O’Sullivans SELFCheck Prostate Screening Test supplied throughout Ireland

Our two resident pharmacists here at O’Sullivans, Evin and David are delighted to introduce a home screening test which will help men all over Ireland to detect abnormalities associated with their prostate gland. This is a fantastic addition to our range of home diagnostic test kits.

Prostate

The SELFCheck Prostate Health Test is an easy to use home screening test that detects raised levels of a protein Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) associated with abnormalities associated with the prostate gland.

Why test for PSA levels?

  • PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released into the blood stream in very small quantities.  More PSA is released when there is a problem with the prostate.
  • Prostate problems that result in elevated PSA include prostatitis, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

Who is the test for?
  • it is strongly recommended for men aged 50+
  • those with a family history of prostate disorders
What is PSA level?
  • PSA (Protein Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and released into the blood stream in very small quantities.
  • if there is a problem with the prostate, such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, the prostate will release larger amounts of PSA into the blood.
  • this test shows a positive result when the PSA level exceeds 4ng/ml.
How often should PSA levels be checked?
  • Men aged 50+ should perform this test regularly (as a minimum once a year)
  • those with a family history of prostate disorders should consider testing earlier and more regularly
  • healthy individuals would also benefit from annual checks
What should user do if the test is positive?
  • in all cases, user should consult their doctor and not make any medical decisions without taking advice.
How should the test be disposed of?
  • after use, the test components can be disposed of with normal household waste.

pat drive box

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable mobility aids, home diagnostic kits and PosturePlast. With the help of our unique delivery service we are able to supply all 32 counties the very next day after you place your order. So if you are in Dublin, Mayo, Donegal or Limerick… we’ve got you covered. You can check out our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie or give us a call at anytime to (025)24656.

O’Sullivans partner with PosturePlast – A revolutionary new approach to relieving Back Pain

We are very proud to announce a new partnership with PosturePlast, a patented and revolutionary new approach to relieving lower back pain.

posturelogo

PosturePlast is a patented treatment that can help 90% of all low back pains.

Clinically designed to work with your body, PosturePlast treats the root cause of your pain whilst showing you how to stand, sit and bend correctly, to help long term back health. PosturePlast is large, soft and self adhesive, with a strong supporting structure. They work together to control movement, whilst still giving you the freedom and confidence to move safely. PosturePlast gives you trust in your back again.

postureplast2

The design is based on the proven medical techniques of taping, which are used globally to reduce pain. PosturePlast was designed by a practising osteopath to give you the benefits of this powerful treatment at home.

PosturePlast has been designed to help:

  • general back pain caused by activities such as gardening , driving, lifting and poor posture
  • muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
  • disc injuries
  • sciatica
  • pre and post pregnancy back pain

table-postureplast

PosturePlast can also help relieve pain in conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis etc.

PosturePlast is:
  • Discrete and comfortable to wear.
  • Hypoallergenic and latex free.
  • Is safe for use during and post pregnancy.
  • Contains no medication or heat – safe to use with other medicines.
  • Can be used on its own or alongside professional treatments

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable mobility aids, home diagnostic kits and PosturePlast. We offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock items, nationwide. You can check out our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie or give us a call at anytime to (025)24656.

Bed-Grab-Rail

Having trouble getting up and out of bed?

We spend nearly a third our life in bed, so getting the right bed for you is a critical to getting a healthy nights sleep and preventing unnecessary injury.

With a loss in independence, more and more time can be spent in bed. A poorly fitted bed can lead to further loss in mobility and independence as well as pressure sores.

Thus getting the right bed and supports is critical. Here we discuss a range of accessories for beds.

Having problems setting up or lying down?

Lifting pole 

lifting pole dublin

Lifting Pole

Lifting poles (or pull handles) are designed to make moving around, moving into semi-lying or getting in and out of bed easier. The majority have a floor standing cantilever gantry, although some are wall- or bed-attached. If freestanding, care should be taken to ensure that the base is positioned properly under the bed, otherwise the gantry frame may tip over. A handle hangs from the gantry and when adjusted to a suitable height, some people with enough strength can safely pull on it. The user does need to have fairly strong upper limbs and good abdominal control.

Lifting poles are usually not suitable for people with painful arms, painful shoulders, limited overhead shoulder movement or abdominal weakness.

