Don't give in to pressure selling

After reports of a mobility dealer using aggressive selling tactics, Mangar International has offered advice to people wishing to buy a mobility or healthcare product, such as a bath lift or pillow lift.

Having the right equipment to help with daily living can help many people stay independent in their own homes, but equipment can be expensive so it's important to make the right decision.

Mangar International's Managing Director, Andrew Barker, said: "There are a few simple ways you can make sure you choose the right equipment from a reputable company;

1. Carry out some research into the company before you contact them. A company who is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) should abide by its code of conduct which has strict rules in place to protect consumers.
2. Never deal with a company that uses door to door, or cold call selling.
3. Make sure you get a price upfront, over the telephone, and compare that price to a couple of other suppliers.
4. Most companies offer free no obligation demonstrations to make sure the equipment is right for you. This is important as it gives you a valuable chance to try before you buy.
5. Never feel pressured to sign an order on the spot. Ask the representative to leave you with a quote, you can then call their head office in your own time once you've made your decision.
6. If you feel you have been subjected to aggressive sales tactics inform Trading Standards by calling 08454 04 05 06.

It is also possible to try out equipment at an independent Living Centre which have a range of products and occupational therapists on hand to give impartial advice. To find your nearest Independent Living Centre click here.

When was the last time you enjoyed the luxury of a long hot soak in the bath?

For many people taking a bath is one of life’s little pleasures. Having time out to take a bath in the evening can give you a much needed opportunity to relax and unwind from the stresses of the day.

As well as improving your state of mind, a warm bath is generally considered to have many health benefits too. Relaxing aching muscles, taking the weight off sore joints, soothing skin complaints, improving circulation and easing pain associated with conditions such as arthritis are just a few of the reported physical advantages.

However, for many people the prospect of taking a bath conjures up a vastly different set of emotions. If you have mobility difficulties due to physical disability the thought of taking a bath may fill you with dread. The high step in, the challenge of getting out and the wet slippery surfaces can all make bathing a dangerous and undignified experience. Many people require assistance from a carer, and plenty of others abandon baths altogether resorting to only taking showers.

If this scenario is similar to your experience of bathing it’s time you looked for a suitable solution.

Mangar International is a specialist in conquering people’s bathing difficulties through simple, affordable solutions. They have two popular bath lifts to choose from to alleviate the strain of getting into and out of the bath; the Archimedes and the Bathing Cushion.

With a fixed-position backrest the Archimedes will lower and raise you into and out of the bath in a fully supported seated position. It’s a great one-size-fits-all solution suitable for virtually every physical condition and bathroom design.

For those who have reasonable upper body stability the Bathing Cushion will lower and raise you into and out of the bath, with the added luxury of being able to lie back and stretch right out at the bottom of the bath. Fully inflatable, the Bathing Cushion is deflated slowly at the touch of a button to lower you down into the bath, where you can then choose to leave some air in the back rest as a comfortable support, or release all the air for a completely natural bath.

Both options are battery powered and simple to use. They require no fixtures, fittings or alterations to your bathroom and can be set up in seconds. They are completely portable for those who like to travel, and are easy to remove from the bath leaving it clear for use by a partner or family member.

If you want to rediscover the simple pleasure of a hot bath arrange a free demonstration from Mangar International by calling freephone 0800 280 0485 or visit www.mangarinternational.co.uk

Independent Living - How can I get help?

If you find various tasks at home or work are becoming increasingly difficult because of mobility issues there's plenty of equipment to help you, and you may be entitled to it for free.

How do I find out what I need?
Equipment needs are assessed by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and community nurses, either on discharge from hospital through NHS services, or through local authority social services. If you are experiencing difficulties at home you can contact your local social services to arrange for an Occupational Therapist (OT) to visit you and take a look at the problems you are having. The OT may suggest different ways of performing a task or recommend equipment they think will help, in some cases they might bring along equipment for you to try out.

I've decided what I want, so how do I get hold of it?
If an OT thinks some equipment will help you they can usually arrange for this to be provided. In some cases the equipment is free, however often a charge is made. If the equipment is provided by social services you may not have a choice of the brand or style of the item.

