Blog posts of '2015' 'March'

People with mobility issues may often consider buying a mobility scooter for getting around and carrying out everyday tasks. They may also wonder how a mobility scooter compares to cars in terms of flexibility, convenience and legislation. If you are one of these people, or have a loved one considering the purchase of a mobility scooter, Beechfield Healthcare offers the following advice.

Choose the right mobility scooter for you: 

Before buying a mobility scooter, it is important to assess the situation so that you can make the right purchase. Factors include the severity and expected length of mobility issues, the amount of journeying that will be done in the mobility scooter and the type of terrain that the scooter will be travelling on regularly. These factors together should determine whether a mobility scooter is worth a purchase and which type best meets your needs.

Legislation involved in mobility scooters versus cars: 

Unlike cars, you do not need to pass a test, hold a licence or obtain road tax to ride around on a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are classified similarly to bicycles. Scooter users are expected to use roads and pathways the same way as pedestrians.

Features of a mobility scooter: 

Mobility scooters come in three standard sizes of small, medium and large. Small boot scooters are relatively inexpensive, easily dismantled and lightweight, making them easy to store away or take with you in the boot of your car. Medium and large scooters are heavier and bulkier but they are equipped with more features which allow for longer journeys, carrying luggage or shopping, navigating rougher terrain and generally have longer battery lives.

Mobility scooter maintenance and warranty: 

Mobility scooters require very little maintenance. The main areas of focus here are to ensure that the batteries are charged daily, tyre pressure is checked weekly and that the machine is kept clean. It is important to buy your mobility scooter from a reputable source and comes with a comprehensive warranty. It is also hugely beneficial to buy off a company who will do regular service checks on the scooter to ensure that it continues working correctly and where they can offer advice.

Conclusion:

Mobility scooters are a worthy consideration for people with mobility issues due to their convenience, low cost and ability to use indoors and outdoors.

Beechfield Healthcare offer a full range of mobility scooters and give free impartial advice on what type would best suit your needs and budget. For further information call 057 868 2304.

For people struggling with mobility issues in a multi-storey home, a stairlift is often the most practical solution to moving between different levels of a house with relative ease and comfort. Before making such a purchase, however, it is important to do your research and consider the following points so that you buy the stairlift that best meets you or a loved one’s individual needs.

1. Consider the budget: 
It is important to consider the budget when buying a stairlift. If you or a loved one has a considerable budget, then a brand new high quality stairlift can be purchased. If on a tight budget, you might consider buying or renting a pre-owned or reconditioned stairlift. Most pre-owned stairlifts should be under warranty and cover any maintenance costs. 

2. Know the staircase details for stairlift installation: 
It is good to determine the length, width and shape of the staircase before purchase. Stairlifts will work on most stairs whether they are straight, curved or helical. This also applies to staircases with one or more of these factors, such as a mostly straight staircase with curved steps near the top and/or bottom. The more details that can be provided to the stairlift installation service, the more accurate the installation quote will be.

3. Look out for additional safety features:
Many stairlift providers will install stairlifts that come equipped with a range of safety features. Such features include arm and foot rests, swivel seats, remote controls and emergency stop buttons among others.

4. Purchase from a reliable source:
It is extremely important to purchase a stairlift from a trusted company. A genuine installer will provide the right system without causing many modifications to the structure of you or a loved one’s home. They will also be able to provide advice and perform the required maintenance to the stairlift if it is under warranty.

5. Choose a stairlift with warranty:
It is always better to choose a stairlift with warranty. This will provide you or the stairlift user with services that are free of charge, should there be any issues. It is important to get a stairlift with long warranty so that you can be assured that the system will be taken care of, especially after long-term use.

If you have any questions about buying a stairlift or need further advice before deciding on stairlift installation, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We will be happy to offer recommendations and guidance.

As we get older, it is important to maintain as much independence as possible to maintain good health and quality of life. Beechfield Healthcare has the following tips for older people living at home and how they can continue to maintain independence around the house.

1.  Have a positive, can-do attitude

As we get older and begin to slow down, it is often the case that elderly people find themselves becoming overly-reliant on others to assist them at home. While no-one should overexert themselves, it’s important to have an enthusiastic, take-charge attitude when approaching potential obstacles around the house.

2.  Research devices and aids that can help around the house

Some senior citizens may have a physical disability that might reduce their independence levels around the home. To deal with obstacles like these, there are a number of devices and gadgets that can help like canes, reachers and grab bars. Consulting a healthcare professional and practising the use of such devices can inspire confidence and resourcefulness around the house.

3.  Keep the body and mind active

It is very important for senior citizens to keep their minds and bodies active, not only to maintain good health but independence too. Light exercise and logic-based tasks such as puzzles and games within the home can ensure a better quality of life and freedom for elderly people.

4.  Take note of any prescribed medication

For many older people, it is important to take note of any prescribed medications they may need to take on a daily or weekly basis. Draw up a schedule of required medications and place it in a familiar place so that the elderly person knows what medications to take and when.

Conclusion

If you are looking for more information on senior independence in the home and further tips and recommendations on how to make life more comfortable for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts are always willing to help.