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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
date posted: 11/05/2005 5:47:59 PM
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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)
Answer: There are powered rising backrests that you use on your existing bed to assist a person into a sitting position. They are installed by slipping the backrest under a mattress and secured by means of strong straps, which attach under the bed base. Quiet Riser Powered Backrest is electrically operated version and will achieve a 60 degree backrest angle. Centromed Mattress Variator has both an electrically and pneumatically operated version and will achieve a 90 degree backrest angle. There is also a portable self supporting inflatable pillow lift designed for use on top of a mattress. It is electrically operated with a maximum backrest angle of 55 degrees. Using the product with the greater backrest angle will likely offer your wife greater success in getting to a sitting position in bed. Another alternative is to consider purchasing an electrically operated bed with the option for the headrest angle to be altered to bring a person into a more upright position with 85-90 degree angle.
date posted: 11/05/2005 6:02:09 PM
Author: Ann Wilson, Occupational Therapist at ILCNSW
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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