A blog about mobility products and aids for disabled people. Featuring news articles, guides for end users and comment on the mobility aids industry. For more information on any of the featured products please call 0800 9800 126.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Win an iPad Mini at The OT Show 2014
Come and see us on stand B21 at the 2014 OT Show, 26th and 27th November at the NEC. to See our wide range of hoists and also to have a chance of winning a brand new iPad Mini!
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Dolphin Lifts Group to Distribute Liko Overhead Hoists
The Dolphin Lifts Group has signed an agreement with the Liko division of Hill-Rom to install their range of tracked and gantry overhead hoists in the United Kingdom through a growing number of its branches. The two companies will be making their UK debut on stand B21 at the OT Show (Birmingham NEC November 26th and 27th).
The Group represents many of the leading hoist and stairlift manufacturers and the Liko range is a great addition to its current portfolio, as Managing Director Craig Dunnage explained: “Liko is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of overhead hoists, with a superb reputation for quality and design and we are delighted to be announcing this agreement. At Dolphin we pride ourselves on only working with manufacturers that share our ethos of patient care and customer service, and this is certainly the case with the team at Liko”.
Since 1979, Liko has built a reputation for offering superb hoisting solutions at a competitive price and its range of mobile, tracked and gantry hoists, which are extremely well thought of by healthcare professionals, will sit perfectly within the range of hoists available from Dolphin.
“This agreement with Dolphin is great news for Liko. We are always looking to develop new partnerships and I believe that by working with Dolphin we are now in a position to offer our range of hoists to a wider audience of healthcare professionals and their patients” commented Damien McKeaveney, UK Sales and Marketing Manager, Liko Sales.
Over the last 25 years, Dolphin Lifts Group has firmly established itself as a leading independent supplier of hoists and stairlifts in the UK. There are now 16 independently owned and operated Dolphin branches covering the UK and most are family businesses, helping to add the personal touch so often missing from larger companies. Dolphin Lifts Group prides itself on being independent and represents many of the leading mobility and access equipment manufacturers including Handicare, Handimove, Liko, Stannah and Thyssen. However, as it is not aligned with one individual supplier, the company is in the unique position of being able to offer customers completely independent and impartial advice and quotations. For more information and to find your nearest Dolphin Lifts Group branch visit www.dolphinlifts.co.uk or call 0800 9800126.
The Group represents many of the leading hoist and stairlift manufacturers and the Liko range is a great addition to its current portfolio, as Managing Director Craig Dunnage explained: “Liko is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of overhead hoists, with a superb reputation for quality and design and we are delighted to be announcing this agreement. At Dolphin we pride ourselves on only working with manufacturers that share our ethos of patient care and customer service, and this is certainly the case with the team at Liko”.
Since 1979, Liko has built a reputation for offering superb hoisting solutions at a competitive price and its range of mobile, tracked and gantry hoists, which are extremely well thought of by healthcare professionals, will sit perfectly within the range of hoists available from Dolphin.
“This agreement with Dolphin is great news for Liko. We are always looking to develop new partnerships and I believe that by working with Dolphin we are now in a position to offer our range of hoists to a wider audience of healthcare professionals and their patients” commented Damien McKeaveney, UK Sales and Marketing Manager, Liko Sales.
Over the last 25 years, Dolphin Lifts Group has firmly established itself as a leading independent supplier of hoists and stairlifts in the UK. There are now 16 independently owned and operated Dolphin branches covering the UK and most are family businesses, helping to add the personal touch so often missing from larger companies. Dolphin Lifts Group prides itself on being independent and represents many of the leading mobility and access equipment manufacturers including Handicare, Handimove, Liko, Stannah and Thyssen. However, as it is not aligned with one individual supplier, the company is in the unique position of being able to offer customers completely independent and impartial advice and quotations. For more information and to find your nearest Dolphin Lifts Group branch visit www.dolphinlifts.co.uk or call 0800 9800126.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Liko Hoists
Liko are manufacturers of mobile and overhead hoists for safe patient handling. They have an exhaustive line up of patient lifting equipment, creating solutions to any lifting problem encountered in healthcare.
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| Liko Room to Room System |
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| Liko Multirall Hoist |
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| Likorall 250 Hoist |
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| Liko Ultra Twin Bariatric Lift System |
To find out more about Liko Hoists please contact Dolphin Lifts on 01276 856060 or 0800 9800 126.
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Taking Hoisting to a Wider Audience
Over recent years mobile and tracked hoists have become more and more commonplace in hospitals, care homes and other care related facilities. However, in conjunction with Occupational Therapists, Dolphin Mobility is leading the way in taking this technology to a much wider audience.
