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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.

A commode is a mobile toilet, that is suitable for the bedroom and can be moved from one room to another.

Who uses a commode?

Commodes can be a life changing piece of equipment and are perfect for anyone who is bed bound, or recovering from an operation or an accident and needs a toilet solution nearby or downstairs to reduce walking distance. For the larger person, a bariatric version of the product may be more comfortable to use. We have a wide range of bariatric toilet seats, bariatric commodes and bariatric shower commodes. Most of our commodes are height adjustable which makes life easier for the user.

What does a commode look like?

A commode usually looks like a chair and can come with or without wheels. They are available in a range of colours and styles.to suit the users wants and needs. We also have commodes that look like normal wicker chairs for ultimate discretion.

Top Tips when choosing the perfect commode for your needs?

• Consider your agility and do you need a static or wheeled commode?
• Do you need a shower commode?
• Where will you use your commode or will you be moving it about the house?
• Will you need your commode long-term or just for a recovery period?
• Consider the weight of the user? Do you need a standard or bariatric model?
• Are you already in a wheelchair? Do you need removable armrests for ease of transfer?

Our product specialist will help to select the right commode for your needs. Contact us now or call us on 0818 989 353

Now that the good weather has arrived we all want to spend time outdoors. Reduced mobility should not mean you cannot go outdoors and experience all the lovely scenery and fresh air. In fact, many Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists recommend light exercise on a daily basis to improve overall physical health. Fresh air and regular walks have also been shown to help improve memory as well as mental health so the benefits are fantastic.

If you need a bit of help getting about a walking aid may be the solution.  We have many different types to suit all levels of mobility.

Walking Sticks and Canes

Walking sticks add a little extra stability for someone who is experiencing reduced balance or stiffness in their legs. They are easy to use and there are many colours and styles available. We even stock folding walking sticks for when you want to put it into your bag.

Rollators

Rollators are basically walking frames on wheels and most of them also come with a little seat too! This means you have the option to sit down and relax for a few minutes if you happen to get tired while out and about. Most rollators also have a storage basket or bag for your essential items such as keys, phones and wallets.

Walking Frames

Walking Frames are height adjustable frames with ferrules. They offer a bit of extra support to someone who generally has good mobility but need to avoid placing a lot of weight on their legs. A walking frame is literally walked across the floor by the user, they do not have wheels unless specified.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are a brilliant way of getting out and about and maintaining your normal routine even after a debilitating illness or injury. Many people who have bought a mobility scooter from us come back to tell us that they don’t know how they managed without one!

 Not sure on the best walking aid for you?

If you are not sure which walking aid is best suited to your needs you can also speak to a member of our trained sales team. They can answer any queries you may have.  You can call us on 057 868 2304 or email info@beechfieldhealthcare.ie for advice and information.

Now that the sun is out we hope to see you all out and about too!

We get asked quite a lot about how to choose the correct profiling bed for home use.  So, we’ve put together this blog to go through the features and benefits of a profiling bed.

What is a Profiling Bed?

Profiling beds are beds that can be adjusted to allow the backrest, legrest and knee brake to be electrically adjusted. This allows the user’s position to be changed without strain on either the patient or the carer.  4-part profiling are most common for home use.  A four-part bed is ideal as it keeps the bottom horizontal while raising the knees.  See our profiling beds 

The Main Advantages of a Profiling Bed Are:

• Respiratory and circulatory difficulties can be eased through profiling the bed to suit the patient’s needs.
• Our hospital profiling beds also have a height adjustment, so the carer can work at a safe height when giving treatments, etc.
• Using the electronic settings, the risk of injury to the carer is eliminated, and the independence and dignity of the user are maintained.
• It may make it possible for someone to get out of bed unaided, if they can raise themselves into a sitting position first.
• It makes using a hoist easier.

Low Level Hospital Beds

A low level hospital bed is ideal for patients who are liable to fall or climb out of bed and hurt themselves.  Like a standard profiling bed these beds can be adjusted to as low as 23cm from the ground.  With the use of side rails or floor safety mats it offers the most safety to someone who is inclined to fall out of bed. 

It also allows the carer to work at a height which is safe and convenient for them, before returning their patient to a much lower level for sleeping.  See our Low Beds 

Bariatric Profiling Beds

For larger patients, a bariatric profiling bed may offer more comfort.  These 4ft beds are wider and can accommodate weights of up to 286kg (45st).  Bariatric beds are available in both standard height and low level entry beds and have all the benefits of a profiling bed mentioned above.  See our Bariatric Beds 

Other Electric Profiling Beds

It is also possible to get a profiling bed that is designed within a standard bed look.  This allows you to have all the benefits of a profiling bed without the hospital bed look.  Our range of Devon and Richmond beds will fit in comfortably in any bedroom.  They are ideally suited to someone who has good mobility but either needs help sitting up and lying down or needs to sleep in a slightly elevated position. 

Mattresses for Profiling Beds

Like with any type of bed there are a wide range of mattresses for use on profiling beds.  It is important that you use a mattress made for profiling beds to ensure that the bed can profile correctly.  If you are looking at hospital style profiling bed you need to consider the mobility levels of the patient.  If they have limited mobility and spends a great deal of time in bed, a compatible pressure relief mattress should be chosen.  These range from low risk of developing pressure sores right up to high risk.  See our range of mattresses 

Choosing the Right Bed and Mattress for you

If you need any further help you should contact your occupational therapist or public health nurse or alternatively call us on 0818 989 353 to speak to a product specialist today.