Here we have compiled a list of FAQ or frequently asked questions. We hope this is helpful If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us by calling or emailing or if you prefer using the contact form.
[kapee_heading title_tag=”h1″ title=”FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions”]
General FAQ
UK HMRC offers VAT exemption on certain goods that are made for medical use.
To qualify for VAT exemption, the product, and the buyer must meet certain criteria.
- The buyer (consumer or charity) must be eligible for VAT relief under the scheme.
- HMRC classifies people eligible for VAT relief when purchasing certain products to alleviate their medical needs.
- These products must also qualify, not all products purchased by people can be VAT exempted unless they are modified for a medical reason – e.g. a fireside chair cannot be VAT exempt unless it has an adaption, such as adjusting the leg height because the person cannot lift themselves into the seat
- VAT exemption can only be offered on medical devices, such as the Youcare Aria tilt in space range, for charities or organisations that are exempt from VAT such as some departments of the NHS.
- VAT relief can only be granted by us upon satisfactory completion of the VAT exemption form found during our checkout process.
Pressure relief works in a variety of ways to replicate the fidgeting of the human body that does not have any issues affecting mobility or posture.
A variety of technologies can be employed to create the ideal environment for your skin to breath, and to emulate the fidgeting scenario described above. One well known technology is the dynamic air cell, and within this technology there are a few different types all having their own merits for your situation.
Air technology is very good for people who are very passive and require no postural influence other than to stop them moving involuntarily. We use this technology for palliative and severely immobilised patients.
For more active people, a combination or modular foam and gel type of technology may be better.
Our product specialists are suitably and extensively experienced and qualified to discuss the types of technology that suit your situation and lifestyle choices.
In simple terms, tilt in space is a method of redistributing the pressure point enforced upon the body by gravity at the point that it is “at rest”.
“Tilt in Space” is a term used in medical seating to describe the action of a specific type of proven tilt method that retains postural advantage but uses gravity and positioning to move the “centre” of gravity imposed on the body at any given time. In short the true tilt in space technology that we use in our products means that the body can tilt within the footprint of the product, i.e. tilt in the space of the product – tilt-in-space!
Moving the centre of gravity is a tried and tested method of shifting the effects of gravity, even if only slightly every few hours so that the damage to the skin tissue can be minimised and so, the pressure is “redistributed”. Sometimes adding air or gel redistribution to tilt in space in certain pressure points, along with an anti-shear cover is a proven way to minimise pressure risk between tilting actions, therefore offering a fantastic solution for pressure relief.
Take a look at our Axiom or FormAlign ranges to see what products we can help you with.
Charities & Guidance
We are happy to sign-post families and care providers to the various charities that we have experienced assistance from in order to help families find the support they need; however as the demand for charitable funding for equipment is ever growing and the nature of the equipment is often high value, bespoke or highly configured and not always easily passed to other families when you no longer require them, we suggest the following:
- Try to arrange a joint demonstration or trial of the equipment with your OT or Physio and Younique Healthcare so you are totally confident in the product and that it meets your needs;
- Ask your healthcare professional for a letter of support stating that they also feel the equipment would be of benefit and that assessment or if possible, trial has been conducted.
- Research which charity would be the most suitable to provide the equipment you need. First, contact the charity you have chosen, with:
- An outline of your intentions;
- Ask if the equipment, your location, age of child, and medical condition meets their criteria for funding;
- Some charities only fund certain types of equipment, or certain disabilities
- Applying:
- Carefully fill in your application form!
- Be mindful that charities receive a lot of requests for funding.
- Charities will likely approve applications based on highest identified need first.
- Please be patient and understanding.
- Often charities will look more favourably and agree to fund a product where you have been successful in raising some of the funds yourself.
- Include the clinician’s supporting letter.
- Include the detailed quotation from us.
- The charity may appreciate some photos of your child with your application.
- If you are successful with an application, we strongly urge you to thank the charity.
