As a piece of man-made technology, a wheelchair needs to be regularly maintained by the user in order to ensure that it remains in tip top condition. After all, they cannot regulate their own repair needs which means that any damage
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on, cleanliness has never been more important in order to prevent the spread of germs. After all, those with certain disabilities are more at risk of contracting the virus. Since wheelchair users come into constant contact with their chair when outdoors, it may be wise to get into a regular habit of cleaning and disinfecting every evening. Read on as we over a few top tips…
Many people are unaware that cleaning and disinfecting are two very different things. After all, the former removes dirt such a dust from surfaces but it doesn’t kill any germs. Of course, this will decrease the number of germs and help reduce the spread of any viruses, however it is disinfection that actually kills the microorganisms that cause both infections and viruses. This is carried out through the use of chemical products. Similarly, disinfecting doesn’t provide a cleaning approach, however it does reduce the number of germs that are lingering on a surface at any given time.
Wheelchairs are a carrier for germs because they are in contact with the outside world at all times, and the user has to touch their chair in order to manoeuvre it. As a result, users should ensure that they disinfect their wheelchair after each outdoor adventure in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This can be done by using a disinfectant solution that contains at least 70% alcohol; users should leave it on the surface for around 15 minutes for wiping it away with a cloth. When disinfecting, it is important to pay close attention to the wheels on self-propelled chairs and the joystick on electric chairs.
Although the majority of products are safe to use on a wheelchair, there are certain ingredients that should be avoided. For example, solvents, bleaches, abrasives, synthetic detergents, wax enamels, and sprays should not be used on a wheelchair because they will likely cause lasting damage to its exterior. In addition to this, water should be used carefully around electric wheelchairs in order to prevent damage to the motor, and every chair should be dried thoroughly after it has been disinfected in order to ensure safety at all times.
Here at Assurance Mobility, we prioritise the safety of our clients at every opportunity. In fact, our wheelchairs are designed and manufactured with the very best attention to detail as we know how important quality and durability are when investing in a mobility aid. To find out more information about COVID-19 safety and how to disinfect your wheelchair, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
As part of the Assurance Mobility company ethos, we want to make life as easy as possible for our customers. In fact, we stock a variety of high-quality, specialised wheelchairs that have been designed and manufactured with a wide range of different conditions in mind and the needs of each client accordingly. With this said, society still has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the way that wheelchair accessibility is approached. Read on to find out more…
Travelling from one place to another is second nature for the majority of able-bodied people. After all, society has been designed in order to cater to those who don’t have additional needs or may require the use of accessibility tools like wheelchairs, canes, and mobility scooters. Furthermore, some disabilities are invisible which means that many people tend to suffer in silence. As a result, it is important that accessibility is prioritised in order to ensure wheelchair users are able to get from A to B with the same ease as everyone else.
Over the years, there have been a handful of alterations made in order to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit public buildings with as much ease as possible. For example, many businesses provide ramps and/or wheelchair lifts that are a safe and convenient alternative to staircases. With this said, they are not always very well-maintained or located within close proximity to the area where able-bodied people traditionally enter and exit. As a result, this can alienate wheelchair users because they must separate from their friends or hold up other people in order to allow a member of staff to assist with using the lift technology.
The Equality Act 2010 was introduced in order to ensure that nobody is ever discriminated against in any setting based on their age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. In fact, it made the implementation of accessibility tools like ramps, wheelchair lifts, and stair lifts a legal requirement in both public shopping centres and businesses like pubs and restaurants. This means that society is certainly heading in the right direction when it comes to accessibility for wheelchair users, however there is still a lot of work to be done. After all, just 79 out of 270 London Underground stations provide step-free access as of 2020.
From ramps to lifts, many wheelchair users find it difficult to obtain access to buildings in the same way that able-bodied people do because of a lack of these features. After all, many business owners will find loopholes in order to avoid installing them.
Here at Assurance Mobility, we want to use our blog feature to raise awareness and put disabled voices in the spotlight. For all your wheelchairs Oldham needs, get in contact with a member of the team today!