Consider the following:

  • A moulded handgrip may be more comfortable to hold and an adjustable length strap provides greater flexibility.
  • Ensure that there is enough room for the base to slide under a divan bed and, where possible, fasten it to the bed headboard for greater stability.
  • If the person also uses a mobile hoist for transfers, ensure that the lifting pole base does not prevent the hoist from being correctly positioned under the bed and that the overhead arm does not obstruct the lifting boom of the hoist.
  • Some models dismantle for transporting, which may make it possible for someone to take the lifting pole on holiday.

is the most popular model of lifting pole that we stock, it is a Days patient helper and further info can be found here.

Rope ladders

Rope ladders either fit onto the footboard, the bed frame or the two feet at the end of the bed. They have rungs that the person pulls on to help him/herself into a sitting position.

Ensure that the ladder is safely and securely fixed in place and that the first rung is within reach of the person lying on the bed. Take care as those with plastic rungs may be slippery to hold. A retrieval line pinned to the bedclothes is sometimes needed if the rope ladder slips to the floor during the night.

Grab Rails

Bed grab rail

Easy grip Bed grab rail

The various types of grab handles on the market are either wall-fixed, bed-fixed or floor-fixed. They are used to pull on by someone to help sit up or turn over in bed.

  • Some are fixed in one position, whilst others lock into a choice of several positions. Some of the static models could obstruct part of the bedside, making it difficult to get in and out.
  • Floor fixed rails may be difficult to install if the floor is made of concrete.
  • Ensure that bed-attached models are securely fixed. Some are tucked under the mattress and only rely on weight of the person to secure them in position.
  • Ensure there is no risk of entrapment within the rail, at either end of the rail or between the rail and the mattress

At O’Sullivans Mobility Aids we offer a range of bed grab rails that are lightweight and do not require any equipment to install. Click here for the short or long bed grab rails

Backrests

Bed Backrest cork

Bed Backrest

These have a wooden or metal frame. The angle of the supporting surface can be adjusted for use under the pillows to provide the person with support in a sitting position. A headboard is essential to prevent the backrest from sliding backwards. Most fold flat for storing.

Having trouble transferring out from bed?

Transfer Boards!

These are smooth surfaced boards, tapered at either end to assist sideways transfers. They can be used independently or with help to slide in a sitting position from the chair onto a wheelchair. It is easiest if the mattress surface and the seat height are at the same level.

Curved transfer boards are useful when transferring onto chairs with fixed armrests, as they make it possible to transfer around them.

Some boards have additional transfer systems incorporated into them. One board has a transfer disc which moves within a central slot; another has an integral roller which the person sits on and slides across the board.

Similar transfers can be made using a low friction roller and a rigid, padded bridging device.

We stock a various selection of moving and handling equipment, simply click here

So there you have it, a selection of mobility aids that will help you getting in and out of bed.

If you have any queries don’t hesitate in contacting us at [email protected] or on (025) 24656

Stair Lifts – How stair lifts can improve your quality of life

Stairlifts can make a tremendous improvement to peoples lives, allowing for peace of mind and safety within the home.

As we age, our mobility and balance are often affected making climbing and descending stairs a challenge. Falls from stairs account for a large part of bone fractures in the elderly.

This can make the bedroom and bathroom we have used for years off limits and requires a considerable investment in converting the downstairs area.

However a stair lift means this doesn’t have to happen! Stairs can be easily accessed with a high quality stairlift from O’Sullivans Aids

Stairlifts can be either linear or curved depending on your stairs.

Our engineers conduct a free onsite visit to assess your home.

Don’t be worried about your stair design, if there’s curves, landings etc we design and fit bespoke stairlift solutions for all clients.

Important features that all stair lifts should provide are discussed here;

Type of stairlift

Straight or curved

Straight stairlifts that go directly up a staircase but do not turn corners.

Some people will attempt to save costs by installing a straight stairlift on a curved staircase and attempt to manage the first or last few steps. However, if your condition deteriorates you will no longer be able to manage this. A disadvantage of  curved stairlifts is that they can cost more than straight stairlifts but decisions must be made with a long term outlook.

Both Stairlifts can usually be installed in a day and when necessary, can be removed leaving little trace.

Standing or Sitting stairlift

Seated

These tend to be the most common type used in a domestic setting. The majority of users are able to walk, but find it difficult to negotiate the stairs. The person must be able to sit safely on the seat during transit and transfer on and off at the top and bottom of the stairs. A swivel seat and lift-up armrests will make transfers onto and off the seat easier. The swivel seat can be manually or electrically operated.

