The word equipment covers a lot! When talking about specialist mobility equipment it can cover anything from manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs to mobility scooters, as well as lifts, car hoists, bath hoists and handling equipment, seating and positioning aids, powerchairs and much more.
Over the years each piece of equipment has been specially designed by engineers, with the support of disabled people, to significantly improve quality of life, giving a renewed sense of independence and accessibility, and giving a welcome boost to general wellbeing.
In today’s market, there is a growing assortment of specialist mobility equipment available to choose from. Here at My Mobility Guide, we understand the importance all this equipment can make to you, and with such a large array of mobility tackle available, each with a perplexing variety of different features, advantages and disadvantages, not to mention the costs, it can be extremely difficult to find the correct equipment to match your personal needs.
Bathrooms
There is no denying the simple but powerful pleasure of slipping into a steaming hot bath, drizzling that luxurious oil in the water and reclining, inhaling the delightful aromas and easing those tired, aching limbs, letting your cares slip away like clouds over a mountain on a windy day. Or perhaps you prefer the invigorating, life affirming sensations a hot or cold shower can bring. Whichever is your preference, the pleasure can turn so quickly to pain if you slip when getting in or out of your bath or shower. Thankfully there are some amazing products supplied by Companion Bathing that are specially designed to help you bathe and shower, safe in the knowledge that the risks have been considerably reduced at a very reasonable price.
Easy Access Showers
Companion Bathing offer a stunning range of easy access showers that offer style, comfort and safety without ever compromising on any of these essential characteristics. You will be sure to find the right easy access shower for your bathroom and with the help of one of our specialist surveyors you will be able to get the right advice to ensure you end up with the right shower for your particular needs. You will find that contrary to popular perception there is no need for an easy access shower and a touch of luxury not to come together.
Wet Rooms
Wet rooms can offer people with mobility issues the ultimate solution to bathing and can restore a massive portion of one’s intimacy and dignity in all manner of ways. For people looking for wheelchair access or those in need of showering solutions that do not include a step-in tray, wet rooms will be the perfect choice. With a completely level access showering area and a wide range of screen and door finishes, you can future proof your bathroom without having to compromise on style or space. Wet rooms will often future proof your bathroom and as you will find out with Companion Bathing they can look incredibly sleek and stylish at the same time.
Car Hoists
Many disabilities leave people restricted to where they can go and when. A very disheartening situation to be in, not to mention frustrating. Thankfully, every day new equipment and developments are being made to get you more active and give you the freedom you deserve.
Car hoists for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
One particular product that can make a huge difference is the car hoist. Getting in and out of the car can be the most frustrating part of any journey if you are less abled but thanks to these it makes day-to-day journeys more bearable. To view our previously written article on hoists that aid manoeuvring from your wheelchair to the car (and back).
If you use a mobility scooter, getting this in and out of the car can be a separate challenge. Advancements in engineering and design mean hoists are now capable of lifting all types of mobility equipment, even these cumbersome scooters.
Mobility Scooters
A little-known fact is that the origins of the mobility scooter date back to 1968, when the first power-operated scooter was developed by Michigan-based plumber Allan R. Thieme. Aptly named ‘The Amigo’ or the ‘friendly wheelchair’, the scooter was designed to aid a family member with multiple sclerosis and travelled at a steady 3-4 miles per hour.
- Compact Mobility Scooters
Also known as travel mobility scooters these are the ones that make travelling on public transport easier. They are often easy to disassemble or are foldable.
- Mid-size Mobility Scooters
Designed for use both indoors and outdoors. The larger wheel size makes them suitable for use outdoors, but their manoeuvrability also allows them to be used indoors in stores, shopping centres and restaurants.
- Full-size Mobility Scooters
A larger version of the mid-size mobility scooter, these are also more powerful.
- All-Terrain Mobility Scooters/Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
Not exactly a 4×4 but great if you have to navigate unpaved areas and rugged environments.
My Mobility Guide – Mobility Shop Sheffield