The perfect wheelchair is just as important to an individual with a disability as the foundation is to the longevity and safety of a building. After all, the wrong design, size or operating method on a chair can have severe repercussions on the quality of life of the user. Here at Assurance Mobility, we work closely with each client in order to deliver the upmost service each and every time. Read on as we go over five interesting facts about electric wheelchairs…
Similar to 80’s video games, the majority of electric wheelchairs are controlled using a joystick on left- or right-hand side. This gives the user complete control over their movements as they’re able to effectively move in all four directions. In addition to this, the speed of the wheelchair is often determined by either a specific button or the amount of pressure that is applied to the joystick.
Every wheelchair user is unique which means that the market must be able to provide a client with an abundance of choice when investing in a chair. Electric chairs are incredibly varied in terms of design because there are a wide range of sizes and shapes to choose from. This provides users with the ability to select a wheelchair that will meet their needs as specifically as possible.
Electric wheelchairs use a motor in order to provide power and allow the user to manoeuvre the chair and manipulate the controls. As a result, they must be charged on a regular basis in order to ensure that they have full power at all times. After all, self-propelled wheelchairs may rely on the user entirely; however, electric alternatives are completely technological. As a result, most users tend to charge their chair in the evening in preparation for the following day.
For many years, wheelchairs were very basic and allowed users to simply get from A to B. After all, comfort was not a major priority. Luckily, technological advancements mean that modern electric wheelchairs now have numerous functions that can be adjusted specifically, such as tilting seats that allow the user to recline as well as the ability to adjust the height of the seat, arm rests, and foot rests.
A well-designed electric wheelchair is made with longevity and durability in mind, which means that they are often considered an investment for the future. As a result, many people are able to get their hands on state-of-the-art technology without breaking the bank or putting their health at risk.
An electric wheelchair is an effective mobility tool for those who do not have the upper body strength to manoeuvre a self-propelled chair. After all, there are a variety of conditions that can make it difficult to use the muscles in the arms effectively.
Powered wheelchairs are an exciting alternative that provide comfort and reliability at every opportunity. To find out more information, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
Here at Assurance Mobility, we strive to provide each of our clients with the upmost comfort following their investment in a brand-new wheelchair. With this said, there are certain conditions that can make the muscles incredibly sensitive to pain which means that additional tools may be necessary in order to improve the comfort of a chair and ensure that the user is able to relax. Read on as we go over five affordable tools that can be used…
It is safe to say that humans were not made to sit down all day and that is why many wheelchair users are susceptible to pressure sores from discomfort. Luckily, there are many specialist cushions on the market made from materials like gel, memory foam and synthetics in order to provide users with a relaxing experience during each journey.
The part of the lower back that curves inwards is known as the ‘lumbar region’ and it is essential that it is provided with regular support. After all, a wheelchair can make it difficult to sit upright all day. By using specialist cushions, it is possible to encourage the correct posture and ensure that wheelchair users who have the ability to sit upright are able to obtain continuous lumbar support.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are designed to be manoeuvred by the user and this action places a lot of pressure on the hands. In fact, some users will develop blisters or calluses in the process of using their wheelchair which can be incredibly uncomfortable. Investing in a pair of wheelchair gloves provides the grip necessary to maintain control without developing nasty injuries such as these.
Almost every wheelchair comes with footrests as this prevents the feet from dragging on the floor, however they are usually implemented in a less than satisfactory manner. As a result, it is recommended that users adjust the height of their footrest in order to find the position that feels the most comfortable. After all, this will aid posture and ensures that the hips remain slightly lower than the knees.
Finally, it is important that wheelchair users take the time to find the most suitable product for their needs and invest in a quality wheelchair. After all, a cheap alternative is usually manufactured by those who do not pay attention to industry standard comfort and this will likely result in an incredibly uncomfortable experience for the customer.
A wheelchair is an incredibly versatile accessibility tool that can be adapted in order to suit the needs of the user appropriately. After all, motor-driven and self-propelled chairs are designed with different conditions in mind. With this said, it may be necessary to invest in cushions or blankets to aid the comfort of the user. To find out more information, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
Here at Assurance Mobility, we believe that a wheelchair should be a badge of honour. After all, they are designed with efficiency in mind in order to provide users with a reliable way to get from A to B, which can be tricky in a world that is governed by able-bodied accessibility. We’ve decided to use our blogging platform in order to raise awareness about wheelchairs and what it really means to be a wheelchair user. Read on as we go over 5 famous people who used a chair…
Stephen Hawking
After being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at 21 years old, Stephen Hawking went on to achieve great success as a quantum theory physicist despite being confined to a wheelchair for over 50 years. He is renowned as one of the most famous wheelchair users in the world, and learned to communicate using just the muscles in his cheek.
