Tag: wheelchair

O’Sullivans Mobility Aids Launch on YouTube 

Hello, it’s been a while since our last blog post describing our trip to Naidex 2016.

We’ve been super busy in the meantime launching our YouTube channel, that you can see by clicking here.

We’ve uploaded a few introductory videos from our trip to Naidex 2016.

Over the next few weeks, we hope to share some tips, hints and advice on various products in the shop.

When purchasing a product, we understand that patients need as much information as possible to make an appropriate purchase.

We hope that our videos will shed some further light on the excellent wheelchairs, mobility scooters and medical beds available in store.
Happy viewing!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!😀😀

Naidex 2016 O’Sullivans Mobility Aids

Hello guys, we’ve been busy recently expanding our range of products. This week we visited the National Events Centre (NEC) in  Birmingham. The NEC hosts  NAIDEX 2016, the largest mobility and living aid conference in the UK. Naidex is the UK’s largest disability, rehabilitation and homecare event with over 200 exhibitors showcasing their products to more than 9,000 visitors. The event is at the forefront of innovation and as the industry evolves, staying up-to-date has never been more important.

We saw some amazing products including new wheelchairs, profiling beds, power chairs among some other exciting products. In addition, there was a variety of talks from leading healthcare professionals, OT’s, Physios who spoke on the developments in power chairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and telecare for those with poor mobility. Here’s a video of the shows highlights.

Exoskeleton

One particularly interesting product we saw was the Exoskeleton from ReWalk Robotics Argo Medical Technologies. A Technology which enables Spinal Cord Injured to Walk Again. ReWalk  is  a  wearable  robotic  exoskeleton  that provides  powered  hip  and  knee  motion  to  enable individuals  with    spinal  cord  injury  to  stand upright,  walk,  turn,  and  climb  and  descend  stairs. The  system  allows  independent,  controlled walking  while  mimicking  the  natural  gait  pattern of  the legs.

ReWalk Personal 6.0
The  new  ReWalk  Personal  6.0  System  is  designed for  all  day  use  at  home  and  in  the  community. It is the most customizable exoskeleton and configured specifically for each user. This precise fit optimizes safety, function and joint alignment.

Check out more from our trip to Naidex 2016 on our social media accounts as well as in a follow up blog.

We’ll be covering wheelchairs, profiling beds and mobility scooters in future demonstrations.

 

How A Power Wheelchair Can Benefit Your Life

So what can a power chair do for me?

  • Have you ever wondered if a power wheelchair can actually be beneficial to your life?
  • In this article users will see how an electric wheelchair can benefit your life and also give you a further look into why you should purchase a power wheelchair if you have not already.

The Benefits of Power Wheelchairs

With such a large selection of power wheelchairs available with different options and features, some may say to themselves, how a mobility scooter can benefit your life?

One benefit all electric wheelchairs provide is comfort for users that have a hard time standing up or walking for long periods of time. Using a power chair will help users find an easier way of transporting themselves.

A great secondary option to avoid constant standing or walking when traveling is owning a vehicle lift. With a vehicle lift installed on your vehicle, you can bring your electric wheelchair almost anywhere traveling.

Another great example is the benefit of owning either a foldable or travel power wheelchair. Folding power wheelchairs are normally designed to be extremely light and easy to store away by simply folding up and travel power wheelchairs are usually very light and easy to break down into smaller parts, making them very easy to assemble or disassemble and store away for travel purposes.

These options help make it very easy and beneficial for users looking to use a power wheelchair while traveling away from home. Both styles of power wheelchairs take up little room when storing away making these power chairs very beneficial for users that cannot afford a vehicle lift or for those that plan on traveling on a cruise or by plane.

Another great benefit of handicap power chairs would pertain to the full size or heavy duty models. These types of models tend to weigh a lot more than travel or folding electric wheelchairs and because of this they usually have more power. Full size power wheelchairs tend to have great reliability and drive range allowing users to go to a much further distance helping users who may need to use a electric wheelchair to get around town and they’re depending on there chair to take them where they go.

They are also designed to provide more comfort and space due to more arm space and there larger seats for users to sit in. Another great benefit of both full size and heavy duty power chairs is the fact that they can support an above average sized body weight supporting in some cases almost double that of travel or folding power chairs. For example some models can support up to a 600 lb weight capacity and are equipped with seat width options between 20″ to 30″ making it great for users that are fit to users that are an above average size.

Another benefit of a power chair for those that look to get around very quickly, is the speed of mobility power-chairs with speeds going as fast as 8 mph. Users not only feel insured about there power chairs performance but also its unique style and looks. Overall you will find after using a power wheelchair for the first few times that it is a more convenient and beneficial piece of machinery to use when trying to get around.

In case you would like to view our wide selection, all of our power wheelchairs are available to view online. If you can’t find a power-chair that meets your specifications, contact us via phone (025-24656), email info@osullivansaids.ie or try our new live-chat option available 7 days a week.

Tips for wheelchair and Scooter Users

 

  1. Remove loose carpets and rugs. Especially if you have hardwood or tile floors, loose floor coverings can be a frustrating obstacle for wheelchairs and scooters. Removing them obviously doesn’t cost anything, and it can make a big difference in your ability to easily navigate your home.  Alternatively, an adhesive backing can be used to hold rugs in place.

