Staffordshire Engineers

This entry was posted in General May 31, 2019

At Ableworld we are very proud of our extensive, highly skilled Engineering department. Without a doubt it is one of the best in the UK`s Mobility Industry.

We have fully trained engineers placed across all of our 35 UK stores, including a highly talented team within the Staffordshire area, covering our Hanley, Burton-upon-Trent, and our soon to open Stafford store.

All of our engineers are trained in-house, meaning that we can tailor training towards mobility products specifically. At Ableworld we are also proud to be Which? Trusted Trader endorsed for our engineering and servicing work too, so you can guarantee a great job.

Our Staffordshire engineers can provide assistance with all mobility aid provisions to ensure a prolonged life of your mobility product. We offer professional and efficient servicing and repairs for our customers, at reasonable rates. We can repair and service all types of mobility scooters, including boot and road scooters. We can also repair and service some scooters that have been purchased elsewhere. Our trained engineers have excessive knowledge base, which allows us to offer you a value for money service to keep you mobile. We will also provide advice about your scooter, including battery maintenance, which can be a frequent issue with many scooters. We can repair and service Scooters, Wheelchairs, Stairlifts and many other mobility products.

Our Engineers are also able to install, service and repair all Stairlifts. At Ableworld we stock both new and reconditioned stairlifts and also have a wide range of stairlifts that can be rented. Our Engineers will first do a FREE survey and assess which is the best lift to suit your individual needs, and then quote you a price. You are under no pressure or obligation to buy. If you decide to go ahead with the lift then our engineers will fit the lift at a convenient time and with little disturbance. Your lift will normally be fitted in less than half a day!

All of the work we provide is guaranteed and is done in a timely and professional manner. We understand that the independence gained is important for our customers, therefore we ensure all of our work is completed quickly and efficiently and to an excellent standard.

Our engineers are in-house and are fully trained and experienced. All of the staff at Ableworld carry ID badges to ensure security and comfort, as we know this is important to many of our customers. We are committed to supporting our customers throughout the journey of their Mobility aid usage, including aftersales, which is why we provide the Servicing and Repairs for the mobility aids we provide.

Our team of Staffordshire based Engineers will cover a large area across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, including Hanley, Stone, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Cheadle and Cannock.

To find your local Ableworld store please visit here, or for a free no obligation stairlift quotation, please free to give us a call on 0800 096 5440.

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Reducing the risk of Dementia

This entry was posted in General May 22, 2019

It is reported that around 50 million people around the world are living with Dementia, and with 10 million news cases reported each year, its growing at an alarming rate. Dementia can affect anyone and doesn’t discriminate against the elderly or the young and unfortunately there currently is no cure for Dementia.

Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases such as strokes, or Alzheimer’s disease. There are many different types of Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s which is thought to affect around 60% of people living with Dementia. There is also Frontotemporal Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Mixed Dementia and Young-onset Dementia. All Dementia types bring about different symptoms, including memory loss, anxiety, difficulty with numbers, and more.

With Dementia affecting so many people globally the World Health Organisation (WHO) have recently released a report detailing a number of lifestyle changes that is thought to help people reduce their risk of Dementia. It recommends regular exercise, not smoking, avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, keeping control your weight and maintaining a healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is also recommended that regular cognitive exercise can also help to reduce the risk of Dementia, such as learning a new skill, or testing your memory daily.  WHO suggested that in the next 30 years, the number of people with Dementia is set to triple, and so these lifestyle changes have been highlighted at an important time. The research and scientific evidence further confirm that “What is good for the heart, is good for the brain”, so looking after your body as a whole is crucial to doing everything to prevent getting Dementia.

The BBC has also recently aired a programme called ‘Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure’. Vicky is an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador after her grandmother lived with Dementia and continues to campaign to help those living with this awful disease. The heart-warming programme followed a 20 strong Choir, all of which live with different types of Dementia, showing how music can help. Watch the series online at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0004pyg

To view our range of products to help with Dementia, and any advice you might need, please visit our website or talk to our dementia friendly staff at any of our mobility stores. 

