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Archive for November, 2009

Power chairs that power those with mobility disabilities into a new future

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Mobility aids have helped people suffering from mobility disabilities to get back their freedom. They have given such people a ray of hope. There are different types of mobility disability aids, such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs etc.

The use of wheelchairs and power chairs
Out of all these mobility and disability aids, the wheelchair and the power chair has been one of the most significant mobility aids. The wheelchair is also one of the oldest mobility aids out of all the others. Wheelchairs are used in hospitals to transport patients who have temporary or permanent leg damage or other problems that prevent them walking on their own.

Wheelchairs can be self powered or powered with the help of another person. These wheelchairs can be difficult to use at times and if you have to rely on assistance you can lose a feeling of independence. Power chairs on the other hand are battery operated wheelchairs. These power chairs are controlled with the help of a joystick. The power chair has to be recharged from time to time. It is very simple and easy to control a power chair.

Mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs – Which one to buy?

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

If you want to improve the indoor or outdoor mobility for a disabled person, then there are two good options available for you: mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs. Before choosing one, you need to consider few factors, such as speed, weight capacity, durability, control and manoeuvrability.

Mobility scooters vs. electric wheelchairs

Control methods – Scooters are available in two different types; rear wheel drive and front wheel drive. The control functions of mobility scooters are placed on the handlebars which are like a bike’s steering setup. Electric wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick and they can be moved in small and tight places, as they have tighter control methods.

Weight capacity – The weight capacity of rear wheel mobility scooters is from 250 lbs to 350lbs and heavy-duty scooters can carry up to 500 lbs. Wheelchairs can carry roughly the same weight, maybe a little bit less.

Transportability – In the case of durability and sturdiness, mobility scooters are tough, but they be dismantled, so the parts can be placed in the trunk. On the other hand, electric wheelchairs can be folded down easily, but tend to be heavier and larger.

Finally, on the basis of speed, mobility scooters are usually faster than electric wheelchairs. So, it is always recommended to go with scooters, if the user drives longer distances.

Make elderly people happy by buying them adjustable beds

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Growing old is a part of life for everyone. However, people begin to face more and more health issues as they age. Many elderly people spend more time resting, since they cannot move around as much. Hence, it is important to get them the right kind of bed to rest on.
You can now provide comfort and relaxation to the elderly by getting them innovative adjustable beds. These beds are a great option for people who are either bedridden or simply spend much of their time on a bed.

Why are adjustable beds best for elderly people?

  • Adjustable beds allow you to alter the position of the bed according to your needs. They have the ability to get reduce health issues like back pain, shoulder problems, circulation problems, arthritis, etc.
  • These beds are great for elderly people who are suffering from asthma or other breathing problems.
  • Adjustable beds are recommended by experts and doctors in case you suffer from degenerative spondylolistthesis, osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
  • To ensure a healthy life, all of us need to sleep properly, without any disturbance for 6 to 8 hours a day. Adjustable beds provide comfort which enable you to sleep comfortably.
  • Adjustable beds are suitable for any body posture. It can be adjusted according to the body type of the user. These beds need to be operated by a simple keypad.

There is no reason why elderly people should not use these adjustable beds. If you have your grandparents or other elderly people living in your home, you will be aware of their pain. Make them feel better by getting adjustable beds for them.

Congregation members to fund 17 new wheelchairs

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Disabled individuals have to face several obstacles in life. This is why any sort of help to benefit them in a positive way is always welcome. Such a selfless service has now been offered by Jen Howitt.

Jen Howitt, a Paralympian, motivated 22 members from St. George’s Church in Nailsworth to collect more than £2,200. This huge amount will be utilised to purchase 17 wheelchairs for disabled individuals, who cannot afford to buy the equipment for themselves. People living in poverty cannot afford to buy such disability living aids, so this unique scheme will help some of them to solve their mobility issues.

Ms. Howitt is an American wheelchair-bound basketball player, who won a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Howitt met the church officials and discussed an organisation called ‘Motivation.’ The organisation is based in Bristol and helps the less fortunate by providing wheelchairs in poverty-ridden countries. The wheelchairs are customised to meet the requirements of individual users.

The 22 members of the Parish were given £10 to start with as an initiative to motivate them to collect more funds. The members collected funds by arranging activities like film nights and dinner parties. They also undertook activities like selling cards, cakes and jewellery in Nailsworth. In the end, the fundraisers presented a substantial cheque for £2,296.26 to the organisation in order to purchase the wheelchairs.

Drive Mambo Power Chair

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

The Drive Medical Mambo Power chair is easy to operate and extremely responsive offering superb stability and control with all thanks to Drive’s design engineers incorporating the best in power chair technology, it has an extremely small turning circle, and is therefore suitable for both indoor and outdoor use..

The Mambo is fitted with tension adjustable twin shock absorbers to ensure a smooth ride no matter what the type of terrain is encountered the fully articulating front beam helps the power chair to climb slopes. It is fitted with a reclining, height adjustable admiral seat and headrest, making it very comfortable and supportive to sit in. The addition of a quick release height adjustable footplate helps you find the most suitable and most comfortable driving position.

