Wessex Home Lift - Wheelchair Lifts

Click the above title to view a video of the Wessex Home Lift. The Wessex Home Lift is the most popular domestic through the floor wheelchair lift that we sell. More details can be found on the Dolphin site under Wheelchair Lifts.

Government ramps up funding for home adaptations

Thousands of older and disabled people will benefit from extra Government funding for home adaptations, such as ramps, stair lifts and easy-access showers. Communities Minister Baroness Andrews today announced the increases in the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) as part of a package of measures designed at helping people live independently in their own homes for longer.

The DFG will increase by £25 million for 2008/09, a significant increase of 20 per cent, taking central Government funding up to £146 million. Central government funding for DFG has already doubled since 1997 from £57 million to £121 million this year.

Around 35,000 older and disabled people already receive DFG support every year. Adaptations funded include improved access to homes, such as widened doors, and basic facilities within a home, like a track and hoist.

The Government also announced plans to strengthen Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs), the locally based not-for-profit organisations that help homeowners and tenants renting private housing repair and maintain their homes.

The new programmes Communities and Local Government announced to support HIAs are:
* A new three-year contract for a national co-ordinating body for HIAs. The body will support the delivery of the forthcoming national strategy for housing in an ageing society, provide ongoing support to HIAs and give a voice for the sector in Government.

* A Future HIA project, to be taken forward by Foundations Home Improvement Agency, to help ensure that HIAs are fit for the future and to see whether they can deliver wider services, such as housing options advice, gardening services, support for people discharged from hospital. Foundations will report to Government next year.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:

"Most people are happy with their current homes and want to remain where they live for as long as possible, but the decisions people make on staying put or moving are increasingly motivated by their health and well-being.

"This package of funding and initiatives will help people make the right choices for them and not feel pressured into moving into sheltered housing or residential care.

"We want to ensure that older people have the best possible advice on their housing options and to help them live independently for as long as possible. Living longer should mean living well, not more years spent in accommodation unsuitable for those with a chronic illness or disability."

HIAs advise people on improvements and adaptations which they may need to their homes and assist them in applying for local authority grants or loans to carry out the required work.

They also help to identify reputable local contractors, helping vulnerable people to avoid 'cowboy' builders. They then oversee the work to ensure that their clients are completely satisfied.

In 2004/05, HIAs in England dealt with 103,000 enquiries where substantial advice was given, and in 38,700 cases, this led to work being carried out by the HIA.

Notes to Editors
1. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a mandatory entitlement administered by local housing authorities, to help fund the provision of adaptations to enable disabled people to live as comfortably and independently as possible in their homes.
2. Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) are small, locally based not-for-profit organisations, although some are part of larger housing and support service organisations or local authorities. HIAs receive most of their revenue funding from local government through Supporting People (SP) and general housing funds. Under SP, funding decisions are made by local authorities rather than by central government. This has encouraged HIAs to be more diverse, working to local rather than national agendas. The proportion of the population over 75 years old covered by HIAs has risen from 61% in 1999 to 92% in 2006.
3. Communities and Local Government sponsors a national co-ordinating body for HIAs (called Foundations) to support the work of HIAs, including promoting and raising the profile of HIAs, increasingly with local service commissioners and local area agreements; representing the movement in dealing with government and other stakeholders, and building HIA capacity.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 4400; News Releases: http://www.communities.gov.uk
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High pressure sales advice from The Scotsman

This interesting article appeared in The Scotsman and warns of the high pressure sales techniques that many mobility companies now employ.

http://business.scotsman.com/retail.cfm?id=1885022007

I particularly recommend the following advice.

"Sales people may try to make you feel that if you don't buy a particular item now you will lose out; offer you a massive discount on an original high price; try to build up your commitment to the product so that you can't say no later on; use expert opinions to influence your decision or use personal information they gain from you to persuade you to agree you are interested in the product.

"Ask friends and family for recommendations of companies or traders before you buy. Shop around and if it's a large purchase consider getting several quotes.

"Try to have a friend or relative with you for support and to witness any verbal claims that are made. Make sure you get everything in writing, including any special deals or discounts.

"Don't sign on the spot - always read any contract carefully, and if you're being asked to sign a credit agreement, think about getting someone else to check the details before you sign.

"If a product costs over £100, using a credit card may give you extra protection if the goods are faulty or not as described."

Disabled Access in London

For an excellent guide to accessibility in London try taking a visit to http://www.visitlondon.com/maps/accessibility. There are details on disabled friendly attractions, theatres, shopping and hotels.

New Dolphin Mobility Logo

Here is the new Dolphin Mobility Ltd Logo. The new logo has been created to coincide with the launch of our updated company literature.


Please get in touch if you would like copies of any of our company or product literature.

Mobility Products on YouTube

I have recently posted some of our mobility product videos onto YouTube. Products featured inculde swimming pool lifts, portable hoist and ceiling hoists.

EasyTrack Free Standing Hoist

The EasyTrack FS hoist is completely free-standing and therefore requires no fixings.

Please check out the Dolphin website if you would like more information on this free standing disabled hoist.

