tailieunhanh - Equipment for older and disabled people: an analysis of the market

Provision for forward slope of the seat, up to a maximum of 10 degrees, is useful to reduce pressure on the thighs when working while leaning forward. However, purchasers sh ould consider carefully whether this advantage warrants purchasing a chair with slope adjustment. Chair users already have trouble with the proper settings of seat height and backrest adjustment without adding a further control. For general purposes, a chair with the seat angle fixed and horizontal is probably best. Seat Depth Seat depth is measured from the front edge of the seat to the lumbar. | Consumer Focus Campaigning for a fair deal Equipment for older and disabled people an analysis of the market Contents About Consumer Focus 3 Executive summary 4 1. Introduction 8 2. Why these products matter 11 3. Market sizes and supply channels 13 4. Funding and provision - an overview 16 5. Mobility equipment 21 6. Community equipment 27 7. Ortheses and prostheses 31 8. Areas of consumer concern 33 Annex 1 NHS Supply Chain 41 Annex 2 Fair Access to Care Services 42 Organisations contacted 45 This scoping study was prepared for Consumer Focus by George and Linda Lennard Associates. The work was undertaken in Spring 2010 Equipment for older and disabled people an analysis of the market 2 About Consumer Focus Consumer Focus is the statutory consumer champion for England Wales Scotland and for postal consumers Northern Ireland. We operate across the whole of the economy persuading businesses public services and policy makers to put consumers at the heart of what they do. Consumer Focus tackles the issues that matter to consumers and aims to give people a stronger voice. We don t just draw attention to problems - we work with consumers and with a range of organisations to champion creative solutions that make a difference to consumers lives. We have a duty to represent the interests of vulnerable consumers. People who use equipment like mobility scooters wheelchairs and simple aids to everyday living SADLs are among the most vulnerable in our society. They might be making purchases of goods they are inexperienced with they might be afflicted by discomfort or pain they might have difficulties in accessing transport and using the internet. Local authorities and Primary Care Trusts PCTs provide advice assessments and equipment to people who meet local eligibility criteria but the availability of this help varies from area to area. Often people have to wait for long periods before they can see staff to assess their needs and determine if they