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Assisted Living

The Role of Technology in Maintaining Social Connections for People with Disabilities in a Post-Lockdown World

As heavily as COVID impacted the entire world, people with disabilities faced specific challenges during and beyond lockdown owing to three overriding factors: the increased risk of poor outcomes from this disease, reduced access to routine health care and rehabilitation, and the negative social impact caused by efforts to reduce contagion. Although lockdown is a thing of the past, the social effects of the pandemic are far from over. As reported by the BBC, COVID has resulted in the rise of remote work, with many companies resorting to a “hybrid” work model that has actually proven to be a great leveller in terms of equality, diversity, and inclusion. However, telecommuting also has its downside—­greater isolation ad fewer opportunities for in-person interaction. How is technology working to bridge the divide and unite disabled people with their colleagues, friends, and family in the age of the “new normal?”

January 2024 Blog

Entering Virtual and Real Worlds

Mixed reality headsets are one of the buzzwords in the tech sector. Anyone who enjoys gaming, working on a large  “monitor” or interacting with others via video conference call is keen to get their hands on Apple’s new Vision Pro  mixed reality headset. You simply put this headset on and start “working” on an enormous virtual screen whose size you can manipulate (imagine enjoying an online game with others on a virtual screen that is as large as your wall). You don’t need a mouse; you simply swipe and click items on the screen with your fingers. You can use all your usual apps, look at photos and video recordings, or work as you would on a typical monitor. You can also use the headset to make spatial FaceTime calls with scanned avatars that use AI to mimic the appearance and body language of the person wearing the headset. You can see all your contacts in “larger-than-life” size as they talk, and share documents and information as you normally would when working with a normal computer. It’s easy to see how this technology can help disabled people feel much more connected to their colleagues and friends, until they can see them in person, of course!

Reinventing the Wheelchair

A person’s ability to move from one area to another play a crucial role in encouraging social interaction. Innovative wheelchair technology is improving mobility, safety, and accessibility, making it easier for wheelchair users to attend social events. Accessibility legislation has done plenty to boost accessible housing and rental policies. For instance, the law in most countries deems it necessary for landlords to accommodate disabled tenants via wheelchair access ramps, the installation of railings, adapted shouting and bathing facilities, and similar. However, it also helps for wheelchairs themselves to contain cutting-edge technologies that make movement easier. Currently, a few innovations that are making it easier to get around include self-driving, smart wheelchairs with sensors that use ultrasonics, radars, and cameras to perform tasks like slowing chairs down to prevent accidents.

Glasses That Speak

XRAI Glass is an innovative pair of glasses that allows deaf people to read real-time captions when talking to others. Instead of relying on lip-reading, deaf people can see that the other person is saying through the lenses. The glasses go a step further—they can even translate languages, vocal tones, accents, and pitches. They make an ideal tool for social interaction, work, education, and events. They come with a Bluetooth mic, which means that they can “see” conversations from a distance. Jodie Ounsley, a professional rugby player, has tried the glasses and stated that although she embraces her deafness with positivity, her disability “is a really isolating place at times. You miss out on a lot, and it’s a mental journey trying to lip-read.” She has stated that the glasses makes social interaction considerably easier. The smart glasses work with the XRAI app, which turns speech into subtitles in real time. 

Although lockdown has long been over, the effects of COVID have continued into current times. Many disabled people are pleased to be working from home owing to the ease of this new arrangement, but remote work can be isolating. Technological innovations are constantly bridging the divide between remote and in-person work modes. Apple’s Vision Pro, smart wheelchairs, and XRAI Glass are just three of many technologies that are uniting disabled people with other people with and without disabilities. 

Posted in Assisted Living, Internet and tagged daily living aid, tech, disability support on .

How to Choose a Pet That is Suitable for the Disabled

Choosing a pet can be a joyful and rewarding experience for anyone, but for individuals with disabilities, the process requires extra consideration. It's essential to select a pet that not only brings companionship and joy but also suits the specific needs and abilities of the disabled person. In this guide, we'll explore some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a pet for a disabled individual, along while discussing the best pets for disabled.

1. Consider the Physical Abilities of the Individual November Blog 1

The first and most crucial step in choosing a pet for a disabled individual is to assess their physical abilities. Different disabilities have varying impacts on mobility and strength. For someone with limited mobility, a small and low-maintenance companion like a cat or a small dog may be a suitable choice. In contrast, individuals with more mobility may be able to care for larger dogs, which can offer both companionship and assistance.

2. Allergies and Sensitivities

People with disabilities might have allergies or sensitivities that can be triggered by pet dander, fur, or feathers. It's vital to consider these factors when choosing a pet. Hypoallergenic breeds or non-allergenic animals like reptiles and fish may be more appropriate for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

3. Energy Levels

The energy level of the pet should match the energy levels and abilities of the disabled person. High-energy dogs may be too demanding for someone with limited mobility. In such cases, consider lower-energy dog breeds or cats. Turtles, tortoises, or certain bird species can also be great options for people with a more laid-back lifestyle.

4. Training and Temperament

When choosing a pet for someone with a disability, it's important to consider the pet's temperament and its training requirements. Well-behaved, easy-to-train pets are often a better fit. Look for pets that are known for their gentle and patient nature, as these characteristics can make the pet-owner relationship more enjoyable and less stressful.

8. Financial Considerations

Owning a pet comes with financial respon­sibi­lities. It's important to consider the cost of food, veterinary care, grooming, and other pet-related expenses. Make sure that the individual or their support network can handle these costs comfortably. Although some health service providers can provide guide dogs which can assist you in areas of your disability.

6. Maintenance and Care

Consider the level of care and maintenance that the chosen pet will require. Disabled individuals might have varying levels of ability to care for their pets independently. Assess whether the individual can groom, feed, and clean up after the pet. If assistance is required, make sure there is a support system in place, with the Tenura product range we can help improve the maintenance for you and your companions with our range of daily living aids!

7. Housing and Space

Take into account the living situation of the disabled individual. Do they live in an apartment, a house, or a care facility? The available space will influence the choice of a pet. Smaller living spaces may be more suitable for cats, small dogs, or small mammals, whereas larger spaces can accommodate bigger dogs or even livestock in some cases.

8. Assistance Animals

Some disabled individuals require assistance animals to help with daily tasks. Service dogs, for instance, can be trained to perform tasks like fetching dropped items, opening doors, or providing emotional support. Ensure that you consult with a reputable service animal organisation to select and train a service dog that meets the specific needs of the disabled person.

