Get Set For Spring 

This entry was posted in General March 28, 2018

Get Set for Spring

The days are growing longer, the evenings are getting brighter and the weather is becoming milder, finally! Which can only mean one thing, spring is upon us. Soon we will see daffodils blooming and this particularly cold winter will be a distant memory. So now that we are well into the month of March, here at Ableworld we wanted to offer some helpful advice for those struggling with mobility in the hope to prepare you for this highly anticipated spring.

At last, the weather is improving and we know that this means many people will begin venturing out a lot more. For some elderly people, this can be a great thing, as it is part of regaining some independence and freedom in many cases. However, it is in your best interest to ensure you are prepared to become more active, especially if you have limitations with your mobility. If you know somebody, or you yourself are aware that you may need some assistance with getting around during your everyday life, we hope this article can help you.

Be aware of your needs

Firstly, you should always be prepared to recognise signs of slowing down, whether it is yourself or your nearest and dearest. Be as willing as you can to accept the idea that you may need the help of a mobility aid. Recognising and acknowledging that this could be the case for you can be difficult and hard to come to terms with, but let us reassure you that this feeling is a lot more common than you may think. Although the initial realisation can be challenging, there are a range of mobility aid products out there that you could really benefit from. For many, it is a reality they have already faced and are dealing with, therefore it is extremely important to find the best aids to suit you and improve your quality of life.

Research

Following on from this, the next step would be to have a look around and see which products would suit your needs the most. Because everyone is different, it is vital that you find something that works for you. The severity of your mobility condition will determine the type of aid that you will require/benefit from.

Walking Sticks

If your mobility is relatively good and you are just looking for some extra stability to reinforce your confidence, you may only require the use of a walking stick. We supply a wide variety of walking sticks in store and online to best suit your specific requirements, along with a number of additional mobility aid extras, such as ferrules and walking stick straps.

Walkers, Rollators and Walking Frames

Another mobility aid that is used widely for those who struggle to walk is rollators and walking frames. These products are available in many different sizes, some bigger than others depending on what you require or prefer. Walking frames can be really useful for individuals who struggle to walk independently, particularly for indoor use. Walking rollators are fit for a very similar purpose, but can come with a few additional benefits. For example, you can purchase walkers or rollators that are lightweight and can be easily folded down; this is ideal for travel, in particular those who travel on buses regularly and will be outside more during Spring. You can opt for ones that have built in storage space which also doubles up into a seat.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

If you have a disability that requires a wheelchair or mobility scooter, it is crucial to find the right design and style for you. One option is transit wheelchairs that require somebody else to push, these come in a variety of different designs with different weight and material options. Another option is the self propel wheelchairs, which allows you to navigate the wheelchair yourself, often providing more independence and freedom. The right option for you is all depending on your own needs and personal taste, finding the best option for you is a priority.

Mobility scooters are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including boot scooters, ideal for family days out, or road scooters if you are using it as a mode of transport. Our friendly team can assess your needs and provide advice on what would suit you best.

The products mentioned can be beneficial to many individuals; it could be that mobility aids give more independence to people, or just help maintain the independence they already have. No matter what, we encourage those who may be struggling with their mobility following the winter months to research and find out if an aid would improve their quality of life.

At Ableworld we offer a wide range of mobility aids that provide caring solutions for our customers, enabling them to enjoy more comfortable and active lives. Feel free to browse our website and use our store locator to find your closest store. If you would like additional advice or information, then please do not hesitate to contact us directly or pop into your local store.

 

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Ableworld Easter Egg Appeal

This entry was posted in General March 5, 2018

Almost half of all older people in care homes are depressed and most believe that the condition is now a "normal part of ageing” according to a report commissioned a few years ago by NHS England. Here at Ableworld our primary aim is to make a positive impact on a person’s life, whether it be supplying them with our quality products, or engaging through local community events.

Following on from our highly successful ‘Ableworld Elderly Shoebox appeal’ at Christmas, which resulted in staff, customers and local charities donating shoeboxes full of gifts to Royal Stoke & County Hospital, Ableworld have decided once again to launch an uplifting public appeal. Our aim this Easter time is to make a small difference to Elderly people in care, many of whom are without family members who are able to visit them. 

