat
There’s no better time to indulge in all of your favourite foods! If you are reliant on deliveries make sure you have selected all of your favourites well in advance. And, plan when you are going to have your main meal. This will help give your day some structure.
Use technology to connect
Family and friends may be located many miles away or even in another country but if you’re internet savvy make use of technology to talk and even ‘see’ your loved ones. It may be a good idea to plan a call in advance particularly if you’re calling somewhere in a different time zone.
GOING OUT
If you are able to get out why not plan a visit to someone else who is on their own? Or plan to attend a Christmas Day service at your local church. Either of these will help you feel less alone.
Volunteer
Your local Care Centre and Nursing Home will appreciate visitors to help spread some Christmas cheer to their residents. If it’s possible for you to make the journey you will make their day!
If you have access to the internet get involved with Age UK’s Christmas Campaign and look at Volunteering Matters.
Join In
Community Christmas is an organisation that creates events for lonely elderly people. Have a look here https://communitychristmas.org.uk/ it will show events around you, including Christmas Dinners!
Organise a get-together
Maybe you know of others who will be alone this Xmas? It can be difficult making an approach to someone you don’t know very well but if you’re in the same boat why not suggest an outing together or an invitation to join you for part of the day. And, perhaps the more the merrier!
Most importantly please remember you’re not alone. There are 1.9 million older people across England who will experience loneliness this Christmas.
Get Moving In Your Own Home
We all know that moving is good for us. We all know that sitting down too much isn’t so good. Recent research shows that many adults aged 65 and over spend, on average, 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group.
There’s plenty of evidence out there to suggest that physical activity and exercise can help us stay healthy, energetic, and more importantly independent. Our worlds are inclined to get smaller as we age – it might be difficult to travel, our homes may be too small for visitors and physical disability may be getting in the way of nights on the tiles or days out with friends. So, what’s to be done? Well for starters – do things you enjoy. If you can, then anything from gardening to walking. If you aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity this will help to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression, and dementia.
Physical activity is deemed to be anything that gets your body moving. Ideally I’m sure most of us would prefer to be out and about walking, gardening engaging in a favourite sport but for many that’s just not possible. Many are confined to their homes but that doesn’t mean sitting is the only option. You can still do enough exercise to improve your mobility and prevent falls.
Here are some home exercises recommended by the NHS. They are ideal if you're not very active but want to improve your health, lift your mood and remain independent. Don't worry if you haven't done much for a while. These exercises are easy and gentle, and can be done indoors.
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/sitting-exercises-for-older-people.
Ideally, you should try to do something every day, preferably in bouts of 10 minutes of activity or more.
Bespoke is Best!
The Recliner Chair has come a long way since the invention of the dentist's chair in 1790. Though not officially recognised as a recliner chair – it did, nonetheless, recline and have an adjustable headrest.
When modern recliners were introduced in the late 1920s, their popularity took off as people discovered a new level of comfort. At the touch of a button backs could be supported and feet could be raised. More importantly, the effects of medical conditions such as Osteoporosis and Arthritis can now be eased with a good recliner especially one which offers lumbar support and heated massage, so that sitting and relaxing are perfectly achievable even for those who are badly affected.
When it comes to recliners one size does not fit all, so you need to be absolutely sure that the one you invest in is right for you and your needs. There are many to choose from on the market today, and many ways of buying, but a completely bespoke model is the ultimate prize. Most Rise and Recline chairs will swivel, recline, lift and massage. Find a company that will build from scratch based on your individual needs, body type and measurements; accessories that will make life easier for you and, of course, one that will complement the rest of your furniture. These things are not mutually exclusive.
Depending on your reasons for purchasing, will depend on your personal tick list.
If you are looking to ease medical conditions such as Arthritis and Osteoporosis then the functionality will be the most important factor and you will need to understand what does what. For example, a simple recliner will do that – recline you to a position that's comfortable. However, if you're looking for something more advanced here's a summary of what's available;
Wall-Hugger Recliners
Wall-hugger recliners are a good choice for a smaller room as they take up less space. You tend to sit up straight in a wall-hugger, and that makes it easier to get up from the seat but, be aware, this mechanism will only be suitable for those with the most basic of recliner needs, i.e. to raise their feet and recline in a single action.