November Blog 2

What Animals Can Be Used to Help The Disabled?

Cats and dogs are the most common animals used to assist people with disabilities. Dogs are highly versatile and can be trained to aid those with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, mobility challenges, and medical conditions like epilepsy or diabetes. Service dogs provide essential support by guiding their owners, retrieving items, and even alerting them to impending medical emergencies. Cats, although less commonly known as service animals, can offer valuable emotional support to individuals with disabilities. Their calming presence, companionship, and intuitive understanding of their owners' needs can be incredibly comforting. While dogs take on more active roles in assistance, cats excel in providing solace and emotional stability, making them essential companions for those with disabilities.

Can Animals Sense Disability?

Animals have a remarkable ability to sense disabilities in humans. Their acute senses and intuition enable them to detect physical and emotional changes in individuals. Many heartwarming stories and scientific studies have highlighted the incredible bond between animals and people with disabilities. Whether it's a service dog assisting someone with mobility challenges or a pet offering emotional support, these companions have an uncanny ability to understand and provide comfort to those in need. This unique connection between animals and individuals with disabilities is a testament to the profound sensitivity and empathy that our animal friends possess.

What Is The Best Dog Breed for Someone With a Disability?

When it comes to dog breeds for people with disabilities, several factors come into play. For individuals with mobility challenges, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are often recommended as they are not only intelligent but also known for their gentle and helpful nature. However, the best dog breed ultimately depends on the specific needs and lifestyle of the disabled person. It's crucial to consult with a professional dog trainer or service dog organisation to make the right choice.

Choosing a pet for a disabled individual involves thoughtful consideration of their unique needs and abilities. The right pet can provide companionship, emotional support, and even assistance with daily tasks. By taking into account factors such as the individual's physical abilities, allergies, energy levels, temperament, and living situation, you can make a well-informed choice that will bring joy and fulfilment to both the person with a disability and their new furry or scaly friend. Learn more about animal therapy by reading our other blog.

If you're in need of daily living aids for a disabled individual, Tenura offers a range of high-quality products to improve daily life. To explore our offerings, please visit Tenura’s website.

Remember, the most crucial aspect of choosing a pet for someone with a disability is ensuring that the pet enhances their life, provides companionship, and supports their specific needs. Always consider the individual's comfort, safety, and happiness when making this important decision.

The Different Types of Jar Openers on the Market

Opening a stubborn jar can be a daily frustration for many, turning a simple task into an ordeal, especially for those who rely on disability aids. Whether it's a jar of pickles, pasta sauce, or any tightly sealed container, the struggle to gain access is real. Fortunately, there are various types of jar openers on the market designed to alleviate this common annoyance. In this article, we'll delve into the different types of disability aids, particularly jar openers, and shine a spotlight on Tenura's silicone jar openers as the ultimate solution.

Types of Jar Openers:  pexels-baryslau-shoot-15209694 (1)

Manual Jar Openers

Manual jar openers are the traditional go-to for many who use disability aids. They usually consist of a handheld device with adjustable teeth that grip the lid. While these openers can be effective, they require a fair amount of physical effort, which can pose a challenge for those with limited hand strength or dexterity, making disability aids like Tenura's jar openers a preferable choice.

Electric Jar Openers

Electric jar openers represent a significant leap in automation and are highly regarded as disability aids. These devices automatically twist the lid open with the push of a button. While they are convenient, they tend to be bulky and can be costly, making Tenura's silicone jar openers an accessible alternative.

Grip Mats

Grip mats are non-slip pads that can be placed under a jar to prevent it from moving while you twist the lid. While they can be effective for smaller jars, they may not provide sufficient leverage for stubborn or larger lids, making Tenura's jar openers, designed as disability aids, a more comprehensive solution.

Silicone Jar Openers by Tenura - A Versatile Disability Aid:

Now, let's focus on Tenura's silicone jar openers, a game-changer in the world of kitchen disability aids. These openers are not just another gadget; they are a testament to simplicity, effectiveness, and accessibility for those who rely on disability aids.

Tenura's silicone jar openers are crafted from high-quality, food-grade silicone. What sets them apart is their remarkable non-slip properties. The silicone material grips tightly to both the jar lid and your hand, providing the necessary traction to effortlessly twist the lid open. This feature is particularly advantageous for those with limited hand strength due to aging, arthritis, or other disabilities, making Tenura's jar openers a reliable choice among disability aids.

Versatile Applications Beyond Jars:

Tenura's silicone jar openers, renowned for their effectiveness in opening stubborn jar lids, offer versatile applications throughout daily life. These non-slip wonders can enhance independence by providing a secure grip on various surfaces. Use them on taps and faucets, making water control easier; wrap them around door knobs for improved accessibility; open medication bottles with ease; loosen tight caps on household items; secure cookware and utensil handles; and even enhance grip on exercise equipment during therapy or workouts. Tenura's silicone jar openers are more than just kitchen aids; they're versatile companions for conquering daily challenges and promoting self-reliance in various aspects of life.

Independence for the Elderly and Disabled Individuals:

Maintaining an independent lifestyle is a cherished goal, especially as we age or face mobility challenges due to disabilities. Simple tasks like opening a jar can become major obstacles. Tenura's silicone jar openers empower the elderly and disabled individuals to conquer these challenges and continue enjoying the autonomy they desire. With the non-slip grip, they can confidently open jars without assistance, preserving their self-reliance and dignity through the use of disability aids.

A Boon for Arthritis Sufferers and Occupational Therapists:

Arthritis can make everyday tasks painful and frustrating. The grip and twist required to open jars can exacerbate joint pain. Tenura's silicone jar openers offer a gentle yet secure grip, reducing the strain on arthritic hands. They are a welcome relief for individuals battling this condition or those undergoing occupational therapy, making it easier to access essential foods and maintain a balanced diet, thanks to these disability aids.

What is the Best Jar Opener for Seniors and Disabled Individuals?

Tenura's silicone jar openers have earned acclaim as the best disability aids for seniors and disabled individuals. Their non-slip grip and user-friendly design make them an ideal choice for those with limited hand strength, dexterity, or mobility issues. These openers provide a newfound sense of independence and convenience, allowing seniors to maintain their autonomy and making daily tasks much easier for disabled individuals who rely on disability aids.

