Category: New Arrivals

Preventing Falls in and out of The Home This Autumn

Where has this year gone?

As we head into Autumn, we also head into a “new normal”.  Masks in shopping arcades, social distancing on public transport and queueing to get into supermarkets.

Although none of us know what the future holds, however, one thing has always remained constant.  The changing of the seasons.

With leaves turning golden-brown, the air beginning to get crisper and the nights starting to draw in Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year.  However, it does have its dangers.  We’re all prone to slipping over once in a while, but during Autumn those wet leaves can jump up out of nowhere!  But what should you do if you do fall?

The NHS recommend it’s important to keep calm.  Equally, if you feel that you’re able to get up, you shouldn’t do so too quickly.  Roll on to your hands and knees and look for something stable to hold on to.  When you feel ready, slowly get up.

If you’re unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention to help you up.  Once you’re stable, put something warming over yourself, but particularly your legs and feet.  If you’ve been out and about, once you get home, stay as comfortable as possible and try to change your position at least once every half an hour or so.

 

Preventing falls in the home

It’s not just outside where we slip and trip on wet leaves, tree roots and uneven pavements.  Although most falls don’t cause a serious injury, according to the NHS around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have a fall at least once a year.

But what can you do to help prevent having a fall?

A number of simple measures can be employed around the home to prevent falls.

• Using non-slip mats in the bathroom
• Preventing wet and slippery floors by mopping up spills
• Making sure your hallways, staircases and any passages are well lit so you can see where you’re going
• Keeping the home tidy and free of clutter which may cause you to trip
• Getting help moving or lifting items which could be awkward to move or heavy

You could go for an eye test even if you already wear glasses – just to make sure your eyesight is up to date. Age UK have a number of tips for making your home safer so you won’t have to worry about tripping up.  You can read about those here.

It’s particularly important to keep alert for any potential trip or slip hazards in wet or cold weather.  However, if you want to be able to get out and enjoy the beauty of the season whilst still feeling stable and secure, you might consider renting a mobility scooter until the weather gets a little better.

 

Mobility scooters are an ideal way of exploring the great outdoors.  Many are able to be dismantled and easily stored, whilst others can transport you at speeds of up to 8mph.

If you’d rather take things at a slower pace, you might consider hiring a walking aid.  These aids, such as a rollator or a walker wheelchair, allow you to lean on the handlebars whilst pushing them, giving you increased stability.

Some, such as the walker wheelchair, also have a seat built in so you can stop and have a breather if you get tired of walking.

Whatever you get up to this autumn, we hope you stay safe and secure whether you’re out admiring the changing of the leaves or wrapped up with a cuppa in front of the fire!

Have Disabled People Been Overlooked During Lockdown?

Have you felt like you’ve been left out during the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown? The impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 – legislation brought in at the beginning of the lockdown – has taken away significant parts of local authorities’ duties of care for disabled people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In many cases councils no longer have an obligation to provide certain services to people with disabilities as laid out in the Care Act 2014.

We’re sure that more than a few people have felt that the last few months have been a difficult time.  If you feel you’d like some extra support, why not have a look on social media such as Facebook or Twitter,  for a local community hub such as this one set up by East Sussex Council.  These community hubs provide a friendly contact point for anyone who needs a bit of help and support in coping with the effects of coronavirus, for people who are worried, alone or can’t get food or other essentials and don’t have someone to turn to.

What can you do to make things easier?

 

If you feel you may be at more risk when using mobility equipment with the effects of contamination and have become worried about going out shopping, perhaps consider making up a handy pack to take out with you. A simple pack containing facemasks, some hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes or other PPE equipment can help to protect yourself

 

Alternatively, supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s have launched a Volunteer Shopping Card, which allows you to nominate someone to do your shopping for you.  Many of the larger supermarkets are still prioritising delivery slots for vulnerable, elderly and less able people, so it’s worth checking to see if there’s one near you doing the same.

 

You may have experienced support cuts or changes to provisions that had been previously made for you.  If this is the case and you’re aware that you aren’t getting the day to day help you need, and you’ve not been advised to self-isolate or shield, speak to someone you trust and see if they’re able to help you out with day-to-day tasks.

 

If you find you’re starting to get lonely, try ringing a friend or neighbour for a chat.  You could take a look at our blog from the beginning of the year about technology and the ways in which it can help elderly or less-able people around the home.

 

As well as our physical health, of course, we should also take care to look after our mental health.  Loneliness and worry are just as much a part of our mental health as stress, anxiety and depression and it’s not uncommon to be feeling concerned about one or all of these.  The NHS have provided a list of mental health charities who can provide advice and support if you need it.  You can find that here.

 

We hope that the information on this page might be of use to you or someone you know.  Please continue to stay safe and look after each other.

