Pacific Mobility Center

Stairlifts - Lifts - Mobility Products

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Ramping Versus a Vertical Platform Lift for a Mobile Home

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People in wheelchairs or those with other mobility challenges, sometimes need help getting into and out of their mobile homes. In these situations, the choice generally comes down to either installing a ramp or putting in a vertical porch lift.

A ramp is a good solution when the rise between the ground and the door is low and there is enough room for its installation. In terms of height, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires a ratio of 1:12 for all public buildings; that is, for each inch of height, 12 inches, or one foot of ramp, is necessary. And while some local building codes might be more lenient, requiring perhaps only eight inches of ramping for every inch of rise, the ADA ratio is still considered the safest solution.

So, for example, if the rise between the ground and the entry door is 30 inches, which is often standard for a mobile home, 30 feet of ramping will be needed. And if there isn’t 30 feet of straightaway space available, the ramp is going to have to be broken up with platforms, landings, and/or turnarounds, which can make a ramp project more complex and more expensive.

Another thing to think about if a ramp is being considered is the choice of material used. That generally means either wood or some type of metal – most probably aluminum. Wood may be less expensive but metal stands up better to bad weather. Either way, a ramp should be covered with some sort of non-skid surface. And it needs to be kept free of obstacles or the occasional fallen branch.

If a ramp is not an acceptable option, a porch lift, sometimes called a vertical platform lift, can be a better solution. It takes up less space than a ramp and generally has a lifting height of up to 72 inches. And a lift can be a whole lot easier and safer for a wheelchair user to operate than going up and down a long or steep ramp. The good news is that a lift can also be comparable in price. These considerations make a porch lift a reasonable alternative when a mobile home owner with mobility challenges needs to make his or her abode, more accessible.

Before you decide on which alternative is the best one for your situation, you should seek out professional advice. Here at the Pacific Mobility Center, we can assist you in making the right decision for yourself or a loved one. Call us for a no-cost assessment and a member of our staff will work with you to help you choose the most appropriate solution.

How to Keep Your Stairlift in Good Working Order

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Once you’ve decided to invest in a good quality stairlift, your next decision should be committing to keeping it in good working order, just as you would with any other piece of expensive machinery such as an automobile or other major, household appliance. Of course, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. So before getting into the specifics of chairlift maintenance, make sure you follow these pre-emptive tips:

• Keep the stairway free of obstructions and never operate your stairlift if there are people or pets on the stairs.
• Do not allow children to play on or with the stairlift – ever.
• Do not exceed the stairlift’s maximum weight allowance or try to carry more than one person at a time.
• Do not allow liquids to come into contact with any of the stairlift’s mechanisms.
• Make sure to keep the stairlift on charge when not in use.

Next: Read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the precise model you own. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions and make sure you understand if there are any specific things your model requires to keep it in good shape. While you can have a professional maintain your stairlift, and, in fact, you should have it checked out, at least yearly, by a qualified technician, you should try to have a family member perform the following upkeep regimen if you can’t manage it, yourself.

• Clean the track regularly to keep it free of dust and dirt. It is usually sufficient to simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth every week or so. In some cases, an anti-dust product can be used. Avoid the use of detergents and solvents.
• After cleaning the track, lubricate it with a small amount of lubricant such as petroleum jelly.
• Check that the swivel seat is functioning properly and is not loose or wobbly. Tighten any screws that require it.
• Check the stairlift’s arm and footrests and spray any sticky hinges with some WD40.
• Replace your model’s battery as instructed by the manual in order to keep your stairlift from stopping unexpectedly.

Between normal maintenance, always be on the lookout for any of the following signs of trouble:

• Your stairlift is making more noise than usual when in use.
• Your stairlift is making unusual noises.
• Your stairlift starts slowly or moves in a jerky manner.
• There are error codes in the stairlift’s display unit.
• You hear beeping, which may be an alert to an error code or a sign of a low battery.

Your stairlift allows you to stay in your multi-story home with a measure of independence if you are experiencing a decrease in mobility due to advanced age, illness, or accident. Keeping it in good running order will enable you to utilize it in the safest and most comfortable manner possible.
If you have any questions about your stairlift, or stairlift maintenance, call us at Pacific Mobility. We are always happy to help.

