Nadia’s nana helps launch new Mobility Care Centre

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model Nadia Forde joined her beloved nana Bernadette Paolozzi at their first
ever photocall together to highlight the opening of a new Mobility Care Centre
in Dun Laoghaire.

The
first Mobility Care Centre was opened in Swords two years ago and both
showrooms stock a full range of equipment and aids to independent living for
adults, teens and children suffering a temporary or permanent disability.

“The
Mobility Care Centres allow customers to see and try out aids and equipment for
themselves rather than having to order from catalogues which has been the practice
for years,

? said co-owner Richard Ryder, who has been involved in the
disability sector for many years.

Richard
said that due to health cutbacks, local healthcare professionals are not always
in a position to provide mobility equipment and patients must now find and pay
for any necessary items themselves.

“People
are coming to us to say there’s no funding available to pay for what they
need,

? he said.

“Specific equipment or aids have usually been recommended but
it’s now up to the patient to source it. Our Mobility Centres, where a lot of
the most common items are in already in stock, have become a lifeline for many
people and their families in this situation.

?

Preliminary
results from the 2011 Census indicate a 14 per cent rise in the number of
people aged 60 years and over since the last census five years ago.

Statistics
from the 2006 Census show that the incidence of people experiencing some form
of disability is at its highest between the ages of 55-64.

Richard
also pointed out that being mobile and able to live independently is the number
one concern for everyone coming to the centres, regardless of age.

“Among
our older customers, the majority are going to use savings or their pension but
others are relying on their families to cover costs,

? he added.

The
Mobility Care Centres stock an extensive range of products, including
wheelchairs, mobility scooters, stair lifts, rise/recline armchairs and bedroom
and bathroom aids.

The
Mobility Care Centres are in 11 Lower Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire (01-2140008)
and Unit A3, Airside Park, Swords (01-8900890). Opening hours are Monday to
Friday from 10am-1pm and from 2pm-5pm.

Saturdays
is from 10am-1pm.