I need help on adapting my home for my disability

29th April 2015

Thanks to the ever rising life expectancy age, people are enjoying life for longer. As a result, increasingly more elderly people are finding it difficult to stay independent in their home. Alongside that, most people in life will experience some form of disability which can occur naturally, from old age, health issues or an accident.

What is the first step to adapting my home? 

The initial stage is to fully understand your disabilities so that your needs can be reviewed and evaluated this will help plan for now and potential future changes. Everyone is completely different and your local occupational therapist can be consulted to discuss this is more detail.

What changes need to be made to my home for my disability needs?

Depending on your needs, the possible changes to your home can be wide ranging from ensuring your front entrance is wide enough to fit a wheelchair or scooter, installing equipment such as bath lifts and stairlifts, adding hand rails in relevant places, making hallways and corridors wider, placing visual or hearing aids around the home, to motion sensors in case of a fall and emergency needs.

I need a stairlift…

We have been in the stairlift industry for many years and have expert knowledge of makes, models, sizes, fitting, engineering and servicing. Whether you need a curved, straight, want a brand new one or value for money reconditioned, need heavy duty, outdoor or bespoke, we can deal with all stairlift needs. We offer excellent warranties and after sale services.

I know what adaptations I need to make to my home, what do I do now?

Before you do anything, it is worth finding out if you are entitled to financial help with your home adaptations. Find out more by contacting citizen advice. Or speak to your local social services department at the council. They can arrange for someone to assess your situation and determine what help and funding is at hand.

 

Try this source to find your local occupational therapists http://www.cotss-ip.org.uk/find

Heatwave! How to stay cool….

16th July 2014

It’s not often the UK gets a nice hot summer but it seems this year we’re being treated to warmer weather for longer. With hotter climes to come, apparently.

Not that we should be complaining, but sometimes the heat can get a bit too much. We’ve put some top tips together on keeping cool while the heat is on so that you can enjoy it….

• Make sure your heating is completely turned off (and isn’t set on a timer without you realising)
• Try not to spend too long outside during the middle of the day (12-4) as this is the hottest time of the day. If you need to go somewhere, try setting off in the morning.
• Drink lots of water! Stock your fridge up with cold bottles of water and if you’re heading somewhere, take one with you.
• Avoid doing anything too strenuous – try and do housework and gardening in the morning or early evening while it’s cooler.
• Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the heat of the sun out.
• Invest in an electric fan and keep it near you.
• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing. Cotton or linen are usually the best materials for hotter weather.
• If you just can’t seem to cool down, try taking a cold bath or shower. This is a great tip before bed as it’ll bring your temperature down and help you drift off to sleep.
• Try not to have big heavy meals, especially with lots of salt in. 
• Make sure you keep in contact with relatives, friends or neighbours to let them know you’re ok. If you know someone lives by them self, keep in touch with them. Even if it’s a quick phone call or text.
• If you know a heatwave is on its way, speak to your GP beforehand if you’re worried about any health issues that the heat might affect such as breathing problems or heart condition.