Mobility Aids

[Cloverjo]

I am looking for something to help my mum be more mobile and independent. Her illness has lead to a loss of mobility, and she has trouble standing from a sitting position. I was looking for a raising armchair, but they are too expensive. I found this chair riser, though.

http://www.activemobility.co.uk/rise-recline-chairs-c223_32_262/chair-riser-stand-easy-p-2012.html

Does anyone have experience of using something like this? Is it any good? Any other advice on the subject would be gratefully received.

[black_cat51]

http://www.essentialaids.com/mobility/rising-seats-aids/upeasy-powered-lifting-cushion.html
the problem with yours is that it relies on you having the strength to pull yourself up

[woofgang]

have you spoken to an Occupational Therapist? If she is under a hospital, she might be able to see one there, otherwise phone social services and ask. They will be able to offer advice and might loan you equipment too.

[Cloverjo]

Thanks to you both for such quick and helpful answers. She has contact with a hospice, so will ask them for more help, and social services, too.

Black_cat, that looks great. Thank you.

[furrypusscat]

Ask local Social Services if she can have an assessment of her needs. She may get some help towards the cost of equipment or they may even supply free of charge. After assessment, they may suggest other items of equipment that would be useful.

[black_cat51]

or even cheaper is just raising the chair/sofa

[237SJ]

It`s worth looking for second hand or reconditioned riser recliners. I got a new riser recliner for my Mum (she doesn`t use the riser part - typical) but there was one on our work classified ads for £65. Apparently they have a very low resale value. You just need to make sure you get a professional to deliver it because they have to be taken apart and reconstructed upon delivery. You can save yourself a lot of money though.

[Cloverjo]

Thanks 237 and puss. The chairs I looked at were over £1000, so will look out elsewhere. I think we need to contact Social Services. The trouble is my parents are not used to asking for help, and hate having to do so. Thanks all.

[black_cat51]

thats a good idea - never though of 2nd hand http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1311.R1.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xriser+recliner&_nkw=riser+recliner+chair&_sacat=0

[Jennykenny]

If you can persuade your parents that they have already paid for these services through their taxes and insurance contributions they might accept it easier?

[woofgang]

Cloverjo, if nobody asked for that kind of help, people like me, except I am retired now, would be out of a job! Their wages, both in NHS and social services are paid by the public, its not charity or assistance, they have paid for it!

[woofgang]

snap JK!!

[Cloverjo]

More great answers. Thanks Jenny and Woof.
I must show them the links you've all posted. They know they've worked hard all their lives and have paid for any help they might get, but they still feel uncomfortable with it. I'll keep on to them about getting all they can.

[Goodsoulette]

If standing really is an issue then a rise and recline chair is great. You probably need some input from the independent living team's physios and OTs. They don't like rise and reclines if it can be helped though because "once you don't use it, you lose it".... if she sits in a high back arm chair with wooden legs, you can get comparatively cheaper leg raisers. |The ideal part of this is that she would be more like to maintain her current level of mobility.