Trampolining and rebound therapy has long been recognised as playing a vital role in the ongoing treatment and rehabilitation of people with varying levels of disability, but this can often cause a manual handling issue. Basingstoke Gymnastics Club is a great example of a location that has benefitted from working with Dolphin Mobility on a hoisting solution for its disabled members as Alexandria Campbell, Head of Disabilities at the Club, explains: “We have around 70 adults on the register at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club with varying levels of disabilities, from mild to profound, many of whom use our trampoline. We also have a huge cross section of children, and the hoist has been vital in getting them onto the trampoline – something which most of them are unable to do outside of the Club.”
Jade is one such example. The 19-year-old has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, which has caused severe learning and physical disabilities, along with partial sight. Jade uses the hoist to access the, and according to Alexandra, it has helped tremendously with her movement skills: “Jade absolutely loves the trampoline as it gives her some freedom, sensation and feeling back in her muscles,” commented Alexandra. “She is unable to walk so the trampolining sessions have enabled her to have fun and be free as possible, stretching out all her muscles and get the feeling back in them. She has also met new people who she interacts with, which is excellent for her confidence and social skills.
“Coming here once or twice a week gives users a newfound independence, which they often cannot experience at home due to their levels of disability. We also use the hoist to lift members out of their wheelchairs and be placed on matting for additional therapy sessions. At 19, Jade is our youngest member – we also have people in their 40s and 50s using the hoist, which shows that people of all ages can benefit this type of equipment and exercise. They all love it!”
Craig Dunnage of Dolphin Mobility explains that the hoist in question, the Handimove Victor hoist, is the most suitable hoist for use with trampolines and is highly favoured for rebound therapy: “It will comfortably lift a user from the ground onto a 1.1 metre high trampoline, and unlike many other hoists, will get the user onto the main bed of the trampoline. Because of its size and robust design, it is easy to push and will lift up to 225kg (35 stone) comfortably.”
From a domestic perspective, Jason Miller, from Cambridgeshire, has seen the difference a tracked ceiling hoist has made after having one installed above his swimming pool and hot tub.
Jason, 44, was left paralysed from the chest down after being knocked off his bike while on holiday in Portugal in 2012. Following initial treatment in Lisbon, Jason returned to England to receive further treatment. “It was while I was undergoing hydrotherapy that I realised how important it would be for me to continue this in my own pool when I returned home,” explained Jason.
Jason realised he would require assistance getting in and out of the pool, and started researching hoist manufacturers: “I wanted a hoist that would not only be safe and comfortable, but also unobtrusive as there was limited poolside space,” he said.
The hoist Jason opted for was the HandiMove HM2500 LRC ceiling hoist, a model with infrared hand controls and an electrolytically polished body support to enable self-hoisting, which allows the user to transfer safely and independently from bed to wheelchair, toilet, bath or in Jason’s case, into his swimming pool. Jason’s version of the model also features a membrane panel and has had a PCB treatment applied, for use in environments where water is present. The hoist is ergonomically designed without any loss of space, making it ideal for smaller areas or for domestic use.
Jason added: “The hoist has made a real difference to my day to day life as swimming and hydrotherapy sessions play a vital role in my ongoing treatment plan. From a personal point of view having the ability to hoist myself in and out of the water independently is just fantastic”.
“When speaking to clients, we always discuss all the equipment and hoisting options available as self hoisting may not be suited to everyone. We are always on hand to discuss the ease with which self-hoisting can be incorporated as part of a more independent lifestyle, even if it is with the partial aid of a family member or carer. With the latest technological advances, there is always a solution and it is our aim and the ethos of Dolphin Mobility, to ensure we leave every client with as high a level of independence and comfort as possible” explained Craig.
Linda Dowdeswell is a great example of someone who is using the latest hoisting technology to self hoist throughout the home. Linda was diagnosed with a cluster of tumours on her spine whilst pregnant with her daughter in 1981. “As my condition has deteriorated we have carried out various adaptations to our home, from widening doorways to converting rooms and installing equipment,” she said. Despite her restricted mobility, Linda is one of a growing number of people who can ‘self hoist’ due to the latest advances in hoisting equipment - this means she can get herself in and out of bed, bathed and dressed independently. These daily activities would be impossible without the Handimove ceiling track hoist with body support system.
Over the last 25 years, Dolphin Mobility has firmly established itself as a leading independent supplier of hoists and stairlifts in the UK. There are now 19 independently owned and operated Dolphin branches covering the UK and Ireland and most are family businesses, helping to add the personal touch so often missing from larger companies. Dolphin Mobility prides itself on being independent and represents many of the leading mobility and access equipment manufacturers including Stannah, Meditek, Handimove and Thyssen. However, as it is not aligned with one individual supplier, the company is in the unique position of being able to offer customers completely independent and impartial advice and quotations. For more information and to find your nearest Dolphin Mobility branch visit www.dolphinlifts.co.uk or call 01276 856060.