WHO Report is available to view at: https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/14-05-2019-adopting-a-healthy-lifestyle-helps-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia

For more information about Dementia, please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

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Visit our NEW Ableworld Christchurch store

This entry was posted in General May 21, 2019

We are really pleased that our New Ableworld Christchurch Mobility store is Now Open! Our new store was recently opened by Cllr Lesley Dedman, alongside Director Chris Brown and Store Manager Eddie Raileanu.

Ableworld Christchurch opens as the 35th Ableworld mobility store in the UK, bringing a great range of mobility products to customers on the South Coast and the surrounding areas.

The new mobility superstore is located on 54 Bridge Street, Christchurch, BH23 1EB – which is extremely close to the centre of Christchurch. There is ample parking at the store, including disabled spaces, to provide ease of access. 

In store we have a brilliant range of products, with ranges from Eating & drinking aids to Walking Sticks, we have smaller items such as Pill dispensers and wide fitting slippers, to larger items such as Road Scooters, Adjustable beds, and Stairlifts. All our products are available to view in store, in our product catalogue, or on our Ableworld website, and our friendly team can offer full assessments and guidance in store, or give you free impartial advice. We want to ensure that all of our customers are getting the right product for their needs, not just the most expensive mobility aid.

Our Christchurch team are managed by Chris and Eddie, who both have extensive knowledge and experience in the healthcare industry. All of our staff are fully trained and DBS checked for added peace of mind, and are also Which? Trusted Trader endorsed for our servicing and engineering work.

As well as supplying mobility products, we are also very proud of our extensive, highly skilled Stairlift and Engineering Department. Without a doubt it is one of the best in the UK`s Mobility Industry. Regular servicing of your equipment is essential to ensure prolonged life of your product. We can offer professional and efficient servicing and repairs for our customers, at reasonable rates.We are dedicated to supporting customers every step of the way at Ableworld, including aftersales, which is why we employ in-house engineers to ensure we can repair and service the mobility aids we provide.

At Ableworld Christchurch Stairlifts we provide a wide range of mobility aids including stairlifts to help you live independently in your own home. We have a range of stairlifts including; straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts, outdoor stair lifts as well as reconditioned stairlifts and rental stairlift options.

We also have demonstration models in our Christchurch store so you can try them out to see if it suits your needs. If you would like more information about stairlifts we can arrange for one of our fully trained engineers can come out to your home to check what type of staircase you have, and they will discuss the options with you and your family. Our Stairlift engineers cover Christchurch and the surrounding areas, we cover a 30 mile radius of our stores. For more information or to speak to one of our team call us on Freephone 0800 470 1567.

We look forward to seeing you in our new Christchurch store soon!

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Dementia Friendly Products

This entry was posted in General May 16, 2019

Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops Dementia. This means almost all of us knows someone affected by dementia – a family member, customer or member of staff, – and it doesn’t just affect old people. At Ableworld we are proud to support Alzheimer’s Society and be part of the Dementia Friends initiative. Many of our staff members are ‘Dementia Friends’ and therefore we understand the everyday difficulties and how they can be addressed.

In our Ableworld stores all of our products are designed to help with the ease of general mobility overall, however we are proud to sell products that are specifically Dementia Friendly. Along with our staff’s Dementia Friends knowledge, we love showing these products to our customers. Examples of the Dementia Friendly products that are available online and in our stores are:

Red Grab Rail

Our Red Grab Rail is designed for maximum visibility, as its high contrast colour makes it very noticeable when affixed to a bathroom wall. As a result, the rail becomes much more recognisable for someone living with Dementia or a visual impairment. As a further safety feature the rail has a non-slip texture, and has a ribbed surface for easy grip and to prevent falls.

