New EU Rehabilitation System, COGWATCH, May Improve Independence In Stroke Patients
23rd July 2015
The EU has funded a project which has developed a rehabilitation system that could improve the cognitive function of people who have had a stroke. The COGWATCH project consists of portable and wearable devices and an ambient system which helps provide a better network of support for stroke survivors.
Stroke is the second biggest killer across the globe. Those that do survive are often left with physical or cognitive disabilities. Recovery from a stroke can be a long and testing process for the sufferer which needs support from loved ones, occupational therapists and other health care professionals.
A stroke can quickly take someone’s independence away from them – a devastating reality. Everyday tasks that most take for granted become almost impossible, such as using the toilet, brushing your teeth or making a cup of tea. This new programme is designed to help stroke patients regain some of that independence back.
COGWATCH comprises two tablet devices, one for the patient and one for the health care professional, which have sensors attached to the bottom of household objects that track the movement of each object. A video camera records the entire process on their tablet. The patient can select an action which activates an action-recognition system which monitors the patients actions and if they make a mistake, the computer will then prompt the correct actions with a video, text, audio or vibration.
The idea is that it feels like the patient has the support of someone there with them while maintaining their independence.
Our adopted Yakov has arrived!
15th July 2015
We’re so pleased that Yakov has arrived today. We’ve been waiting in anticipation since we signed the adoption agreement with Keighley Cougars. Yakov was in need of a new home in return for a donation to the Danny Jones’ Fund.
We’ve just shown him round his new home. We’ll be updating you on Yakov’s progress so keep an eye on our blog, Twitter @A1Stairlifts1 and Facebook
The OT Conference, Brighton
9th July 2015
Last week we headed down to sunny (and slightly stormy) Brighton for The OT Conference. In partnership with Stairlift and Mobility Recycling we set up stand to exhibit and explain our services.
It was encouraging to hear how stairlift and mobility recycling and reconditioned stairlifts and scooters are a much needed service. It was something of great interest to the OTs and they now have somewhere to refer their patients. It was also great to meet people in the OT industry and we made lots helpful contacts.
It was a busy couple of days and here is a photo round up:
Conservatives Throw Independent Living Fund Into Chaos
24th June 2015
Disability Rights UK: The Independent Living Fund (ILF) is a discretionary scheme financed by the government that aims at supporting disabled people with substantial high needs to live independently in the community rather than in residential care. ILF offers financial support to fund packages of care for those with severe disabilities.
It is only a few days until the closure of the Independent Living Fund which supports more than 21,000 people with severe disabilities. Protests have taken place at the House of Commons today during Prime Minister David Cameron’s Questions to fight for the rights of those that struggle to get by on a day to day basis.
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of disability charity Scope, said the decision to phase out the fund was “bemusing. The fund is comparatively very small and is designed to support disabled people to live at home rather than in care homes.”
The phased closure was described as “foolhardy and lacking in humanity” Labour peer Lord Morris of Manchester, who was the first minister for the disabled, describe the closure as ‘foolhardy and lacking humanity. He said: “This will not save money. If you make it harder for disabled people to live at home, it will cost more because more of them will have to be in hospitals and other places of full-time care.
“It will mean far more of them having to be in institutional care at far greater cost to the taxpayer.”
Scope continues to offer free advice for those concerned. Please visit www.scope.org.uk
A1 Stairlifts’ Success in Innovation and Diversification
19th June 2015
We’d like to say a massive thanks to the team for all their hard work. On Friday 12 June, A1 Stairlift Services headed to the glitzy Keighley Business Awards to come home with Highly Commended for Success in Innovation and Diversification.
On behalf of the team, here is Simon and Linda on stage to take home their prize:
A1 fought off tough competition from across the Keighley region to take home ‘highly commended’ for Success through Innovation and Diversification. This award recognises the hardwork that the team has put in but also what a forward thinking company we are. Over the past 12 months we have introduced many new initiatives, environmentally friendly services plus new avenues to make it easier for customers to buy stairlifts and mobility products.
As a Keighley born and bred business we’re delighted that our work is standing out against a growing business crowd.