For more information and stairlift troubleshooting, please refer to our Stairlift Troubleshooting page.

Stairlift Rentals in Southern California

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If you have significant mobility challenges and getting up and down stairs is difficult, buying and installing a permanent stairlift in your home can allow you to navigate between floors safely and efficiently. However, there are times when buying a stairlift may not be the best solution for you or a loved one. Depending upon the circumstances, renting a stairlift might actually be a more prudent choice.

stairlift rental is preferable for people who are recovering from an accident or surgery and who will, at some point, regain their mobility. Rental is also a good choice for houseguests who cannot walk up and down stairs, or for anyone who isn’t sure how long they might need a mechanical lift to help them. In addition, renting a stairlift will usually be less expensive than buying one, providing the rental period is not prolonged. Another benefit of renting a stairlift is the fact that any maintenance and repairs will generally be borne by the rental company.

Also, when you rent a stairlift, it gives you time to decide if it is the right one to eventually buy. Not all stairlifts are appropriate for all people – they come in many different configurations and designs, with a wide array of different controls and accessories. In addition, not every stairlift will be the best fit for every house. So, trying out a lift before buying it can prevent you from making an expensive mistake. Finally, in most cases, if you do decide to buy the lift you rented, a good percentage of the rental fees can be applied to the purchase price.

At Pacific Mobility, we have a rental program for our straight stairlifts that just might be the right choice for folks with temporary injuries, or for any other situation that does not require a permanent installation. Renting from us can save you money, and if you do decide to buy, your payment process will be easy to manage. Call or visit us today, for more information.

What Type of Power Mobility Device (PMD) is the Right Piece of Equipment?

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Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) help mobility-challenged individuals conserve energy because they require less physical effort to operate than walking or propelling a manual wheelchair. When choosing the best type of PMD, many factors need to be considered, including a person’s:

  • Medical condition
  • Physical status
  • Functional abilities
  • Performance of daily activities
  • Home and work environment
  • Transportation options

Two of the most common PMDs are motorized scooters and power wheelchairs.

Motorized scooters allow mobility-challenged persons to travel long distances, independently. They are available with three or four wheels and come in different sizes with different weight capacities. They are a good choice for those who can sit down and stand up from a chair, safely, and have good trunk control and balance while sitting. Motorized scooters are battery-powered devices that operate by pressing hand throttles and they are controlled through a mechanical tiller system. So in order to navigate one, an individual must have good hand and finger strength and coordination. Motorized scooters can often be disassembled for easy transport.

Some drawbacks of motorized scooters include their size – the length of some types can make it difficult to turn around in small places; and some offer limited seating options which can’t be modified if an individual’s physical condition changes.

A Power wheelchair is a good option for individuals who don’t have the strength or capacity to propel a manual wheelchair, nor the trunk support to maintain proper balance and posture required for a scooter. They are a good choice for those who have been using a scooter, but become unable to because of a decline in their physical condition.

Power wheelchairs come in three different types according to the location of the drive wheels – rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel. They have a wide range of seating systems depending upon an individual’s needs and comfort requirements. Power wheelchairs are generally operated with a set of buttons and a joystick mounted on one of its armrests, however the control interface can be customized and many different options are available.

Power wheelchairs make it less problematic to go over difficult terrain and they are generally easier than a scooter to maneuver in different environments because their turning radius is often much smaller. Their limitations include their weight and the fact that they cannot normally be disassembled for transport, generally requiring the use of a ramp or automated lift in order to get them into a van.

A third option for some people is the pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair (PaPAW). These devices were developed to help people who have difficulty propelling a manual wheelchair over surfaces encountered on a daily basis, such as ramps, carpets, grass, curb cuts, and gravel. They are a good option for people with enough strength to propel themselves in most environments, but need some assistance to navigate difficult terrains.

PaPaWs are units that attach to manual wheelchairs and include specialized wheels with battery-operated motors mounted on the frame. They have sensors on the wheels’ pushrims that amplify the user’s strength when propelling the chair. Their drawbacks include their added weight and the fact that they add an inch or two to the width of a manual wheelchair.

If you require a PMD, you should visit us at Pacific Mobility. We have the expertise to help you decide which PMD is best suited for your particular situation and we will work with you to evaluate and assess your needs in order to find the right device for the right price.

How Important is Sleep as you Age?