- Supporting the charity in the future by helping fundraising, spreading awareness or
- Helping the charity and Younique by sharing your story on social media. Your experience can help others to get the equipment they deserve and raise awareness that much needed funding is available.
Good Luck!
Andy
Charities – Recent Known Funders
Chris Westwood Charity for Disabled Children https://chriswestwoodcharity.weebly.com/grant-applications.html 25 miles radius of Stourbridge, West Midlands
Pendrels Trust – Leticia Baliko lbaliko@pendrelstrust.org.uk
List of Charity Funders we have worked with over the years:
- Lifeline for Kids
Lifeline for kids is a UK national children’s charity established in 1961. Lifeline for Kids; help children throughout the UK and occasionally they also assist children internationally. Many millions of pounds have been used to buy equipment for hospitals and homes, purpose-built wheelchairs and specialty aids. A respite holiday might be organised and funded, a hoist installed to facilitate getting a heavy child into a bath, an adjustable bed provided to give a teenager independence. Any project to improve the quality of life for children born with, or who have acquired a disability, can be undertaken.
Click Here to find out how to apply
- The Christopher McCollum fund
The Christopher McCollum Fund was set up in 2008, to provide funds to help purchase a wheelchair, or other equipment for young people aged 18 or under who have a disability or illness and which may be life limited. The Constitution of the Fund permits it to raise funds and support these young people throughout the UK. Contact them here info@spiritofchris.com or here: http://www.spiritofchris.com/
- Well Child Charity Helping Hands Scheme
Helping hands undertake projects in homes, hospitals and institutions, mainly providing makeovers in bedrooms and gardens. As the projects are being done by volunteers under our supervision there is a limit to the extent of the work we can take on. For example, our bedroom work is usually stripping wallpaper, painting walls and murals, assembling furniture, but not structural work to walls, etc. Our garden projects usually consist of clearing overgrown spaces, laying lawns or fake grass, putting up fences, creating raised flower beds etc. We are unable to take on building projects
Applications are considered for any property, owned or not, providing that it is the main place of residence for the child named in the application. If you do not own your home and your application is successful then we gain authorisation from the property owner before the project begins.
Your child must be between the ages of 1 – 18 (inclusive)
https://www.wellchild.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-hands/how-to-apply/
Tree of Hope – UK
Tree of Hope endeavours to provide assistance to families of sick and disabled children trying to raise money for specialist medical surgery, treatment, therapy and equipment. As a small charity, funds are limited, but they do everything we can to help you achieve your fundraising goals.
The process starts with a telephone or email application from the parent/carer/guardian of the child in need of assistance.
TEL: 01892 535525 or email help@treeofhope.org.uk
They then assess your case on a case by case basis and within 48 hours get back to you and hopefully provide the hands-on help and support that is needed.
- Newlife Foundation – UK
Disabled children have been at the heart of the charity since 1991. Since that time they have become specialists for special children; their needs and the needs of their families and carers, their health and their voices are all central to the work of the charity. and therefore widened their remit to include all children with significant disabilities.
Newlife Foundation provides nurse care and equipment. New life’s nurses are the gateway to information, grants and care. They man a national Helpline which supports and informs families, whether they have just been told of their child’s disability or need help accessing local services. The Newlife Nurse Helpline is free, confidential and trusted.
http://www.newlifecharity.co.uk/
- Muscular Dystrophy Campaign – UK
Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions are regarded as rare and, in many cases, even ultra-rare conditions. There are currently no efficient treatments or cures available for most of these conditions. Research, however, advances fast and several clinical trials to test the clinical benefit of promising technology are under way.