In conclusion, the frustration of wrestling with a stubborn jar lid is a universal experience, especially for those who need disability aids. However, it doesn't have to be a daily annoyance. Tenura's silicone jar openers offer a simple, affordable, and effective solution as disability aids. They benefit the elderly and disabled individuals by promoting independence, providing relief for arthritis sufferers, and serving as a valuable resource for occupational therapists. With Tenura, the lid to convenience is always within reach, making these jar openers an essential part of disability aids. Say goodbye to jar-opening woes and hello to hassle-free access to your favourite treats.

Assistive Animals and Their Benefits for the Disabled

T-EG-2 Green Extreme Mat Used on Dog Food Tray with Dog-1Assistive animals are trained to provide for different needs and disabilities, and they can be a catalyst for patient success. These animals can help in various ways, such as:

  • Neurological Functioning
  • Sensory Support
  • Mobility
  • Therapy
  • Offer Comfort and Companionship

So, What Are the Different Roles of Assistive Animals?

In our lives, assistive animals can enrich many areas, especially for those with a disability or who need the comfort of an animal to maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle. Animals can offer help through their unique charac­te­ristics; for example, dogs have a fantastic sense of smell, whereas horses can be a docile, friendly riding partner. So what jobs do these animals take on?

  • Animals That Can Help the Disbaled - Supporting a Guy Paddle BoardingEmotonal Support Animals
  • Pschiatric Service Animals
  • Medical Detection Dogs
  • Disability-Assistance Animals
  • Guide Dogs
  • Autism Assistance Dogs
  • Assisted Psychotherapy Animals
  • Hearing Assistance Dogs

Assistive Animal, An Emotional Support Companion to Assit During Therapy

What do Emotional Support Animals do?

Animals can offer comfort in a way humans can’t. Animals don’t judge, and this quality lends itself to those seeking therapy/­counselling or who need an animal companion.

 

What is the Role of Psychiatric Service Animals?

Psychiatric Service Animals are trained to perform roles that the owner cannot complete or requires prompts to complete. For example, people with an anxiety disorder may have a Psychiatric Service Animal that can predict panic attacks, and it will be trained to give support to the owner pre-panic attack, by picking up on heat rate.

Assistive Animal, Medical Detection Dog at Hospital with Child

What is the Role of a Medical Detection Dog?

Medical detection dogs use their enhanced sense of smell to detect medication. Scientists are also looking into the use of these dogs to detect illnesses such as Cancer.

Disability Assistive Animal Helping Wheelchair User to the Disabled Bathroom

 

What do Disability-Assistance Animals do?

For a disabled person, activities of daily living can be a struggle and prevent a person from being independent. An assistance dog can be trained to help the owner carry out ADLs such as transferring, toileting and dressing.

Assistive Animal, Guide Dog Helping a Blind Man

What’s the Role of Guide Dogs?

Guide dogs, one we are all familiar with, are helpful to those who lack vision. They judge special awareness keeping the owner away from danger and guiding them to safety.

 

Assistive Animal, Autism Assistance Dog Helping an Autistic Girl

What Do Autism Assistance Dogs Do?

Autism assistance dogs are typically used for paediatric help as more research has been conducted on the positive effects of children and assistive dogs. However, as you may know, those with autism can have a more polite word for immature mentality, which could mean we see the use of assistance dogs in the days of autistic adults in the future.

Assistive Psychotherapy Animal Helping a Disabled BoyAssisted Psychotherapy Animals

Many types of animals can be used in animal-assisted therapy, ATT for short, which includes typical pets such as dogs, cats and guinea pigs but can include cows, birds and dolphins. Depending on the patient and animal, these therapy sessions may be conducted on a one-to-one basis or as a group.

Animal-assisted therapy comes in many forms and is an educational tool helping to learn to care for animals, caring for farm animals, grooming and pet health.Hearing Assistive Animal Guiding Deaf Man in Park

What Support Do Hearing Assistance Dogs Offer?

For people with a lack of hearing or completely deaf, a hearing assistance dog may be placed in their home. They are trained to distinguish the difference between doorbells, alarm clocks and smoke alarms.

 

Tenura Products to Help you Care for Your Pet

Animals are tricky to look after. They have many needs and are a costly expense. The clean-up after a pet is also a constant, but you can use Tenura products to help make life with a pet more effortless.

If you would like to explore Tenura Products to Help you Care for your pet you can via our blog. For example, placing food and water bowls on a Tenura Extreme mat can prevent them from sliding.

Car Accessibility is Important & Tenura Living Aids Help

If you want to improve your mobility when in a vehicle, we have outlined some helpful Tenura products that be of great help. Things such as getting in and out of the car can be a pain so let's see if we can help with this issue.

Car Accessibility Tenura Floor Mat To Assit Getting Out of CarHelp Getting In and Out of a Car

Placing a Tenura non-slip floor mat in the footwell and, if required, one just outside of the door, on the floor, can help you get the foothold you need to exit the car safely. Tenura floor mats are anti-slip and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Improve Car Seat Comfort

Use Tenura non-slip fabric under your car chair cushion so that it doesn't slip whilst you are on the move. If the cushion moves out of place, it could cause further discomfort for the passenger.

Car Accessibility Tenura Extreme Mat Used as a Phone Holder in a CarStop Loose Objects Sliding When You're on the Move

Things such as your medication, phone or a drink can slide around the car if you haven't secured them. They can distract the driver, so you should place your loose articles on a Tenura Extreme mat, which means you will have a visual aid, helping you remember where you put your belongings and improving the safety of the journey for all.

Get a Better Grip On Your Seatbelt

By wrapping Tenura silicone grip roll around your seatbelt, you can ensure a better grip. The silicone is grip-enhancing and soft, and it will allow you to grasp the seatbelt better. You can even build up the silicone to make the seatbelt wider and more comfortable to hold.

Car Accessibility Lining Your Car Boot with Tenura Non-Slip FabricLine Your Boot to Prevent

The stuff you store in your boot often isn't secured and therefore will move about whilst you travel. This movement can affect the car's motion; however, lining your car boot with Tenura anti-slip fabric can prevent this. Tenura anti-slip fabric will keep your belongings in place, making them easier to remove from the car when you've arrived.

Improve Grip on Car Door Handles

On the inside of the car door, you can wrap Tenura grip strips around the handles to add the soft silicone that's grip-enhancing. This will improve your grip on the handle and make it easier for you to exit the car safely.

 

We hope you have found some car aids that you can use to improve car travel safety. If you require more information about the products mentioned in the blog, follow the product page links or contact us via phone, email or the enquiry form at the top of the website.

