Category: Uncategorized

Toilet Safety for the Elderly – Our Advice

Maintaining independence and dignity is important as we all get older, especially when it comes to using the bathroom. Certain bath and toilet safety aids greatly reduce the risk of accidents and help us to keep our independence for longer. In this article we will take you through some of the most important pieces of advice that our team have to offer.

Raised Toilet Seat with Arms

 

 

1. Raise the Toilet Seat

If you have ever used the disabled room in a public toilet, you have probably noticed that the seat is much higher. The reason for this is that it makes it far easier to sit down and stand up. There’s much less strain and tension on your back, knees, and legs.

The good news is that you don’t have to rush out and spend a fortune to buy a taller toilet to modify your bathroom at home. You can simply purchase a raised toilet seat and attach it securely to the toilet. Some raised toilet seats come fitted with side arms to give you extra support when sitting down or standing up.

2. Install Grab Rails

Another thing that you’ll notice in a disabled toilet are the grab bars. These are often on both sides of the toilet. You can very easily install grab bars at home if there are places to fit them within arms reach of the toilet.

If  you want a more temporary solution you can purchase a stand-alone toilet safety rail. The frame surrounds the toilet and gives you extra support for sitting down and leverage for standing up. Some raised toilet seats can be installed over the toilet for a safety frame as well, something which we particularly recommend.

Drive Bariatric Stamford Grand Combi Scandia

 

3. Use a Commode if Needed

If you can’t make it to the bathroom on your own, a commode offers a huge degree of convenience and can be conveniently used in any room in the house. Heavy duty commodes are also available for bariatric patients.

We hope that this article will help you or a loved one to maintain a sense of independence in the bathroom. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable bathroom mobility aids. We would be delighted to assist you in whatever way we can, our team of healthcare professionals will help you to find the product that best fits your needs. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock mobility aids (orders over 50euro) , nationwide. Visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

What You Need to Consider Before Buying a Mobility Scooter

Purchasing any mobility aid can seem like a daunting decision, however none more so than when you are considering purchasing a mobility scooter. With so many options available it is understandable that many of our customers come to us feeling rather overwhelmed. That is why we have decided to pen this post, to give you our expert advice in regard to the important factors you need to consider prior to buying your mobility scooter.

Drive Envoy 2014

 

1. Will you be transporting your scooter in a car?

If you will be regularly travelling with your mobility scooter then our team recommend that you choose a travel or boot scooter, as some of the larger options on the market can be particularly heavy. Travel / Boot scooters are much lighter, more compact and have been designed to be folded and split apart to be transported in the boot of a car.

2. What weight is the user?

It is important to consider the weight that the mobility scooter will have to carry. Many of our customers forget that they may have an oxygen tank to carry for example, and others will forget to mention that they will be carrying the shopping bags home! The actual weight of the user is also vital to acknowledge. If the person is over 18 stone then our expert team recommend a larger mobility scooter to ensure comfort, safety and peace of mind.

3. Where is the mobility scooter going to be driven?

You will need a small compact scooter if you will be predominantly using the scooter in your home so that it will be able to make the necessary turns down hallways and through doors. On the other hand, if you will be using your mobility scooter outside the home to travel to work, the shops or the park, then you will require a mobility scooter with a larger battery capacity for a longer range and a higher clearance for foot paths.

4. Where are you planning to store your scooter?

In order to protect the mobility scooter from theft, damage or from prolonged exposure to the Irish weather our team recommend securely storing the scooter in a suitable area such as a shed if you are unable to store it in your home.

5. Other considerations you need to think about…

a. Leg room for the taller user?
b. A suspension for a more comfortable journey?
c. Battery size if you are going on longer journeys?
d. Do you suffer from back pain? You will need a full suspension.

We hope that this article will help you on your journey to finding your perfect mobility scooter. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable mobility scooters. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock scooters, nationwide. You can check out our range of options here. Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

Am I Using My Rollator Correctly?

A rollator is the ideal mobility aid if you are looking for a little help in keeping your balance while walking. In our opinion, they are a fantastic aid and the benefits are numerous. We’ve actually written a separate article in the past covering just this, which you can read here! However, today we’re going to give you our expert advice so that you are walking with your rollator in the correct manner.

Drive Aluminum Rollator Red

 

1. Firstly, place your rollator in front of you and lightly place your hands on the handlebars. It is very important that you get your balance before you begin to walk.

2. Now when you feel comfortable to walk, gently roll the walker ahead of you as you move forward. We advise that you keep the rollator close enough to support you but not too close. You should not have to lean forward to reach the rollator. If this is the case, simply move the rollator closer to your body.

3. One of the most fundamental aspects to using your rollator correctly is simply keeping your steps even. We cannot stress this enough. If your gait is typically uneven, we recommend that you shorten your stride and take smaller steps.