Rise and Recline Chairs
A rise and recline chair will offer much more. It is a recliner with a motorized mechanism that pushes the chair up from its base, making it easier to get up from the seat. These are usually recommended for people having limited capacity to use their legs and are especially useful for someone with weak knees. Whilst this type of chair tends to be more expensive than a Wall-Hugger Chair, it offers more assistance to those with less mobility.
Even more advanced is a 'Tilt in Space' mechanism which maintains the angle from the back to the seat of the chair as it tilts, allowing you to raise your legs to around the same level as the heart. It offers the unique advantage of allowing you to raise your ankles higher than your hips which is ideal for anyone who needs to elevate their legs. Usually available with either a single or twin motor these chairs can provide an infinite amount of reclining positions including a zero gravity position which can be extremely comfortable when reclining.
Massage Recliners
Many people who suffer from severe or constant back pain can find it difficult to get comfortable in any chair. But a built-in massage system can offer an effective way to promote circulation throughout the body. This type of chair can, not only, provide a form of pain relief but can also relieve symptoms of various conditions linked with poor circulation such as cramps and water retention. For problems like arthritis and osteoporosis a heat pad fitted to the lower lumbar part of the back will soothe pain.
Some chairs will even offer adjustable back support which will allow you to adjust the firmness of your chair at any time. At the touch of a button on the handset the firmness of the lumbar region can be adjusted to meet your needs.
So, whether you're simply looking for comfort or need advanced support to help mobility there will be plenty of choice around but to be absolutely sure that you will have a chair for life go bespoke rather than off-the-shelf.
Supporting Macmillan - What we do and how we do it
We are now in our second year of supporting this hard working charity which does exceptional work supporting cancer patients and their families.
Like many businesses with a social conscience we wanted to find a way to make a difference and because we totally understand the ethos of Macmillan which is to improve the lives of everyone living with cancer in the UK, we wanted to find a way of making ongoing and regular contributions. We felt that the people we are fortunate to see on a daily basis would want to be part of this. We do much of our business at sheltered housing schemes throughout the UK, where we enjoy meeting residents face-to-face, so we introduced the idea of raising a £1 for every person that attends one of our product demonstrations. These normally take place in the residents’ communal lounge, and with a free cuppa on offer and no obligation to buy, we are proud to have raised in excess of £7k thanks to a great number of people joining us in our efforts.
Georgia Clark, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Hertfordshire and Essex says "On behalf of Macmillan, I would like to thank Comfort Plus Products for their support this year - as a result of the funds donated by the company from their product demonstrations, we are able to provide medical, practical, financial and emotional support to local people affected by cancer."
Power your devices from your chair
Many of you may be reading this on a mobile phone, or a tablet, it is estimated that around 70-80% of users will browse the internet using these mobile devices.
With this in mind we can now include a USB charging cable into your Rise and Recline chair. Sitting in the pocket of your chair you can quickly plug in your mobile device, or any other device that offers USB charging and repower the unit whilst you sit and relax.
For more details contact us on 01462 678050, or add it to a chair you have built online using www.chairbuilder.co.uk
New Beginnings
The new beginning was, in fairness a year ago. So the title to the entry is a little ambiguous at first read. But for our clients, there was never really a “new beginning”, it was more of a continuation. As a management team we took over ownership a year ago now, however collectively as a 3 person team we have worked for Comfort Plus Products for 33 years, covering every aspect of the business. So although it was a “new beginning” for us and the company, it is not the new beginning I am talking about here.
The excitement is not contained to the symbolism of what we have produced here, but is overflowing for what technologically we have produced for the market place. The Chairbuilder section of this site is truly unique to us as a company and cements our dedication to building a product that is designed for an individual, to fit their needs.
Users can now see on screen exactly what their chair will do, and why. They can select the cushions and change the look of their chair, and even see it in a different fabric. At a press of a button, a reading light can be added or a massage system. Then when complete, they can “play” with the chair, move it up and down, recline it, make it stand; or even, start over again and try a different look.
By using the system, customers can learn more about the different features and actions, and why one may be more suitable than another. The chairbuilder goes to highlight our dedication to producing one of the best products both in design, build and experience on the market place.
