Link April 2017 | Page 46

mobility feature

making mobility aids more mobile

Having the right mobility aid can give you freedom and independence but when it comes to getting in the car , storing your wheelchair or mobility scooter can become a real hassle . That ’ s where mobility equipment lifters come in . Link asked the experts at Blue Badge Insurance to update us on the options available .
If you transfer out of your device to travel you ’ ll need to find a way to safely pack it into your car . Even the lightest wheelchairs are unwieldy and require strength and balance to lift , making it impossible for many people with disabilities to move them independently . Some powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are so heavy that even the strongest carer cannot lift them safely . Fortunately , a range of mobility equipment lifters can be fitted into your vehicle to help you travel independently with your wheelchair or scooter on board .
Mobility equipment lifters can be installed alongside sling hoists or other equipment for easy , independent transferring . When choosing a mobility equipment lifter , it ’ s important to make sure that it is strong enough to lift all of your gear . Your occupational therapist and vehicle converter can help you choose a model that is safe and easy to use for you and / or your carer .
Roof Hoists – these lift and store wheelchairs on the roof of the car and are only suitable for foldable , manual wheelchairs . Roof hoists are used in conjunction with wheelchair roof racks and can be operated while seated in your car with no lifting required . Roof hoists and roof racks raise the overall height of the car , this should be taken into account before installation , especially if you already have a tall vehicle or if you regularly use height-restricted facilities like underground carparks .
Boot Mounted Loaders – these move your wheelchair or scooter from the door of your car and load it into the trunk with the touch of a button . As the mobility aid is packed into the boot of your car , boot mounted loaders don ’ t have the same height restrictions associated with roof hoists . There is also a weight limit on the type of equipment that boot mounted loaders can lift , but unlike roof hoists , they are suitable for both rigid-frame and folding devices . Some designs are even strong enough to lift small mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs . Boot mounted loaders cannot be installed into all makes of car , a vehicle converter can advise you on which models work best . Some boot mounted loader designs require you to reach backwards to engage the chair with the lift - checkwith your occupational therapist that the design is right for you .
Boot Cranes – they simply lift your wheelchair or scooter from the ground into the boot of your car . They cannot be operated from your car seat , so if you can ’ t move independently without your
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