In this guide, we discuss several forms of financial aid, go over your rights as a consumer, and provide a list of additional helpful organisations that you can contact for support.
Dream Bed
Before shelling out money for a bed that can be adjusted to fit your needs or the needs of a family member, it is important to determine whether or not you are qualified for financial assistance of any kind.
Assistance with costs associated with adjustable beds
Local funding
It is possible that you will be given a bed that can be adjusted for free if the local health authority has determined that you or a relative of yours requires such a bed. This is likely to just cover the immediate requirements (ie no luxuries or unnecessary features). It is possible that you will be able to apply any direct payments that you receive for care toward the purchase of a bed that can be adjusted.
VAT exemption
Adjustable beds and other mobility aids that are purchased for personal use are exempt from value-added tax (VAT) if the purchaser has a long-term illness or is officially recognised as having a disability. This also includes the following:
installation
or even some maintenance or repairs
spare parts or accessories.
At the point of sale, the VAT should be deducted from the price of the product. Typically, this is accomplished by filling out and signing a paper that confirms your eligibility for the programme. The majority of stores that sell adjustable beds should have this paperwork available, or they should be able to point you in the right direction to find it. Additionally, a copy of the form is available for download from the Gov.uk website. Check out the guidance on receiving financial assistance from the government of the United Kingdom if you are disabled for additional information on the rules. Check out our evaluations of mobility scooters and riser recliner chairs to learn more about more goods that will make your life simpler.
Your consumer rights with regard to adjustable beds
In the same way that you have rights as a consumer when purchasing any other goods, you also have rights when purchasing an adjustable bed.
Sales
According to the Consumer Protection against Unfair Trading Regulations, merchants are not permitted to engage in deceptive or sneaky sales practises in order to persuade customers to part with their money. They are not allowed to mislead you about the things they sell or withhold vital information that could have an impact on your choice to make a purchase. Products have to live up to their billings. For instance, they are unable to guarantee that the bed would alleviate your arthritis pain, cure your arthritis, or allow you to sleep undisturbed for eight hours every single night.
Contracts
You are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations no matter where you make your purchase—in a store, online, or even from a salesman who comes to your house. Retailers are required by law to provide you with specific information regarding the products you are purchasing. You have the right to cancel an order for goods beginning the moment you place your order and ending fourteen days after the day you get your products. This right begins the minute you place your order.
Poorly made products
In accordance with the Sale of Goods Act, you have the legal right to a refund, a repair, or a replacement in the event that your adjustable bed is faulty or develops a fault. Check out our consumer rights guide, which answers questions such as “What do I do if I have a damaged product?” for more information.
Organizations and websites that are helpful
Occupational therapists (OTs) can assist people in overcoming the consequences of impairment brought on by sickness or ageing so that they are able to carry out day-to-day activities. This is according to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Make contact with the COT in order to locate an OT in your vicinity.
0800 389 4873, or you can visit rcot.org.uk.
Theraposture provides a 14-day money-back satisfaction assurance on Age UK Adjustable Beds; however, in order to qualify for this trial time, you will need to pay a deposit in the amount of £100 with the intention to purchase the bed. If, at the end of this trial period, you believe that the bed does not meet your needs, you may return it and receive a full refund of the deposit that you made.
0800 977 6655; ageuk.org.uk
The British Healthcare Trades Group (BHTA) is the largest trade association for suppliers and manufacturers of mobility and homecare products, including adjustable beds. Its name comes from the fact that the BHTA was founded in the United Kingdom. Get in touch with the BHTA to learn more about the TSI’s approval of the organization’s code of practise and to receive a list of local members.
020 7702 2141; bhta.com
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is an organisation that may provide you with objective guidance regarding independent living, assistive technology, and the equipment you need for day-to-day activities. In addition to that, it features a demonstration centre where you can test out various pieces of machinery.
0300 999 0004 (helpline); dlf.org.uk
The National Bed Federation (NBF) is a business group that represents the interests of companies that produce beds. Members are obligated to act in accordance with the NBF code of practise. Get in touch with the NBF if you want specifics on the code and a list of approved members in your region.
01756 799950; bedfed.org.uk
Later Life Care provides an advice on how to pay for care provided in the home.