I know what equipment I need, how can I get it myself?
If you would prefer to find your own equipment rather than go through social services there are plenty of resources that show what's available. The Disabled Living Foundation is a great place to start. Most equipment suppliers have great websites where you can find product information, and in many cases buy online. For simple independent living equipment where you're confident you know what you want, choosing and buying it yourself is a good option. However if you need more complicated and expensive equipment such as beds and furniture it is normally recommended that you consult an OT, just so you can get their professional opinion on what would be best for you.

At Mangar International we have a full range of Independent Living equipment from pill boxes to pillow lifters, reachers to ramps. Visit our website for more information, or call us on freephone 0800 280 0485 - for some equipment you can make an appointment for us to visit you and let you try it out first, all without any pressure to buy.

Mangar Living - new products and a celebratory competition!

We've just launched our new range of independent living products for use around the home. To see our full range of new products visit www.mangarinternational.co.uk or call us for free on 0800 280 0485 and request your copy of our Mangar Living catalogue.

To celebrate the launch of the catalogue we're running a competition to win a £30 Marks and Spencer voucher. Visit our Mangar Living website, www.mangarliving.com, for more information.

Will the older generation soon be leading the way in computer gaming?

We’ve all heard of Silver Surfers, and Groovy Grannies, but there’s a new trend descending upon us; Gaming Grandpas!

Not so long ago computer games and consoles were monopolised by the World’s teenagers. The notion of ‘gaming’ immediately conjures up images of shoot ‘em up and racing games adored by children and detested by parents!

However, this world of games and gadgetry seems to be undergoing a significant shift.

The large gaming companies, led by the giant Nintendo, seem to be moving away from the traditional teen games, to ones more aimed at the older generation. Games that promote problem solving and logic are gradually taking over the shelves in the high street stores, and with it the average age of users is creeping up.

Last Christmas, the hot gift for parents and grandparents was not the usual M&S voucher, or bottle of sherry, instead topping Santa’s list was a Nintendo DS. This small hand held games console can now be found in the handbags of retirees across the globe. Instead of teenagers on buses annoying other passengers with bleeps and music from games, it’s now the grandmas at the front trying to improve their ‘brain age’ on the Brain Train game.

The DS is not Nintendo’s only device favoured by the older generation; the incredibly popular Wii is also a winner. Plugged into your tv, the Wii allows you to play games through physical simulation using the motion-sensor hand controls. Across the UK and America the Nintendo Wii can be found in homes and care establishments as a way to encourage moderate physical exercise.

So, have the gaming companies just spotted a way to cash in on the grey pound, or do these games offer a real benefit to senior users?

The initial consensus is looking good.

Many care home professionals are finding the Nintendo Wii offers residents a new way to exercise, improving their fitness and hand-eye coordination, and bringing a bit of fun into their daily routine. Different games require different levels of exertion so can be chosen to suit the individual, and all games offer training and encourage improvement.

Ashminster House in Willesborough, Kent, owned by Barchester Healthcare, has recently installed an Nintendo Wii for residents. According to the operations manager, Bernard Boyle, all the residents are really enjoying the Wii. “It is very new to them but they have taken to it instantly.” He said.

“The games have encouraged them to be active and have fun. The weather does not always lend itself to taking residents outside for exercise so this ensures they can exercise whenever they wish.”

Dr Lorna Layward of Research into Ageing, said: “We are working with Barchester on the Fitness to Care initiative to help older residents improve overall health.

“Our bodies are never beyond improving and respond surprisingly well to lifestyle changes whatever the age. Keeping fit forms part of a holistic approach to living life to the full in later years.”

They seem convinced the Nintendo Wii has real benefits, and Nintendo themselves must be confident it’s not just a passing phase; their newest innovation is the Wii fit, a programme targeted specifically towards improving balance, fitness and coordination.

