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In Ireland, a person who buys disability products is eligible for VAT relief. The term, ‘disability’, in this case, refers to people who suffer from both mental and physical disabilities. In this article, we will explain the criteria a person must meet and the processes they must follow in order to obtain VAT relief.

To find out if you are eligible to claim a VAT refund on your mobility product or daily living aid, take a read through the following criteria to see if you are applicable:

•  You must live in Ireland.

•  You must have a disability.

• You need the aid or appliance of a disability product to help with daily activities.

The following list of products for the disabled meet the criteria when attempting to reclaim VAT:

• Necessary domestic aids. Examples include eating and drinking aids and mobility aids.

• Walk-in baths.

• Shower/commode chairs.

• Lifting seats and specified chairs for the physically disabled.

• Hoists and lifters, designed for invalids. These include stair lifts.

• Braille books for the blind.

• Communication aids for those unable to speak.

Reclaiming VAT is only eligible if the disability products, or daily living aids, are bought and used by that sole person with a disability. This means that schools, hospitals and hotels etc. do not meet these criteria. VAT refunds are not allowed on services for people with disabilities or rented aids and appliances. The criteria does not include products that are hired or rented.

If a person buys the product for a loved one, the Revenue can contact that person and request proof that the product is used solely by that select person with a disability. It may also be required that a person provides medical evidence of their disability when claiming for VAT relief.

The Form

The relevant claim form you need to fill out and send into Revenue when applying for VAT relief is called the VAT 61A form. 

When considering a mobility aid, rollators are regularly overlooked, despite being both practical and affordable to people with disabilities. They are a useful product to consider when purchasing a mobility aid for either you or a loved one. The following list provides six benefits to buying a rollator.

1. They function well outdoors

Often misconceived as an indoor mobility aid, rollators are, in fact, very practical for outdoor use. As they are light and foldable, they can easily be
placed in the boot of a car or other form of transport. Some models can also be used on rougher terrains which should appeal to adventurous types.

2. They are cheaper than other options

When deciding on a walking aid, prices vary greatly across a wide variation of products. Crutches, scooters, knee walkers and rollators are just some of the items that can be taken into consideration when buying a mobility aid. The rollator is an affordable option for a wide range of disabilities. Whether the rollator is needed full-time or just occasionally, the purchase of this item is a solid economic choice.

3. You can sit on them

Most people considering rollators don’t contemplate that they can be used to sit on for both comfort and stability. They are useful in public venues, such as shopping centres, allowing the user to take a respite from shopping and rest their feet.

4. They are height adjustable

Rollators are height adjustable. This means that the user can adjust the item to match their comfort and stability needs. Whether that person is short, tall or somewhere in between, the rollator can be calibrated to the necessary proportions and unique needs of its user.

5. They are useful when exercising

A person with a mobility disability is often under circumstances where they can’t exercise and remain active. Rollators allow their users to exercise independently and with confidence, due to the added support.

6. They are easily transportable

Mobility aids are used by people who need assistance, occasionally to frequently, in remaining mobile. Whatever the case may be, it is always good to have a transportable one on-hand for whatever situation arises.

We have a full range of rollators available – take a look here. We deliver them all over Ireland at the best value prices.

In the past ten years in Ireland, there has been a large increase in the level of knowledge around mental health. Stigmas that would once have been attached to mental health issues are being lifted because of education. Currently, the economic cost of mental health to the country of Ireland is €3 billion per year. Only illnesses that are associated with the heart are more of a financial burden on the country.

Cognitive function refers to a person’s perception, memory, thinking and awareness. In many cases, a decline in cognitive function leads to a deterioration in physical health. A deterioration in cognitive function can lead to a person needing aids to fulfil tasks associated with daily living and independence.

Often people who suffer a decline in cognitive function can have problems walking, talking, with mobility, incontinence and memory loss. These issues are most often found to affect the elderly. Cognitive function has a direct impact on a person’s ability to lead an independent life. If the person is living at home, there are a range of products that are available to best help someone with cognitive function deterioration, to make their day easier and help them stay independent.

At Beechfield Healthcare we stock a range of products that help people that suffer with mental health issues such as cognitive function deterioration:

• Aids for Daily Living: Products in this category include pill reminder containers, easy grip eating utensils, leg lifters, grab reachers and jar openers.

• Bathroom: Products in this category include bath lifts, commodes, shower chairs, grab rails and Toileting Aids.
   
• Bedroom: Products in this range include the Blanket cradles, over bed chair tables, mattresses and electric profiling beds.
   
• Walking Aids: Walking sticks, crutches, walking walkers and rollators.

If you would like to know more information about our products or issues discussed in this article and how we can help, get in touch today.

1. Circulation

Electric beds are adjustable at the head and feet positions. Moving them can improve circulation for someone who is bed bound for long periods. This action also reduces bedsores, fluid build-up in the legs, joint and back strain and a range of other complications associated with being bed bound for long periods.

2. Comfort for the Patient

There are benefits for patients associated with electric beds that do not apply to traditional beds. Aside from being more comfortable due to less bed sores and irritations, electric beds also allow for patients for to change position for different tasks. Reading, watching and eating are all easily done from the bed without any physical effort, keeping the patients supported and comfortable.

3. Care Giver Assistance

Being an in home carer is a physically demanding job. Over time, this can lead to problems for the carer such as back pain, exhaustion and joint pain. By using an electric bed, carers can position the patient in a way that is safe and supportive electrically rather than physically while they eat, get changed, change dressings etc.

4.  Design

The bed is made to look like a normal bed and not like a hospital bed. This “normal” design can have a calming influence on a home and is less dramatic than a traditional hospital bed. We have a range of electric beds in different sizes available for sale at Beechfield Healthcare.

5. Range of Suitability

If you suffer from asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatism, MS, back pain, circulation problems, fluid build-up or chronic heartburn an electric beds could help you.  They are suitable for people suffering from a huge number of illnesses and sickness.