Dolphin Mobility will be on stand B21 at The OT Show and will have several working examples of different hoisting and stairlift solutions on show and available for testing.
Trampolining and rebound therapy has long been recognised as playing a vital role in the ongoing treatment and rehabilitation of people with varying levels of disability, but this can often cause a manual handling issue. Basingstoke Gymnastics Club is a great example of a location that has benefitted from working with Dolphin Mobility on a hoisting solution for its disabled members as Alexandria Campbell, Head of Disabilities at the Club, explains: “We have around 70 adults on the register at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club with varying levels of disabilities, from mild to profound, many of whom use our trampoline. We also have a huge cross section of children, and the hoist has been vital in getting them onto the trampoline – something which most of them are unable to do outside of the Club.”
Jade is one such example. The 19-year-old has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, which has caused severe learning and physical disabilities, along with partial sight. Jade uses the hoist to access the, and according to Alexandra, it has helped tremendously with her movement skills: “Jade absolutely loves the trampoline as it gives her some freedom, sensation and feeling back in her muscles,” commented Alexandra. “She is unable to walk so the trampolining sessions have enabled her to have fun and be free as possible, stretching out all her muscles and get the feeling back in them. She has also met new people who she interacts with, which is excellent for her confidence and social skills.
“Coming here once or twice a week gives users a newfound independence, which they often cannot experience at home due to their levels of disability. We also use the hoist to lift members out of their wheelchairs and be placed on matting for additional therapy sessions. At 19, Jade is our youngest member – we also have people in their 40s and 50s using the hoist, which shows that people of all ages can benefit this type of equipment and exercise. They all love it!”
Craig Dunnage of Dolphin Mobility explains that the hoist in question, the Handimove Victor hoist, is the most suitable hoist for use with trampolines and is highly favoured for rebound therapy: “It will comfortably lift a user from the ground onto a 1.1 metre high trampoline, and unlike many other hoists, will get the user onto the main bed of the trampoline. Because of its size and robust design, it is easy to push and will lift up to 225kg (35 stone) comfortably.”
From a domestic perspective, Jason Miller, from Cambridgeshire, has seen the difference a tracked ceiling hoist has made after having one installed above his swimming pool and hot tub.
Jason, 44, was left paralysed from the chest down after being knocked off his bike while on holiday in Portugal in 2012. Following initial treatment in Lisbon, Jason returned to England to receive further treatment. “It was while I was undergoing hydrotherapy that I realised how important it would be for me to continue this in my own pool when I returned home,” explained Jason.
Jason realised he would require assistance getting in and out of the pool, and started researching hoist manufacturers: “I wanted a hoist that would not only be safe and comfortable, but also unobtrusive as there was limited poolside space,” he said.
The hoist Jason opted for was the HandiMove HM2500 LRC ceiling hoist, a model with infrared hand controls and an electrolytically polished body support to enable self-hoisting, which allows the user to transfer safely and independently from bed to wheelchair, toilet, bath or in Jason’s case, into his swimming pool. Jason’s version of the model also features a membrane panel and has had a PCB treatment applied, for use in environments where water is present. The hoist is ergonomically designed without any loss of space, making it ideal for smaller areas or for domestic use.
Jason added: “The hoist has made a real difference to my day to day life as swimming and hydrotherapy sessions play a vital role in my ongoing treatment plan. From a personal point of view having the ability to hoist myself in and out of the water independently is just fantastic”.
“When speaking to clients, we always discuss all the equipment and hoisting options available as self hoisting may not be suited to everyone. We are always on hand to discuss the ease with which self-hoisting can be incorporated as part of a more independent lifestyle, even if it is with the partial aid of a family member or carer. With the latest technological advances, there is always a solution and it is our aim and the ethos of Dolphin Mobility, to ensure we leave every client with as high a level of independence and comfort as possible” explained Craig.
Linda Dowdeswell is a great example of someone who is using the latest hoisting technology to self hoist throughout the home. Linda was diagnosed with a cluster of tumours on her spine whilst pregnant with her daughter in 1981. “As my condition has deteriorated we have carried out various adaptations to our home, from widening doorways to converting rooms and installing equipment,” she said. Despite her restricted mobility, Linda is one of a growing number of people who can ‘self hoist’ due to the latest advances in hoisting equipment - this means she can get herself in and out of bed, bathed and dressed independently. These daily activities would be impossible without the Handimove ceiling track hoist with body support system.