Holiday Advice During the Pandemic

The last few months have, for many, been some of the most difficult.  As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease some people may begin to consider travelling, be that at home or abroad.

Government Guidelines

If you’re deciding to travel this summer after the easing of lockdown restrictions, the government have provided guidelines for the safest way to do so.  Some of these are listed below:

• You should not travel if you are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or have in the last seven days.
• Before you fly you should check what the guidelines are in your destination and if you might need to quarantine upon your return to the UK.
• Where possible, check in online in order to avoid face to face contact at the airport. Try to minimise hand baggage and check bags into the hold to minimise the risk of transmission.
• Once you’re in the airport, wear a face covering and avoid touching any surfaces. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after you’ve used a self-service check in, luggage trolley or other frequently touched surfaces.
• Follow social distancing measures and pay by contactless card in shops around the airport.
• During your flight you must wear a face covering, remain seated as much as possible and make the cabin crew aware if you become ill.

A full list of guidelines for safe air travel during the current pandemic are available from the gov.uk website here.  We would recommend checking these before you travel.

Helping You Make The Most of Your Holiday 

Wherever you go this summer, we’re sure you’ll want to make the most of your holiday.  Whether you’re going for a city escape or a long weekend in the countryside, you’ll want to make the most of your break before the nights start drawing in again.  A mobility aid such as the Horizon Gadabout Powerchair or mobility scooters such as the Excel Yoga the Pride Quest are foldable and easily transportable.  Mobility aids like these could make your holiday that little bit easier.

 

 

Thinking of a Stay-cation?

You may be thinking of staying closer to home, however.  Motability have complied a list of the most wheelchair and scooter friendly towns and cities in the UK.  Exeter comes top of the list, with extensive facilities including centrally located parking bays.  The flat centre of the city is easily navigated in a wheelchair, powerchair or scooter.  Harrogate, St Albans and Cheshire also make the list, which can be read here.

 

 

 

Whatever you do decide to do this summer, make sure you are staying safe and remember to take a face covering with you if you’re entering shops or travelling on public transport.

Fight infection in your sleep

How a decent slumber can help more than your mood

We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Without it we feel tired, irritable, and can find it hard to focus. Lose sleep over a long period and it can even affect you physically, by making you prone to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

 

But do you know that sleep also boosts immunity? It’s a fact. So, in these uncertain times, a good kip is not only important, it’s vital. Fight infection in your sleep.

 

We go through two stages of sleep during the night. Rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM). Doctors are undecided on what the purpose of REM is, some believe it helps to discard unwanted information, a kind of spring-clean of the brain, others think it’s a way to practise dealing with things we may not encounter in our daily lives. They are in agreement however that REM, the dream stage of sleep, is less important than the second stage of slumber, NREM.

 

NREM makes up the majority of our night and is where we sleep the deepest. The levels of this deep sleep decrease as we age, which is why older people may find they are disturbed more easily and wake more often during the night. But it’s during these periods, throughout your life, that the body is at its busiest. It’s healing muscles that you worked during the day, digesting your meals, and generally repairing any damaged cells. It’s also making and releasing cytokines – a type of protein that targets inflammation and infection. So getting enough sleep can actually help you fight any nasty infectious diseases you may encounter.

 

If you struggle to get to sleep, or to stay asleep for the whole night, it may be worth taking a look at your bedtime routines and your sleeping environment. Follow our tips for a better night’s sleep and your daytime mood and health can improve.

 

• Bedtimes are not just for kids – set daily bedtime and waking times and stick to them
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals two to three hours before bed
• Wind down: a warm bath, an hour reading, or a relaxation cd can help the body prepare for bed
• Invest in a quality bed – contact us at Mobility Hire to discuss your individual needs
• Replace old pillows and mattresses regularly. Ensure they support you properly, particularly if you suffer from arthritis or muscle pain. Our range of pressure-relief products are ideal
• And remember if all else fails, top-up with a short (less than 30 minute) nap in the morning or early afternoon
• But avoid spending hours dozing in front of the TV

 

 

Above all, as we spend more and more time at home during the lockdown, try to distinguish between day and night by staying active during waking hours, whether it’s working your brain or body. It may be hard to keep busy at the moment, but your body will thank you if you do.

Don’t Fall Victim To Scamming

Scamming both online and on the phone is on the increase. Today’s scammers are highly sophisticated and technically proficient. It’s much harder to spot a fraud online and on the phone, so more and more people are at risk of falling victim to this crime.

Scamming can happen to anyone, it’s important not to feel embarrassed and to contact someone immediately if you feel you may have been caught out.

During the current Coronavirus situation older persons are at a greater risk of fraud due to isolation, and are especially vulnerable to “fishing”. This where the scammer pretends to be your bank, building society, credit card company or even the police over the phone.

Those living alone can be particularly susceptible to scamming, especially if they suffer from a condition such as dementia.