Franklin Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States wasn’t always a wheelchair user; however, he became paralysed from the waist down after contracting an illness at 39 years old whilst on holiday. In fact, many medical professionals believe that this famous face suffered from polio. Despite his condition, Roosevelt was able to walk short distances using iron braces and a cane after intensive hydrotherapy, and actually refused to use his wheelchair in public.
Teddy Pendergrass
Born in Philadelphia, Pendergrass’ started his career as a drummer for The Cadillacs and was invited to be the lead singer of the band, which merged with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, after spontaneously taking the spotlight during a performance. As a famous wheelchair user, Pendergrass was involved in a car accident in 1982 after his brakes failed, leaving him paralysed from a spinal cord injury.
Frida Kahlo
At the age of 18, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was involved in a bus accident so severe that she was impaled by an iron handrail, fracturing her pelvis. The accident ended her dreams of becoming a doctor but eventually lead to her decision to take up art. Throughout her life, Kahlo complained of back pain and mobility issues which were caused by the accident and lead to her need for a wheelchair.
Barbara Jordan
As the first black Texan to ever be appointed in Congress and the first black woman to be elected to the Texas State Senate, it is safe to say that Barabara Jordan face a great deal of adversity throughout her life. Interestingly, she also lived with multiple sclerosis, a neurological condition that damages the brain and spinal cord, which left her confined to a wheelchair. As a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Jordan was awarded the Presidential medal of Freedom in 1994 and worked hard to keep the focus away from her illness.
It is safe to say that celebrities are just like everybody else, particularly when they have a disability. After all, nobody wants their medical condition to become their defining characteristic. Here at Assurance Mobility, we stock a wide range of wheelchairs in order to ensure that our clients are able to find the most suitable chair for their needs. In fact, we also have gel cushions and hand-muffs too. To find out more information, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Oldham has to offer and speak to a member of the team today!
Wheelchairs are one of the most popular assistance tools on the market due to their ability to provide a reliable mobility solution and allow people who suffer from certain conditions to retain their independence for as long as possible. After all, there are dozens of different designs for clients to choose from and it is this versatility that has made them such a well sought-after investment. Read on as we go over everything there is to know about the versatility of wheelchairs…
Depending on the design that has been implemented and the purpose of the chair, wheelchairs can either be incredibly lightweight or extremely heavy. This feature is subject to change yet remains essential because it adds to the versatility of such mobility tools. After all, self-propelled wheelchairs must be lightweight enough that the user can utilise them effectively whereas motor-driven chairs tend to be heavier because they have a much bulkier operating system in place.
There is a wheelchair on the market that is able to meet the budget of every client accordingly. After all, some people are limited by their savings and, as such, affordability is a key factor in the versatility of wheelchair design and manufacturing. Although the price of a chair can differ depending on the materials that it is made from and the way it is manoeuvred by the user, its quality should never diminish. After all, this provides every client with excellent value and ensures that their chair remains a reliable investment.
With so many different ailments that can lead to wheelchair dependence, it is important that the industry is able to provide clients with a versatile product range. Luckily, chairs can be purchased with self-propelled or motor-driven controls and even personalised with additional features like cane holders, support cushions and hand-muffs. In fact, some wheelchairs can even fold for easy storage and transportation.
Here at Assurance Mobility, we believe that every client should be treated with the utmost respect when it comes to selecting the most appropriate wheelchair for their needs. After all, every individual manages their condition in their own personal way which is why wheelchairs need to be so versatile. To find out more information about the best wheelchairs Manchester has to offer, get in contact with a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
Here at Assurance Mobility, we strive to provide our clients with a service that they will remember for all the right reasons, and it is our belief that presenting our readers with the information they require to make an impartial decision is the most effective way to do so. After all, wheelchairs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Read on as we answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive in regards to our self-propelled product range…
As the name suggests, self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to get around without the need for assistance from a carer or family member. In fact, they have large rear wheels that the user can use to propel themselves forward or backwards with their hands and using just one wheel at a time allows them to turn in a particular direction. These wheels are noticeably larger than the front wheels because they must have enough velocity in order to allow the user to comfortably navigate their way from A to B. In addition to this, the user must also be able to reach the wheels with ease and making them significantly larger accounts for this requirement.
