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Mobility aids provide an excellent service to their users and make it accessible for them to travel across the road or even across the globe.

When people have a love for travel, it shouldn’t have to suffer just because they are struggling with mobility or increasing age. Mobility aids help to give them back their confidence and allow them to continue to travel with friends or families. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country with many historic and scenic attractions that are suitable for all ages and all levels of movement.

When you’re travelling around Ireland with a mobility aid, there are a few simple factors that should be considered.

Destination: Most of Ireland is reachable if you are travelling by car or public transport, and the majority of all towns will have some form of accommodation, especially if it is serviced by public transport. The problem you may face however, will be the accessibility of the room you will be in or the floor it is on.

If you need a walking aid or wheelchair, you may need a spacious room to comfortably move around in your wheelchair or rollator. And if the accommodation does not have a lift to the higher floors, you will need a ground floor room. When you’re booking your accommodation you will need to make it known to the travel agency/receptionist or booking company so they can accommodate your needs.

Type of transport: You will need to have a plan in place, so you know how you are getting around. If you are driving your car, ensure you leave enough room inside your boot/back seat to store your rollator, wheelchair or walking frame. The majority of these aids can be folded down into a flat-like position for ease of storage. The folding mechanism is also very helpful if you are using public transport.

Most buses will either have a storage compartment in the aisle or an underneath storage bay where people store suitcases, bikes and other large belongings. When travelling on a train, there are areas in each carriage where personal belonging such as scooters, rollators can be stored. If you are travelling on a train with a wheelchair or powered scooter, it must be booked in advance with a minimum of 24 hours if you need a ramp to assist you with boarding the train. Remember, there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible spaces on trains, so when you can, pre-book your tickets.

Attractions: If you need to use a mobility aid when going to attractions, it is important that you contact the organisers where possible to make them aware that you are using one. If you are visiting the likes of a cave or somewhere with unsteady terrain, you should ask them if it is possible to go to the attraction when using a rollator, scooter or wheelchair or if you use a walking stick/cane, maybe a hurrycane would be best with the three-point base. You should also make them aware if you have a partner, friend or carer attending with you so they know you are not alone if you need assistance. When researching different tourist spots, if possible you should read reviews to see if other people with mobility aids have visited and how they got on. Always make sure where you are going is suitable for people with limited or no mobility.

Rest: Although you may be on an active holiday, exploring areas you have never been before, tasting different cuisine or educating yourselves with historic landmarks, it is important that you also take time to rest. Travelling can be exhausting and the last thing you want is to be too tired to go sightseeing. The days of arrival and departing can be very tiring if it is a long trip and you never stopped for some fresh air or to stretch your legs. It is vital that if you are fatigued after your trip that you take time to rest and recover so you can fulfil your to-do list with lots of energy. If you are going to be on day trips where you will be pushing your rollator or wheelchair for a long time, that you give your arms time to recover too as the extra exercise will cause them to be tired, especially the day after. If someone else is pushing you in your wheelchair, be conscious that they also need time to rest their arms and prepare for the next day/trip.

Packing: When planning your holidays, it will more than likely be an overnight stay which means you need to pack a bag. If you are arranging an active trip to go see historical or scenic landmarks, you should be comfortable in what you are wearing. You should pack loose clothing, as tight clothing may affect your mobility depending on the activities you are doing. Wear comfortable footwear as you don’t want to be suffering from sore feet, which may prevent you from completing your holiday to-do list. Because we are in Ireland, you can never go wrong with packing a coat as the Irish expression goes, ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.’

If you travel regularly, it is worth investing in a good quality, durable wheeled luggage case which is well-balanced and with quality wheels – if you ask any seasoned traveller, they will tell you this is money very well spent. Don’t pack too much as closing the case can be troublesome, plus you may need extra room for some spontaneous holiday purchases.

Medical Equipment: If you are on any medication or require medical equipment e.g. a CPAP machine, you should always bring it with you. When packing your car, always make sure the bag that has the medication in it is easy to reach in case of an emergency. You should carry a medical letter from your doctor stating a list of the medicine you are currently on, and if needed, bring a new prescription in case anything happens to your bags and you need to get more medicine.

Aids for Daily Living: If you require specific aids for daily living, you should store these safely so they don’t get damaged as you may need them daily. If you are travelling by car to your destination, and you are planning stops along the way for food or tourist sites, you should have them readily available so you can quickly get them out for use. Likewise, if you are travelling by public transport, it may be worthwhile to have a small bag or satchel with the daily living aids you may require, so they are easily accessible.

Some of Ireland’s top accessible friendly attractions are the Irish National Stud & the Japanese Gardens, Dublin Zoo, Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Newgrange Stone Age Passage Tomb at Boyne Valley, Fota Wildlife Park and the National Museum of Ireland.

Once you take time to consider all of these factors and make the accommodation, travel and tourist attractions aware of your arrival in advance, there should be no reason that you cannot enjoy your Irish holiday. These factors are tips to make it as stress-free as possible and we hope they help you.

Independence is something we all depend on to get us through each day. We like to be able to carry out tasks ourselves ever since we were young and we would like to continue doing this into our elder years.  This can include everyday tasks such walking to the shop, meeting our friends for a cuppa or going to visit our families. We need to be able to get around on our own accord and to do that, we need mobility. Some people’s mobility levels can differ from others and sometimes, age can be a factor in this. However, regardless of your age, you still want to keep your independence by doing these things on our own.
 