Day/Date Wall Clock

At Ableworld our Day/date Wall Clock is a very convenient time source that features large clear numbers and distinct hands, making it easy to read from anywhere in the room. It also features an uncluttered digital display which shows the Day, Date and Month in UK format. When living with Dementia some people may experience difficulty in telling the time, therefore the large hands and digital display can make a much clearer reading aid. The clock is available in two colours; a clear background and a high-contrast yellow background.

3 Key Turner

Our 3 Key Turner is a great household accessory that makes operating locks much easier, and is ideal for people with weak joints. It is designed to fit 3 keys onto a moulded plastic turner that gives a larger grip and stronger leverage to turn in the lock. The large curved handle fits in the palm of the users hand for a full grip, and when the keys are not in use they fold into the handle. This turner is ideal for people living with Dementia that may have a poor grip, or weakened joints.

Cutlery Utensil Set

Our Cutlery Utensil Set features a soft cushion grip and is ideal for those who have restricted or limited hand movement, which can effect some people living with Dementia. This cutlery set features soft cushion grips and extra wide handles for comfort, as well as a utensil strap that helps secure it to the hand of the user, which can lead to improved independence when feeding. The knife is a rocker knife, which means it has a rounded blade that utilises a rocking motion for easy cutting. As well as being suitable for some people living with Dementia, this set is also ideal for those who suffer from MS and Arthritis. 

Home Safety Alert

The Home Safety Alert is a handy security aid for live-in carers or for those who have family members living at home. With a 60 metre range the wireless paging system is a great way of knowing when someone needs assistance or help in doing something. The large call button on the pendant activates the main alarm unit with a distinct alarm tone, so the carer can know who is calling. This device is ideal for individuals living with Dementia as it gives a sense of security for both the user and the carer.

Drinking Cup

Our Drinking Cup is suited to those with tremors, shakes and a weak grip, which can be traits of some people who are living with Dementia. The cup features a lid with a long spout, which is easy to direct towards the mouth, and reduces spillages further. The cup is available in various bright colours so that it is easily recognisable to the user. It is also made of plastic so it will not shatter if dropped, meaning no danger and no spillages.  

We have a great range of Dementia friendly products at Ableworld, as well as numerous ranges of general mobility products. To try out our Dementia friendly products please visit your local Ableworld store, where one of our Dementia friendly staff members will be happy to help. Also feel free to shop the products online on our website for home delivery.

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Mental Health & Well-being

This entry was posted in General May 15, 2019

Feeling healthy and well is not just about feeling physically fit, it is also important that you feel good mentally too. Often many of us have such active and busy lives, that sometimes we don’t take the time to look after our own mental wellbeing.

There is no need to feel embarrassed about struggling with your feelings. There are several things you can do to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as steps you can take if you think you need some help. Take a read of our useful points on how to look after your health, and how to support others that are struggling.

Talking about problems or fears

Often talking to somebody can make you feel a lot better about your feelings. The saying ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is often true. Talking about a problem or sharing your feelings with someone else often takes a weight off your shoulders, and can make it feel less daunting or troubling.

Address how you feel

Talking to somebody can come with different levels of detail. You don’t have to lay out all of your feelings, just briefly talking to somebody is a positive step in taking charge of your mental wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and let your emotions take over.

Who to talk to?

Approaching the person that you want to talk to is frequently the hardest part of sharing your feelings. Depending on what you want to talk about, you could try talking to:

• A family member or friend
• A specialist in the subject , such as a doctor if you require medical advice, or a financial advisor if you are having money troubles
• Somebody with confidentiality- like a counsellor or a therapist

Be the Listener

Remember that talking to someone is a two way street. When in conversation you should try to listen and take on board suggestions, and to also make suggestions yourself. Sometimes listening to other people’s worries makes yours feel less extreme. Or talking to someone who is going through the same feelings can help to alleviate worries, as you are not alone in feeling that way.

