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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.

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.