It is preferable that the user can transfer independently; however, in some situations it may be possible for the carer to carry out an assisted transfer in conjunction with a piece of small handling equipment. The ability of the carer to transfer the user at the top of the stairs should be very carefully considered and avoided if at all possible.

Walking sticks may be carried on the stairlift but, if the person uses a larger walking aid, it probably cannot be carried on the stairlift and therefore two aids will be required – one at the bottom and one at the top of the stairs.

Standing

These can be used by people who are able both to walk and to stand while travelling up and down stairs. These may be chosen in preference to seated models if the staircase is exceptionally narrow, or if the person has a stiff leg and is unable to bend his knee when seated. These stairlifts usually have one or two guard rails that the user can hold onto during transit.

Perching

Perching stairlifts are very similar to standing stairlifts except that they provide a small amount of additional support underneath the buttocks. Therefore, the user is transported in a perching position, ie between sitting and standing. These stairlifts usually have one or two guard rails that the user can hold onto during transit.

Safety

Many stairlift providers will install stairlifts that come equipped with a range of safety        features. Such features include arm and foot rests, swivel seats, remote controls and emergency stop buttons among others. The ability of stairs to maintain power during a power cut is essential     and we recommend a combination of battery and plug powered systems.

Purchase from a reliable source
It is extremely important to purchase a stairlift from a trusted company that provides a warranty as standard. A genuine installer will provide the right system without causing many modifications to the structure of you or a loved one’s home, in addition a genuine installer will be trained by manufacturer. They will also be able to provide advice and perform the required maintenance to the stairlift if it is under warranty.

Grants Available

Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme

The Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme is another grant option available for those requiring smaller changes. The scheme is designed to fast track grant aid to cover basic adaptations to address mobility problems primarily associated with ageing. The work allowed under the scheme can be varied and can include grab rails, access ramps, level access showers, and stairlifts. All applications for grant aid under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme are assessed on the basis of household means. The maximum grant is €6,000. This may cover 100% of the cost of the works and is available to those with gross annual household incomes of up to €30,000.

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability may be applied for to assist in the carrying out of works that are reasonably necessary for the purposes of making a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability (who is a member of the household).

In general, people who require grant aid for minor works i.e. ramps, grab rails, accessible showers and stairlifts, and who satisfy the means test provisions, should apply for assistance under the new Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, also administered by your local authority.

All applications for grant aid under the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme are assessed on the basis of household means. Since November 2007, the maximum grant available under this scheme is €30,000. Read our blog on such grants here.

Checkout our stairlifts section here

  • Our expert team will arrange a visit to your home – FREE of CHARGE
  • Your questions will be answered
  • Your stairs will be assessed – FREE of CHARGE
  • A custom built Stairlift will be manufactered
  • Our expert team will install the Stairlift
  • We will not leave until you are 100% satisfied and confident in using your new Stairlift
  • Any problem with your Stairlift, don’t worry. Leave all the after care to our team of experts

If you or a loved one are interested in finding out all the benefits that a Stairlift has to offer, simply give us a call at (025)24656 or email [email protected]

 

Looking after your wheelchair

Whether you use your wheelchair occasionally or on a regular basis, maintenance and appropriate use are key factors to ensure you get the most out of your wheelchair!

Here we present some common tips for maximizing the potential and safety for wheelchair users!

  • We recommend you always consult your healthcare professional for advice about transferring to and from the wheelchair. Poor transfers can lead to harm to you and your wheelchair as well as distress to your carer.
  • Use slow speeds on gradients and do not exceed the maximum gradient stated in users manual. Never reverse down a gradient.
  • Balance is key! Wheelchairs are for only suitable for single occupancy as much as you might like to have an enfant on your lap.Users should not move their centre of gravity out of the seating area.
  • Keep your feet on the footplates when moving and avoid standing on footplates. Do not use escalators.
  • Do not reach for items further than your arm will extend. Be aware of hazards in your environment, such as narrow doorways, steps, household appliances, children’s toys, etc.
  • The parking brakes should always be applied when transferring. Ensure that fingers and objects do not get caught in the spokes of the rear wheels.

