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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.

A very important product for people dealing with urinary incontinence, many factors must be considered when purchasing incontinence pads or adult nappies. Below, Beechfield Healthcare provides four tips you should take note of when purchasing incontinence pads.

1. Get the right absorbency and fit: Absorbency and the right fit need to be considered when buying incontinence pads. This will vary from person to person so various factors about the user need to be considered when purchasing.

Pushing and manoeuvring oneself or a loved one in a wheelchair can often be awkward and arduous for both wheelchair users and their caregivers. At Beechfield Healthcare, we regularly work with wheelchair users and can offer the following expertise on how to remain safe and secure when operating a wheelchair. For our advice, see our seven pointers below:

1. Apply the brakes: You should always apply the wheel brakes when in a stationary position. When applying or releasing the brake, you or your caregiver should ensure that the opposite hand is supported on a nearby surface to maintain stability.
    
2. Be careful when leaning and reaching forward: Make sure to maintain a firm, balanced position and always be cautious when leaning forward or reaching for objects. Make sure the wheel brakes are applied when necessary to ensure maximum safety. You can practise completing these actions in front of people before attempting them on your own.
    
3. Practice before attempting to move onto non-flat surfaces: Prior to using inclines, declines or ramps, wheelchair users should determine their capabilities with a caregiver. Always ensure that someone is with you when approaching steep slopes and be sure to look out for uneven surfaces, spillages or obstacles that can be found on roads and pathways.
    
4. Find an alternative route: Don’t attempt to go up a curb or tip your wheelchair without the assistance of a caregiver. Try and find an alternative route to getting on to higher surfaces such as paths or higher levels by using a ramp or elevator if available.
    
5. Maintain your centre of gravity: To keep steady, it is important for wheelchair users to maintain their centre of gravity. A positioning belt can help aid this.
    
6. Using power wheelchairs and knowing your capabilities: If you are using a power wheelchair, make sure that it is programmed within a speed range that you are comfortable with. Turn the power off when approaching a ramp or lift as it can be dangerous to leave the power on during this time in case you accidentally bump against the joystick.
    
7. Don’t place heavy objects on the wheelchair handles: For caregivers, be very careful when placing objects such as shopping bags on wheelchair handles. These can cause the wheelchair to become unbalanced or tilt backwards.

Conclusion:

Using the pointers above, you should be able to operate your wheelchair in a safe manner. At Beechfield, we sell a range of different wheelchairs all over Ireland. For more information, see here.