There is no singular condition that leads to the need for a self-propelled wheelchair and this is why it is important to avoid making assumptions. With this said, the fact that self-propelled chairs provide users with the ability to get around independently means that they must have some capability in their upper body and strength in their arms to do. As a result, many users of self-propelled wheelchairs tend to suffer from paralysis of the lower extremities, known formally as paraplegia. Keeping this in mind, some self-propelled wheelchair users also opt for a chair due to nerve diseases, congenital conditions or even due to old-age.
As one of the most light-weight options on the market, self-propelled wheelchairs are an incredibly cost-effective investment. After all, they are built with quality in mind in order to guarantee longevity and reliability for each and every client. With this said, it is important to remember that the market has substantial choice when it comes to self-propelled designs and this means that the cost can differ depending on the variety of chair that users choose to invest in.
There is a common misconception that a disability is synonymous with an inability, however the team here at Assurance Mobility couldn’t disagree more! After all, there are thousands of wheelchair-bound individuals striving for success in-spite of their situation. Self-propelled wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and our models are built with the utmost attention to detail. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the Assurance Mobility team and ask about the best wheelchairs Oldham has to offer today!
As a man-made piece of equipment, a wheelchair is susceptible to general wear and tear over its lifespan which can be exacerbated by neglect and a lack of maintenance. Here at Assurance Mobility, we want our customers to reap the full benefit of their investment which is why we work hard in order to provide reliable information direct from the horse’s mouth. Read on as we go over three top tips to keep in mind when maintaining a wheelchair…
Since the wheels of a wheelchair are the part that comes into direct contact with the ground, it is important that they are inspected on a regular basis in order to check for signs of damage. After all, uneven surfaces can lead to wear and tear, and sharp or blunt nails can cause the rubber to puncture or deflate. By taking the time to inspect their wheels, wheelchair users can ensure that their chair is never at risk.
There are dozens of different moving components within a wheelchair that can become worn overtime and must be lubricated with oils in order to ensure a smooth journey each time. In fact, it is recommended that an all-purpose silicone spray is used on all of the moving parts at least once a month in order to ensure that the chair can swivel, pivot and fold as it should.
Powerchairs rely on the use of a battery at the base in order to allow users to move around and are the most important feature to maintain. After all, they need to be charged on a regular basis in order to ensure that they do not run out of power in public, and they should be replaced every few years as the quality of a battery with deplete with age as it is continually charged each evening.
A wheelchair is an important part of life for those who rely on them to get from A to B on a daily basis which means that they must be kept in tip top condition in order to ensure safety and reliability. Interestingly, it is even possible to take out insurance on a wheelchair in order to reduce the costs associated with maintenance. To find out more information about our range of chairs, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Oldham has to offer and speak to a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
Here at Assurance Mobility, we know that no two wheelchair users are the same. After all, there are dozens of reasons why a person may require the extra support and the ease of getting around on wheels that a chair provides. In this blog, we’ve decided to go over three of the most prominent conditions and reasons why people may need to invest in a wheelchair. Read on to find out more…
Although any spinal cord injury will usually require the need for a wheelchair, many able-bodied people tend to assume that every user is paralysed in some way. With this said, there is some element of truth to this as quadriplegics and paraplegics tend to utilise motor driven chairs in order to retain their independence and get around without the need for constant assistance.
From Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy to Parkinson’s and Motor Neuron Disease, there is no singular nerve disorder that will require the use of a wheelchair. After all, many of these conditions are progressive which means that they will get worse overtime and using a set of wheels to get around can often provide a better quality of life.
Technically, old age is not classed as a medical condition. With this said, statistics suggest that 14% of pensioners are unable to walk unassisted and subsequently depend on walking aids like canes or wheelchairs. This is important to recognise because wheelchair users are often grouped together and presumed to be paralysed unless proven otherwise.
We work closely with each of our clients in order to ensure that we are able to meet their needs accordingly. After all, there are dozens of different wheelchair styles on the market to choose from and this versatility is incredibly important because every customer will live with their condition in their own way and subsequently require different adaptions. To find out more information, get in contact with the best wheelchairs Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Assurance Mobility team today!
