This cartoon raises a smile, but it also highlights an important truth. Whether it's a wheelchair, hoist, cough assist, suction machine, or any other piece of essential equipment, reliability matters. When these items stop working, independence can disappear in an instant.

The good news is that most breakdowns don't happen without warning. Loose bolts, worn tyres, fraying cables, flat batteries, overdue servicing, or damaged slings often give subtle clues before they become major problems. Spotting these early can save inconvenience, expense, and, most importantly, reduce risk for both the client and the carer.

It's a bit like owning a car. Most people wouldn't dream of driving for years without checking the tyres or changing the oil, yet essential care equipment is often expected to work perfectly every single day without much attention. A few minutes spent inspecting equipment at the start of a shift can prevent hours of frustration later.

At Fellow Carer, we teach carers how to carry out simple daily equipment checks, recognise early signs of wear, and know when something should be taken out of service before it becomes unsafe. Confidence comes from understanding not just how to use equipment, but how to keep it working safely too.

Next week on Life of Lionel: How do you define the word 'Miracle'? Next week's cartoon looks at that very thing. 

Before you go, what's the most unexpected equipment failure you've experienced, and what did it teach you about the importance of regular checks?