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STRUGGLING with your high-
sided bath? Then why not think
about installing a bath lift, which
will make for more confident
bathing, without major alterations
to your bathroom.
A bath belt (left) consists of a
fabric band on a roller, which
retracts into a wall-fixed unit with
an integral grab bar.
The band pulls out and attaches
to a floor-mounted bracket. Abattery-powered motor then
slowly rotates the roller, letting
out the band further and lowering
you gently down.
The big advantage is that it
lowers you right to the bottom of
the bath, giving the freedom to lie
back and enjoy a relaxing soak.
And when the band is withdrawn
into the unit, the bath is clear of
equipment and can be used by
others in the household.Picture: ACORN STAIRLIFTSPicture: NATIONWIDE MOBILITYPower your way to more holidays
Nifty: A
lightweight
powerchair
can be easily
fitted in a car
boot or taken
abroad on a
plane, making
travel more
feasibleM
ANY people
would rather
stay in their own
home, even
when the stairs become
more challenging.
Moving can be expensive
— not to mention the
upheaval of adapting to
unfamiliar new surroundings,
neighbours and transport
networks. For this reason,
stairlifts have become very
popular in the UK, with one
of the highest levels of owner-
ship in the world.
Perhaps the best way to
approach buying a stairlift is
to see it as like buying a car.
In other words, it’s wise to
do your research and get the
right advice so that you find
a stairlift from a reputable
company that is right for you.
A guide will explain all the
factors you need to assess and
give you an idea of how much
you should expect to pay.
Most stairlift companies
offer free home surveys.
Buying without one can be
problematic, as stairlifts are
nearly always bespoke to an
individual home.
It’s important to make sure the
stairlift co-ordinates with your
decor, of course.
And, like a car, you’ll also be
looking for the latest advanced
design elements and a very
quiet motor.
A good guide will highlight
how important servicing
is and how to check what
support is available. Look for
a company that has a 24-hour
manned helpdesk and can
also offer inclusive warranties.STRUGGLING with your high-
id d b h? Th h hikbattery-powered motor then
ll h ll liSafer soak in one easy step
WITH summer in full swing, a
lightweight folding powerchair
or scooter could help you take
more holidays and day trips.
They can be used inside and
out, are quick to fold and can be
easily fitted inside a car boot.
It’s quite feasible to fly abroad
with one as they are foldable,
compact and sturdy, and come
with a lithium-ion battery that’s
suitable for air travel.
Tony Plant recently took his
powerchair on holiday to Walt
Disney World Florida, during an
America trip.
He says: ‘We had ten flights in
total and they all went smoothly,
and the batteries lasted fine
even on a long day at the
theme parks.’
Cruising is possible with a
folding powerchair or scooter,
meaning you can get from the
captain’s table to the theatrePIctures: MOBILITY AIDS
INFORMATION SERvICE
Considering a reconditioned
stairlift? Do bear in mind it
might be hard to source parts
later on for older models.
And when it comes to renting,
you might find it doesn’t cost
much more to buy, over the term
of use. All these issues are fully
explained in a stairlift guide,
which is essential reading for
those looking to give their life
a lift with a stairlift.ANY peopleStairlift? It’s like buying a car
Picture: SPRING CHICKEN
without strain. They also provide a
great way to get around the garden
or enjoy family walks. And many will
carry someone of up to 25 stone,
with a 27-mile range.
With blue skies beckoning us
outside, it’s worth asking a specialist
company to show you models to
try at home. The best companies
even offer an assessment by an
occupational therapist, to ensure you
find a scooter or powerchair that’s
right for you.(^) Daily Mail, Thursday, August 1, 2019