| Are you elderly and often have trouble getting out and | | | | You can also get ones with a fixed frame that you |
| about due to mobility problem and fear of having a | | | | can sit on if you need a rest. The Sholley is the market |
| fall? Due to this you can often avoid leaving the house, | | | | leader in this field with one of the safest designs to |
| and rely on other to perform simply tasks such as | | | | walk with and smooth running wheels, plus they look |
| going to the shops making you feel like you have lost | | | | stunning. |
| your sense of dignity and independence. However with | | | | Wheelchairs |
| so many mobility products on the market that have | | | | There are two main types of wheelchair: Transit (small |
| improved and evolved over the years there really is | | | | wheels on the back) and Self-propelled (big wheels on |
| no need for you to feel like this or to stay cooped up | | | | the back). Both these types come in steel or aluminium |
| in the house any longer for fear of falling. | | | | (lightweight). What to look for? Tyres - Solid (puncture |
| Below is some simply products that can really change | | | | proof) or pneumatic (need to be pumped up). Comfort |
| your life and improve your mobility as well as your | | | | - It is essential for the person sitting in the chair to try it |
| confidence. | | | | and be comfortable. I would recommend a wheelchair |
| Walking Sticks | | | | cushion if it is being used for more than a few hours. |
| There are now a wide variety of different types of | | | | Make sure the footplates are at the correct height so |
| walking sticks available from light weight folding sticks | | | | that you are sitting level. Weight - Most chairs have a |
| to orthopaedic ones with moulded handles. | | | | weight limit of between 16 and 18stone, and come in |
| The most important thing to look out for is the correct | | | | different widths, make sure the user has the correct |
| height. Your local mobility store should be able to | | | | size. Larger ones are available going up to 25 stone |
| measure you and adjust your stick accordingly. As a | | | | plus. Prices tend to start from around £130 for a |
| guide the walking stick user should stand upright with | | | | basic model and be very wary of anything much |
| their arms by their side. The walking stick should come | | | | cheaper. "It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to |
| level with the bump at the bottom of the wrist bone, | | | | pay too little!" |
| too high and you may not have the correct support | | | | Scooters |
| and too low could cause you to stoop. An incorrectly | | | | For people that are house bound a scooter is an |
| sized stick can cause more problems. | | | | essential tool to regain their freedom. There are three |
| Walkers | | | | categories. |
| The wheeled walker was a British invention by a | | | | 1. Fold up, car boot scooters. |
| company called Uniscan and has become very | | | | 2. Midsized "go from home" |
| popular. There are two main types : The 3 wheel or 4 | | | | 3. Large "go from home". |
| wheel walker (comes with a seat). What to look out | | | | You should consider the following to help you choose |
| for? They can come in either steel or aluminium with | | | | the correct type. How far will you be likely to travel |
| the aluminium being much lighter to transport. They | | | | each day? How much do you weigh? Will you want to |
| come with brakes on the handles, are foldable, have a | | | | use it in the town or the countryside or both? Do you |
| basket for shopping and are ideally suited for walking | | | | need to be able to put it in the car easily? Does it need |
| about town. Please check the wheel size as the | | | | to fit through a certain sized door or gap? |
| smaller ones are designed for level flat surfaces and | | | | These are just some of the considerations, but |
| the bigger ones can cope with slightly rougher terrain. | | | | naturally each individual may have other requirements. |
| Uniscan are the top of the range but you can get | | | | Your local BHTA registered mobility dealer should be |
| cheaper imports. | | | | able to advise. The BHTA also issue a Highway Code |
| If you are getting in and out of cars, buses or trains | | | | for Scooter users explaining what the law is when |
| please consider the weight and if using a frame | | | | using them. It is essential to try these before you buy |
| consider the fold up one which can fit in the back of a | | | | to make sure you get the correct type for your needs |
| two door car and is easy to store. | | | | and get proper training on how to use them. |
| Shoppers | | | | There are many ways that you can improve your |
| No need to struggle up kerbs or steps as there is now | | | | daily life with a mobility aid, so start living to the full |
| a six wheel version available which has a clever | | | | today and regain your independence. |
| articulated design that glides up any step or staircase. | | | | |