Their work has five main focuses:
- Fund world-class research to find effective treatments and cures
- Provide practical information, advice and emotional support for individuals with muscular dystrophy and other related conditions, their carer’s and families
- Campaign to bring about change and raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and other related conditions
- Award grants towards the cost of specialist equipment, such as powered wheelchairs
- Providing specialist education and development for health professional How they can help
7. Make a Wish Foundation – UK
Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK grants magical wishes to children and young people over 3 years old fighting life-threatening conditions. Since being established in the UK in 1986, we have granted over 8,100 wishes
- Family Fund – UK
Are the UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people. We help ease the additional pressures families face. We can help with essential items such as washing machines, fridges and clothing but can also consider grants for sensory toys, computers and much needed family breaks together. HOW TO APPLY
Website: http://www.familyfund.org.uk/
- Cerebra – UK
Cerebra is a unique charity set up to help improve the lives of children with brain related conditions through research, education and directly supporting the children and their carers. Cerebra offer grants for a wide range of items, from tricycles, wheelchairs and trampolines to specialised car seats, buggies and sensory toys.
- David & Victoria Beckham Fund – UK
This Trust supports initiatives for Children who are sick or disabled or have special needs. Applications for funding must be made in writing to:
The Trustees
The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust c/o 180 The Strand, London WC2R1BL
- BBC Children in Need – UK Charities BBC Children in Need – Emergency Essentials
BBC Children in Need have launched an Emergency Essentials programme to help struggling families with children’s basic needs. This might include a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide meals, clothing, baby equipment or other essential items. It is available to children and young people under 18 years living in the UK. Estranged, orphaned and vulnerable young people under 21 years who are living independently will also be considered. Emergency Essentials is managed by the Buttle UK who run it alongside their small grants programme.
Applications must be made by a statutory agency or charitable organisation who is able to assess the needs of the child or young person. To apply: register and complete the on-line form or e-mail to request an application form.
- Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired – UK
The Trust provides grants to children with a hearing impairment and organisations supporting deaf children. It will provide funding towards projects such as equipment for the hearing impaired, specialist tuition, professional advice and support for appeals. To apply download an application form from the website.
- Jaguar Landrover
Jaguar Employee Charities Committee – Employees make donations through the Give as You Earn scheme, which is match funded by Jaguar Land Rover. The charity makes grants to any individual, hospital, clinic or welfare centre usually within a 30 mile catchment of Coventry for the purpose of purchasing medical equipment for disabled people. within a 30 mile catchment of Mersyside.
Kay Maddison, Helping Hand Fund, GB50 3rd Floor Finance, Halewood Operations, Jaguar Land Rover, Speke Boulevard, Liverpool, L24 9BJ
TEL: (0151) 4484240 Julie Rahman ( jrahman@jaguarlandrover.com )
Land Rover Community Committee – Employees make donations through the Give as You Earn scheme, which is match funded by Jaguar Land Rover. The charity makes donations to eligible groups located within a 30 mile catchment of Solihull. Charities need to be represented by a Solihull employee to apply.
Jaguar Employee Charities Committee – Employees make donations through the Give as You Earn scheme, which is match funded by Jaguar Land Rover. The charity makes donations to eligible groups located within a 30 mile catchment of Coventry.
Dolores Evans, Jauar Landrover, Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 8NW, devans31@jaguarlandrover.com
- Children Today – UK
Children Today helps disabled children and young people up to the age of 25. They provide grants for specialist equipment and aids such as communication aids, educational toys, trikes, lifting equipment and electric wheelchairs.
Applications must be made direct by the applicant, their parents or guardian by calling 01244-335622 to discuss their application. All applications are means tested.
- Children’s Heart Federation – UK
The Children’s Heart Federation provides information and practical support to children and young people with congenital and acquired heart conditions and their families. Professionals such as cardiac nurses, social workers or advice workers are able to apply for grants towards specialist equipment and unexpected family costs such as travel expenses to hospital for families with children who have heart conditions.
To apply: After reading the detailed criteria for application sponsoring professionals must use the on-line application form confirming that the child is a suitable recipient.
The Federation also organises family trips and respite.
- Children’s Hope Foundation – UK
The Hope Foundation aims to improve the lives of children and young people affected by illness, disability or poverty.