4. Now to talk about turning correctly with your rollator. As you turn you should keep your body centred in front of the rollator. Try not to twist your back as you turn. Remember, the golden rule, you should always be facing the front of the rollator.

We hope that these tips will help you to use your rollator more confidently in the future. If you are still unsure about anything, please give us a call or drop us an email at any time to [email protected].

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable rollators. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey to finding your most appropriate mobility aid. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock rollators, nationwide. You can check out our range of rollators here. Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

 

Buying a Stairlift in Ireland – Choose O’Sullivans

We are proud to announce that we have partnered with MediTek, the worlds number one Stairlift manufacturer. If you want a realistically priced, reliable stairlift with great local service and aftercare, then join the thousands of people all over the world that chose MediTek.

meditek_logo

 

We are delighted to be an approved supplier of MediTek’s new range of stylish stairlifts. MediTek is an award winning stairlift manufacturer, that has engineering excellence and quality assurance at the heart of the design of its products ensuring many years of safe and reliable service.

In selecting a MediTek Stairlift you have chosen a company that has over 15 years experience in designing and manufacturing stairlifts, recognised as a company that is one of the pioneers of the industry. MediTek truly care about your personal needs and believe that its products and services can make a difference in helping make life easier for you.

Be proud to join the thousands of people all over the world who enjoy independent living at home, thanks to a MediTek stairlift.

  • Simply express an interest
  • Our expert team will arrange a visit to your home – FREE of CHARGE
  • Your questions will be answered
  • Your stairs will be assessed – FREE of CHARGE
  • A custom built Stairlift will be manufactered
  • Our expert team will install the Stairlift
  • We will not leave until you are 100% satisfied and confident in using your new Stairlift
  • Any problem with your Stairlift, don’t worry. Leave all the after care to our team of experts

saxon_stairlift

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable stairlifts. If you or a loved one are interested in finding out all the benefits that a MediTek Stairlift has to offer, simply give us a call at (025)24656 or email [email protected]

Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

Buying a Riser Recliner Chair in Ireland – Our Expert Advice

What exactly is a riser recliner chair we hear you ask? Well, riser recliners are basically motorised armchairs. They can recline and help lift you up from the chair all with the touch of a button. If you are elderly, disabled or simply find it difficult to get up out of your chair, riser recliners can be a great help.

Denver Dual Motor Riser Recliner Green Fabric

 

Here at www.osullivansaids.ie we have a huge selection of riser recliners to choose from. In this article we will guide you through the different chair types that are available to you, explaining the differences between single motor and dual motor chairs.

The Fundamentals

All Riser Recliners are powered by at least one motor. The vast majority of these chairs have a metal frame. When this frame is either pushed or pulled by the motor this results in the chair being moved in the required direction.

The electric motor in the riser recliner plugs into a standard mains wall socket. This is done using a transformer which reduces the voltage to a safe level.

The user operates the chair using a remote control that is linked to the motor, allowing him/her to control the chair whilst seated. The remote control usually contains at least two buttons, one to recline and the other to raise the user up from the chair. The user can stop the chair in any position so that an optimum level of comfort can be found to suit the unique needs of the user. In this regard, the user is in complete control.

Single Motor Riser Recliners

As the name suggests, single motor riser recliners work off of a single motor.The motor is used to move the footrest and backrest. When the user raises the footrest, the backrest reclines at the same time. When the footrest arrives at its highest point the backrest will continue to recline.

Single motor riser recliners do not fully recline. The vast majority of these chairs will recline to an angle of about 45 degrees (see picture below). Our customers usually find this a very comfortable position and ideal for watching the television. However, if you are looking for a chair that you intend to sleep on also, we recommend that you search for a chair that reclines fully almost like a bed.

Sofia - Cinnamon

 

Dual Motor Riser Recliners

The fundamental difference between these and the single motor variety is that the footrest and backrest can be moved independently. For example, you can move your feet while at the same time keep your back straight.This allows for an infinite number of seating positions. In a nutshell, the dual motor riser recliner allows you to find your perfect seating position! If you want to sleep in your chair, this is no problem. The dual motor riser recliners fully recline.

There are usually more buttons on the remote control of the dual motor chair, normally about four. The layout of the remote ensures that the chair is simple, safe and easy to use from the first day that we deliver your new chair.

 

Nevada Dual Motor Riser Recliner Gold

 

We hope that this guide will help you on your journey to finding your perfect chair. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable Riser Recliners. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock wheelchairs, nationwide. You can check out our range of chairs here. Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

Celebrating International Wheelchair Day At O’Sullivans Mobility Aids

In celebration of the 8th Annual International Wheelchair Day, we’re giving a special 10% discount off of all wheelchairs and rollators purchased online during the first week of March! Drop us an email at [email protected] to get your unique discount code!

wheelchair day

International Wheelchair Day was first launched by Steve “Wheelchair Steve” Wilkinson on 1st March 2008.