If you feel like you can’t walk to the shop because it’s too far, or you get tired too easily and the same for visiting friends or family, maybe a mobility scooter can be the answer for you. They can help you get to the shops or to a friend’s home and even carry the shopping home with their detachable baskets. They are stylish in design and come in a range of colours making them attractive to users and people who pass you by.  There are certain features you should be looking for when choosing a Mobility Scooter, like the speed, weight capacity, budget and the purpose for the use.
 
Finding the right scooter for you, is quick and easy once you know what you are looking for.
-          A Boot Scooter is easily foldable making it compact and transportable so you can bring it with you in the boot of a car. They have a slim design and are ideal for people who travel in cars or on public transport. They can be used on a flat terrain, indoor or outdoor. 
-          A Small Scooter are ideal as a general runabout scooter, perfect for inside shopping centres or on short journeys. They can be used on roads or paths once the ground is in good condition and some of them can travel up to 10mph. 
-          A Medium Scooter is mainly used for outdoor use and can travel from 4mph to 8mph. They are able to cater for kerbs and hills with their added suspensions. They are ideal for local journeys with their robust frame making them more durable. 
-          A Large Scooter are perfect for long journeys outdoor with their enhanced suspensions and larger tyres. They have a higher weight capacity and are better equipped to handle tougher terrain or inclines.

When your mobility is limited, this is when you realise how important it really is. Simple errands like popping to the shops or visiting a neighbour can prove impossible. However, we here at Beechfield Healthcare, don’t think that limited mobility should stop you from getting around and doing the things you love. If you are finding it harder to move about and are relying on the help of others, it may be time to start thinking about investing in a mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooters come in a wide range of models, and are a great option for those who want to remain active despite their limited agility. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right mobility scooter for your specific needs. Some of these include:

 Will you be using the scooter daily or just a couple of times a week?

If you are going to be relying heavily on your scooter then you must buy a good quality, durable scooter with a long life and extra comfort. If the scooter will only be used a couple of times a week then the bobcat scooter will be ideal for you.

Where will you be using the scooter?

If you are going to use the scooter indoors, in your home or in shopping centres, you will need a more compact scooter for smoother turns down halls and on shopping centre floors. However, if you plan on using the scooter outdoors, going to work or in the park, you will need a mobility scooter with a higher clearance for footpaths and a larger battery.

Will you need to bring it in the boot of the car?

If you need to regularly put the scooter into the boot, then you should choose a boot scooter. Boot scooters are lightweight, compact and are specially designed to be transported and folded, perfect for most car boots and days out.

What weight will be carried on the scooter?

Heavier users will need a more durable and hard-wearing mobility scooter. There are many contributing factors to the weight being carried on the scooter. These must be considered when choosing the right mobility scooter for your safety and needs. Many users forget to factor in the weight of breathing apparatus they may be using or shopping bags they may be carrying when choosing the right mobility scooter. Some people may have gained a little extra weight due to medication, a medical condition or lack of exercise due to limited mobility.

Is the user taller and will he or she need extra leg room?

If you are taller, you will need extra leg room for added comfort and safety. This will prevent you getting cramps and pains in your legs.

Will the scooter be used on long journeys, if so they will need a larger battery?

If you are going to use your scooter on longer journeys you will need a scooter with a larger battery to last the journey. When the battery is well maintained and charged daily it can last up to 3 years. It is important for the user to get into the habit of charging the battery daily and keeping an eye on its quality.

Where are you going to store your scooter?

It is recommended that your mobility scooter should be stored in dry conditions, not too warm or cold for maximum longevity and safety. Damp conditions are extremely damaging for the motor, battery and electrical elements of the scooter.

Here at Beechfield Healthcare, we are sure to have a mobility scooter to suit all your needs. We have an extensive range of scooters to choose from, and our experts are available to help at any time. Go to beechfieldhealthcare.ie to see our full range of mobility scooters, or phone us on 0818 989 353.

Mobility is important and when your mobility is limited, it can slow you down. However, you don’t need to stop experiencing life the way you want to live it. If you are finding it harder and harder to get around and need occasional or part-time mobility assistance to perform your daily activities, a Mobility Scooter might be just the right solution for you.

Scooters are a great option if you are looking to get out and about, they’re perfect for going shopping or running other errands and staying involved in your local community.

Small Mobility Scooters

Small scooters, also known as boot scooters, are ideal for short distances on even surfaces. They are compact enough that when dismantled they can fit in a car boot. The maximum range of a small scooter is typically 6-10 miles depending on the model. The top speed is approx. 4mph.

Medium Mobility Scooters

Medium scooters usually have better suspension, larger wheels and larger batteries which mean that they can handle rougher terrain and have a longer range. As they are bigger than the small scooters, they don’t normally disassemble and are generally not suitable for transporting in a car boot. The maximum range of a medium scooter is between 13-30 miles. Medium Mobility Scooters have a top speed of between 4-8mph depending on the model.

Large Mobility Scooters

Large mobility scooters are bigger and have even better suspension and wheels than the medium scooter. They can handle all types of terrain and they usually come with indicators lights, headlamps and a comfortable Admirals seat for a smoother journey. These scooters are ideal if you have a lot of outdoor storage space to keep a large scooter. The maximum range for a large scooter is 25-32mph. The top speed is approx. 8mph.

Scooter Accessories

We have a large range of scooter accessories that fully complement any scooter from backpacks to tiller bags and scooter covers. Check out the full range.