They provide funding for anything (with a few exceptions) that will benefit the child such as medical equipment, computers, holidays and days out. www.childrenshopefoundation.org.uk
To apply download the on-line application form. Financial details are required.
- Variety Club – UK
Variety, the Children’s Charity, is about increasing positive experiences for children and young people throughout the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged.
Variety provides both practical help including Variety Sunshine Coaches, Variety Wheelchairs and specialist equipment through our grants programmes, as well as creating memorable childhood experiences in our Variety at Work scheme.
- Caudwell Children – UK
Caudwell Children provides funding for children under 19 years who have a disability or chronic illness. They fund specialist equipment for mobility, computer access, sensory needs and medical items such as nebulisers and monitors. The charity also provides for the cost of specific therapies and treatments. To apply complete the on-line application form. Financial information is required as funding is only given to families whose income is less than £45,000 gross a year.
Caudwell children also funds and organises group holidays for children with a life-threatening condition.
http://www.caudwellchildren.com/
- Action for Kids – UK
Action For Kids is a charity that helps young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of mobility aids, employability training and family support. Action for Kids are committed to the relief of children and young people who are suffering from sickness or physical or mental disability by assisting them to lead full and independent lives and by any other means whatsoever. Action for kids assists with the provision of support and assistance to the carers of children or young people suffering from physical or mental disability.
- CHIPS – charity of the Casino and Gaming industry
CHIPS provides wheelchairs for children who would otherwise have no way of getting around on their own. CHIPS funds the wheelchairs that the NHS cannot or will not provide and that the parents cannot afford to buy.
http://www.chipscharity.org/contact-us.html
- Strongbones Charitable Trust
Donate funds to children suffering from arthritis, scoliosis, brittle bone disease, bone cancer and all other conditions of the bone. Applicants must be under the age of 21. Provide grants for medical equipment, wheelchairs, disability aids, house adaptations (to complement a Disabled Facilities grant), specialist computers/software to help children who also have learning difficulties , respite breaks at our holiday homes only, sensory equipment.
http://www.strongbones.org.uk/grants/
- Stars Foundation for CP
Stars Foundation for Children with Cerebral Palsy provide grants for chairs and wheelchairs to help children with Cerebral Palsy.
Stars Foundation for CP
46/48 Nelson Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN2 5AN
Email: info@starsfoundation.co.uk
http://www.starsfoundation.co.uk/contact-us/
- Cheyne Charity for Cerebral Palsy
The Cheyne Charity provides funding assistance for families desperately in need of essential equipment like wheelchairs but unable to afford them themselves.
http://www.cheynecharity.org.uk/how_we_can_help.php
- The Bopran Charitable Trust, 0121 214 9364, The Boparan Charitable Trust, 9 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BJ
- Help The Child – Somerset Area
Help the Child was established in 1987 and is a charity that seeks to raise funds to assist Somerset children with disabilities reach their full potential by providing items of specialist equipment. Their disability might be physical, or they may have additional needs, such as sensory impairment and/or learning difficulties.
Have previously agreed partial funding for Safety Sleeper
Website: http://helpthechild.org.uk
- Royal Mail –
If you or a family member works or has worked for the Royal Mail group, then there is a life assurance policy that helps family members. We have a number of customers who have received contributions for financing their Veldink, Safety Sleeper or other items this way.
https://www.royalmailgroup.com/careers/our-culture/pensions/royal-mail-group-life-assurance-scheme
- PhysCap Yorkshire
Contact Details
PhysCap
C/O Promo Parrot
Bermuda House
64c Roseville Road
Leeds
West Yorkishire
LS8 5DR
General e-mail : enquiries@physcap.org
Telephone: 0845 051 9156
Facebook: www.facebook.com/physcap
Twitter: www.twitter.com/physcap
Registered Charity 512422.
If you’d like to apply for funding complete the
- Just4Children
Tel: 0800 169 1601
Web: www.just4children.org
[kapee_heading title=”Electric Powered Wheelchairs FAQ”]
Electric Powered Wheelchairs FAQ
This question is crucial for understanding the financial aspects of acquiring an electric wheelchair in the UK. It’s important to know if there are any government programs or insurance policies that can help cover the cost. It is different in each county, NHS region and member state of the UK.