Reconditioned Second Hand Stairlifts

Dolphin currently have over 100 second hand stair lifts in stock. A list of the straight stairlifts that have already been reconditioned can be found on the website. In addition there are approximately 30 secondhand curved rail stairlifts which are also ready to be re-installed.

New Dolphin Mobility Corporate Brochure

We have posted our new brochure on the main site. It is available as a pdf download.

Dolphin Mobility Corporate Brochure

Oxford Dipper Pool Lift Video

An alternative to the Rmt Splash is the Oxford Dipper Pool Hoist. The Dipper has been designed for use at swimming pools or quayside locations. To see a video of the pool lift in action, simply press play.

Pool Lift Stability Vest

This video shows you how to use a RMT pool lift stability vest.

The vest was designed for people with no upper body or trunk stability. It attaches the user to the chair and straps them in for support.

Pool Lift - Splash Caddy Video

The Splash Caddy allows the pool hoist to be quickly positioned when needed. Once in place the splash is ready for use.

To find out more about the Splash and other swimming pool products visit the dolphin lifts website.

Mobility Scooter Tax Alert

This article from Disability Now reports on a worrying development for Scooter importers.

Paul Carter, August 2007

The price of mobility scooters could increase by as much as £250 as a result of EU changes to customs regulations.

Under the new rules, scooters are now classified as 'motor vehicles for the transport of persons' rather than ‘carriages for disabled persons' meaning that they attract an import duty of 10%.

The trade body which represents the majority of scooter manufacturers and importers in the UK also says that HMRC is issuing demands for three years’ back payment of duty, as the regulations came into force six years ago.

Ray Hodgkinson, the director general of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) said: “This position needs to be reviewed urgently. A price increase of over £250 will cause hardship to many consumers, and because some of our members will be unable to pay the back demands (totalling £10m) they may go out of business, so reducing choice of product.”

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said placing mobility scooters in the same class as leisure vehicles was “ludicrous”.

"If scooters are to be made affordable for those who need them, the UKGovernment must put pressure on the EU to totally rethink this policy."

Southampton Centre for Independent Living

I found this excellent website which may be of interest if you are looking to view mobility products without the hassle of a salesman breathing down your neck. There are also some very interesting disabled related articles.

SCIL is an organisation run and controlled by Disabled People. We support Disabled People to live independently and campaign for an inclusive society which does not discriminate against Disabled People. We believe that Disabled People should have the same opportunities and quality of life that non-Disabled people take for granted.

Time to Get Equal Week

Time to Get Equal Week Monday 18 June – Sunday 24 June 2007

Scope is the disability organisation whose focus is people with cerebral palsey. The Time to Get Equal Week is part of their ongoing campaign for equality for disabled people. To find out more about the Time to Get Equal campaign, go to www.scope.org.uk/disablism.

Another excellent campaign supported by Scope is In the Picture which aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years' picture books.

http://www.childreninthepicture.org.uk/

Bathing Made Easy by DLF

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is a national charity that provides impartial advice and information about products for older and disabled people. For over 35 years they have compiled and maintained the UK's only comprehensive, impartial database of products for older and disabled people.

Until recently the DLF's database has only been available on subscription to healthcare professionals. Now the DLF has made one section of the database available free of charge for public use - 'Bathing made easy'. Containing detailed, impartial information on over 1,400 personal care items, this online search and comparison website aims to include all products available in the UK. All information has been checked by the DLF’s team of therapists and includes a description, a price guide, dimensions, images and a list of national suppliers.

Dolphin Mobility are proud to support Bathing Made Easy.

Directory of Private Occupational Therapists

The College of Occupational Therapists have compiled a directory of OT's working in private practice. Private Occupational Therapists.

It is possible that you may be able to receive the occupational therapy service that you require free of charge from the NHS or your local authority.

It is also possible that you have already approached these services but discovered that you do not qualify for some reason or that there is a waiting list. If this is the case we hope that you will find the assistance that you require from this Directory.

Chiltern Invadex in Administration

Story taken from Bicester Advertiser

THE future is uncertain for Bicester company Chiltern Invadex which has been taken into administration.

So far 55 staff have been made redundant at the firm, based in Wedgwood Road, and 120 workers are left.

Administrators KPMG are looking to sell the business, which supplies products designed to aid mobility and independence for the elderly and less able, as a going concern.

Richard Griffiths, KPMG spokesman said: "We continue to trade, and are talking to a number of interested parties. We are hoping to conclude a sale."

The company has an annual turnover of £14m.

Administrator Allan Graham said: "Difficult trading conditions, along with cashflow problems, have left the directors with no alternative but to place Chiltern Invadex into administration.

"We will now continue to trade the business and are looking to sell it as a going concern. We would be keen to hear from any parties interested in acquiring the business."

Medtrade Spring - Las Vegas 2007

Medtrade Spring offers a marketplace of over 500 exhibiting companies showcasing 90,000 net square feet of products and services. Discover new products and business solutions from the leading manufacturers of mobility, respiratory and durable medical equipment. This leading event draws over 5,500 industry professionals from across the United States and around the world.

Exhibit Hall Hours

Wednesday, April 25th 10:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday, April 26th 10:00am – 3:00pm