Aids that boost quality y of life
WITH 95 per cent of people who use aids and adaptations finding they have a positive effect on their quality of life, it’s important not to miss out.
A new report by Arthritis Research UK also shows that 79 per cent of respondents say aids and adaptations improve their ability to be independent, helping them to avoid falls and injury.
IF USING the stairs is becoming more daunting because of arthritis, a stairlift will remove the worry that you won’t be able to get to the bathroom or bedroom.
Choose one with a swivel seat that enables you to dismount straight onto the landing, without twisting your body.
The seat, arms and footrest fold away when the stairlift is not in use, so you can still use the stairs as normal when you wish. Those with arthritis or a visual impairment will also find that a model operated by a paddle switch on the chair arm is easiest to use.
An alternative is a home lift (above). These are now small, quiet and fast and can carry up to three people, a wheelchair and even the family pet.
A lift can be fitted almost anywhere in the home, plugging into a 13-amp power socket like any other household appliance.
Lifts are self-supporting as they run on dual rails which carry their weight, so no major structural changes are required.