The Different Types of Grip and How Tenura Products Can Help

When you see the different types of grip we use in daily lives, it can help you to create your own exercises to help you stretch and improve hand dexterity, so let's explore some of the typical grips:

  • Hammers Grip/­Cylindrical Grip

Holding a hammer, screwdriver, golf clubs, and wheelbarrow handles

  • Precision Grip

Holding thin items like a needle or thread

  • Hook Grip

Carrying a bucket or pulling a suitcase

  • Pinch Grip

Holding a coin, flipping it over to view each side

  • Lumbrical Grip

Holding a plate or tray flat on your hand

  • Tip-to-Tip Grip

Picking up small items like crumbs, coins or pins

  • Spherical Grip

Opening and closing jars

Products to Help you Complete Tasks that Require Grip

We are happy that you are taking time to read this blog to gather some helpful information on grip strength and how it can improve your life in daily tasks. We thought we would round up some products that can benefit those who need to improve grip strength.

T-CG-1-Cutlery-Grips-Fork-Salad-2Tenura Cutlery Grips

Cutlery handles are thin and can be tricky to grasp if you lack grip strength or dexterity in your hands. So, sliding on Tenura cutlery grips on utensils increases handle size, allowing you to grasp a more comfortable wider handle. You can use Tenura cutlery grips to improve your grip on many items around the home, including toothbrushes, hair combs, pens and pencils. This means you can now brush your teeth and hair with comfort as well as write and draw.

T-B-3-Yellow-Bottle-Opener-Appletiser-2Tenura Jar Openers and Bottle Openers

These two products can help in a myriad of ways, from the primary function, opening bottles and jars, to helping you twist taps on and off and getting a good grip on smooth door and cupboard knobs. Tenura jar and bottle openers help with tasks that require your spherical grip.

T-S-2-Blue-Grip-Strip-Crutch-Studio-1-clinicTenura Grip Strips

Similarly to cutlery grips, you can wrap grip strips around handles to improve your grasp on the object. The soft silicone is grip-enhancing, allowing you to get a proper hold of the item and reduce the risk of it slipping out of your hands.

You can use the grip strips on the items listed under cutlery grips, but you can also wrap the silicone around handles that wouldn't fit into cutlery grips. For example, you can wrap the silicone around the handles of walking aids like canes or rollators to improve your grip on the handle. You can wrap silicone strips around knives to ensure you have a safe and secure grip. When completing DIY tasks around the house, you may reach for a hammer or screwdriver, and these can be enhanced with the use of Tenura grip strips.

Tenura Grip Rolls

When carrying a briefcase, bucket or object by its handle, you use the hook grip. To make the grip more comfortable, wrap soft silicone around the handle, building up more of the silicone by wrapping it around a further few times to create a bigger handle and improve your comfort.

Your gardening hobby doesn't need to subside just because you have been experiencing dexterity or grip strength issues. You can wrap grip roll around your watering can, trowel or garden rake handles.

 

Why is Grip Strength Important?

You use the lateral pinch to unlock your home or a cupboard with a key. When playing sports like netball or basketball, you use a lumbrical grip. The types of grip we use are dependent on the situation and fall into two main categories, precision and power. Each grip by design allows you to make a precise action or a powerful movement.

A lack of grip strength can affect many tasks, for example, holding a toothbrush or grasping a knife to cut food. It can impact your ability to lift objects or hold wide bars such as grab rails. You may want to improve your ability to complete these tasks, so below we have detailed a few hand exercise recommendations that you could try. By doing these exercises daily for a short time, you can improve your hand grip and dexterity.

 

Hand Exercises to Improve Grip Strength

There are many exercises you can complete to help maintain your grip. So let's explore a few that are easy to do at home or on the go.

Squeeze a stress ball

This action uses the joints in your hand, flexing them and making them stronger - this movement helps with spherical grip

Pinch the stress ball

To practice and improve more dexterous movement, pinch the stress ball, using the pinch grip

Flex your wrists

Complete small circular motions and then get larger in rotation with each movement. It helps restore your joint mobility whilst also stretching your tendons and other parts of the joint

Thumb Circles

Similar to the above, you make a circling motion with your thumb and fingers, which can improve flexibility. This hand exercise can help you with many grips where the thumb is required, like cylindrical grips and lumbrical grips

Digit Stretch

Stretch your fingers and thumb out, then curl them into a fist, then repeat

 

We hope you have found this blog helpful. Please explore the Tenura products to find ways to improve daily tasks that require grip strength or mobility.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2022 and Discount Code

In this blog, we explore the history of Parkinson’s, giving advice surrounding the importance of this awareness month and how you can provide support and get involved. Lets make a difference…

A Brief History of Parkinson’s

Parkinsons Awareness Month Temporary Tattoo on HandsThe disease was first discovered by James Parkinson, who was an English surgeon. The disease was named after James and his work into its discovery. James Parkinson’s most famous work is Shaking Palsy, which became the foundation for understanding Parkinson’s. His principles were later refined and described by Jean-Martin Charcot and William Gowers. Their efforts helped create treatments and standardise the study.

Thanks to their work, we now have defined characteristics (Parkinsonisms) of Parkinson’s. For example, the loss of facial movements and reduced eye motion known as Hypomimia, or masked face and facial masking. Hypomimia can start as early as stage one and progress as the condition takes hold. It is a misconception that the first sign of Parkinson’s is a tremor, but difficulty sleeping and smaller than usual handwriting are more common.

Another misconception is that Parkinson’s only affects the older generation, but 137,000 people under the age of 50 have early-onset Parkinson’s, which equates to 0.2% of the population.

Parkinsons Awareness Month Start a Conversation Two people Talking About ParkinsonsTheir work shaped the specialist roles of healthcare staff that help those with Parkinson’s, which include:

  1. Physiotherapist
  2. Movement Disorder Specialist
  3. Occuaptional Therapist

Each of these key positions will help in different aspects of the person’s life, focusing on rehabilitation and support.

Ways to Support Your Loved One With Parkinson’s

Parkinsons Awareness Month 2021 KnowMorePDEducate Yourself and Teach Others

It’s essential to have a good understanding of the topic, allowing you to help those in your community or family who have the disease. You can be more considerate and provide better support when knowledgeable. 2021’s theme of Parkinson’s Awareness Day stressed the importance of #KnowMorePD.

Reach Out to Someone with Parkinson’s

Certain individuals with Parkinson’s can become closed off, so reaching out and checking up with them is crucial for their mental health.

Participate in Charity Events and Fundraising

Up and down the UK, there are many events held year-round that you can participate in to help spread information and raise awareness and money for this important cause. There are many fun ways to get involved, catering to various interests, from walks and runs to bake sales and coffee mornings.

