Taunton and South Somerset Living Apr - May 2020
With Easter on the horizon, we celebrate the arrival of spring! With an interview with chef James Martin, a host of seasonal recipes, travel inspiration, what's on and home renovation inspiration, this issue is a glorious read - perfect with a cuppa and a hot cross bun!
With Easter on the horizon, we celebrate the arrival of spring! With an interview with chef James Martin, a host of seasonal recipes, travel inspiration, what's on and home renovation inspiration, this issue is a glorious read - perfect with a cuppa and a hot cross bun!
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MOBILITY AIDS<br />
If you or someone you know has difficulty walking or getting around (mobility), a wheelchair,<br />
scooter or walking aid might help.<br />
WALKING STICKS<br />
Choosing a walking stick. There are different types of walking<br />
sticks. You should think about:<br />
• making sure the stick is the correct height for you (ask for<br />
advice when you get your walking stick)<br />
• whether you need one that st<strong>and</strong>s up by itself (some have<br />
3 or 4 feet)<br />
• whether you need the stick to be right-h<strong>and</strong>ed or lefth<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
• whether you need a seat so you can rest<br />
• whether you need a stick to go up steps (you should speak<br />
to a physiotherapist for advice)<br />
• Contact your GP surgery about how to get an appointment<br />
with a physiotherapist.<br />
WALKING FRAMES<br />
A walking frame gives you more support than walking sticks. You<br />
can use them to get around your home or to get out <strong>and</strong> about.<br />
You can borrow walking frames from the NHS. Speak to a GP,<br />
physiotherapist or hospital staff. You might have to pay a deposit.<br />
You can buy walking frames online, or search online for mobility<br />
shops in your area. Prices range from £20 to £200.<br />
Choosing a walking frame. You should think about:<br />
• making sure it’s the correct height for you (ask hospital staff<br />
or your mobility shop for advice)<br />
• whether you want to only use it indoors (frames without<br />
wheels are best)<br />
• whether you’re strong enough to lift a frame without wheels<br />
• whether you want to get out <strong>and</strong> about (frames with wheels<br />
are better for outdoors)<br />
• whether you need a seat, basket or tray attached<br />
• whether you need to fold it to get it into a car<br />
MOBILITY SCOOTERS<br />
Mobility scooters can be useful if you struggle to walk or are<br />
disabled, need to travel long distances, <strong>and</strong> are able to get on<br />
<strong>and</strong> off a mobility scooter easily.<br />
Mobility scooters are not generally available on the NHS. Search<br />
online for local mobility shops. Mobility scooters range in price<br />
from £400 to more than £5,000. The Motability Scheme can<br />
help if you want to hire or buy a mobility scooter. It allows some<br />
people to use their benefits to pay for one.<br />
Choosing a scooter - You should think about:<br />
• how often you need to use a scooter<br />
• what you need it for (roads or pavements)<br />
• whether it needs to go in a car<br />
• where you’ll store your scooter<br />
• how much it costs to maintain <strong>and</strong> repair<br />
• whether you’ll be able to steer it (some have special levers<br />
to steer them if you have arthritis in your h<strong>and</strong>s)<br />
Ask to try different types before you make your decision.<br />
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