12 minute read
Eddie Peacock
from Autumn Q4 2021
by AbilityNeeds
Eddie
Ideally, her mum needs a stairlift to get up to bed Hello and the toilet safely, a mobility scooter to get to the shops and to her friends. She needs some help in the BACK IN THE DAY,I had the pleasure to work with a company who enjoyed the perfect ethos for our mobility industry. We all shared the belief that bathroom as she can`t use her bath anymore. Her mum has seen adverts on TV for chairs that rise and recline. She would like one but is worried about the cost. our business involved supplying products and services Charlie is not as pro- active as his sister, but he has to a special group of customers. They were special looked on-line at the price of because, through nasty diseases, illnesses, accidents mobility scooters. He has or simply the ageing process, they needed help to seen some that look very maintain their independence, mobility and a decent smart and that cost less than quality of life. Of course, we made a living selling £1000. things but striking a A lively debate ensued balance between with Claire suggesting that making profits and they should approach the providing the local businesses as they can appropriate product at meet them in person and, an affordable price gave hopefully, find someone they can trust when spending true value to our mum`s hard-earned cash. She also thinks that they special customers. might need other bits and pieces in the future and We needed a clear having a local supplier would give Doris some but precise name to confidence and reduce any stress. describe our typical Charlie thinks that the retailers are still “salesmen” customer. We decided and will try and make the maximum profit. His “on-line” on Auntie Doris. She is company will deliver the not just an auntie, she is everyone`s mum, dad, scooter in two days with no grandparent, friend or neighbour and she needs help. fuss, “job done for £850”.
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Auntie Doris is 70 (which is young from my The conversation then perspective). She has arthritis and recently suffered a moved on to riser / recliner stroke. She is a little overweight and has become depressed as she has not been able to walk far or do chairs and the same issues rose again. any exercise. As a result, she has gradually lost contact On the internet were some with some friends. Since her husband died, she often handsome products for feels lonely. She has an unmarried son, Charlie, and a around £600. Fast delivery, married daughter, Claire. They both live a long way no questions asked! Claire`s away and have come to visit for her birthday. local bloke had chairs from
Being a mother herself, Claire is practical and has already made investigations. She has found the details Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobility of 2 mobility shops within 10 miles and noted the price of a few relevant products. She is very worried about her mum and thinks that accidents could easily industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started happen. Falls are common among older folk and Doris by selling wheelchairs, scooters and is not very steady walking nowadays. Claire, having stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually looked on-line for advice and solutions, is amazed at working his way to the position of UK sales the amount of help that is available. manager. After a period as a self-employed As a result, she has taken up a couple of small rugs as these could easily be a trip hazard. For the same reason she is going to buy mum some new slippers as consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, now Handicare Ltd, in her old ones are showing ominous signs of wear!
Peacock
£750 through to £1600! You can guess Charlie`s preference.
The biggest challenge for Doris is climbing the stairs. She is finding this more difficult by the week. Her only toilet is upstairs, and this is becoming a worry. The stairs are the last place you want to take a tumble.
Stairlifts are mostly supplied by “national” companies. Stairs come in all shapes and sizes and, as a result, ideally need to be surveyed by a qualified person. Installation is usually straight forward and does not require any structural changes. Finally, they discussed the bathroom. Doris had asked Harry, a local plumber if he could put a shower over the bath. Claire would have loved to convert the bathroom into a “wet room” but had no idea of the cost involved.
Charlie found a shower company with a suggested price “from “£995”. He also discovered bath lifts which cost as little as £450 and even Doris had to admit that Harry was probably not up to creating a wet room. So, what did they decide to buy? How did they look after mum properly at an affordable cost? Well, it is for you to decide and here are some tips… Our first tip is not to rush. Unless there are urgent medical make plans. issues involved, think ahead and
Visiting local retailers is useful. There you can see, touch, and feel the products. You can also use your
own judgement about them as a company. You may need more than one visit. Prepare your questions first. You may be surprised at the depth of their knowledge. They may even want to visit your home to check out any number of important matters such as: Where will you keep a scooter? Where will you charge it up? How far do you want to travel normally? Where are your nearest shops and is the route easy to negotiate safely? Riser / recline chairs usually have a choice of cushions. It would be great to try these out in the showroom. There are many “extras” such as vibrating cushions which may (or may not) appeal! You might want to doze off occasionally, so check how far they recline. As for the bathroom, this can be a very expensive project and will depend on your personal financial circumstances. A well-designed wet room is a perfect solution but could easily cost many thousands of pounds. Even a shower installation can give your bank balance a shock. If money is limited, a bath-lift can provide a very simple and relatively inexpensive solution. Whatever the product you will usually be able to buy it cheaper on-line. However, always understand the exact terms and conditions. Will the product simply be delivered boxed, leaving you to assemble? (I promise, this happens) What if there are problems in the future? Do you have to box “it” all up again and send it back to the supplier for repair? This is fine for many items but, I suggest, NOT for mobility products. It is for you to decide the importance of on-going service, support and advice. Do not despair. There are plenty of efficient, honest suppliers out there. If you are “IT savvy”, use that internet to explore the multitude of options available. If you are not able to do this, then find a relation or the UK. In recent years he held the post of friend who can help. (it’s best if you have your own Claire!) Marketing Manager for Mobility which also Of all the tips we outlined above, taking your time involved supporting and working with the is the most important. The internet is a fantastic BHTA. facility for your “own market research”. He has now retired and is looking There are always solutions and if you are still forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums concerned, feel free to contact us and I will personally be pleased to help. in a blues band, travelling and most To contact Eddie send an email to important, being silly with his grandchildren. eddiepeacock@btinternet.com or write to him at
Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL
Range is more than just a number
WHEN YOU WERE choosing your scooter or powered wheelchair your dealer will have spoken to you about your regular journeys and the importance of choosing one which had a sufficient range.
