Tag: mobility aid

Bed-Grab-Rail

Having trouble getting up and out of bed?

We spend nearly a third our life in bed, so getting the right bed for you is a critical to getting a healthy nights sleep and preventing unnecessary injury.

With a loss in independence, more and more time can be spent in bed. A poorly fitted bed can lead to further loss in mobility and independence as well as pressure sores.

Thus getting the right bed and supports is critical. Here we discuss a range of accessories for beds.

Having problems setting up or lying down?

Lifting pole 

lifting pole dublin

Lifting Pole

Lifting poles (or pull handles) are designed to make moving around, moving into semi-lying or getting in and out of bed easier. The majority have a floor standing cantilever gantry, although some are wall- or bed-attached. If freestanding, care should be taken to ensure that the base is positioned properly under the bed, otherwise the gantry frame may tip over. A handle hangs from the gantry and when adjusted to a suitable height, some people with enough strength can safely pull on it. The user does need to have fairly strong upper limbs and good abdominal control.

Lifting poles are usually not suitable for people with painful arms, painful shoulders, limited overhead shoulder movement or abdominal weakness.

Consider the following:

  • A moulded handgrip may be more comfortable to hold and an adjustable length strap provides greater flexibility.
  • Ensure that there is enough room for the base to slide under a divan bed and, where possible, fasten it to the bed headboard for greater stability.
  • If the person also uses a mobile hoist for transfers, ensure that the lifting pole base does not prevent the hoist from being correctly positioned under the bed and that the overhead arm does not obstruct the lifting boom of the hoist.
  • Some models dismantle for transporting, which may make it possible for someone to take the lifting pole on holiday.

is the most popular model of lifting pole that we stock, it is a Days patient helper and further info can be found here.

Rope ladders

Rope ladders either fit onto the footboard, the bed frame or the two feet at the end of the bed. They have rungs that the person pulls on to help him/herself into a sitting position.

Ensure that the ladder is safely and securely fixed in place and that the first rung is within reach of the person lying on the bed. Take care as those with plastic rungs may be slippery to hold. A retrieval line pinned to the bedclothes is sometimes needed if the rope ladder slips to the floor during the night.

Grab Rails

Bed grab rail

Easy grip Bed grab rail

The various types of grab handles on the market are either wall-fixed, bed-fixed or floor-fixed. They are used to pull on by someone to help sit up or turn over in bed.

  • Some are fixed in one position, whilst others lock into a choice of several positions. Some of the static models could obstruct part of the bedside, making it difficult to get in and out.
  • Floor fixed rails may be difficult to install if the floor is made of concrete.
  • Ensure that bed-attached models are securely fixed. Some are tucked under the mattress and only rely on weight of the person to secure them in position.
  • Ensure there is no risk of entrapment within the rail, at either end of the rail or between the rail and the mattress

At O’Sullivans Mobility Aids we offer a range of bed grab rails that are lightweight and do not require any equipment to install. Click here for the short or long bed grab rails

Backrests

Bed Backrest cork

Bed Backrest

These have a wooden or metal frame. The angle of the supporting surface can be adjusted for use under the pillows to provide the person with support in a sitting position. A headboard is essential to prevent the backrest from sliding backwards. Most fold flat for storing.

Having trouble transferring out from bed?

Transfer Boards!

These are smooth surfaced boards, tapered at either end to assist sideways transfers. They can be used independently or with help to slide in a sitting position from the chair onto a wheelchair. It is easiest if the mattress surface and the seat height are at the same level.

Curved transfer boards are useful when transferring onto chairs with fixed armrests, as they make it possible to transfer around them.

Some boards have additional transfer systems incorporated into them. One board has a transfer disc which moves within a central slot; another has an integral roller which the person sits on and slides across the board.

Similar transfers can be made using a low friction roller and a rigid, padded bridging device.

We stock a various selection of moving and handling equipment, simply click here

So there you have it, a selection of mobility aids that will help you getting in and out of bed.

If you have any queries don’t hesitate in contacting us at info@osullivansaids.ie or on (025) 24656

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme-Address Mobility in the House

Does your loved one suffer from a lack of mobility?

Is their house in need of an upgrade to allow them live independently?

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home, such as the purchase and installation of grab-rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair-lift. It is primarily for older people, but people with disability can also access the scheme.

Rules

The grant is available to people with a maximum household income less than €30,000.

Your application will be prioritised based on medical need. Highest priority will be given to people who are terminally ill or where alterations/adaptions would facilitate discharge from hospital. When the local authority receives your application, it may request an Occupational Therapist’s (OT) assessment. The local authority can arrange for an OT assessment, but you can employ an OT to carry out an assessment and recoup up to €200 as part of the total grant up to the maximum you are entitled to.

Means test

Your total household income is assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and at what level of assistance.

The maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of the work.

Grants should be applied for via your local authority;

For further information; Call us at 025-24656!

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing_grants_and_schemes/mobility_aids_grant_scheme.html

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 info@osullivansaids.ie.

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

 

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

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.