Of great benefit and convenience to the user and a carer in situations where a carer is needed are the combination shower and commode chairs, ideal for facilitating shower time as well as toileting.

With various types available, some designed specifically for when there is a carer attending, while others are self propelled if the layout of the room where the shower is allows for this.

They are made to be as comfortable as possible while still being suitable for exposure to water and if made well they should show little to no signs of corrosion over time if the frame of the chair does not become damaged.

Combination shower and commode chairs usually have castors because in most cases it is expected that the user will require assistance so overall the chair makes it convenient for both the user and the carer.

Some chairs of this type may be very basic looking and how comfortable it may be can be different from some of the other chairs available, while others, although more expensive will be designed for as much comfort as possible.

First and foremost is the importance of the chair’s main purpose, and beyond that the comfort and design needed will be dependant on how much someone is willing to spend as well as the individual needs of the user.

The frames of these dual shower/commode chairs are often coated in plastic to protect the steel frame, making it safe and ideal for exposure to water and steam while in the shower.

Overall these shower/commode chair combos are ideal and make for a more comfortable shower time for the user as well as being helpful to the carer.

As with all bariatric mobility products, the importance is that it must be able to support the users weight, as the ability to support the weight without worry makes the aid itself safer.

And many people with disabilities will know, sometimes the transference from one thing to another is where some of the real challenge can be, and this is where transfer boards really lend themselves well to different situations.

The good thing about a transfer board is that it doesn’t require assistance if you prefer or dont need an assisted transfer, so when a person is alone, as long as the tranfer board is reachable, they have the means to move themselves from where they currently are, that could be from bed, seating, a wheelchair etc.

Most bariatric transfer boards will support around 40 – 45 stone in bodyweight, so you know that you can move between mobility aids and home furniture safely and with peice of mind.

Transfer boards, including bariatric versions are still lightweight because extra weight of the board is not necessary for the board itself to be strong, it is down to how it is made and the materials and manufacturing process used to ensure its strength.

As with any type of personal transport, you want to keep it safe and to know quickly if anyone may be tampering with or attempting to steal what you have temporarily left unattended as you go about your daily routine.

With wheelchairs and mobility scooters needing to be left outside of houses and other places from time to time, it can be quite tempting for a thief or mischievous kids or even adults who cant resist tampering, often just for entertainment reasons and usually not understanding the upset that this can cause to a user of mobility aids.

Any way of letting you know when someone may be attempting to move your wheelchair or mobility scooter is useful.

An alarm is actually available that is suitable for both electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and it’s one that doesn’t require you to start making modifications, so you dont need to start dealing with the wiring of your mobility aid,  you just need to connect two wires from the alarm to one of your batteries and you place the alarm itself underneath the seating on your wheelchair or underneath the scooter cowling if it’s to be fitted to a mobility scooter, and this is basically done with an adhesive pad so theres no need to drill or anything like that.

It includes a tilt and vibration sensor, has two remote controls and even has a finder button where you press the buttom and a loud sound is emitted to let you know where your wheelchair or mobility scooter is.

You can also adjust the sensitivity of the alarm from the remote control with four different levels.

The alarm is currently priced at £39.99 excl VAT and £45.99 incl VAT and the product is eligible for VAT relief.

It can be purchased from activemobility.co.uk