The Drive Medical Mercury Mambo power chair has a maximum weight capacity of 21 stone / 134Kg and a maximum range of up to 22 miles, some of its additional features are:

• Rear wheel drive power chair
• Deep comfort, 3 position height adjustable, Admiral seat with reclining facility
• Height and width adjustable, removable deep comfort arm pads
• Parallel swing-away control bracket
• Tried and tested industry standard electronics
• Anti tip wheels
• Height adjustable, quick release footplate
• Articulating front beam enabling easy use over gradients
• Easy to remove batteries under body shroud
• Tension adjustable shock absorbers
• Available in Metallic Blue

Drive Energi Plus Electric Wheelchair has pulling power

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

The Drive Energi Plus Electric Wheelchair uses the latest technology to deliver a high end power wheelchair that is packed with comfort and user features. Constructed from eye pleasing oval tubing and finished in an electric blue with vivid artwork the Drive Energi Plus is not only stylish it is extremely comfortable with great stability and controlability. The Drive Energi Plus electric wheelchair also offers a quick release pull out battery tray for quick disassembly of the chair for easy storage or transportation.

Tips to get the perfect adjustable bed

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Adjustable beds have become a popular choice for sleeping furniture over the years. People suffering from back problems have greatly benefited from the comforts of adjustable beds hence, others too are opting for adjustable beds. These beds allow your body to lay comfortably relieving pain and stress.

If you plan to buy an adjustable bed, you have to be very careful while selecting the right one. There are a number of brands offering different types of adjustable beds. They are available in cheap, budget prices and also better quality, but higher prices.

Check the features

While selecting adjustable beds, think about the various parameters. It is essential to know completely about the features of adjustable beds to make your decision easy. Take your time to understand them. Check whether these beds give an option of movement and how they are operated.

Costs

If you do not plan to spend much on adjustable beds, you can always buy a cheaper bed to match your budget. You can search online for adjustable beds at lower costs. It is an economic option to keep check on the costs of adjustable beds. Remember to take into account the shipping costs, handling costs etc, before buying the beds. You can get all the required information on the price of adjustable beds by searching online.

Good adjustable beds with the desired features will last for a long time. The comfort and ease provided by these beds will relieve you off your stress and provide a great night’s sleep.

Independence Plus Travel Mobility Scooter

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

The Independence Plus travel scooter incorporates the innovative designs that you get on the standard Independence scooter with extra upgraded features. These include an upgraded luxury compact seat with reflective arm rest covers for extra safety, and to increase portability the Independence Plus can be dismantled in seconds to give 4 easy to manage lightweight sections that can be neatly stowed in the boot of most cars. So if you are looking for a portable micro scooter that offers superb manoeuvrability and convenience at an affordable price, then look no further than the Independence Plus portable micro scooter. With its 8 mile travel range it’s an ideal companion for days out.
Some of the Independence Plus Mobility Scooter Features:
• Portable Mobility Scooter suitable for car boot transportation
• Unbeatable Convenience & Value
• Simple To Take Apart for Transportation
• Excellent Levels Of Stability & Manoeuvrability
• Ergonomically Designed Controls
• Upgraded Luxury Compact Seat
• Solid Puncture Proof Tyres
• Choice Of Red, Blue Or Black

How a mobility scooter functions

Friday, November 27th, 2009

A mobility scooter is controlled more like a bicycle or a bike, even though it looks like a small car. They usually have a set of handlebars to steer, a seat and will generally respond the way a bike does. An adjustable tiller (the steering device) is used to guide the scooter. You can move the tiller to the height and distance you require for better comfort.

Controls of a mobility scooter:

  • The key is the main control of the mobility scooter. Just like in a car, it has to be switched on before the scooter operates.
  • The two levers shaped like spoons make the scooter move forwards and backwards. These are known as the accelerating and reversing levers. Reversing the scooter gives a beep to warn those around you.
  • The scooter also has speed controls. It lets you to select the speed you wish to drive at.
  • The pavement or road switch as it is called helps you limit the speed for safety. The speed limit on pavements should be around 4mph.
  • A scooter often features auto brakes. You do not have to use any control to stop the mobility scooter. As you stop pressing the accelerator, the brakes activate by themselves and bring the scooter to a gentle halt.
  • Lights are not necessary but during the nights it acts as a safety element. A flashing light is essential if you tour on the road, or a white light at the front and a red on the back is a must.
  • Every mobility scooter comes with a freewheel control to allow effortless rolling of the scooter when there is no power.

The above features of a mobility scooter will help you know their functions better. Mobility scooters with easy and simple controls as mentioned above, make your journey stress-free and safe.

Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people of all ages

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Electric wheelchairs are best for the mobility impaired like the elderly, as they are easier, comfortable and safer to travel with. The form factor of an electric wheelchair makes it more comfortable than the older manual wheelchairs. They are very easy to operate because of the power feature of them, so it is beneficial for elderly people who do not have any strength in their arms and back. With these wheelchairs, the immobile and elderly will be able to take control over their mobility.

Electric wheelchairs for everyone
Electric wheelchairs are not only for the elderly, but they are also for anyone whose physical conditions limit their mobility. For example, they are appropriate for younger people who have lost their ability to walk, stand and move freely.

They are also ideal for people who have had an accident and the injuries had affected their ability to walk. In such cases, it can be very difficult for the person to use a manual wheelchair. While the person is recovering from an accident, it can be very difficult to learn how to operate a manual wheelchair.

Whether it is for short term use or for the rest of your life, electric wheelchairs are the best option.