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Frequently Asked Questions

Independent Living Centres Australia Inc maintain a comprehensive record of "answers" to questions we receive in our day to day "business" of helping the community. Below is our "TOP TEN" most often asked questions. You can also BROWSE our entire catalogue of FAQs here.

TOP 10 FAQs

  1. I think my father needs a walking frame as he is unable to walk any distance due to sore hips. Our local pharmacy has some walking frames, but I am unsure if they are suitable. How do I get the right frame? (Walking Frames)
    date posted: 26/11/2004 5:33:39 PM
  2. I have had a stroke and have the use of one arm only. I would like to use a walking frame with a seat and a basket for ease of shopping. Is there any kind of an adaptation that can be made to a walking frame so someone can use it with only one hand? (Walker for One-Handed Use)
    date posted: 26/11/2004 5:44:17 PM
  3. I have heard about the emergency call systems and I am interested in installing one for my father who is at risk of falls. How do they work? (Emergency Call Systems)
    date posted: 26/11/2004 5:41:25 PM
  4. I am looking for a ramp to go up a single step that I can carry in the back of the car. Can you help?
    Answer: There are different types of portable ramps available on the market that can be hired or bought. They are made from different materials such as aluminium, fibreglass, steel, plastic and timber.

    The ramps can be a fixed one piece or portable versions that can be folded and stowed in a carry case and in a car boot. Ramps in some cases have channels for the wheels, with edging to locate them in the right position. Portable ramps may also have a mechanism that can lengthen the ramp depending on the height of the step.

    Ramps are also available in a threshold style so if there is a small lip or edge that the wheelchair needs to go over, then a Threshold ramp can be obtained.

    General rule of thumb is that for every 25mm of height you require approximately 400mm of ramp. It is also important to check the load bearing capacity of different ramps because it may vary depending on material and design.

    If you need more information about ramps, it maybe a good idea to speak with an Occupational Therapist either locally or at your nearest ILC.

    date posted: 11/05/2005 5:47:59 PM

    Author: Sarah Hobson, Occupational Therapist at ILCNSW

  5. My wife has a disorder characterized by muscular degeneration including weak arms and cannot get up to sitting from a lying position. What can be used to assist her to get from lying to a sitting position? (Powered Backrest)
    date posted: 11/05/2005 6:02:09 PM
  6. My elderly father can still drive, but struggles to get in and out of the car. I am worried that this difficulty may cause a fall. Can you suggest anything that may help? ( Car Transfer Aids)
    date posted: 26/11/2004 5:49:23 PM
  7. I am having more and more difficulty getting up from bending down when I am gardening. It’s not an activity that I want to give up. Are there any products that can make gardening a little easier? (Gardening)
    date posted: 11/05/2005 6:11:02 PM
  8. I have emphysema and lymphedema and am unable to get up from sitting unassisted and my legs need to be elevated due to oedema and for ease of breathing my torso must remain upright be upright to approx. 80 degrees. Is there a lounge chair that will accommodate him? (Powered Lift Chair)
    date posted: 11/05/2005 6:05:35 PM
  9. I am concerned about my mother who is living with us. She is becoming frailer and seems to lose balance when showering. I have provided her with a plastic chair, which seems to do the job. What would you recommend?
    date posted: 11/05/2005 6:09:50 PM
  10. My husband had a stroke and now he only has the use of one arm. I do most of the kitchen preparation, but he needs to be able to make himself lunch when I am out. He struggles to make himself a sandwich using one arm. Is there anything that might help? (Meals Preparation Aids)
    date posted: 26/11/2004 6:04:32 PM