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Tips and advice on mobility scooters
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The use of mobility scooters
among the aging population has grown rapidly over the last few years. Recent news coverage has highlighted issues with safety for both the users and pedestrians and road users. Current legislation does not require scooter owners to hold any insurance to cover either damage to the scooter or to a third party. Nor does the scooter itself have to undertake any safety checks to ensure it is in good working order. However saying that, mobility scooters offer an excellent means of transport for the elderly, allowing then to gain greater independence and the ability to enjoy the freedom of outdoor travel.
Using a mobility scooter is fairly simple. Mobility Scooters are operated using a lever pulling towards the handle bars to move forward and pushing away to reverse. This controls both the reverse and forward movement. To stop the level is released and the scooter will come to a standstill immediately. Most modern scooters can come equipped with lights, both front and rear, horn, basket and speed adjustment control. The speed adjustment control is an important feature which allows the user to adjust the speed of the mobility scooter. This control will set the top speed of the scooter and can be used for example when in shopping centres to ensure the scooter is used in a slow and controlled way.
Mobility scooters are available in two main classes. Class 2 mobility scooters are only for pavement use, with a maximum speed of 4 mph. Class one scooters have a maximum speed to 8mph and can also be used on roads. If these mobility scooters are used on the pavement they must only travel at 4 mph.
Mobility scooters are usually battery powered. The battery is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard electric power. The charting time will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but allowing your scooter to fully recharge after use will prolong the life of the battery. This will also allow the user to gain maximum distance coverage from the scooter. Depending on the type of scooter the owned the maximum distance which can be covered will vary, but some scooters have a range of up to 20 miles on one charge.
Mobility scooters come in two main forms. These being transportable and non-transportable. The transportable scooters are specifically designed to be dismantled and fit into the boot of a car. Such scooters normal have three wheels and a light weight. Standard scooters usually have four wheels and and heavier than portable scooters.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_526751_23.html
A Guide to Mobility Beds
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On average, a person will spend approximately a third of their life in bed, so using a quality bed and mattress is important. Adjustable mobility beds can provide much more support and comfort than a traditional bed and can make a big difference to the quality of sleep, and so the quality of life.
A Mobility bed can be beneficial for those with medical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, Emphysema, Bronchitis, Rheumatism, MS, Circulation Problems, Back Pain and other conditions. The human spine is naturally curved, and so traditional beds and mattresses are not able to fully support the spine properly which is why people toss and turn in bed at night. Adjustable mobility beds are recommended by healthcare experts and Occupational Therapists.
Mobility beds are electrically operated using a handset and are designed to raise the ends and the middle of the bed. By raising the relevant part of the bed, the ideal comfortable position for the user can easily be found. Raising the head end of the bed can provide additional support and comfort during the day. Adjusting the middle and foot end of the bed to the medically recommended positions can provide help with pain and pressure relief both when awake and sleeping.
Modern mobility beds are designed to look like traditional beds, and in most cases look virtually identical to a traditional divan bed so they won’t look out of place in any bedroom, and don’t look like hospital style beds. Nowadays adjustable mobility beds have a built in battery back up system so that in the event of a power cut the bed can still be used, and the user won’t be stranded in an uncomfortable or painful position.
Mobility beds consist of more than just the adjustable base of the bed. The mattress plays a very important role in providing comfort and pressure relief. There are three main types of mattress technology used in conjunction with mobility beds, Pocket Sprung, Reflex Foam and Memory Foam.
A Pocket Sprung mattress is made from thousands of springs which are in their own individual pockets, and linked together to form a honeycomb pattern. The springs are able to move around independently, and so can adjust to the shape and weight of the body.
A Reflex Foam mattress is made from individual comfort cells which are cut into an egg box effect. This allows the cells to work independently and be supple and pliable. Reflex Foam mattresses offer a great deal of ventilation and so are ideal for using with mobility beds.
A Memory Foam mattress is heavier and more supportive than other types of mattress, and responds to changes in heat. Once warm, the foam is more pliable, and when cool again, it “remembers” the body shape and can spread the weight and pressure of the body. Memory foam is also used for mattress toppers and wheelchair cushions and in other situations where there is a risk of pressure sores. Memory Foam was originally developed by NASA for astronauts, but it was its use in hospitals that the pressure relieving properties were first noticed.
Adjustable mobility beds can make a big difference to those who spend a lot of time in bed, and can provide significant health benefits.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_96668_17.html
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