We use the word ‘scam’ to indicate a dishonest or fraudulent scheme designed to cheat someone. But fortunately a lot of scams and bad purchases can be avoided if you know what to look for.

A common feature of scams is pressure to commit you to a sale very quickly. So don’t let yourself be rushed. You may be told that an offer is only available for a limited time period, or that you will get a discount if you sign now. A genuine offer will allow you to go away, discuss it with friends and relatives, and then come back when you are sure it’s what you want.

Having a website doesn’t necessarily mean that the company is reliable. Look for one recommended by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) or the local Authority Trader Scheme Network such as “Derbyshire Trusted Traders”. If the offer seems too good to be true then it probably is.

Check out the following points about the seller if you are at all concerned:

1. Do they have a contact number and does it work? Be wary if the number is a mobile number (e.g. a number beginning with 07-)
2. Do you have a postal address for the company – be cautious if there is only a P.O.Box number.
3. Is the company based overseas – your consumer rights may not apply.
4. Is the company properly regulated or a member of a trade association.

Business cards, stationery and websites can be easily made up. Do not judge on appearance alone.

In your own home, do not invite in or buy from any callers you have not bought from before (and know to be reliable). You could put up a notice to say that you do not buy from the doorstep.

Remember that if you do sign a contract in your own home, you usually have a 14 day ‘cooling off’ period to change your mind, but this only helps if you can trace the person.

But most of all if you don’t feel comfortable with the purchase you are making, then allow yourself to make the decision in your own time, rather than be forced into buying something you may regret.

Gill, Care100 (Director)

Care100 strongly advise that you insure your mobility scooter or wheelchair. With our insurance you will be covered for theft and accidental damage but more importantly you will be covered for 3rd party liability. For instance,if you run someone over or run into a car you will be covered. It also covers you for breakdown and in most cases the insurance company will pay to get you and your vehicle home. However before taking out any insurance you must read the policy carefully as they are all different.

If you would like more information about the comprehensive insurance policy we can provide you with, please contact us on 01246 275767

There are so many products available nowadays to help people live independently for a longer time in their own homes. At Care100, Kate and Gill are always happy to come out during the day or in the evening to talk to groups. In the past we have been invited to speak to patients recovering from chemotherapy, women’s groups in Chesterfield and Buxton and many other groups. We bring many items from the shop but there is no obligation for anyone to buy anything. It is purely about sharing information on items that may make life a little easier for people. There is no charge for the talks, which take about an hour and are quite light hearted.

If you are interested, please call either Kate or Gill on 01246 275767

Before getting a scooter, think about…

Here is a list of things to consider before getting a scooter:

What do you want it for?

• Decide what size and type you need.
• Small (Class 2) scooters can go on pavements. Some can be dismantled and put in your car boot. The smaller they are, the easier they are to use indoors, store and transport
• Class 3 scooters are larger and can go on the road. They’re more robust and better at long distance.

Try before you buy

• Come and try out different scooters to see what suits you, and don’t buy anything without a test drive.
• Come and try a scooter at our shop.

Will it suit you?

•  Look for controls that are easy to see, reach, grip and use for long periods.
• The seating needs to be comfortable – check back support and legroom.

If you decide to get a scooter, think about…

• Shop around as prices vary dramatically.We will match any other shop in Chesterfield or surrounding areas
• We don’t recommend buying online unless you know exactly what you want. It is always better to speak to the people you are buying from and to make sure they are reputable

How to use it safely

• Remember the speed limits – 4mph on the pavement and 8mph on the road.
• If you’re going on the road, make sure you know your highway code
• Slopes, kerbs and rough ground can make your scooter unstable – you need to know what it can handle and how well you can balance.
• Get insurance so that you’re covered against theft, accidents and third-party claims.

A rise and recline chair is a great help for people finding it hard to get out of a chair by themselves.

The most important thing about buying a new chair is to try it before purchasing. If possible, go to your local mobility shop with a relative or friend and give yourself plenty of time.

All chairs give you some support, but think about the following questions. You may find you need to
look at specialist seating.

• Do you need extra support?
• Do you sit in the same chair for long periods?
• Do you find it difficult to sit down or get up?
If it’s difficult to sit down and stand up, a rise and recline chair might help.  Getting the right chair can help keep you independent. We can give information about riser recliners, and advice to help you choose and get one.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and prices. A simple one can cost as little as £420.If you
want special features you can pay as much as £7,000, so it’s important to know whether you really
need those extra features. It’s important to try any chair out before you buy. Have a good long sit to
make sure it will be comfortable, and try out any special features.

Single motor or Double motor?

A single motor will gently raise your feet whilst reclining you at the same time. With a double motor, the feet and the backrest are independent of each other so there are many more seating positions available. All of these chairs will lift and rise. Single motor chairs have usually only 2 buttons on the control handset whereas dual motor chairs may have 5 buttons and so can be more complicated to use.

Size
To be comfortable, a chair needs to give you support where you need it, and be just the right size for you. It is fairly easy to tell if a chair is the right size, though you might need to sit in it for at least an hour to be really sure.
In the right chair:
• You should be able to sit with your bottom
right at the back of the seat and your feet flat
on the floor.
• Your thighs should be level and your lower
legs straight up and down.
• You should be able to get two fingers between
your knees and the front of the seat.
• The seat should be wide enough to fit you,
but not so wide that it doesn’t give you any
sideways support. If it has arm rests, you
should be able to sit between them with
enough room to get your hand in on each
side.

Support
The back rest should be angled very slightly
backwards and should support the whole length
of your back and your head. Usually this means
it should have padding at the bottom to support
your lower back and at the top for your head

.Arm rests should support your arms below the
elbow, without making you lift your shoulders.
• Cushions should be soft, but not too soft (this
depends on your weight). If you can feel the
frame of the chair through the cushion then it
is too soft, and you should get a firmer one.
• If you are going to be sitting in the chair for
a long time, you can get different pressure relieving
cushions

Take time to buy the right chair. At Care100 we have a large range of chairs in many different colours and sizes and we can make sure your purchase is the right one for you.