 

Below are some tips from Independent Age:

How to spot a scam

Some scams are very clever and they can be hard to spot. Things to look out for include:

• Offers that come out of the blue.
• Requests to share your bank account details or verify a password or PIN.
• Prizes that ask you to send money upfront to claim your winnings.
• Time-limited offers that ask you to act quickly.
• Companies with vague contact details, such as a PO Box or mobile number, or a premium rate number usually beginning 090.
• Confidential offers that you are told not to tell family or friends about.

As a general rule, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

How to protect yourself

Scammers are clever, ruthless and will do anything to get hold of your personal details. Be very careful about who you share your personal details with.

Never send money to someone you don’t know or trust. And remember – your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN or password or ask you to transfer funds.  Scamming comes in a variety of ways and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Online

• Install anti-virus and firewall software and make sure you keep it up to date.
• Don’t click on links or attachments in an unsolicited email, even to unsubscribe.  Go to the organisation’s own website.
• Don’t reply to scam emails – even to say no: this lets the scammer know the account is active.
• Don’t do any financial transactions such as online banking or shopping over public wifi.
• There is more advice on our staying safe online page.

On social media

• Check your privacy settings regularly to make sure they’re up to date.
• If you receive a message from someone you know asking for money, double-check with that person through another medium, such as by calling them.
• Don’t share personal information, or information that could help a criminal, such as when you’re on holiday and your home will be empty.
• Don’t fill out fun quizzes – they’re often a way to discover personal information about you that can be used to crack your passwords and memorable information.
• If you’re not sure whether an account is genuine, contact that person through another medium to check.

On the phone

• Be wary of cold callers. Hang up if you think they could be a scammer.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service. This is a free service that enables you to opt-out of marketing calls. If a cold-caller contacts you and asks you to pay to register, this is a scam.
• Ask for the name of the person who is calling you and who they represent. Check the information by calling the company’s head office.
• Wait for at least 20 minutes before you call an organisation or company that has called you unexpectedly or use a different phone line in case the caller has kept the line open.

Post

• Make sure that you destroy or shred any receipts or post with your credit card or personal details on.
• You can register with the Mailing Preference Service to stop direct marketing mail addressed to you. You could also consider registering with the Fundraising Preference Service if you’re receiving unwanted communications from charities. You can choose to stop post, email, telephone, and/or text messages from a selected charity or charities.
• Put a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your door.

If you are concerned about someone who may be vulnerable to financial abuse you can contact your local council’s adult social care service or safeguarding team. You will find their contact details at gov.uk/find-your-local-council.

---

Last week we were incredibly honoured to have been awarded Sunrise Medical’s “Powered Wheelchair Dealer of the Year 2020”.

This award recognises our staffs hard work and dedication for expertise and outstanding knowledge within this high-end prescription area of the mobility industry. We continually strive to provide superior customer service for all our Sunrise Quickie powered wheelchair customers.

Peter Billcliffe, our Senior Rehab Seating & Control System Specialist picked up the award at the exciting launch of Sunrise’s new Quickie Q300 M Mini Powerchair. Peter says;

“Picking up this award is a real boost for the whole team who have worked incredibly hard this past year. Continually expanding our product range and keeping our product knowledge up to date is of huge importance to us. We’re extremely grateful for the recognition of our efforts.”

Sunrise’s new Q300 M Mini is a welcomed addition to their range and offers exciting new features. We connect more when we’re on the same level. That’s why the new Q300M Mini comes with a 30cm lift, so users can see eye to eye with who they’re talking to. Available with powered 30⁰ tilt, 30cm lift, 30⁰ recline & articulating leg rests the Q300 M Mini has it all

We have a fantastic and long-standing partnership with Sunrise Medical, including being one of their select number of “Elite Dealers”. We are able to offer the complete range of their prescriptive powerchairs as well as offering manual wheelchairs through to mobility scooters. We very much look forward to continuing to reinforce and support this and our other brand partnerships further over this exciting coming year.

For more information on or to try any of Sunrise Medicals products give us a call now on 0800 111 6234 or send us a message and we would be happy to help you.

Coronavirus: Our Commitment

Last Updated 3rd November 2020

Open and Delivering During Lockdown

Following the Government’s most recent announcement , we would like to remind our customers and clients that we are continuing to provide contactless delivery nationwide. Our services have not been affected by the announcement of a new national lockdown – we will continue to provide the service you expect and deserve.

All of our drivers are clothed in full PPE and our delivery vans are thoroughly cleaned before each delivery, as is our equipment.  Contactless delivery also means that you won’t have to come into contact with our drivers or engineers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 08001116234 or [email protected].

