Archive for July, 2016

Coping with a New Disability

Thursday, July 28th, 2016 by morethan

A new disability can come on suddenly or gradually develop over many years without you knowing about it. Disability are usually genetically exposed, but illnesses can also be the result of the polluted environment or the lifestyle we adopt. Coming to terms with any illness is not easy and might take a long time.

We recommend that you first talk to your doctor to get some medical advice or alternatively you can call our More Than Mobility Customer Service Helpline on 0800 046 3949 to help with any mobility products you need to manage and maintain your day to day lifestyle.

Being recently diagnosed with a new disability is the hardest time and naturally you will can feel down about it, yet with a few changes you might still be able to live your life to the full. The following easy 5 steps should help you in the right direction.

1. Allow yourself time to come to terms with your illness

Thinking positively is no easy matter but it is important to be enthusiastic about life again. There are only two choices for you to make. You can stay depressed and complain about your problems for the rest of your life or you have the option of trying to make most of your life even with all your limitations. We all know that cancer patients who remain positive live longer than those who become very depressed. The same applies to any chronic illness or disability.

2. Nurture yourself

The only person you can always trust is you. It sounds funny but you will always be in your own company. You can either cheer yourself up or make yourself miserable. First of all you need to take care of yourself and make sure that you can keep yourself as healthy as possible.

Naturally you cannot cure your illness or disability but you can learn how to live your live to the best – that is how to relieve your symptoms in the best possible way

  • It is important to realise that you are the person who matters most
  • Make yourself comfortable and do something you enjoy each day
  • Praise yourself for all your little achievements
  • Follow a healthy, well balanced diet and if possible try to do light exercise each day.

3. Learn how you can best help yourself feel better

Try and find out as much as you can about your particular health problem. Alternative therapies are a great way of harmonizing your energy and the practitioners at alternative therapy clinics will be more than happy to advise you on which therapy would be most suited for you. The clinic might also run courses that will help you to apply some methods on your own.

4. Concentrate on the present, do not dwell in the past or worry about the future.

“I should have done things differently” and so on….. Such claims might or might not be true, it does not really matter. What matters is that you try to ignore such thoughts because they will not help you advance in your life.

5. You are the maker of your own luck

Start small, giving yourself manageable goals each day that build on each other. Break your tasks into smaller chunks if your challenge is slightly larger. Many people make the mistake that when they have a brilliant idea they think big and want to see success overnight.

  • You can achieve your goals
  • Think small; accept that you will have some bad days. Find ways how to overcome these and say tomorrow will be a better day
  • Break bigger tasks into smaller chunks
  • Stick up with your goal – do not give up

More Than Mobility supply a wide range of mobility products which can help you on your way to an easier life including mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, wheelchairs, adjustable beds, stair lifts, walking aids, bathing & toileting aids and daily living aids.

Please visit our website to see our full mobility product range or call us and we can advise you over the telephone.

Finally, remember to always keep positive!

Best Wishes

More Than Mobility Team

www.morethanmobility.com

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Summer Time Safety Tips For The Elderly

Wednesday, July 27th, 2016 by morethan

With the recent hot summer weather the heat and sun can be dangerous especially for the elderly. Proper precautions should be taken – below are some tips that the elderly can use to make sure they stay safe and have fun in the sun this summer.

  1. Stay Hydrated
    Elderly people lose their ability to conserve water as they age. They also can become less aware of their thirst. Remember to drink water often, and be sure to pack some for long summer journeys.
  2. Talk to Your Doctor
    Check with your doctor or nurse to make sure any medications you are on won’t be affected by higher temperatures. Some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature.
  3. Keep Your Cool
    Even small increases in temperature can shorten the life expectancy for older patients who are coping with chronic medical conditions. “Seniors are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature.
  4. Stay in Touch
    High temperatures can be life-threatening, so communication plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the elderly. You should let friends and family know if you’ll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if you’re only gardening.
  5. Know Who to Call
    Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy to access area. This way, the right people can be called to help quickly.
  6. Wear the Right Stuff
    Remember to dress for the weather. When it’s warm out, some people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic fibres. Stock your summer wardrobe with light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler and more comfortable.
  7. Protect Your Eyes
    Vision loss can be common among the elderly, and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve your vision.
  8. Know the Risks of Hyperthermia
    During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures — a condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening. Make sure to know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:

    1. Body temperature greater than 104 degrees
    2. A change in behaviour, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy
    3. Dry, flushed skin
    4. Nausea and vomiting
    5. Headache
    6. Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse
    7. Not sweating, even if it’s hot out
    8. Fainting
  9. If you (or an elderly loved one) start to feel any of these symptoms, ask for medical help and then get out of the heat, lie down and place ice packs on your body.
  10. Rub on Sunscreen and Wear Hats – Every one, young and old, should wear sunscreen when outdoors. The elderly especially need the extra sun protection to help keep them healthy. Hats are also a great idea, especially for those with light coloured hair and those with only distant memories of a full head of hair
  11. Apply Bug Spray
    If you live in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes and if you spend a lot of time outdoors (particularly at night), use mosquito repellent to help reduce the risk of getting bit and getting a disease.