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No matter your age, sleeping well is essential to your physical and emotional well-being. In fact, many physicians consider a person’s sleeping habits to be a valid barometer of his or her overall health. Sleep allows the body to repair any cell damage that may have occurred during the day; it refreshes the immune system and helps prevent disease. Sleep is also important for keeping the mind sharp, improving both concentration and memory.

While sleep requirements vary from person to person, most children and adolescents need more sleep than young and middle-aged adults. However, older adults generally begin to need more sleep as they age – from seven to nine hours per night. Unfortunately, many older adults often get less sleep than they should for a variety of reasons.

One reason is that as we age, our bodies tend to produce and secrete lower levels of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. But age alone does not cause the majority of sleep problems; instead the following are the most common causes of insomnia and sleep problems in older adults:

  • Poor sleep habits – irregular sleep hours, consumption of food or alcohol before bedtime, falling asleep in front of the TV
  • Pain or medical conditions – having to urinate frequently, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heartburn, hypertension, menopause, Alzheimer’s disease
  • Medications – combinations of certain drugs, as well as their side-effects can impair sleep
  • Lack of exercise – being too sedentary can cause one to either never feel sleepy, or conversely, to feel sleepy during the day
  • Untreated stress or psychological disorders – anxiety, sadness, or emotional trauma can keep one awake
  • Physical sleep disorders – snoring and sleep apnea occur more frequently in older adults

And sleeplessness, itself, can cause a variety of other problems, some of them merely annoying, like excessive daytime sleepiness, and some of them more serious, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer in women.

While some changes in an older person’s sleep habits, such as wanting to go to sleep earlier in the evening and waking up earlier in the morning are considered normal and non-problematic, other changes may suggest a sleep disorder that needs to be addressed. Common symptoms that should be checked by a physician include:

  • Having trouble falling asleep even though you feel tired
  • Having trouble getting back to sleep when awakened
  • Not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep
  • Feeling irritable or sleepy during the day
  • Having difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television, or driving
  • Having difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep
  • Having trouble controlling your emotions

There is no reason for an older adult to forego a good night’s sleep simply because he or she is aging. Because regular sleep patterns are so important, in order to maintain good health, vitality, and emotional well-being, older adults should attempt to practice those habits that promote the necessary and uninterrupted hours needed by mind and body. These include:

  • Limiting caffeine intake late in the day
  • Avoiding alcohol before bedtime
  • Avoiding big meals or spicy foods before bedtime
  • Minimizing liquid intake before sleep
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting mental stress and worry as much as possible, especially at night
  • Remembering to get some sunlight during the day (bright sunlight helps regulate melatonin production and the body’s circadian rhythms, or sleep-wake cycles)
  • Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
  • Developing sleep-inducing bedtime rituals such as taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, getting a massage, or engaging in sexual activity
  • Limiting the use of sleeping aids and pills
  • Talking with a therapist to deal with emotional trauma or depression

Getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining a regular sleep pattern is something all folks should strive toward accomplishing. The benefits are well worth all of us taking the time to review our sleep habits. Sleep Well!

Different Types of stairlifts and Their Benefits

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For mobility challenged individuals who need a way to go up and down a flight of stairs in their homes, there are several different types of stairlifts available. The most recognizable type is the straight stairlift that attaches to the stair treads by way of a straight rail on which a chair can glide up and down. These lifts are suitable for those users who can walk, but not climb, and don’t need to transport anything up and down but themselves, and maybe items that can be held on their lap.

The standard variation of the straight stairlift is the curved model that has a rail that can fit the shape of a winding or curved staircase. Both the straight and curved stairlift most commonly have a seat that is either fixed, folds up and down, or swivels toward or away from the wall. The kind of seat installed will depend both on the needs of the user and the space available on the stairs and landings of a particular home.

stairlifts can be operated either by battery or by a home’s electrical system. While batteries will have to be replaced every few years, those running on house current will never need that type of maintenance. On the other hand, electrical lifts won’t work if there is a power failure.

The standing stairlift is a variation of the lift device. It can be used by people who can’t sit but are able to stand. In order for a standing stairlift to operate effectively, there must be enough headroom in the staircase for a standing individual to travel safely. The standing lift is also suitable for homes with very narrow staircases or ones that for some reason can’t accommodate a seated lift.