But what about the DS? As a personal console with a small screen and small buttons the DS has a limited application for the elderly, but it still seems to be proving itself amongst the older generation. Health professionals have long seen the benefit of crosswords, puzzles and logic problems for the brain, and this computerised version is a great way to encourage middle aged and older people to keep their brain active.

Nintendo’s Brain Age game (a series of number and word puzzles) has seen praise from doctors and neuropsychiatrists, who seem to be in agreement that the game’s light intelligence puzzles stimulate the brain and can offset dementia and Alzheimer’s.

So it looks like this new revolution in gaming could be here to stay. Perhaps we’ll soon see the queues of teenagers waiting for the latest release on Oxford Street replaced by queues of grandmas and grandpas, waiting patiently for the newest Wii or DS game!

For more information on hobbies and activities that can help you age heathily visit our microsite http://www.mangarliving.com/ and have a look through the Lifestyle & Leisure, and Health & Mobility pages.

Egg-straordinary Easter offer on bath lifts and more!

As a special Easter treat we are offering an egg-straordinary 10% off all our bathroom items, including the Archimedes bath lift, the Bathing Cushion, our range of stylish grab rails and our bathroom safety seats.

Visit http://www.mangarinternational.co.uk/ to find out more today - offer ends Monday 20th April 2009!

Second hand smoke may lead to an increased risk of Dementia

It is already established that there is a link between smoking and the development of dementia, but now a recent study has gone as far as saying this link might be extended to non-smokers who have been exposed to high levels of second hand smoke.

The new study tested the saliva of almost 5,000 non-smokers, all over the age of 50, for a chemical called cotinine, a by-product of nicotine which can stay in the body for almost two days after inhaling second-hand smoke.

The volunteers were then asked to sit a series of tests designed to assess their level of recall and other skills.

The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, show that those with a high level of the chemical in their bodies were 44% more likely to develop early memory problems, which can be a warning sign for dementia, than those with low levels.
The study was not conclusive but the results were strong enough to suggest that further research should be carried out.

Sarah Day, Head of Public Health at The Alzheimer’s Society commented: “We’ve known for some time that smoking increases your risk of developing dementia. Now it seems that passive smoking could also have a harmful effect.

One million people will develop dementia over the next ten years. It is important that smokers are supported to quit and the impact of second hand smoke is reduced.Whilst we don't know what causes dementia there is increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing one of these devastating diseases. Giving up smoking; eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise are simple steps you can take in the fight against dementia.”

Dementia has been in the news a lot lately with the announcement of what the Department of Health are calling a ‘landmark strategy to transform dementia services’. This strategy is aiming to increase awareness of dementia and ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and is backed by funding of £150 million over the first two years.

Some of the initiatives recommended in the strategy are:

• memory services throughout the country staffed by specialists to provide early diagnosis and treatment;


• a senior member of staff to be identified in general hospitals and care homes who will be charged with providing leadership to improve the quality of care for people with dementia;


• the appointment of dementia advisers, who will act as a guide to help people with dementia and their families navigate the care and support system throughout their illness;


• better education and training for professionals;


• better evidence on research needs on the causes of and treatment for dementia;


• better information for people with dementia, their carers and families after diagnosis; and


• improved public awareness to help remove the stigma attached to dementia.
  
  The Department of Health is hoping that the introduction of this strategy will help improve dementia services and put the NHS in a strong position to care for the number of people with dementia which is expected to double over the next thirty years.
  
  What is dementia and how do I recognise it?
  
  According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the term ‘dementia’ is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Diagnosing dementia can be very difficult but some of the symptoms include lapses in memory, problems with finding the right words, mood changes and communication problems.
  
  If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be demonstrating signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease the first person to consult is a GP. They will then decide whether that person needs to be referred to a specialist consultant.
  
  Living with dementia, or caring for a loved one who has developed the illness can be extremely distressing. If you need help or support, or would like more information the Alzheimer’s Society is a very useful resource. You can visit their website, www.alzeimers.org.uk or call their helpline on 0845 300 0336. The helpline is usually open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
  
  If you have been affected by dementia, or any other illness related to old age, and have a story you would like to share email us at mangarinternational@gmail.com