Parkinsons Awareness Month 2018 How to Start a ConversationShare Information and Resources Around PD

2018’s theme for Parkinson’s Awareness Day, Start a Conversation, asked people to get involved in the observance day by spreading knowledge and information about the topic to inspire others to get involved. Speak to the community, your family, friends, neighbours, local businesses and healthcare teams.

Parkinsons Awareness Month 2019 KeyToPDGetting Tips On Parkinson’s Treatments

Parkinson’s Foundation 2019 theme stated that awareness is the ‘Key2PD’. They asked the community to share helpful tips to help those living with the disease. Knowing how others are coping independently with struggles associated with the disease can improve welfare. This information can help healthcare providers see trends in treatments. Make sure to go on social media and see the tweeted tips under the #Key2PD hashtag.

Parkinsons Awareness Month 2020 Plan4PDCreate Plans to Prepare for Parkinson’s Challenges

This plan is to help improve mindset and mental health, so plan items into the day that will inspire you, such as a walk or a phone call with a friend. If there are certain tasks around the home you need some help with, stick them on the calendar and see if friends or a professional could provide the help required. There’s no need to put off the task fully. Mark it on your calendar and plan for it, which helps to minimise stress. 2020’s theme, #Plan4PD, inspired this tip.

Find Products that Can Alleviate Issues

At Tenura, we have many helpful products for those with Parkinson’s. We listed some of the most common symptoms and some products that can provide help:

tenura-jar-opener

Tremors are uncontrollable shakes, often in the hands and fingers, making opening containers tricky. Having a silicone jar or bottle opener can make opening bottles and jars easier as well as providing a good grip on other objects like taps or doorknobs.

Tenura-Rubber-Floor-Mat

 

Impaired posture and balance can increase the risk of slips around the home. Placing a Tenura non-slip floor mat in areas where additional grip is required, such as a foothold near a sofa or at the side of a bed, can help reduce this risk.

T-CG-1-Cutlery-Grips-Pen-for-Crossword-11

Writing style changes, and with Parkinson’s, it often gets smaller due to more limited hand movements and the difficulty and pain of holding a thin pen or pencil. By increasing the width of the pen with a Tenura cutlery grip, you can make writing a more comfortable task for the person with Parkinson’s.

 

If you want to get involved in this year’s Parkinson’s Awareness Day, use the following hashtags:

  • #UniteF­or­Par­kinsons
  • #KnowMorePD
  • #Parkin­son­sA­ware­nes­sMonth
  • #Parkin­son­sA­wareness
  • #Together4PD

You can also get a 10% discount on the Tenura range, including the products above.

Parkinsons Awareness Month Discount Code 2022

The discount code is: PAM10, and will be valid for one month.

The Best Table Mats of 2022, But Are They Disability-Friendly?

In part one of this blog series, we compared vinyl, wooden, quilted and metal placemats to silicone table mats. This time we are going to review those table mats in terms of the following properties:

  • Non-slip
  • Antimicrobial
  • Machine washable
  • Inclusivity for people with disabilities
  • Heat resistance

We hope this blog provides you with information to help you make an informed decision on your next table mat purchase.

Vinyl for Table Mats

Vinyl Table Mats Vs Silicone Table Mats

Are Vinyl Placemats Non-Slip?

Vinyl table mats offer non-slip properties, but these pale in comparison to Tenura silicone.

If you knock over drinks on vinyl table mats, they are waterproof, but woven vinyl table mats, which are currently trendy, offer little protection, allowing liquids through the gaps.

Do Vinyl Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Some vinyl table mats have antimicrobial properties, as do Tenura table mats. The antimicrobial protection ensures bacteria can't harbour.

Can You Machine Wash Vinyl Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

Some vinyl table mats aren't machine washable due to their low-temperature resistance, so you may will have to wash them by hand. Tenura table mats can be washed either by hand or in the dishwasher.

Are Vinyl Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

These table mats are lightweight and easy to take on the go, just like Tenura table mats. Both mats are suitable for use with disabled people who require support at mealtimes.

Are Vinyl Placemats Heat Resistant?

Vinyl mats are heat resistant, usually up to 35.6°C, which is impressive but not as remarkable as the 250°C heat resistance of Tenura table mats. So, be cautious when placing hot plates and pans on vinyl table mats as they may warp or melt.

Quilted Fabric for Table Mat

Quilted Table Mats Vs Silicone Table Mats

Are Quilted Placemats Non-Slip?

Quilted table mats have no fundamental non-slip properties. Some will fare better than others, depending on the quilted table mats material. Still, the fabric will be no comparison to silicone's non-slip qualities.

Do Quilted Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

The vast majority of quilted table mats do not have antimicrobial properties, meaning bacteria can harbour on the material and adversely affect a person's health. Some silicone placemats aren't antimicrobial, but Tenura table mats are.

Can You Machine Wash Quilted Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

This type of table mat is often machine washable. However, it depends on the fabric dyes, which could bleed or fade if washed at a high temperature. Tenura table mats are far more convenient to wash, as no matter how many times they go in the dishwasher, they will not fade.

Are Quilted Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

Quilted table mats are lightweight, and you can take them on the go. However, they have no non-slip properties to reduce the risk of spillages for the disabled. Non-slip table mats such as silicone table mats can offer this assistance.

Are Quilted Placemats Heat Resistant?

These table mats have little heat resistance, contrary to Tenura table mats.

Exposure to high heat or flames can cause quilted table mats to discolour/burn or even set alight. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, can be fire-retardant.

Wood for Table Mat

Wooden Table Mats Vs Silicone Table Mats

Are Wooden Placemats Non-Slip?

Often not, they are slippy unless a lacquer is applied, impacting the table mat's appearance. Sometimes wooden table mats will have non-slip rubber coasters on the bottom, but this will have little benefit in preventing unwanted movement for objects on top of the table mat. To avoid unwanted movement from items on top of table mats, look for slip-resistant mats like Tenura.

Do Wooden Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Certain types of wood like pine and oak naturally demonstrate antimicrobial properties, and you can treat certain woods to possess antimicrobial properties.

Bacteria, insects and fungi can affect the wooden table mat's appearance, chemical composition and structure, accelerating degradation. The antimicrobial additive in silicone table mats protects against mould, fungi, and a wide range of bacteria, which is vital as placemats are often close to your food.