We are appealing to the local public to make a small gesture and purchase an extra Easter egg when shopping, which will then be collated and donated to many elderly people in local nursing and residental homes. We believe that a small token, like an Easter egg, will make such a big impact on a number of elderly people’s lives this Easter time. The eggs can be donated in your local Ableworld store and will be given out to residents at local Nursing or Residential Homes in numerous locations close to our 34 UK stores. With your help, together we can make an elderly persons Easter extra special this year.

How Can You Help?

We are appealing for all types of chocolate Easter Eggs, big or small, to be dropped off at your local Ableworld store any time before Wednesday 28th March. Our friendly store staff will ensure they are hand delivered to a number of local Homes to be given out before Easter.

We would love to involve as many people as possible in this great initiative, so please encourage your friends and relatives to get involved. Feel free to share our post on Social Media and we would love to see any pictures of you getting involved by adding them to our Facebook page @ableworld, if you are donating an Easter egg this year.

We look forward to updating you with our grand total and some pictures of donating your generous Easter gifts to local care homes. 

Ableworld stores include; Burton, Chester, Congleton, Crewe, Hanley, Llandudno, Nantwich, Newport, Northwich, Oswestry, Reading, Rhyl, Shrewsbury, Stockport and Wrexham. 

For a full list of store addresses and opening information please visit www.ableworld.co.uk or call Freephone 0800 096 5440.

 

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A Guide to Stairlifts

This entry was posted in General March 2, 2018

Stairlifts can improve many people’s quality of living, however, sometimes those in need of one either do not realise it or may not want to accept that they require more assistance. If you are unsure as to whether a stairlift is the right option for you, or know somebody that you believe could benefit from the assistance of a stairlift, this guide will hopefully make the process of opting for a stairlift, a little easier.

Knowing when you need a stairlift

A stairlift is designed for those with limited mobility and/or those who struggle walking up and down stairs. For example, stairlifts can benefit people suffering from conditions such as MS, arthritis and even those with hip replacements. However, stairlifts are not strictly for those with medical conditions, they are also great aids for anybody who may have significantly reduced strength and flexibility that may have been caused by old age or following a procedure. Stairlifts help anybody living on more than one floor, giving people with reduced mobility more independence and confidence in their day-to-day life.

In many cases, those who do choose to have a stairlift installed tend to regret not getting one sooner because of how much it improves their circumstances. Of course, not all homes are suitable for stairlifts, however, there are a variety of stairlifts on offer, so more likely than not, you can find one suitable for you.

Different types of stairlifts

There is a wide range of different stairlifts available; this is simply so that as many people as possible have the option of a stairlift. However, there are two main types of stairlifts: straight or curved. As their names suggest, straight stairlifts are suitable for straight staircases and curved stairlifts are more suitable for staircases that have any bends, curves or landings. In addition to the stairlift track there are a variety of options including different seats, adjustable track options, powered footplates and more to ensure you find a stairlift as suitable to your personal needs as they can be. Outdoor stairlifts are also available to purchase. They work in the same way as indoor stairlifts do, they are fit for purpose and durable to outdoor conditions.

Buying a stairlift

Buying a stairlift doesn’t have to be a costly investment. It is reassuring to know that there are many options available for those who are in need.

Many retailers, for example, offer reconditioned stairlifts as a more affordable option, significantly reducing the cost of the investment. Another option for a more low-cost stairlift would be to hire one. This can be the perfect solution for those who require a stairlift for a set period of time, rather than permanently. For example, if you have just had an operation or are recovering from an accident, choosing to rent a stairlift can be the best temporary solution.

If you are looking for extra peace of mind with your stairlift, many stairlifts come with the option of service packages that act as a guarantee on your lift over a period of time, depending on which you opt for. Although this comes at extra cost, it may put you at ease to know that you are covered for a number of years.

Maintaining your stairlift

Once you have had your stairlift installed by a professional engineer, the stairlift aftercare is important in order to maintain the product. Most domestic types of stairlifts are fairly simple to use and maintain but it is important to note that regular servicing of the equipment is vital to prolong the life of your stairlift. Ableworld do provide these professional services to customers and also have a dedicated repair centre that are able to carry out servicing and repairs on the full range of stairlifts we offer.

If you have been considering a stairlift and want more information, you can request a free no obligation home visit from a trained engineer from us at Ableworld. Or, if you have any specific questions, you can come visit us in store or contact us and a member of our team would be happy to help.

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