An expert’s advice on choosing the right aid for you

"TPG Disableaids, is a family-run supplier of market-leading daily living aids since 1985, have a wealth of experience in helping their customers select the tools that suit their specific requirements."

Q: What should you be looking for in a daily living aid? 

A: It's so important that you purchase the equipment that suits your own particular needs, as it grants a real freedom and independence. Familiarising yourself with all of the various products and how they work is the first step to an independent lifestyle, but the sheer volume of living aids can be overwhelming. 

When browsing the range of daily living aids, keep in mind what has become increasingly difficult in your life. Specialist chairs, for example, may have a built-in control system that takes time to get used to, ranging from models with two buttons to six. The scale of the products can range quite drastically, so be sure to take your time and select the best product for your circumstances. 

Taking the advice of a professional before you buy can help you identify exactly what you need, whether it’s a specialised bed or a specific wheelchair. You can ask your doctor or a physiotherapist for their advice, or you can always consult us for our expertise.

We can provide precise details on the products themselves and how they work, ensuring that you’re fully furnished with the information you need before making a choice. The British Health Care Trade Association to which TPG are a member have a great database of trusted and vetted members that can support you.

Q: How can mobility aids enhance your quality of life? 

A: Choosing the right aid for your mobility is an extremely important decision. They can make an enormously positive difference to your life, enabling you to operate independently and carry out daily tasks without hinderance.

However, each model of scooters and wheelchairs have quite different capabilities – whether you just need it for heading out to the shops or long-term use, there’s a model perfect for you! That is why we would always recommend making sure you have a full assessment for your needs from a trusted and competent dealer who can help you assess your needs and ensure you are happy and trained in using your new scooter or wheelchair.

In terms of scooters, there’s a wide range to choose from with each model offering different features to suit you. Depending on the environment you live in, the terrain you wish to cover and the size of the model that is best for you. When you’re travelling for longer distances, not having a scooter to help you can be extremely difficult and may worsen your condition. The comfort and accessibility that a scooter brings can make an otherwise extremely difficult journey a much easier task. 

Manoeuvrability is an essential aspect of every mobility aid – most scooters have paddle controls, known as wigwags, that are easily operated with gentle pressure applied by the thumb. When the pressure is released, the brakes automatically stop the scooter. Wheelchairs usually come in two main types, attendant propelled (or Transit) and self-propelled.  

There are a few things to take into account when buying a wheelchair – will it be able to fit into your car boot? Is it comfortable enough to be sat in for prolonged periods? Our trained staff can help you make the decision that best suits your requirements. 

Q: What makes support beds so important? 

A: Having restless nights on a regular basis can severely impact your quality of life. Getting enough sleep is so important for your health and wellbeing, so purchasing the right bed can make a crucial difference. The sheer amount of options available can be quite overwhelming, but our staff are always on-hand to provide guidance and advice. 

Take every aspect of the bed into consideration as the height, functions and unique styles can make a real difference to your night’s sleep. Some specially designed beds can look quite clinical, whereas others give you plenty of options to put your own stamp on it. Being able to adjust the height of the bed is essential, making it much easier to get in and out of bed, as well as reducing the risk of back injury for carers. 

Q: How can TPG Disable Aids support their customers? 

We do not sell scooters, wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs or profiling beds online for example, as we need to properly assess your living needs and ensure that you receive the correct product. Our staff are trained to the highest standards and, as we are not target driven or commission paid, are always on hand to provide advice about the best products for you and your needs.

We have a highly trained team of in-house engineers that are able to provide support out of hours 365 days of the year, this commitment to great customer service if what TPG Disableaids prides itself on and we hope that given the opportunity we can prove our sales supports and after care support is second to none.  

Said Jayme: “On the back of this we offer a comprehensive range of products: Stairlifts from Stannah, we are an authorised dealer and centre of excellence; and handicare (diamond dealer of the year) and Access BDD.

“Hoisting, both overhead tracking and portable patient lifters, powered wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

“We can also provide scooters - both 4mph and 8mph - home lifts such as Stilz, rise and recline chairs. Plus fully profiling beds and a whole host of independent aids to keep people safe, health and independent on their homes.

“We like to think of ourselves as a solutions provider meaning we can offer nearly everything that someone might need.

“Any BHTA member will be happy to do this for you. It is very important to get something fit for you.

“It’s tempting to by second hand, but if the product is not the right size for you or doesn’t suit your needs, it may cause more issue down the road.

“We are always happy to help with advice and have many solution for most budgets.”

For more information, visit tpg-disableaids.co.uk or call 01432 351666.