Simplyhealth responds to report on mobility aid scams

Recent reports from the LGA have highlighted an increase in the number of rogue traders targeting the elderly and vulnerable in an effort to force them into buying expensive mobility aids. In response to this, Kevin Snowball, Managing Director for the Retail arm of Simplyhealth which has been helping people with independent living for seven years, has the following advice to help people avoid bogus or hard sell doorstep callers.

“Most reputable businesses will have made a pre-arranged appointment to visit you in your home to assess your individual needs and to tailor your mobility or living aid to your home environment. If requested, most organisations will also send you a confirmation of the appointment date and time in the post. Our advice would be not to open the door if you haven't received either of these.

“We would also recommend that you ask a friend, neighbour or healthcare professional to be with you during your appointment. Should you be in any doubt, then you can contact your local Disability Living Centre to obtain a list of reputable retailers in your area.

“At Simplyhealth, we follow the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) code of practice. We will visit you at a time and date convenient to you. Prior to our visit, a Simplyhealth representative will also phone you to confirm the time is still suitable. They will arrive in a Simplyhealth branded vehicle and carry identification. Our representatives are happy to wait for you to call our offices to verify the identification of the caller.

“Following an assessment of you and your home, we will suggest the most suitable aid based on your budget, and requirements. We do not ask for you to make a decision at that time and prefer that you call us when you are ready. You will not be asked to pay for the item in full on the same day and we provide all customers with a seven day cooling off period should you change your mind.”

To help individuals avoid being mistreated by disingenuous traders and paying for products that do not match their needs, or feeling pressured into spending more money than they wanted, Simplyhealth has put together these top tips:

• You should always have a pre-arranged appointment for a home assessment
• Most reputable business will have branded vehicles, a landline telephone number and in most incidences, a shop you can visit
• Callers should arrive at a time requested by you and carry identification. If in doubt phone the business from the number in your telephone directory to verify the identity of your caller (and not the number on the person's business card)
• Try and have a friend, neighbour or healthcare professional with you
• Set a time limit for your first meeting
• Remember, you are not obligated to purchase and you are not tied into any contract just because you request a home assessment
• If in doubt ask the salesperson to leave before you sign anything
• Report any companies who behave inappropriately to your local Trading Standards officer

For further information about Simplyhealth go HERE