Equipment Information for Mobility Problems

People of all ages can experience mobility problems. Difficulty in walking around can be due to all kinds of reasons-some people may be affected long term and others may only have problems for short periods of time.

Staff at Disabled Living aim to help and give advice on products and equipment that may help make daily living both easier and safer.

The equipment centre staff have extensive knowledge of national and local suppliers of equipment and can offer practical advice and details of where to get most disability products.

Disabled Living has on loan from companies, 100's of different types of disability equipment.

If you wish to try the equipment and to speak at length with an Occupational Therapist about equipment suitable for your needs please telephone Disabled Living for an appointment on:

08707 601580

Or email a member of the Equipment Centre staff at: Karen.Martin@disabledliving.co.uk

In order for staff to give you the right information please include in your email the area where you live or work.

Mobility Equipment
If you have a mobility problem there are numerous types of equipment that can help you get around and lead an independent life again.

Manual Wheelchairs
Electric Wheelchairs
Power Chairs
Scooters
Walkers
Walking Sticks
Walking Frames
Stair Lifts

Bear in Mind
Any equipment used must be suitable and safe for the person to use. Everyone will have different requirements and needs, so what may suit one person may be of little or no use to someone else.

Where to get Equipment from
There are now many high street shops that sell a vast range of disability equipment. But, could you be buying something you are entitled to get from either the NHS or Local Social Services? The offer of equipment from these services is limited SO if you are in hospital ask to see the hospital Occupational Therapist, if you are at home, contact your local Town Hall for your nearest Social Services Department and if you are in residential care ask the Care Manager.

Will What you Buy Fit in your Home?
As well as buying the right type of equipment you need to make sure that your home is able to accommodate it. Buying a large scooter that can help you get around the shops is wonderful, not so if you can not get it into your flat or home to store and to charge the battery. When buying wheelchairs make sure that you can get outside in it. It's so easy to forget about that small step at the front or back door. If you do put ramps down make sure they don't become a tripping hazard for any sight impaired relative or visitor.

Second-hand Equipment.
Almost all equipment can be bought second-hand. This is a good way of saving money if the equipment is in good working order and is a fraction of the cost new. But do be aware that second-hand goods will have a shorter life-span than new products. Also that warranties will probably have run out or may not be transferable to another owner.

ALWAYS CHECK
The second-hand goods you are buying are in a good state of repair
Check no removable parts are missing
Ask for the original instructions
Ask to see the equipment working
Ask about any contacts the seller may have that could service or repair the equipment

But perhaps most important of all-don't buy something because it's cheap; buy it because it is safe and suitable for you to use.

Disabled Living advise that people obtain guidance from an Occupational Therapist or other such healthcare professional before purchasing disability equipment.

WiseBuy

Disabled Living WiseBuy leaflets offer practical help on disability equipment. To access the leaflets relating to this page click on the links below (the wisebuy leaflets can be opened using the latest version of Adobe Reader which is available free from the adobe web site).