Accessibility and simply getting-around shouldn’t be difficult, but unfortunately, transportation can be a huge hurdle for those with physical limitations or mobility issues. Maintain quality of everyday life and preserve independence with aids that make transportation easier. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to have one less thing to worry about? Mobility aids and equipment can keep you safe, secure, and free.
Do you drive? For someone who is accustomed to transporting themselves from one place to another, loss of mobility or physical disabilities can jeopardize this, making everyday life much tougher. Simple tasks become monumental challenges that may hinder getting out of the house at all. Did you know that there are specific mobility aids and equipment that can not only make life easier, but more satisfying and enjoyable, as well.
Preserve your autonomy and make life easier with these sound suggestions:
Portable Ramps and Railing
Sometimes the simplest suggestions are the most dramatic- take for instance a portable ramp. These easy-to-handle ramps fold up and are easy to toss in the back of a car or truck, but just as easy to assemble and implement as needed. These provide a smooth transition over thresholds, steps, risers, and terrain that might otherwise be difficult, challenging, or impossible for someone with physical limitations or mobility issues. Portable ramps allow for versatility and flexibility, while also being at a very favorable price-point for buyers. These are a great transportation aid for someone who is needing assistance temporarily, too, such as those recuperating from surgeries or injuries.
Vehicle Lifts
When you think of transportation, vehicles likely come to mind. Vehicle lifts offer a clever and convenient way for drivers to maintain the freedom of getting behind the wheel. These lifts not only assist motorists get in and out of their car or truck, but they also offer a strategy for stowing other mobility aids, i.e. wheelchairs, while driving. Talk to a mobility retailer in your area about a demonstration to see for yourself the amazing potential of a vehicle lift- and to determine if your distinct vehicle is compatible with these mobility aids.
Free Standing Lifts
If transport implies assistance from shower to bed, or bed to chair, a freestanding lift might be the most prudent solution. Free standing lifts allow the user to be raised and lowered securely for ADLs or transport to another area of the home. These lifts also curb and prevent injuries that could be sustained by the caregiver when trying to lift or assist clients with severe limitations or disabilities. Caregiver injuries are common and can be debilitating, ending careers in many instances. Free standing lifts can provide rigorous support and aid to those who are unable to carry their own weight on the lower half of their body; these devices can be vital in recovery and rehabilitation.
Scooters and Wheelchairs
What about independent transport from your home into the community? Or, simply around the home and property where you reside? Scooters and wheelchairs provide this type of assistance for over six million consumers in the US daily. Would you benefit from a wheelchair or scooter? Their design and technology have come a long way over the years, and many models have impressive features that have the potential of changing life for the better. From adjustable seats to all-terrain tires, you can really hone-in on the best option for your distinct lifestyle, preferences, and mobility level when meeting with a mobility vendor and seeing different variations first-hand. Not sure if you are a candidate for mobility equipment like scooters or wheelchairs? Meet with a reputable mobility retailer for a needs assessment and talk to your doctor about the benefits of mobility aids for you.
National Patient Transport Week
Professional transporters and paid caregivers deserve some recognition for the work that they do in helping preserve quality of life for clients and patients widely. National Patient Transport Week is a time to laud these providers who often are responsible for getting compromised consumers to important appointments, medical procedures, or other vital commitments. National Patient Transport Week, typically observed the first week of November, provides a platform to encourage healthcare facilities, hospitals, and care settings to acknowledge and thank their patient transport provider team.
This opportunity to honor transporters should be expanded to include non-paid caregivers and transporters, like family and friends. Assisting others to maintain freedom while reducing fall risks is vital- if you assist or help another, thank you!
When you are ready to invest time and resources into mobility aids to enhance accessibility, speak with the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility. Live life to its full potential and get where you need to go with transportation aids that simply make life easier. Check out the various ways and equipment that can truly change life for the better; call or visit to learn more today.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)