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:
0161 214 5959
Or email a
member of the Equipment Centre staff at: equipment@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).
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