Complete Care Shop launches ‘price checked’ and ‘everyday value’ ranges of independent living aids
Daily living aid provider Complete Care Shop has responded to the results of its first annual Independent Living survey with a ‘price checked’ and ‘everyday value’ range of independent living aids.
The survey of Complete Care Shop customers, which includes the elderly, disabled, carers as well as people living with health conditions, revealed customers worries about the cost-of-living crisis, with almost half of its customers saying it will impact their ability to live independently.
Matthew Stead, Managing Director at Complete Care Shop says: “In response to our customer’s concerns we’ve created a ‘price checked’ and ‘everyday value’ range of independent living aids.
Also, we will soon be launching an occupational therapist-recommended range with products carefully selected by specialist buyers and approved by our in-house OTs to meet the very highest clinical standards and offer best functionality, ease of use, safety and value for money based of our years of experience.”
Findings revealed 41 per cent of people are finding their finances are “difficult” or are “just about getting by”, with nearly half of the customers saying that the rising cost of living will impact their ability to live independently.
The Complete Care Shop Independent Living Survey was held between 2-30 November 2022 and received responses from 1,678 respondents.
Matthew continues: “As the largest provider of independent living aids online we have an extensive customer base. That’s why we decided to conduct our first Independent Living survey to gain a clearer picture of what’s happening across the UK.
“We know that many people, especially those considered to be vulnerable including the elderly, disabled and those living with health conditions are very worried about the deepening cost of living crisis and its impact on being able to live independently.”
Findings revealed that three fifths of people are either worried or very worried about the cost-of-living crisis with the affordability of bills, heat and food prices of most concern. Surprisingly, at 68 per cent, it is working age, rather than retired, people that are affected the most.
Over a third of all respondents say they have had to make a difficult choice between being warm or eating enough this winter – with 39 per cent in the working age group. Also, 62 per cent state their mental health has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Additionally, even though people have cut back on a variety of things this winter, including 16 per cent on heating, 11 per cent on lighting, 10 per cent on holidays and 10 percent on presents and treats for children, people aged over 65 will cut back a little more on heating and lighting compared to working aged people.
Rachel Hutchinson, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director at Complete Care Shop says: “We know that things are tough now and, along with heating, as Occupational Therapists we are particularly concerned to hear that people are cutting back on lighting.
“Poor lighting in the home can make it more difficult to see any hazards and increase your chances of falling, which is the number one reason older people are taken to A&E. With the current pressures on A&E and the Ambulance Service, reducing your risk of a fall has never been more important.
“If you’re worried about the cost of lighting, a motion sensor light is an excellent, cost-effective safety feature that immediately lights up when motion is detected and stays on for 20 seconds after the movement has stopped, helping to prevents trips and falls.”
The survey has also discovered concerning lifestyle trends including nearly two fifths of respondents who do not exercise at all, citing their disability, too tired from working and caring for others as the main reasons for their inactivity.
On a positive note, a quarter of over 65s and 31 per cent of under 65s do exercise 1-2 days per week namely walking, gardening, exercising at home as well as yoga and pilates.
Rachel Hutchinson says: “It can seem overwhelming when you’re caring for someone or struggling with your mobility to think about building some exercise in to your day, but staying active doesn’t have to involve a rigorous exercise routine, just keep mobile by doing a little bit each day and working up to at least 150 minutes of activity every week.
“If you’re able to, start with taking regular breaks from long periods of sitting down. A pedal exerciser is a great way to exercise your legs from the comfort of your chair and it can be used on a table and improve the strength in your arms and upper body too!
“The type of activity will differ for everyone, but physical activity is really anything that gets your body moving and can also include anything from walking and gardening, up to recreational sport.”
Over half of respondents are socially inactive, with six percent more men than women who lead an isolated lifestyle and do not participate in social activities.
Rachel Hutchinson says: “A prolonged lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness that can have a real impact on mental health. Maintaining social connections can bring depth and positivity to our lives and may even help to reduce the risk of dementia.
“Try writing a letter, sending an email or picking up the phone to talk to a loved one or friend, call Silver Line or join a club focussing on activities you enjoy.”
Of those who do socialise, the most popular activities include arts & crafts, for over a quarter of people, pub lunches, for 24 per cent of people, and coffee mornings for one fifth of people.
Other activities included attending church, music groups, meeting friends, photography club, slimming club and Women’s Institute.
Research by Age UK revealed strong support for a social energy tariff amongst the over-60s, with 71 per cent – increasing to 76 per cent of those with a disability – agreeing that a social energy tariff should be available for those who need it most.