Maintenance

  • Wipe down frame with a damp cloth at least once a week. If exposed to moisture dry immediately. Metal (steel chair) parts of the chair can be polished once a month with an auto wax.
  • Before each use of the wheelchair, the brakes and tyres should be checked. If there is any side play, loosen nut and retighten axle just enough to remove any side play.
  • Solid Rubber tyres require little upkeep bar an occasional clean with a damp cloth. Worn or cracked tyres need immediate replacement.
  • The wheelchair should be stored in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
  • When in storage the wheelchair can be folded up The wheelchair should be kept clean and d
    ust free. This can be done with a duster or damp cloth.

If you have any other technical queries, consult the user manual provided with your wheelchair or give us a ring on 025 24656 or email [email protected]

 

Mobility Aid Battery Maintenance

Do you have  a scooter? powered wheelchair, a powerstroll?

Batteries underpin these devices and failing to maintain your batteries can affect the product life of your mobility aid.

Here are a few tips for keeping your batteries in great shape

Always store your battery fully charged. When storing scooter or electric wheelchair for more than 2 weeks, charge fully and disconnect batteries for storage.

Do not disconnect the charger cord if charging is not completed. Battery longevity will be seriously reduced if the battery is repeatedly used without being fully charged. Therefore be sure to charge the battery fully every time. .

Always complete the charging until the LED light turns green. NEVER stop charging before it is complete.

If the LED is lit GREEN then the charger is switched on and has finished the bulk of its charging and the batteries can be used. However, we recommend that you leave the charger charging for a couple of hours after the green LED has lit. This will maintain and probably increase the capacity of your batteries.

When fully charged, the battery charger will still trickle charge the battery to ensure optimum range.

If you do not use your powerpack for a long time, it should be charged at least every week to keep the battery in a fully usable condition.

The ambient temperature will affect charging time. Charging time will be longer in the winter.

After charging, do not leave the charger socket plugged in to the scooter, as this will cause a power drain on the powerpack and temporarily reduce its range.

Batteries usually carry a twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty only covers issues relating to manufacturing faults, and not faults relating to failure to recharge the batteries as instructed above. So look after your batteries!!!

Only use the supplied charger, and recharge the battery to its full capacity every time. You may damage the battery if you use a charger which is not to the correct specification.

Please charge in a well-ventilated space where there is no direct exposure to the sunlight. Do not charge in surroundings where it is humid, raining or dewy.

Never disassemble or modify the charger.

These instructions are for a typical 12v 20ah battery with a 12V charger!

Always be certain to read your individual battery pack for subtle differences between manufacturers!

For more info click here

 

 

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme-Address Mobility in the House

Does your loved one suffer from a lack of mobility?

Is their house in need of an upgrade to allow them live independently?

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home, such as the purchase and installation of grab-rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair-lift. It is primarily for older people, but people with disability can also access the scheme.

Rules

The grant is available to people with a maximum household income less than €30,000.

Your application will be prioritised based on medical need. Highest priority will be given to people who are terminally ill or where alterations/adaptions would facilitate discharge from hospital. When the local authority receives your application, it may request an Occupational Therapist’s (OT) assessment. The local authority can arrange for an OT assessment, but you can employ an OT to carry out an assessment and recoup up to €200 as part of the total grant up to the maximum you are entitled to.

Means test

Your total household income is assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and at what level of assistance.

The maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of the work.

Grants should be applied for via your local authority;

For further information; Call us at 025-24656!

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing_grants_and_schemes/mobility_aids_grant_scheme.html

Reclaiming VAT on mobility aids and disability appliances

save up to a quarter of the price ofF LIVING AIDS!

What are you entitled to?

If you live in Ireland and have a disability, you may get a refund of Value-Added Tax (VAT 23%) on certain special aids and appliances you need. In some cases people who pay for aids and appliances that are for the exclusive use of a person with a disability can also claim the VAT refund. People with both physical and mental disabilities can avail of these VAT refunds. However, it is noting that VAT is not charged on all mobility items such as ramps, scooters and thus may not be applicable for a VAT refund.

The Rules

You can claim a VAT refund on aids and appliances that help you carry out daily activities at home or work.

To claim a VAT refund you must:

  • Live in Ireland
  • Have a disability
  • Need the aid or appliance to help with daily activities

The aid or appliance must be owned by and for the exclusive use of the person with the disability. If the VAT refund is being sought by a person other than the user of the aid or appliance, the Revenue Commissioners may ask for evidence that the aid is solely owned by and is for the sole use of the person with the disability.

