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Mangar Elk lifting aid

(6 Posts)
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shabby Fri 05-Sept-14 14:45:45

Thanks for your responses. I have a call out to the OT to see if she thinks one will be suitable for my DH and to enquire if we can get funding for it - fingers crossed.

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Galen Thu 04-Sept-14 12:18:40

You should get vat exemption if he is registered as disabled ( ie receiving DLA or AA65+

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Brendawymms Thu 04-Sept-14 11:28:38

They are over £1000 but you might get VAT relief. Or try EBAY.

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Mishap Thu 04-Sept-14 11:25:16

Mangar Aids are a local firm round here - their first product was a bath aid that worked by inflating it, similar to the item you are describing. I worked as a SW with disabled people and this was quite a popular item. I guess they are probably not cheap though, as you say.

If I were you I would take to the OT about it and get his/her opinion about whether it is suitable for your OH - and also for you, as you will be operating it. Especially as it will cost you - best be sure it is right for your situation first before shelling out.

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Brendawymms Thu 04-Sept-14 11:24:13

I have tried one during lifting and handling training. What a lovely title. They work just fine and I have frequently advised my sister to get one as she has to call out the ambulance if she falls as can't get up at all.

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shabby Thu 04-Sept-14 10:25:46

Has anyone ever used one of these emergency lifting cushions?

My husband who is disabled, can stand and take just a few steps using a zimmer frame, had a fall yesterday whilst standing up with the aid of the zimmer. I can't lift him as he weighs 14st and all usual available help was too far away so I did what the OT and physio have advised and called an ambulance. Fortunately my husband wasn't badly hurt and I just needed help in lifting him back into his chair but this obviously meant he wasn't a priority for the emergency services so we had to wait an hour and a half for assistance. I am not moaning about the wait as I am only too grateful that they were able to lift him up and check him over and fortunately he did not need to go to hospital.

However from previous experience it is going to take a long time to get his confidence back to stand or attempt any walking. The ambulance crew asked if I knew about the Mangar Elk which you can slide underneath a person who has fallen and it can then be inflated to enable them slide into a chair or stand from the elevated position.

Our OT has never mentioned this lifting aid and I would welcome any advice from anyone who has used one or a carer or health worker who knows anything about them. They are very expensive but would be worth buying if only for the peace of mind and confidence that it would give us both.

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