The 1st March was chosen to commemorate the birthday of his late mother, Joyce, who did so much to help him cope through childhood with the life challenges presented to him after being born with Spina Bifida in 1953.

So what exactly is International Wheelchair Day?

– It’s a day when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has had in their lives.

-It’s a day to celebrate the great work of the many millions of people who provide wheelchairs, who provide support and care for wheelchair users and who make the World a better and more accessible place for people with mobility issues.

-It’s also a day to acknowledge and react constructively to the fact there are many tens of millions of people in the World who need a wheelchair, but are unable to acquire one.

If you are looking to purchase a wheelchair, we highly recommend you read our recent blog post where we discuss wheelchair fitting.

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and most affordable wheelchairs. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock wheelchairs, nationwide. You can check out our range of wheelchairs and accessories here. Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

What Size Wheelchair Do I Need?

Some things deserve to be the perfect fit. At O’Sullivans Mobility and Daily Living Aids, we believe that your wheelchair should be one of them. When buying a wheelchair for the first time, the vast number of choices that you are faced with can seem quite daunting and it is no surprise that many of the people we talk to can feel rather overwhelmed. So how do you know when you have found the perfect fit? We’re here for you to make this process simple, straightforward and stress free. We’ve put together a list of what we believe are the most important points for you to focus on when you are on your journey to finding your perfect wheelchair size.

Standard Steel Enigma Transit Wheelchair 18

1. Seat

In order to measure the seat width, you should measure the persons hips from one end to the other. We recommend that you add two inches to this figure. The aim here is to ensure that you have some breathing space but not too much either. Now for the depth of your perfect wheelchair. We advise that you measure from the back of the hips to the back of the knee, and this time subtract one inch. This measurement allows for maximum comfort and prevents the seat from hitting the back of your knee.

2. Arms

You may have already noticed that their are two arm lengths for the majority of wheelchairs; full length and desk length. For people who frequently rise and sit, and are looking for increased stability, we recommend the full length arm. In comparison, the desk length arm is more suited to the person who will be sitting at a desk for an extended period of time, and are ultimately seeking added comfort. We determine arm chair height by measuring from the elbow to the seat of the chair. We always recommend height adjustable arms in case individual preferences change over time.

3. Footrest

If you suffer from oedema, specific injuries or swelling, then we recommend elevated leg rests. These rests have the ability to lock on the majority of wheelchairs so as to prevent excessive movement. We determine the correct fit by measuring from the back of the knee to the heel of the foot.

4. Backrest

We find that backrests can be particularly subjective when we are helping our clients to find their perfect wheelchair. Ideally, your backrest should reach to your collarbone. For those of you who prefer more movement and mobility, backrests can be made shorter to suit. For people who desire additional back support, backrests can be made higher.

5. Weight

Wheelchairs are rated for weight capacity. It is absolutely vital that you know the persons correct weight when you are choosing a wheelchair. It is also important to remember that some people are simply more mobile than others. Assessing a persons upper body strength is also fundamental when selecting a suitable wheelchair weight.

So if you are on your journey to purchasing your perfect wheelchair then you have come to the right place. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and most affordable wheelchairs. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock wheelchairs, nationwide. You can check out our range of wheelchairs and accessories here. Alternatively, visit our main store at www.osullivansaids.ie

How To Maintain Your Wheelchair

You don’t need us to stress the importance of keeping your wheelchair in optimal condition, its simply a must if you want to ensure that your wheelchair is performing as safely and as efficiently as it was when you first purchased it. So what kind of checks should you be doing on a regular basis?

Enigma K-Chair

 

Repairing or even replacing your wheelchair will likely cost you a lot of money, time and unnecessary stress. However, you can hopefully avoid all this if you treat your wheelchair the same as you would a car, by performing frequent and on-going maintenance. Doing this can greatly extend the life of your wheelchair. So what are we suggesting you do?

The brakes on your wheelchair should be checked on a regular basis. This is to ensure that they are not loose and can hold the chair in place on a slope.

The wheel locks on your wheelchair may need to be lubricated if for some particular reason they do not operate easily.

You should also check the front and rear wheels of your wheelchair to ensure that they are spinning freely and the bearings are not making any strange noises.

A very useless exercise that we always encourage our customers to carry out is simply to push your manual wheelchair across a smooth surface to test if it travels in a straight line. If it doesn’t, this is a sure sign that your wheels are out of alignment or the bearings may also need replacing.

It is important to note that you do not need to be a qualified mechanic or an expert in the sense of the word, in order to do some regular maintenance checks on your wheelchair. Why not ask a friend or family member to offer some assistance if you are having difficulties in doing so. All of this will ensure that your wheelchair is performing optimally, just like it did when you first bought it.