#Happydays
Stairlift give away – giving back to the community
5th June 2015
Director and engineer Bob with Dawn
This week we fully fitted a straight stairlift for free for Dawn in Gloucestershire as part of our 12 month give away campaign to give something back to the community. We are calling for nominations for deserving cases and each month we choose one person to receive a free fully fitted straight stairlift.
Dawn was nominated by her friend who said: Once a professional dancer, she is now wheelchair bound due to a disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, she struggles to get up the stairs and just a few weeks ago she fell down them and was admitted back into hospital where she has now been diagnosed with MS. Dawn is only 37 and her independence has now been ripped away.
Thanks to the campaign, Dawn can now use her home without the difficulty of getting up and down the stairs.
If you know someone who deserves a free straight stairlift, send in your nomination to headoffice@a1stairlifts.co.uk
Job Vacancies
5th June 2015
Once again, we’re expanding! If you have what it takes for the below vacancies and want to be part of a forward thinking, innovative and lively team, get in touch.
We’re looking for:
Stairlift engineer: must be experienced in fixing, installing and removing stairlifts. Needs a full clean driving license. The person for this job must be personable and friendly.
A full time office administrator. Needs to have experience in an office environment and to show initiative. You need to be computer literate, good telephone skills and selling qualities.
A part time mobility engineer who has sales experience. Will need to handle shop sales when customers come in. Needs experience with mobility products.
Email your CV and why you want this job to headoffice@a1stairlifts.co.uk
Are you a carer? What Support Is Available?
1st June 2015
Being a carer can be emotionally and physically hard work. Not only that, it is a huge responsibility and often one the carer wasn’t prepared for. Fortunately you’re not alone – there is help and support available.
Financial support
You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance which will provide you with some source of income to ease the cost that caring can incur. The person you are caring for may also be entitled to a personal budget which will help towards their care and support needs – this would be assessed by your local social services.
Once you’ve been assessed as a carer, you may be eligible for a carer’s personal budget which will pay for something identified to help you in your caring role including paying for respite.
Emotional support
Make sure you surround yourself with loved ones. Friends and family can be great pillows of support in your time of need. However, sometimes you need to speak to people who understand your situation and the strain that it can have. There are many support groups across the UK who you can share your experiences with. Have a look at the Carers Trust website to find your local support group. There is an online forum on the Carers UK website.
Depending on your situation, you may feel you need professional support. Carers UK website lists the different support available.
Mobility Needs
We offer free advice on everyday mobility needs from stairlifts, scooters and wheelchairs down to the small appliances. Please call 0808 178 8487 to speak to one of our experts.
Keighley Business Awards Nomination
22nd May 2015
The A1 Stairlift Services team is delighted that it has been shortlisted for Keighley Business Awards’ Success in Innovation and Diversification award.
The team has worked hard over the past 12 months to improve its environmental policy and diversify into new markets. As a result, the company has grown significantly, provided a better service and, has now, been recognised by the judges of Keighley Business Awards.
We’re thrilled and look forward to finding out if we have won on June 12 at a glamours black tie celebration at Victoria Hall.
Why Have A Stairlift Fitted?
15th May 2015
Stairlifts were created to make life easier for those that struggle or can’t get up the stairs. Yet we hear of so many stories where customers continue to struggle or stop using their stairs completely. Why? The solution is simple and you’ll instantly enjoy the benefits.
With the life expectancy age ever rising (a third of British people are predicted to be 55 years + by 2030), more and more people are in need of mobility products and stairlifts. Britain’s population will soon have more elderly than young children and there is a big question on how society manages that and ensures people can continue to live as independently as possible. The health services and development of mobility products are major factors.
Home is where the heart is, so they saying goes and most people will have a sentimental attachment to their home. This is, again, why its important to ensure people can continue to live as independently as possible for as long as possible and the role of mobility products in society is ever growing.
These days stairlifts are sleek, modern looking and provide the solution for many disability issues at home. As we deal with both new, reconditioned, bought or rented, we can ensure the right stairlift is fitted for your home at the right price. Reconditioned stairlifts are just as good as new but without the high ticket price. We’re also independent which means we work will all major stairlift manufacturers – so if you have a brand in mind, speak to us and we’ll see what we can do. Freephone: 0808 178 8487