 

  1. Move furniture to accommodate your mobility device. This seems obvious, but many people don’t know just how much room is needed for their mobility device.  As a general rule, arrange furniture to allow at least a 32-inch path and 5-foot turning radius.  Some furniture might need to be removed altogether to accommodate this.

 

  1. Tie strings to your door handles. To allow a wheelchair or scooter user to more easily pull a door closed while passing through doorways, add a 36-inch string to each door handle in your home.  This comes with little to no cost, and it makes a big difference.

 

  1. Raise your tables and desks. To bring some tables and desks to above knee level, it might be necessary to place furniture coasters or blocks of wood under their legs.  Whatever you use, just be sure the table or desk is sturdy and can’t easily be knocked off its footings when you’re done.

 

  1. Spruce up your device! One thing that can be challenging to get used to when first using a mobility device is the difficulty in carrying items and manoeuvring at the same time.  To help with this, equip your wheelchair or scooter with accessories to help carry everything from books and clothes, to drinks and medical necessities.

 

 

So, there you go! Some changes that will make a huge difference in your ability to get around your home in a wheelchair or scooter, that won’t break the bank or cause a lot of disruption.  As always, if you have questions about equipment you have purchased or are considering, contact the team at O’Sullivans Mobility Aids.

Looking after your wheelchair

Whether you use your wheelchair occasionally or on a regular basis, maintenance and appropriate use are key factors to ensure you get the most out of your wheelchair!

Here we present some common tips for maximizing the potential and safety for wheelchair users!

  • We recommend you always consult your healthcare professional for advice about transferring to and from the wheelchair. Poor transfers can lead to harm to you and your wheelchair as well as distress to your carer.
  • Use slow speeds on gradients and do not exceed the maximum gradient stated in users manual. Never reverse down a gradient.
  • Balance is key! Wheelchairs are for only suitable for single occupancy as much as you might like to have an enfant on your lap.Users should not move their centre of gravity out of the seating area.
  • Keep your feet on the footplates when moving and avoid standing on footplates. Do not use escalators.
  • Do not reach for items further than your arm will extend. Be aware of hazards in your environment, such as narrow doorways, steps, household appliances, children’s toys, etc.
  • The parking brakes should always be applied when transferring. Ensure that fingers and objects do not get caught in the spokes of the rear wheels.

Maintenance

  • Wipe down frame with a damp cloth at least once a week. If exposed to moisture dry immediately. Metal (steel chair) parts of the chair can be polished once a month with an auto wax.
  • Before each use of the wheelchair, the brakes and tyres should be checked. If there is any side play, loosen nut and retighten axle just enough to remove any side play.
  • Solid Rubber tyres require little upkeep bar an occasional clean with a damp cloth. Worn or cracked tyres need immediate replacement.
  • The wheelchair should be stored in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
  • When in storage the wheelchair can be folded up The wheelchair should be kept clean and d
    ust free. This can be done with a duster or damp cloth.

If you have any other technical queries, consult the user manual provided with your wheelchair or give us a ring on 025 24656 or email info@osullivansaids.ie

 

Reclaiming VAT on mobility aids and disability appliances

save up to a quarter of the price ofF LIVING AIDS!

What are you entitled to?

If you live in Ireland and have a disability, you may get a refund of Value-Added Tax (VAT 23%) on certain special aids and appliances you need. In some cases people who pay for aids and appliances that are for the exclusive use of a person with a disability can also claim the VAT refund. People with both physical and mental disabilities can avail of these VAT refunds. However, it is noting that VAT is not charged on all mobility items such as ramps, scooters and thus may not be applicable for a VAT refund.

The Rules

You can claim a VAT refund on aids and appliances that help you carry out daily activities at home or work.

To claim a VAT refund you must:

  • Live in Ireland
  • Have a disability
  • Need the aid or appliance to help with daily activities

The aid or appliance must be owned by and for the exclusive use of the person with the disability. If the VAT refund is being sought by a person other than the user of the aid or appliance, the Revenue Commissioners may ask for evidence that the aid is solely owned by and is for the sole use of the person with the disability.

Examples of eligible aids and appliances include:

  • Domestic aids, for example, eating and drinking aids
  • Walk-in baths
  • Commode chairs
  • Lifting seats and specified chairs
  • Braille books
  • Hoists and lifts, including stair lifts
  • Communication aids

You may need to produce medical evidence of your disability. This will take the form a letter from your GP, public health nurse, OT etc.

VAT refunds are not allowed on:

  • Services for people with disabilities
  • Rented aids and appliances

How to apply

To apply for a VAT refund on aids and appliances, fill in claim form VAT 61A (pdf) .

You must attach supporting documentation with your claim. For example, original invoices for all the goods in the claim or, in the case of imported goods, receipts for VAT paid at importation. In the case of a hire purchase agreement, you will need to supply a copy of the agreement and the invoice.

You must make your claim within 4 years from the end of the taxable period in which you purchased the aid or appliance. Taxable periods within each year are:

  • January/February
  • March/April
  • May/June
  • July/August
  • September/October
  • November/December

For example, a claim made in respect of an invoice issued in January 2013 must be made no later than February 2016.

Buying mobility aids doesn’t have to be so expensive, for larger items such as thera trainers 23% can mean a lot! So keep your invoices, receipts etc and don’t forget to fill out your 61A vat form!

In our next blog we will discuss the various grants available for the elderly and disabled as well as claiming back expenses against your tax!

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 info@osullivansaids.ie 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.