Over the last 25 years, Dolphin Mobility has firmly established itself as a leading independent supplier of hoists and stairlifts in the UK. There are now 19 independently owned and operated Dolphin branches covering the UK and Ireland and most are family businesses, helping to add the personal touch so often missing from larger companies. Dolphin Mobility prides itself on being independent and represents many of the leading mobility and access equipment manufacturers including Stannah, Meditek, Handimove and Thyssen. However, as it is not aligned with one individual supplier, the company is in the unique position of being able to offer customers completely independent and impartial advice and quotations. For more information and to find your nearest Dolphin Mobility branch visit www.dolphinlifts.co.uk or call 01276 856060.
Dolphin Mobility will be on stand B21 at The OT Show and will have several working examples of different hoisting and stairlift solutions on show and available for testing.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Dolphin at The New Forest Show
Dolphin Mobility is delighted to be exhibiting at The New Forest and Hampshire County Show this year, showcasing our extensive range of lifting and hoisting equipment. See our Facebook event page for more details.
We will have an overhead XY hoist, a wall lift, a Stairlift for narrow stairs, a hot tub hoist and the body support system which is an independent transfer aid which is very effective for transferring disabled riders onto a horse. New Forest Show Block 12, Stand 120.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Multi Purpose Height Adjustable Mobile Bathing Bench
The unique Shower Bath Trolley is height adjustable, fully mobile and can function as a shower stretcher, shallow bath, or treatment table.
The rim of the shower trolley can be raised and lowered electrically to make showering comfortable and convenient. With the rim in the highest position, it serves as a shallow bathtub.
The bath can be lowered to enable PAT slide transfers of patients from a bed or trolley and the warm feeling bath liner is soft to the touch and easy to clean.
For more details on the Shower Bath Trolley or to arrange a demonstration please call Dolphin Lifts on 01276 856060 or send an email to info@dolphinlifts.co.uk requesting more information. Other nursing benches can also be found on our website.
Monday, June 02, 2014
Molift Air
The Molift Air is an innovative new ceiling hoist with a quick release function which enables the lift to be easily handled during installation and servicing.
It can be used with fixed rail systems as well as freestanding gantry systems. Trolleys are available which allow the Molift Air to be used with other manufacturers tracking.
L x W x H: (Length, Width, Height without trolley) 360 x 190 x 195mm
A: (Hoisting Range) 300mm
B: (Minimum distance from ceiling to CSP) 345mm
C: (Basic Trolley wheel to connection point lifter)
D: (Hoist height from connection point to CSP) 249mm
E: (Wheeltrack inside rail to under rail H62) 10mm
F: (C+D+H2-E = Total height from rail to connection point for sling)
The standard model traverses the rail manually but there is also the option of a propulsion motor for driven horizontal transfer along the rail.
For more information on the Molift AIR or any of our other hoists, please call us on 01276 856060 or email your request to info@dolphinlifts.co.uk.
It can be used with fixed rail systems as well as freestanding gantry systems. Trolleys are available which allow the Molift Air to be used with other manufacturers tracking.
Molift AIR Dimensions:
A: (Hoisting Range) 300mm
B: (Minimum distance from ceiling to CSP) 345mm
C: (Basic Trolley wheel to connection point lifter)
D: (Hoist height from connection point to CSP) 249mm
E: (Wheeltrack inside rail to under rail H62) 10mm
F: (C+D+H2-E = Total height from rail to connection point for sling)
The standard model traverses the rail manually but there is also the option of a propulsion motor for driven horizontal transfer along the rail.
For more information on the Molift AIR or any of our other hoists, please call us on 01276 856060 or email your request to info@dolphinlifts.co.uk.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Nursing Benches
Nursing Benches are popular in changing places facilities, day centres, school hygiene rooms and care homes. Pressalit Care's range of nursing benches include height adjustable and fixed height options, which provide a stable platform for changing adults and children.
All of these practical and stylish changing benches are available from Dolphin Lifts, please call 01276 856060 for more details. Dolphin can supply and install the bench as well as other complimentary items such as ceiling hoists, privacy screens and adjustable toilets and basins.
All of these practical and stylish changing benches are available from Dolphin Lifts, please call 01276 856060 for more details. Dolphin can supply and install the bench as well as other complimentary items such as ceiling hoists, privacy screens and adjustable toilets and basins.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Step Lifts by Dolphin Mobility
Step Lifts have been developed to give wheelchair users access when they are confronted by a change in level or due to the presence of steps. The lifts are compact whilst offering a large platform area and can be configured for use in domestic dwellings or public buildings. The following images are domestic step lift installations.
At Dolphin, we work with different suppliers in order to specify the most suitable step lift for the client and their property. We can also arrange all of the building work and the installation of the lift. For more details or to arrange a free no-obligation quotation, please call us on 01276 856060.