Keep Active

Exercise is a great way of keeping both your brain and other vital organs healthy. It also has a great impact on your physical health too. Regular exercise can help to give a great sense of well-being, as well as feeling more energetic throughout the day and being more positive and alert too. Exercise can also aid more relaxed sleeping at night, as well having a sharper memory and attention span.

Keeping active doesn’t just mean going to the gym, going for a walk or doing some gardening are also ways of keeping active. Doing at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week is the recommended amount. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel healthier.

Eat Well

Your everyday diet has a long-lasting effect on your mental health, and also immediate effects on your body. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like other organs in your body. Drinking high-caffeine or sugary drinks are sources that will keep you awake during the night, and could lead to a restless sleep. A healthy balanced diet includes sources of each nutrient, including:

• A good variety of fruit and vegetables
• Oats, nuts and seeds
• Some dairy or dairy alternatives
• Oily fish
• Drink plenty of fluids

Try to choose a variety of foods from the 5 main food groups to get a wide range of nutrients. Eating three varied meals a day, and drinking plenty of water can be a positive effect on your mental and physical health in the short and long term.

Take a Break

Many of us often live busy and hectic lives and therefore we forget, or don’t make the time to sit back and take a break. A few minutes break away from a busy or intense environment can de-stress you and mentally clear your head for a while. People may use their ‘Taking a break’ time in different ways, from sitting and listening to music, to doing yoga, to playing tennis. Just taking a minute to relax and take a deep breath will help.

It is also important to listen to your body daily- if you feel weak and tired then give yourself more time to sleep. A good night’s sleep can be crucial to how you feel in body and mind the next morning.

Accepting who you are

There are 66 million people living in the UK alone, and we are all different in our own ways. Some of us like to cook, some of us make people laugh, and others are great at maths. We are all totally different and accepting how unique you are as a person can be extremely healthy for your mind.

Be proud of who you are and what you have achieved in life. Accept that you are not perfect at everything, but recognise and focus on what you are great at, and more importantly what you enjoy doing.

Accepting who you are as a person is a great way of boosting your self-esteem and confidence, to take onto new skills and to visit new places. Good self-esteem also helps in meeting and talking to new people comfortably.

Know what you would like to change about yourself, and appreciate how you can use your great attributes to succeed in life. If a friend or family member of yours is struggling, let them know their great qualities too, and what you love about them so much.

Knowing the uniqueness of ourselves is a big step in positive mental health and wellbeing.

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Why Tai Chi for Arthritis? 

This entry was posted in General May 3, 2019

Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that can help improve balance and prevent falls. It consists of making slow, graceful movements while breathing deeply.

Studies have found that Tai Chi also improves leg strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, the immune system, and the ability to concentrate. It is believed that Tai Chi was devised by a Taoist teacher who lived during the 13th Century and that it may have started originally as a form of self-defence or martial art. It is now practiced by millions around the world.

Although the activity levels are slow-moving and gentle, Tai Chi can be considered an aerobic exercise and is said to have benefits similar to taking a fast walk.

Because Tai Chi is a low impact exercise, it should be safe for all ages and all levels of fitness and studies have shown that it may well help to reduce falls in older adults by up to 45%.

Other benefits are thought to be a lower anxiety, stress, and depression, higher energy levels, better balance and flexibility, muscle strengthening and lower blood pressure.

There is some evidence that Tai Chi can improve mobility in the ankles, hips and knees in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is still not known if it can reduce pain or improve the quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis. The essential principles are all about the integration of mind and body integration with controlled breathing and mental concentration. The life force is known as the qi, which is pronounced ‘chee’ and the aim is to get that to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body.

The largest study of Tai Chi for Arthritis, was from the University of North Carolina and it showed significant health benefits for people with all types of arthritis.

In the study, 354 participants were split into two groups. The Tai Chi group received 8 weeks of lessons, while the other group was a control group waiting for Tai Chi classes. It was found that there was significant pain relief, less stiffness and better ability to manage daily living. The participants felt better about their overall wellness, as well as experiencing improved balance.

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