Wheelchair Maintenance Checklist:

1. Clean your wheelchair on a regular basis. Doing this will prevent dirt building up that will ultimately impair the functionality of your wheelchair or even cause it to rust.

2. Check the axle and axle plate of your wheelchair to ensure that all connections are tight. A loose axle may break and ultimately put you in danger.

3. Make sure that you tighten all nuts and bolts on your wheelchair on a regular basis so that they are secure. If you notice a bolt that is constantly becoming loose, see to it that it gets replaced straight away.

4. Make sure that you test the brakes, foot rests and all other moving parts to ensure your wheelchair remains optimally safe and secure.

You can contact us at any time if you have any queries regarding the maintenance of your wheelchair. Our team of experts will only be too happy to help you.

 

The Benefits of a Rollator

Often times when our customers are seeking a mobility aid, they regularly overlook the option of a rollator. This is in spite of, in our opinion, a rollator being both an affordable and highly practical solution for people with disabilities. They are no doubt an exceptionally useful product to consider when buying a mobility aid for yourself or a loved one. In this blog we will discuss some of the key benefits that a rollator has to offer.

rollator

1. They are often cheaper than the alternative.

When you have decided to purchase a walking aid you will notice early on in your search that prices vary greatly across the wide variety of products at your disposal. Just some of the options that can be taken into consideration when purchasing a mobility aid include triwalkers, scooters, knee walkers and of course rollators themselves. In our opinion however, the rollator represents a practical and affordable solution for a wide range of disabilities. Whether it may be needed as a permanent or occasional aid, the purchase of a rollator is a solid economic choice.

2. Rollators are fully functional outdoors.

It is a common misconception that a rollator is predominantly an indoor mobility aid, however on the contrary, they are in fact very practical for outdoor use. As they are generally light in weight and can be folded up, they can easily be placed in the boot of a car or other mode of transport. Some of our models can even be used on rougher terrains, something which we find often appeals to the more adventurous types!

3. You can sit on them!

If you are considering purchasing a mobility aid, don’t forget that a rollator has the added benefit that you can sit on it for comfort and stability when you are out and about. This is a feature that is frequently overlooked when people contact us. We find that our rollators are particularly useful in public venues, such as shopping centres, allowing you to take respite from shopping and simply to rest your feet.

4. You can adjust the height.

All of our rollators are height adjustable, allowing the user to find a height that is both comfortable and stable enough to match their needs. So if you are short, tall or somewhere in the middle, our rollators can be calibrated to your specific height.

5. Rollators are a great exercise aid!

Often times when a person is disabled or has difficulty in moving, then it is extremely difficult to exercise and remain active. Rollators have the advantage of allowing their user to exercise independently and in confidence due to the added support that they offer.

We have a beautiful range of stylish rollators available to purchase from our online store. We deliver them nationwide with free delivery from our headquarters in Mitchelstown, County Cork.

 

 

Most Affordable Living Aids in Ireland

Our mobility and daily living aids provide invaluable assistance to the elderly and disabled, helping them to complete daily tasks in the freedom of their own home.

For people with reduced mobility or those with certain medical conditions, daily tasks such as eating, gripping, turning keys and dressing are particularly problematic.

We are all likely to face these problems at some time in our lives, that is why we are making the promise to provide the most affordable mobility and daily living aids available in Ireland.

Free Delivery

 

We have put the following list together to demonstrate the extraordinary value we offer our customers. And on top of these great prices we are also offering free nationwide delivery for all orders over €50.

1. Full Page Magnifier
Our full page magnifier is an ideal companion for magnifying text, prints, maps and documents. It is encased with a frame to help positioning. It is exceptionally easy to use and flexible to prevent breakage. It is available for only €4.99.

2. Sock and Stocking Aid
Our sock and stocking aid is available for just €9.99 and enables you to put on socks or stockings without bending. It is the perfect aid for people with limited hand function, back problems or other limitations that make bending difficult. The flexible plastic core is lined to reduce friction. The outside is covered with terry cloth to prevent the sock or stocking from slipping.

3. Key Turner
The large curved handle gives added comfort which makes turning keys to open doors incredibly easy. Ideal for those with limited grip. The keys fold flat when not in use. Available in red and blue for just €4.99

4. Jar and Bottle Opener
Our jar and bottle opener is designed with a soft rubberised finish to help you open jars and bottles. It conveniently fits four different sizes and can be used on pill and medicine bottles. It is available for €4.99

5. Easy Pull Can Opener
Our easy pull can opener is designed to relieve the strain of opening ring pulls. This device makes ring pulls easy to open with one motion lever action enabling the user to peel back the lid safely. It is finished with an ergonomic rubberised handle and is available for just €4.99