Can You Machine Wash Wooden Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

It is worth noting that wood can stain, especially when in contact with curry or red wine and sadly, you can't put them in a dishwasher to clean, which may leave you tempted to wash the placemat in hot soapy water is fine. However, leaving it to soak can cause it to swell and lose form, becoming a hazard due to its unlevel misshaped surface. You shouldn’t need to soak your silicone mat. We would instead suggest you put it in a dishwasher.

Are Wooden Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

This table mat isn't suitable for disabled individuals as they can be heavy, bulky and have no beneficial properties for the disabled. Whereas silicone table mats are anti-slip, flexible and lightweight, making them suitable.

Wooden table mats aren't dishwasher safe, so each table mat would have to be hand washed by the carer rather than putting all silicone mats in a dishwasher, which saves lots of time and effort.

Are Wooden Placemats Heat Resistant?

Wooden tablemats can burn, causing discolouration, and if exposed to a high temperature, you could have a fire on your hands. Tenura silicone is incredibly robust even in extreme temperatures (up to 250°C).

Metal for Table Mat

Metal Table Mats Vs Silicone Table Mats

Are Metal Placemats Non-Slip?

If the metal table mat has a pattern etched in its surface, making it tactile, it has better non-slip properties. However, this affects the ability to keep it hygienic.

Tenura silicone provides a brilliant level of non-slip which stops things on its surface from being easily knocked over, helping you avoid spillages.

Do Metal Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Not all metals are antimicrobial, but silver is an example of a naturally antibacterial metal. The quantities of such metals within the placemat will determine if the placemat is antimicrobial. If unsure, check with the manufacturer. Tenura's silicone mats are antimicrobial, but some of our competitor's silicone mats are not.

Can You Easily Wash Metal Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

When handwashing the table mat, you should avoid rough brushes that can leave scrapes and scratches in the metal's finish, where bacteria can harbour. Some metal table mats are just metallic lacquer on top of another material. With harsh cleaning chemicals, these coatings can peel off.

You shouldn't need to use harsh brushes or chemicals on silicone table mats, as you can put them in hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Typically you should avoid placing metal table mats in a dishwasher.

Are Metal Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

Metal table mats aren't suitable for the disabled as they can be heavy, sharp and tricky to transport, the opposite set of characteristics to Tenura silicone table mats.

Are Metal Placemats Heat Resistant?

Most metals have incredibly high melting points, meaning hot objects such as pots and pans placed on their surface will not deform the metal. Metal is a good conductor, so some metal table mats can get hot if pans are directly placed on their surface. Instead, a silicone table mat may be a more appropriate solution as it has low thermal conductivity and brilliant heat resistance.

Tenura Silicone Table Mat on a Serving Tray

To Conclude…

We know that Tenura silicone table mats are a great addition to mealtimes. They can lessen the cleanup time because you reduce the risk of spillages, and you can put them straight in the dishwasher, but let's look at how all the table mats we have reviewed in this blog have fared:

The Best Non-Slip Table Mats Are…

If you are looking for a mat with non-slip qualities, you will want to go with a vinyl, silicone or tactile metal table mat.

The Best Antimicrobial And Machine Washable Table Mats Are…

With the Coronavirus pandemic and health being in the back of everybody's mind, you may be more interested in the antimicrobial properties of your table mats and if they're machine washable. Therefore, silicone table mats are a great choice.

The Most Inclusively Designed Table Mats Are…

Both vinyl and silicone table mats are suitable for use by a disabled person who requires a carer at mealtimes. These table mats reduce the likelihood of spillages, thanks to their non-slip properties. A carer can easily wash them in hot soapy water (or put their Tenura table mats in a dishwasher). These table mats are lightweight, so you can take them out and about.

The Table Mats With The Best Heat Resistance Are…

Vinyl, metal and silicone table mats have heat resistance, some of these materials more so than others. You will need to be the most careful with vinyl as they have the lowest heat resistance (up to 35.6°C), then silicone (up to 250°C), followed by metal. Most metals can withstand temperatures of 500°C. But in your kitchen, you aren't dealing with temperatures over 230°C. It is important to note that metal placemats can conduct heat and will be hot to the touch if you place hot pans on their surface.

Please read part one of this blog series if you want to know more about the above placemats regarding their toxicity, environmental impact, price, and durability.

You can also view and purchase the superior Tenura silicone table mat from our website.

Being Disability Friendly As An Individual Or Company

We are glad you are contemplating how you can be more disability-friendly. Combatting discrimination and being disability-friendly are two ways individuals and companies can be accessible and inclusive to the disabled community. In this blog are Tenura's top tips.

What Can I Do To Support Disabled People?

Educate Yourself On Disabilities

It's crucial to be educated on this important topic as it improves your etiquette and terminology, giving you a deeper understanding of the common challenges a disabled person can face.

Use The Correct Grammar

Times change and terminology changes too, so please avoid outdated derogatory language. We suggest you use the term disabled or refer to the person's actual disability, for instance, deaf, but only if required in the conversation.

Donate Time To Charities

You can positively impact charities that support the disabled. There are many exciting avenues to explore, including training a service dog, lending a few hours a week to your local charity shop, and donating items that are no longer required.

Disabled Person at a Fun Run or Disability Fundraising EventFundraising

You could do a fundraiser to raise money for a particular charity you feel is deserving. Bake-sales, coffee mornings and charity fun runs are always a favourite.

Providing Help For Disabled People

Act, but do so respectfully, recognising a disabled person's independence and avoiding condescending behaviours.

Stand Up Against Discrimination

Some people may feel compelled to speak out against prejudice and steward disability rights. A good understanding of disabilities can allow you to do this in a selfless, wholehearted way but avoid being patronising.

Disabled Person Laughing With Senior FriendKeep The Conversation Going

Participate in observance days to help spread awareness about disabled causes, conditions, and other things you feel need a light shining upon them in the disabled community. You can actively support the disabled community by sharing information and spreading knowledge.

Support Following The Coronavirus, Reach Out And Listen

Coronavirus has shaken the world in many ways, especially for the disabled community. In our blog inspired by last years theme ('Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era.') of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we delved into the statistics. We addressed helpful ways to support disabled people with their post-COVID worries. Their main concerns included mental health, access to healthcare, shops and transport, and you can read how to make a positive impact via our blog.

 

The Facts Regarding Disabled People in the Workplace

Disabled Person in Wheelchair at WorkGet a better understanding of disability employment within the UK with these facts.