You Can Still Order Online or Over The Phone Or Visit Us In-Store

You’re still able to order as normal and delivery times (including same day, next day and weekend deliveries) are as normal.  You can still view our products in our showroom – as an essential retailer we’re still open – however please book an appointment first so that we can ensure your safety through social distancing measures.

Rest assured that our staff will be wearing face coverings and a plentiful supply of hand sanitizer is available.  There is also more than enough space in our showroom to follow social distancing guidelines.

We look forward to seeing you soon, either in our showroom or when delivering your equipment.  For further information on the lockdown see the government advice here.

---

Last updated 13th October 2020 

Following the Government’s announcement on 12th October, we would like to reassure all of our customers that we will continue to provide deliveries regardless of your area’s level of risk.

You can continue to order from us as normal and rest assured that all of our drivers will arrive in full PPE and adhere to social distancing guidelines.  Further information about the latest guidance can be found on the gov.uk website.

---

Last updated 1st May 2020

As we adjust to this new way of life we are continually adapting and altering our procedures to ensure we are providing a safe and high level of customer service for everyone.

We are pleased to report that the bulk of our NHS orders for hospital beds, have now been delivered in to various sites across the country. Plus, we are ready to help and have extra hospital beds available should more be required in the upcoming weeks and months.

Our delivery teams are still out across the country delivering and setting up equipment, not only for various healthcare providers but also for those who need it in the community. This service is allowing people to return or remain at home in a safe and comfortable environment.

Our drivers have everything they need, including appropriate PPE, on their vans to allow them to complete your delivery or collection. All we need from our customers is for you to let us know where you would like your equipment putting, and then to stay safely out of the way to allow us to set it all up for you.

Even though our fantastic team may not all be physically together right now, with some working from home, we are still very much here to support and to serve our customers all over the country.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on 0800 111 6234 to find out how we can help you during these unprecedented times.

---

Last updated 26^th March 2020

Mobility Hire will continue to operate at full strength following the governments announcement and change in guidelines earlier this week. We are providing essential and much needed medical equipment for anyone requiring it, including urgent week day and weekend deliveries.

We are working incredibly hard with various Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to get medical equipment in to the places it is needed most, including hospitals, care facilities and hospices to help combat the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also supplying in to the community where people are being discharged from hospitals, so they can continue their recovery in a safe environment at home.

Our stringent hygiene measures remain in place throughout the company to minimise the risk to both our staff and customers. We continue to closely monitor and follow all government guidelines both in the offices, in our warehouse and throughout our delivery network.

If you would like to speak to us about any of our processes or need to organise any medical equipment please do not hesitate to give our helpful team a call on 0800 111 6234.

---

Last updated 16^th March 2020

In light of the continuing Coronavirus pandemic we would like to reassure our customers that it is very much business as usual at Mobility Hire.

Our standard of cleanliness remains extremely high both in the preparation and return of all our hire equipment, but also by all our staff members in the offices, warehouse and out in our delivery vans.

As a business Mobility Hire is closely monitoring the ever-changing situation with COVID-19 and we will continue to follow the most up to date information from World Health Organisation (WHO), Public Health England and government guidance on the virus.

As well as reinforcing good hygiene practises throughout the company we have also put the following measures in to place:

• In order to protect our staff and customers we will no longer be handing over our hand-held devices to capture customers signatures. Instead we will be logging the person’s name who is accepting the delivery or collection and signing on their behalf.
• All delivery / collection drivers have been provided with complete personal protection equipment to use for the delivery and collection of all hire equipment. They will also, where possible, be avoiding direct or close contact with customers (closer than 2 meters).
• We have asked all members of staff, particularly our field-based staff, to immediately report any symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include, but are not limited to a high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough. Where appropriate staff will then be sent home.
• Hand sanitising facilities are in prominent places around the work place with clear instructions on effective hand cleansing techniques.

During these rapidly changing times we will continue to monitor the situation and will keep in line with any changes in the government’s advice.

If you are unsure about any of our practises or would like more information please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0800 111 6234 and we will be more than happy to talk you through these.

---

Last updated 5th March 2020

Here at Mobility Hire the safety of our customers and staff is of paramount importance to us. We are closely monitoring and following advice and guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), NHS, Public Health England (PHE) and Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) on the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We have put in place additional proportionate and precautionary measures for the supply, preparation and collection of all our hire equipment. All our equipment undergoes a rigorous and high level of decontamination before leaving and when arriving back in our warehouse. Staff are well equipped with personal protection equipment and correct cleaning procedures to follow. Plus, the use of non-permeable packaging during transportation is in place to help eliminate the risk of any airborne contamination.

What can you do to help?

The NHS’s advice is to:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

We remain committed to providing the superior service and support our customers have come to expect from us. We will continue to carefully monitor the situation to protect our customers and staff at all times.

If you would like any more information about any of this please do not hesitate to get in contact with us and we would be happy to talk this through with you.