Platform stairlifts are another variation. They are designed to be large and strong enough to hold a wheelchair, or in some cases, a small or mid-sized scooter. They are appropriate for individuals who can’t transfer from a sitting position in a chair or scooter to a chair in a standard stairlift. They are also ideal for older and disabled people who are wheelchair bound and need to stay in their chairs no matter what floor they are on.

Finally, although not considered a stairlift, per se, the vertical “through floor” lift has a track that can attach to a wall as it traverses through a hole in the ceiling/floor. It is an option for a home that cannot accommodate an ordinary lift, for example, one whose staircase is too narrow or has a spiral shape design.

At Pacific Mobility, we will help you choose the best stairlift option for your home by carefully explaining the benefits of all the different types we offer.

The Importance of stairlifts for Seniors

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According to a survey taken by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90 percent of people over age 65, when asked, said that they would prefer to live in their homes as long as possible, and 80 percent of them believe that their current home is where they will, in fact, always live until they pass away.

The desire that most seniors have for remaining in their homes and not moving to a senior care community, or an assisted living environment, speaks volumes about their need for independence even as their bodies continue to age and, in some cases, become increasingly frail. For it is quite well known that for all of us – seniors included – our homes provide us with deep and abiding emotional and psychological connections to our past, our families and our sense of security.

But for some seniors, that security can easily be jeopardized if they live in homes that have steep stairs or other structural features that are difficult for their aging bodies to safely navigate. The grim truth is that, each year, millions of elderly adults in America sustain moderate to severe injuries, such as broken bones, hip fractures, and head traumas, due to falls. In fact, according to the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of three adults, age 65 or older, falls each year. And falling down stairs is the leading cause of serious injury among the elderly.

There are many sensible ways for seniors to help prevent accidental falls in the home, such as adding grab bars in showers and bathrooms, and removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs. But for seniors who live in two-story homes, installing a stairlift may be the most practical and affordable way to stay safe while postponing the need to make a premature transition to a senior care facility.

stairlifts allow seniors with mobility challenges to go up and down their stairs safely. They also help combat the fear of falling that not only often gets worse with age, but, paradoxically, actually increases the risk of falling in the first place.

The desire for independence and self-sufficiency doesn’t decrease with age – it is an essential aspect of a quality life whether one is at the beginning, or nearing the end, of one’s days. Happily, we live in a time when our technology affords our senior population the ability to remain both independent and self-sufficient, while still living at home. And the modern stairlift has become an important part of that equation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8D0VRsnlBM

High Pressure Sales Tactics – Got to Get the Sale!

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There is an old adage in the world of sales: “People like to buy, but they don’t like to be sold.” The high pressure salesman does not believe strongly enough in this fact of human psychology. On the contrary, he is inclined to assume that people must be prodded and pushed and tricked into buying. So instead of unleashing the primary desire that most people have in the simple power of acquiring things based on their own needs, the high pressure salesman relies on various ways to manipulate his prospect into a sale that may not even be in the buyer’s best interests (and usually does not contribute to a long term relationship with the seller).

There are many techniques that can make saying “yes” to a sale, the easiest way to end the kind of stress-inducing interaction that is the hallmark of a high pressure sales routine. For example, a high pressure salesman might push a customer into a sale by stressing the fact that there is a looming deadline approaching and the price of his product or service is going to shoot up unless the sale is consummated immediately. Whether or not a deadline actually exists happens to be beside the point. The high pressure salesman is actually selling fear of losing something rather than suiting the sale to the buyer’s needs. He is forcing an emotional commitment before his prospect has time to think whether or not he or she can actually afford, or even needs to buy, what the salesman is selling.

In contrast, low pressure selling does not drive a prospect into a buying decision, but rather lets him reach the decision on his own terms. The low pressure salesman tries to ascertain the prospect’s wants and needs, and then tries to explain how his product or service can fit that want or need by demonstrating the relationship between the two.

At Pacific Mobility, we eschew the hard sell. We want to know how we can solve your problem, so we will spend our time with you asking you about your needs and absolutely no time at all in manipulating you into buying what we think we can make the most money on. Buying any one of our fine products needs to be the result of a calm and rational decision that you make on your own about how a purchase from us may benefit you – and not the other way around.