Examples of eligible aids and appliances include:

  • Domestic aids, for example, eating and drinking aids
  • Walk-in baths
  • Commode chairs
  • Lifting seats and specified chairs
  • Braille books
  • Hoists and lifts, including stair lifts
  • Communication aids

You may need to produce medical evidence of your disability. This will take the form a letter from your GP, public health nurse, OT etc.

VAT refunds are not allowed on:

  • Services for people with disabilities
  • Rented aids and appliances

How to apply

To apply for a VAT refund on aids and appliances, fill in claim form VAT 61A (pdf) .

You must attach supporting documentation with your claim. For example, original invoices for all the goods in the claim or, in the case of imported goods, receipts for VAT paid at importation. In the case of a hire purchase agreement, you will need to supply a copy of the agreement and the invoice.

You must make your claim within 4 years from the end of the taxable period in which you purchased the aid or appliance. Taxable periods within each year are:

  • January/February
  • March/April
  • May/June
  • July/August
  • September/October
  • November/December

For example, a claim made in respect of an invoice issued in January 2013 must be made no later than February 2016.

Buying mobility aids doesn’t have to be so expensive, for larger items such as thera trainers 23% can mean a lot! So keep your invoices, receipts etc and don’t forget to fill out your 61A vat form!

In our next blog we will discuss the various grants available for the elderly and disabled as well as claiming back expenses against your tax!

O’Sullivans Mobility Aids at The Marigold Festival Series 2015

Everyone here at O’Sullivans is delighted to announce that we will be taking part in the 2015 Marigold Festival Series which is being hosted by Active Retirement Ireland in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care.

Marigold_Festival_logo

 

This year the Marigold Festival will take place in conjunction with the Mallow Flower Show over three days, June 5th, 6th and 7th. Mallow Racecourse will play host to the festivities with gates opening at 11am and closing at 6pm.

We are also thrilled to announce that former RTE newsreader Anne Doyle will officially open each of the health days and is looking forward to meeting and greeting many of the 55,000 expected attendees over the three days!

We are very proud to have been invited to participate in this event and are really excited to meet you all and showcase some of our fantastic products. We will also have an amazing prize to give away so make sure you visit our stand and enter your details for a chance to win!

With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable mobility aids.  We offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock mobility products, nationwide. You can check out our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie

 

Choosing the Correct Walking Stick

If you have difficulty keeping your balance or walking with a smooth gait, a walking stick might just be what you need to help you get around easier. Sometimes walking sticks are prescribed by doctors or occupational therapists, but sometimes patients decide to start using a walking stick on their own. In this article, our team give you the best advice for choosing the right walking stick for your needs.

Paisley Purple Folding Walking Stick 10304C-12 PP

1. What do you need the walking stick for?

If the walking stick is solely for helping you keep your balance, then a standard wooden or aluminium stick is the most appropriate choice. These walking sticks are lightweight and offer an extra point of contact with the ground, giving you a larger base of support for helping you to keep your balance.

On the other hand, if you need a walking cane to bear weight—either for an injury, recovery from surgery, or to ease arthritic hip or knee pain—then an offset cane will provide the stability you need. The offset handle allows you to lean more weight onto the cane’s shaft. For significant weight bearing, look for a quad cane. An offset quad cane provides four extra points of contact with the ground and can hold more weight than a single-point cane.

Blue Cyclone T-Handle Walking Stick 10335CB-6

2. Is the walking stick the correct height for you?

The majority of aluminium sticks are height adjustable. Wooden canes are not. Prior to purchasing a walking stick, ask someone to measure the distance from the crease of your wrist to the ground, with your arm hanging down by your side. Make sure the walking stick that you buy is adjustable to this height.

3. Can you use it properly?

Using a walking stick incorrectly can drastically disrupt your walking gait. The stick should support your natural gait, not throw you off balance. You should bring the stick forward with your weak or injured leg. Move the two forward together as if they were a single unit.

Use the stick for support if you feel that you need it, but you shouldn’t hold the grip backwards or lean your weight excessively into the stick. If you need more support than a walking stick can provide, consider using rollator.

We hope that this article will help you on your journey to finding your perfect walking stick. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and affordable mobility aids. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock mobility products, nationwide. You can check out our range of walking sticks here. Alternatively, visit our main store at http://www.osullivansaids.ie