While all products are tested and given a maximum range, the actual number of miles your product can travel on a single battery charge will vary depending on where you use the product. Knowing what range you might expect your new product to achieve is really important to make sure that your battery doesn’t go flat when you are out and about. So before you max out your range, find out some of the key things that might mean it doesn’t quite achieve the maximum stated range.
Your weight
Products will be tested with an average weight – if you weigh more than this average or you load your product with heavy accessories or shopping, it will decrease the mileage range.
The terrain
If your journeys include hills or rough surfaces that require more effort from the battery than a similar flat smooth distance, this will result in your battery being drained more quickly.
The way you charge it
Your dealer should have advised you of the best way to charge your product. It is not normally recommended that you let your battery become fully empty and usually a long overnight charge will optimise the battery.
Regular usage
As with any vehicle, your battery will work best if the product is regularly used and recharged.
Your product’s age
We expect all Scheme products to meet your needs for the full length of your lease. However as with all battery powered products, as your product gets older it is likely that the battery may not be quite so effective. Your dealer will check this on the annual service and if there is a problem, they will replace it at no extra cost.
Battery replacement
If you experience issues with the performance of your battery, contact your Motability Scheme dealer and ask them to check it. If they find it is faulty, we’ll make sure it is replaced for you as part of our worry-free package.
More information on your worry-free lease package can be found by visiting www.motability.co.uk/your-lease/ scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs
Osprey Toilet Raiser ® y Osprey oile T Toilet Raiser oilet Raiser
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PRECISION REHAB COMES TO THE RESCUE
PRECISIONRehab is recognised as being at the forefront of bespoke powerchair solutions and works with many of the leading powerchair manufacturers including Paravan, Dietz Power UK, Eurovema, Sunrise Medical, NHD and TrackMaster. With nearly three decades of experience in the assessment, sales and servicing of specialist powerchairs, the Precision Rehab team works closely with the client, their occupational therapist, family members and anyone else involved in their day-to-day care from the first assessment through to delivery and beyond.
Matt James, the founder of Precision Rehab strongly believes that the chair should fit the person as opposed to the person fitting the chair and will always go the extra mile to ensure every client receives the best possible level of customer care. Jay Tavernor from Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic example of someone who has benefited from this commitment to client satisfaction.
Following a car accident in In February 2020, 35 year old Jay Tavernor was left without a reliable form of transport as her powerchair was badly damaged in the accident. Jay had been using the same brand of chair for 17 years, so when she started looking for a replacement it was a massive decision after spending so many years with one make. But, as Jay explains, the level of care and support she received from Precision Rehab’s founder Matthew James certainly helped make the decision easier.
Jay has Spinal Muscular Atrophy which has left her unable to stand since the age of 11 due to her associated muscle weakness.
“Several friends suggested I get in touch with Matt as he had supplied them with similar chairs and spoke very highly of Matt and his colleagues. When I first spoke to Matt, I explained that I was reliant on my powerchair from the minute I wake up until the moment I go to bed, and I didn’t know how I would cope while I waited for a replacement as I also drive my adapted vehicle while in my powerchair to get to work. Matt immediately put my mind at rest and said he had a spare chair with similar functions to my old model which I could use until I had managed to arrange the necessary funding which would enable me to purchase my new powerchair for which I was eternally grateful” commented Jay.
Following several assessments, Matt and Jay decided that a Paravan PR50 powerchair with full powered function was the ideal model to meet Jay’s requirements. Features on Jay’s chair include: a unique seat slide function, NHD comfort seating and headrest, custom arm pads, Mo-vis isolated USB charger and is finished in metallic gloss black with black edition chassis.
“My new powerchair is just fantastic especially the seat slide which enables me to sit comfortably at my desk at work or at the dining table at home. I can also, easily access my car to drive which is another huge bonus. Matt even delivered it on a Bank Holiday, spent hours tweaking to my needs and ensuring it would fit in with my car & driving setup. I can’t thank Matt and his colleagues enough! They are great people who offer a wonderful service and I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone looking to purchase a powerchair” concluded Jay.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jay and help her during what has been a challenging time following her car accident and hearing how happy she is with her Paravan PR50 is fantastic” commented Matt.