  1. Disabled people are over a third less likely to be employed compared to non-disabled people. (Parliament)
  2. With one in six of the population living with a health condition or impairment, employers are missing out on a huge number of talented people. (Scope)
  3. Disabled people were 60% more likely to lose their job during the pandemic (Learning Disabilities Today)
  4. More people are reporting a long-term health condition or disability than did so eight years ago. The increasing number of people reporting a disability is being largely driven by an increase in mental health conditions (gov.uk)

We hope these facts have been an eye-opener and will encourage you to take up some of the guidance below.

 

What Can My Company Do To Support Disabled People?

Make A Public Statement Of Support

The statement lets your customers and potential prospects see the human side of your company and get a better understanding of your brands values. If you support equality for the disabled, let it be heard, and let other companies follow in your lead. You could release something less formal, in the form of a blog post, like the one you are reading now.

Make Sure Employees Within Your Organisation Do Not Discriminate

To prevent such issues, provide a training course or host a meeting complete with relevant educational information. Having a well-informed workforce gives employees the fundamentals necessary to be stewards in events of discrimination within the workplace.

Wheelchair Access Route and Ramps for WorkplaceImprove Accessibility Around The Company Building

This means providing a mobility ramp in place of steps to aid those who struggle climbing stairs. Another improvement you can make is to change ordinary doors to automated doors. Automated doors also tend to be wider than a typical door which means the door is wide enough for wheelchair access.

Ensure there is good lighting through the building for anyone who is partially sighted. Other changes you can make include making sure the bathroom is accessible and having modified furniture to aid in mobility and comfort.

Reevaluate And Strengthen Company Discrimination Policies And Keep Them Up-to-date

When amendments are made, inform the employees to follow your latest practices. Enlist an independent adjudicator to access the inclusivity of your company. They can provide a non-biased opinion and their experience and knowledge to further aid in your journey to improving your work environment for the disabled.

disability-confident-campaign-gifIncrease Diversity And Enrol On The Disability Confident Scheme

It is a brilliant voluntary Government scheme that encourages the recruitment and retainment of disabled people in the workplace. It promotes increased employee diversity, creating a broadened idea pool. Almost 20,000 employers have signed up for the Disability Confident Scheme.

Participate In Purple Tuesday

At Tenura, we strive towards making our customer service accessible for the disabled community. We would applaud you to do the same. It makes you reevaluate the current structure and adapt it to be inclusive. You can read more about Tenura's efforts in our Purple Tuesday Awareness Day blog.

Record Disability-Related Absences Separate To Sick Leave

To help those with disabilities attend appointments and seek adequate care, record their disability-related absence separate to sick leave, stopping them from being penalised for taking care of their health.

 

Product To Help People With Disabilities At Work

Grip Roll

You can improve a person's grip on many items in and around the office. For instance, you can wrap Tenura silicone grip roll around grab rails in the toilets, and you can cover the pens handle pens to help the person grasp the item and write. You can also wrap the silicone grip roll to cupboard handles to improve the person's ability to open them independently, thanks to the additional grip the silicone provides.

T-CG-1-Cutlery-Grips-Pen-for-Crossword-11Cutlery grips

You can slip Tenura cutlery grips onto cutlery handles, giving the user a better grip on the cutlery, thanks to the increased handle size.

If someone is struggling to write information down due to their lack of grip strength or dexterity, consider investing in Tenura cutlery grips. The grips slip onto pens, allowing the user to write with ease and comfort as less hand mobility is required to grasp the pen.

Tenura-Non-Slip-Fabric-Under-Keyboard

Non-slip Fabric

You can cut Tenura non-slip fabric down to a suitable size, placing it under the computer keyboard to prevent any unwanted movement keeping the keyboard in an accessible and comfortable position for the user.

 

Anti-slip drink coasters

We all spill drinks, and some conditions can make a person more prone to doing so, but you can be a supportive employer by having Tenura anti-slip drinks coasters available to staff. These coasters are great, as they keep drinks that rest on their surface secure thanks to the non-slip properties of the silicone mat.

T-FLOOR-60-1-Red-Floor-Mat-Wheelchair

 

Floor mat

If a person struggles to get on and off their chair, they may require more grip underfoot, and investing in Tenura non-slip floor mats may be a great way to provide the necessary help without the need for more permanent solutions like grab rails.

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog. We hope you have found valuable ways to help the disabled community in your everyday life and at work. If you have any further advice you feel our readers could benefit from, please let us know via our socials, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

How to Choose the Right Placemats? & The Benefits of Table Mats

When shopping for placemats, there are so many on the market, which can make your choice tricky. It isn’t always obvious which placemats are best. The material of the placemat has a significant effect on the quality and other attributes.

In this blog, we are comparing four types of placemats; vinyl, quilted, wooden and metal to Tenura silicone table mats, in terms of the following qualities:

  • Aesthetics
  • Toxicity
  • Environmental impact
  • Price
  • Durability

We hope this blog gives you some good advice and direction to help you find a placemat that meets your specific requirements.

Vinyl for Vinyl Placemat 2

Vinyl Placemats Vs Silicone Placemats

Do Vinyl Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Vinyl Table Mats on Trend?

Vinyl placemats come in many colours and shapes and can be produced on a mass scale. You can print on vinyl placemats which opens up even more design avenues.

Similar to vinyl placemats, silicone placemats can be moulded into many shapes in a variety of colours. At Tenura, we offer three bold colours of silicone placemat (red, blue and yellow).

Are Vinyl Table Mats Toxic?

Vinyl placemats are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives vinyl placemat heat resistance, flexibility and durability. However, PVC is thought to leach harmful substances like phthalates and dioxin (one of the most toxic, highly polluting chemicals ever produced). In contrast, Tenura placemats contain no phthalates or cost-saving chemicals, making them non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Vinyl Table Mats Have?

Making vinyl and silicone involves petroleum extraction from a non-renewable resource, crude oil, followed by a refining process requiring extensive energy and heat.

Vinyl is mass-produced but not readily recyclable, therefore taking up significant landfill space. Silicone doesn’t decompose like vinyl placemats into microplastics that are dangerous if ingested by wildlife. Silicone is a safer and more sensible alternative to plastic placemats such as vinyl, especially for the environment.

How Much do Vinyl Table Mats Cost?

The brand name has the most significant influence on vinyl placemat’s price, whereas the cost of silicone placemats is dependent on quality. Tenura placemats are a premium silicone construction that boasts many benefits, including being antimicrobial and heat resistant (up to 250°C).

How Long will Vinyl Table Mats Last?

