Medequip information leaflet identifies costs of powering community equipment
Working with key manufacturers, community equipment provider Medequip has developed a detailed information leaflet that identifies the potential costs of running individual pieces of equipment.
Medequip published the leaflet as it appreciates that people using powered equipment like variable height beds, rise and recline chairs, hoists and respiratory equipment for health and independence reasons will be experiencing concerns about the costs involved.
The Cost of Living and Powering Your Community Equipment Information Leaflet gives advice on how people can make small changes to reduce their energy consumption, based on data published by the Energy Saving Trust. The costs ill illustrates are based on a KWh rate of 34p, in line with the October 2022 energy price cap.
Something as simple as turning lights off when leaving a room, it says, could save around £25 from an annual electricity bill, which may then cover the cost of powering a hoist for a whole year.
A spokesperson for Medequip stated: “We are all faced with rising energy bills and inflation hiking up the cost of living. The media has quite correctly reported on the potential savings achieved by switching off equipment normally left on standby. For many items of community equipment, this is either not possible or may be detrimental to the operation of the equipment.”
“It’s important that people using community equipment services don’t let the cost of living crisis affect their independence and the use of vital equipment. Recognising the costs involved will provide reassurance.”
Mobility professionals are invited to share the advice from the information leaflet with their customers. This includes Frequently Asked Questions section, which also offers further information about how to stay safe and well this winter.