Best Wishes

More Than Mobility Team

www.morethanmobility.com

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HURRY: £50 Off Summer Mobility Offer Coming To An End!

Monday, July 25th, 2016 by morethan

For June and July we have been running an offer of £50 off when you spend £500 on mobility products at www.morethanmobility.com.  This offer is ending this weekend so we wanted to remind you in case you need some new mobility products and to ensure you don’t miss out.


Take advantage of some of our sale items:

Nitro Rollator

The NITRO ROLLATOR is an attractive walking aid which has been developed for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a lightweight, aluminium frame which has been designed for easy manoeuvrability, with large 10″ front casters and a caster fork design to enhance turning radius.  Easily folds with one hand to ultra-compact size for storage. Price: was £175 now £155!

Restwell Chicago Rise and Recline Chair

The Chicago Rise and Recline Chair is one of the best value, comfortable riser recliner chairs on the market.  Single motor with a distinct lift, rest and recline action including an excellent full snooze position.  Choice of sizes and colours. Price: was £395 now £375!

Shoprider Paris Portable Mobility Scooter

The Shoprider Paris Portable Mobility Scooter has a comfortable height adjustable padded seat with armrests, and an adjustable tiller to allow you to find the most comfortable driving position (up to 16 miles range).  Portable and breaks down for easy storage and transportation. Price: was £895 now £845!

Please Quote SUMMER50 when ordering online or by phone to claim your £50 off.

Best Wishes

More Than Mobility Team

www.morethanmobility.com

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Sarcoma Awareness Week!

Thursday, July 7th, 2016 by morethan

This week is Sarcoma Awareness Week and we at More Than Mobility and Sarcoma UK want to spread awareness about this disease. Since 2009, Sarcoma UK have awarded over £1 million in scientific and medical grants to better understand these rare cancers.

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and the fatty and fibrous tissues.

Sarcomas are usually found by a patient when a lump appears on the leg, arm or trunk. They can also be found during an investigation of other symptoms or during a routine operation.

The earlier sarcoma is diagnosed the better the chances of successful treatment.

A specialist doctor will diagnose sarcoma through a series of tests.

  • About 3,800 new cases of sarcoma are diagnosed each year in the UK which makes up approximately 1% of all cancer diagnoses
  • Every year 3,330 people are diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma

Join #teamsarcoma for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon. The application process is now open until October 2016. You can apply here. Run as part of Team Sarcoma in 2017 and join thousands of runners from all over the world taking on the famous course. The atmosphere in London is always electric – just look at some of the happy, exhausted faces in the album and click through for some highlights of #TeamSarcoma on Twitter.

Fundraising is a fun way to get friends and family together and it helps to get the word out there about Sarcoma UK and the vitalwork they do. They’ll even send you posters, wristbands, balloons and more in the fundraisers pack. Also please use #SarcomaAware hash tag in your social media postings.

Sarcoma UK offer a range of support for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about sarcoma. Call or email the confidential Support Line. Or you can start right now by downloading or ordering the patient guides.

Best Wishes

More Than Mobility Team

www.morethanmobility.com

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Needs Assessments by Social Services

Tuesday, July 5th, 2016 by morethan

Anyone who appears to have a need for care or support can request a needs assessment through their local social services;regardless of the ‘level’ of those needs or the person’s financial resources. Even if you as the carer are providing all the care the person needs, they are still entitled to an assessment.

A health and social care assessment is done to find out what help and support you may need like on-going healthcare, mobility equipment, help in your home or residential care.

In some areas, social services ask local independent organisations or occupational therapists to carry out the assessment, but arrangements should still be made through social services and they should explain who will carry out the assessment. The assessor should be trained and where particularly complex needs are involved, an assessor with specialist expertise or knowledge should be involved.

The assessment meeting will normally be carried out face to face, usually by a social worker or another trained professional. The meeting should be carried out in a convenient and private place, usually at the person’s home.

The assessment should consider the following:

  • the person’s needs and how that impacts on their care
  • the things that matter to them, for instance, a need to help with getting dressed or support to get to work
  • their choices and goals, for example if they wish to take up a new activity or maintain relationships, and preferences for their day-to-day care
  • the types of services, information, advice, facilities and resources which will prevent or delay further needs from developing, helping the person stay well for longer (for example, the local council may offer them a period of re-ablement to reduce needs and regain skills, before completing the assessment)
  • the needs of their family

To apply and see if you are eligible please visit the Government website and enter your postcode into the box.  Alternatively if you have recently had a needs assessment and need help with purchasing mobility equipment then do take a look at our website or give us a call on 0800 046 3949.

Best wishes

More Than Mobility Team

www.morethanmobility.com

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