Vinyl placemats are reparable using patches from hardware stores, but consumers aren’t unlikely to mend their placemats. Vinyl placemats can be durable, but out of vinyl and silicone placemats, silicone is a better choice in terms of its durability. Silicone is incredibly resilient even at extreme temperatures. This durability makes silicone placemats last for years.

Quilted Fabric for Placemat 2

Quilted Placemats Vs Silicone Placemats

Do Quilted Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Quilted Table Mats Trendy?

Most variations of this placemat are down to the fabric, which can be plain, patterned, or textured. They are considered old fashioned and are more likely to be in homes of older generations. They are very different in finish to silicone placemats, which are often smooth and glossy.

Are Quilted Table Mats Toxic?

Providing the fabric used to create the quilted placemat is natural. It should be plastic-free, so just like Tenura silicone placemats, it doesn’t contain phthalates plasticisers. It could, however, contain cost-saving chemical dyes that can cause skin irritation. At Tenura, we strive for our products to be premium which means we use no cost-saving chemicals in production, making our placemats non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Quilted Table Mats Have?

Waste products such as harmful chemicals and carbon emissions from the production of synthetic fabric contribute to global warming.

Wool can and should be recycled. Synthetic fabrics are harder to recycle and often end up in landfill sites. Silicone can be recycled by taking it to specialised recycling centres.

How Much do Quilted Table Mats Cost?

Sometimes they are double-sided, so you get two quilted placemat designs for the price of one. They are relatively inexpensive, especially those made of synthetic materials, due to them being cheaper and easier to produce on a large scale.

Silicone can also be mass-produced, making it an accessible price point for environmentally conscious manufacturers such as Tenura, who want to create plastic-free products. Silicone products tend to be slightly higher in cost to the consumer than plastic alternatives; however, they will last longer as they do not degrade. Therefore, the impressive properties of silicone placemats will remain intact.

How Long will Quilted Table Mats Last?

In a shorter time, quilted placemats are more likely to stain and look dishevelled. You can wash them at a low temperature, which helps retain their aesthetic appeal but follow the fabric guidelines to avoid fading and shrinking the fabric.

Synthetic fabrics are more durable than natural ones, but stitching can still come away with wear, and fading will occur. Synthetic fabrics typically have higher heat resistance and can be machine washed for ease. Silicone mats are good to use again once dry after cleaning them with warm soapy water.

Wood for Placemat 2

Wooden Placemats Vs Silicone Placemats

Do Wooden Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Wooden Table Mats Trendy?

Due to wood’s solid composition, these placemats can have 3D effects or laser cut designs, increasing their variety. It’s on-trend and can match many aesthetics within the home.

Silicone placemats can also be laser cut and poured into a variety of moulds to make intriguing shapes. Tenura placemats, on the other hand, are simplistic by design and meet specific objectives, like being non-slip and heat resistant.

Are Wooden Table Mats Toxic?

Wood with any defects, including toxicity and disease, will not be used to create placemats. They could be dangerous to health, especially when they come so close to food.

Tenura placemats are made of food-grade silicone and are completely non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Wooden Table Mats Have?

Wooden placemats are one of the most environmentally friendly placemats. They are procured from trees (a natural renewable source) and can decompose in a relatively short timescale. Trees also reduce CO2 in the air, with CO2 being a pollutant that speeds up global warming. I’ve restored this, as it was fine.

Tenura’s non-slip and heat resistance qualities will last years simply by washing your mat with warm, soap water between each use. Without additional and potentially time consuming maintenance, your wooden placemat will degrade and require replacing quicker than a Tenura placemat.

How Much do Wooden Table Mats Cost?

We have seen a price increase in recent years for pine, oak and other cool-toned woods, whereas, in the past, mahogany was in vogue. The type and age of the wood can vastly affect the price, but they are at an accessible price point for the most part.

As you may have seen on the high street or online, silicone is trendy, especially in terms of bakeware - this is thanks to silicone’s impressive robustness and machine washable convenience.

How Long will Wooden Table Mats Last?

The durability of wooden placemats is high if it’s formed from mid-range wood and you follow the care instructions.

Because silicone is so durable and built to last, you likely won’t need to purchase any other placemat in your lifetime, whereas you might need to replace your wooden placemat in 5 to 10 years.

Metal Material for Placemat 2

Metal Placemats Vs Silicone Placemats

Do Metal Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Metal Table Mats Trendy?

Metal placemats are very up and coming as they tend to signify elegance and style. You can have laser cut designs and different finishes. Similar to silicone, the molten liquid is poured into different shapes to create showstopper table décor. 

Are Metal Table Mats Toxic?

The vast majority on the market are safe, especially if you have bought them from a reputable retailer that stocks products that meet UK regulations. Nevertheless, you need to keep them away from harsh chemicals as the metal may not be chemically inert like Tenura placemats.

What Environmental Impact do Metal Table Mats Have?

Metals are widely recyclable, which conserves natural metal resources. Recycling metals is far more eco-friendly and less polluting than making new metal from ore. Ore is increasing in scarcity.

Less environmentally friendly metals such as copper and rose gold require high heat and specialised machinery to manipulate. Copper is also toxic and can have adverse effects on marine life and waterways, whereas silicone is non-toxic and will not affect these ecosystems.

How Much do Metal Table Mats Cost?

Metal placemats have a higher price tag due to the metal’s value and specialised machinery such as large high-pressure presses used to manipulate the material into shape.

A cheaper alternative to 100% metal placemats is metal-coated placemats. However, the coating can wear away with time, especially if you don’t follow the product’s care instructions.

Tenura placemats are the middle ground in price between these two metal placemats.

How Long will Metal Table Mats Last?

Metal placemats should have a long product life as they are made of durable material, just like Tenura silicone table mats. However, metal mats will require more care and maintenance than Tenura mats.

TC-MAT-35-2 Blue Placemat Dinning Table-4

To Conclude…

Here at Tenura, we are a bit biased towards Tenura placemats. Still, we recognise that all placemats have a purpose, which is why we have broken down our conclusion by category.

The best aesthetically appealing placemats are…TC-MAT-35-2 Blue Placemat Dinning Table

Are you someone who likes to be on-trend? Perhaps you’ll opt for wooden, vinyl, silicone or metal placemats.

The best non-toxic placemats are…

All placemats in this blog, bar the vinyl placemats, are non-toxic. Remember that the metal and quilted placemats can be toxic depending on the dyes or metal used.

The cheapest, most durable placemats are…

If you are frugal with your money, then price and durability may be the most attractive attributes. Based on our findings, vinyl, wooden, and silicone placemats are the best.