If you live with a physical challenge or limitation, mobility aids may make life easier. First, they increase accessibility which, in turn, enhances autonomy. This independence can enable many to age in place and add quality to their everyday lives.
There are many mobility aids that add to everyday quality of living. For instance, some equipment and devices enhance accessibility, which promotes and increases independence. When an individual has the freedom and autonomy to make their own choices daily, it can improve life in general.
Here are some mobility aids that add to everyday quality of life:
Stairlifts
Do you have stairs or steps in your home? When living with physical limitations or mobility issues, this can present problems. Some individuals may find that they are confined to the lower level of their home, which may greatly impact activities of daily living, or ADLs. This, in turn, may affect autonomy and the ability to age in place safely.
A stairlift changes all that and allows you to ascend and descend stairs safely and easily. These lifts are amazing and can be installed to fit practically any stairs or step. Talk to a qualified and reputable mobility retail professional to learn more! A stairlift greatly adds to your everyday quality of life and could be a proactive step toward reducing the risk of a fall in your home.
Shower Buddies and Benches
Speaking of ADLs, bathing is one of the main challenges that many individuals face when living with mobility issues. Those that live alone or with limited assistance may struggle with this activity either due to physical challenges or a fear of falling. Bathrooms are the most common location of falls, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death among seniors in this country. By making the bathroom and tub safer and more accessible, it could reduce the risks of falls and contribute to autonomy for the individual.
Shower buddies are essentially aids that eliminate the need for transfers and lifting when caring for individuals that have mobility issues. This makes it safer for both the individual and their caregiver. These seats eliminate hazards, like slick floors, while also preserving dignity and privacy. Don’t need that level of assistance? A shower bench is another option that provides a secure place to bathe while lowering the incidence of slips, falls, and injuries. This sense of safety and confidence contributes to quality of life, too.
Ramps
There is a misconception that you only need a ramp if you use a wheelchair or scooter; that couldn’t be farther from the truth! A ramp can be an immense help to those that live with joint or knee pain, making it easier and gentler to ascend inclines in and out of the home. Ramps are also useful inside the home, making thresholds and doorways less of a stumble.
Did you know that you can buy inexpensive, portable ramps? These are great because you can fold them up and take them with you, as needed. These provide a less permanent alternative to the ramps that you see installed on homes widely which makes them cost-friendly, too. Ramps can definitely add to the overall quality of everyday life in a positive way!
Vehicle Lifts
Do you enjoy driving? Some folks with mobility issues or physical disabilities give up on driving due to the inconvenience and difficulties presented. If you wish to get behind the wheel again, consider vehicle lifts. Vehicle lifts enable you to safely stash and stow your mobility equipment and smoothly access the driver’s seat of your car or truck. Vehicle lifts have allowed many to drive and maintain their independence. Some lifts may be limited to specific vehicle makes and models, so talk to your mobility retailer to learn more!
Grab Bars and Reaching Tools
Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference, and that may be the case when it comes to grab bars and reachers. Reducing the risk of a fall is integral to preserving health and well-being across the lifespan. It is estimated that every four seconds, a senior falls down and around 32,000 falls result in fatality each year. How can these tragic statistics be avoided? Simple aids like grab bars and reaching tools could be the answer.
Anyone benefits from installing grab bars near the toilet, tub, sink, or stairs. These are perfect for a bit of stability in areas that could cause a fall. As for reaching tools, these prevent the need to stretch, reach, and risk well-being when trying to access objects or items that are just ‘out of reach.’ Reaching tools prevent you from needing to bend over, climb under, or stand on tiptoe when attempting to go about your day. If you want to improve everyday living, start with simple steps like grab bars and reachers!
Want to learn more about how mobility aids can improve your overall quality of life? Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; we have over 60 years of experience in serving our customers and providing quality mobility aids and devices. Call or visit 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)
