Real Life Story: John’s experience with the RAYMEX® Lift

John Collins and his wife are both in their eighties and live with mobility problems, including severe peripheral neuropathy. After a series of falls, John shared his experience of finding the RAYMEX® Lift through Felgains – in his own words.

The problem

“My wife and I are in our 80s, we both have mobility problems, mine are more advanced, with severe peripheral neuropathy as one of them. I have had numerous falls over the past few years and now find it impossible to get on my feet again without considerable help.

I have been lifted on two occasions by healthcare professionals using a Raizer 2 lifting chair, once when I was in hospital and once at home when the District Nurse Team came to my rescue. Despite the fact that the Raizer 2 is advertised as being capable of being operated ‘single handed’ I noted that three staff in hospital were finding it difficult to assemble it, and it was only when another staff member came, who said she had been on a refresher course, that progress was made. On the second occasion two district nurses used a Raizer 2; it was clear that they found it quite difficult to remember how to assemble it.”

The fall that changed things

“My last fall was outside. My wife phoned the district nurses; they informed her that they could not attend since the fall had taken place outside. The ambulance service said it may take several hours to attend. Finally, my son, who lives about 20 miles away, came with a friend and lifted me up. It was the result of this experience that motivated us to search for a more independent solution.”

Weighing up the options

“Since I had had experience with the Raizer 2, we searched for a suitable supplier and came across the Felgains website. Although they had no Raizer 2 in stock, there were links to other possibilities including the RAYMEX® Lift. We then compared the pros and cons of both products for domestic use by 80+ year olds.

The self-assembly issue, as well as the carrying weight and storage issues of the Raizer 2, are significant disadvantages — the fact that I had already been lifted comfortably by one was the plus. The RAYMEX® Lift is always ready for use, no assembly needed — the biggest plus for the RAYMEX® Lift. The storage space required is a disadvantage, although the fact that the RAYMEX® can be used as a conventional rollator means this may not be an issue. Since there is very little difference in price, we came to the conclusion that the RAYMEX® Lift was the best option for us.”

Living with the RAYMEX® Lift

“There is little to do to the RAYMEX® to have it operational when delivered, except to read the manual and charge the battery, as well as adjusting the seat and handle grip heights to suit. Since we purchased the RAYMEX® Lift, it has been ‘in action’ and proved its worth by easily lifting my wife up from the floor comfortably without needing to call in additional help.

My only criticism of the RAYMEX® Lift is that the on/off switch is located very low down and is difficult to locate. Also, the instructions and illustrations in the User Manual could be improved. However, any criticism is far outweighed by the superb aftercare provided by Felgains, particularly Sam Webber, their Managing Director.”

The result

“We are very pleased that we discovered Felgains and the RAYMEX® Lift. We have it ready for action at a moment’s notice, giving us such reassurance that we no longer need to call in outside help whenever a fall occurs. We also have the reassurance of Felgains’ excellent aftercare service when needed.”

— John Collins

Shared with permission.

Get in touch

If you or a loved one are exploring lifting solutions for home use, get in touch with the Felgains team to find out whether the RAYMEX® Lift could be right for you.