The NHS will prescribe you an electric wheelchair for your basic needs but will not finance a seat raiser or any other electrical aspects of the powerchair without significant investigation and time. Often it can take years to accomplish a powerchair that truly supports your need via the NHS.
Selecting the right electric wheelchair involves considering factors like your mobility needs, lifestyle, and the terrain you’ll be navigating. Guidance on choosing the most suitable model can be helpful for users and carers. We are happy to assit you choose the right powerchair for your needs. We have lived experience and over 40 years of expertise in this field. Contact us now for more information or to secure an assessment slot.
Understanding the maintenance needs of an electric wheelchair and knowing where to find reputable repair services in the UK is crucial for keeping the wheelchair in good working condition. We can help you with this whether you bought it from us or not.
Please get in touch to learn more.
Some individuals with disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance or grants to help offset the cost of an electric wheelchair. Information on available programs can be very beneficial.
Please get in touch and we can share grant aid info in a document for you to apply, along with a quote for the item you need.
The public transport environment in the UK is wide but often unfriendly to wheeled users of any kind.
Knowing the rules and regulations regarding electric wheelchairs on buses, trains, and other forms of public transport can be important for maintaining mobility.
Most UK public transport personnel are helpful in assiting you access their services. Its important to check before travelling, and if in doubt call ahead.
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Both the hand and foot pumps are compatible for the whole of our Burnett range however we would recommend using the hand pump for smaller sized supports and the foot pump for larger sized supports.
All items are sold individually as each client has bespoke requirements therefore we provide different cover options, pumps and additional items if needed.
We have a UK wide network of Healthcare Product Consultants that are available Monday-Friday to visit you for a free no obligation joint assessment, to ensure the best solution is provided for your client.
Please note, if the product is to be used in water, we can only offer a dry assessment due to hygiene reasons.
We are able to offer a special bespoke design service when our standard range requires adaptation. We can design and manufacture a bespoke product to suit your requirements. This will require arranging one of our free no obligation joint assessments with one of our Healthcare Product Consultants who will be able to assess your needs, measure and design a suitable support.
The Burnett’s are a vacuum system, so they are rigid when used, so they have no pressure reliving properties. However because the cushion molds exactly to the shape of the individual there is effective dissipation of their weight.
The system maintains its shape at room temperature almost indefinitely with a simple weekly maintenance regime to ensure that the client has the most support possible.
With frequent changes of pressure, shape and spasms, air may need extracting more frequently.
If a Burnett is not maintaining its vacuum for 24 hours, it will need to be repaired.
Yes, you can use a Burnett virtually anywhere. Virgin Airlines supply Burnett Vacuum Supports on their flights, if you are looking to purchase one for a flight we recommend that you contact the airline that you are flying with in advance, to check that it will be ok to use and bring this onto their flight.
All of our supports are manufactured in a sealed hygienic material and can be used for more than one user.
The polyurethane (blue) material can be wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes or spray whilst all the covers that we provide are machine washable at 30oc.
The support can be showered in clean water and washed with a dilute solution of washing detergent (washing up liquid). Diluted disinfectants can also be used for hygiene with special care applied to the suction cups and seams. In hard water areas it is advisable to de-scale the suction cups quarterly by removing them from the support and soaking them in de-scaling solution.
The Burnett molds like plasticine for form a mold to the seating medium and client.
Letting air into the system lets the beads flow to the contours of the client and make small adjustments.
Once complete, simply applying a pump and extracting the air will produce a supportive mold in seconds.
The system is so adaptive that is can change to a new profile at a moment’s notice.
If the Burnett is no longer suiting the client’s needs perhaps due to its size, before purchasing a different size, we would recommend arranging another free joint visit so we can assess to see if another support in our range is suitable or design a bespoke support.
