Jeff Conner

If you are worried about the safety of loved ones- or yourself- using stairlifts, enjoy peace of mind knowing that there are inherent safety features, built-in to the lift. From custom rails to fit your distinct stairs and battery back-up during power outages, to generous weight capacities and adjustable belted seats, quality stairlift brands make safety a focus and priority. So, relax and rest assured that when used properly, stairlifts are exceptionally safe to use.

Safety is a priority when it comes to mobility aids and equipment. Stairlifts, in particular, can be worrisome for those that are unfamiliar with this type of equipment.

If you are worried about safety using stairlifts, no need. Check out these built-in safety features:

Steep or Narrow Stairs

Don’t’ make the mistake that many consumers do which is to assume your stairs won’t accommodate a lift. Bruno- for instance- makes a wide range of lifts to suit and fit all different kinds of stairs. In fact, their Elan Stairlift is outfitted with features that are ideal for those with staircases that they feel are steep or narrow- or other concern.

Some features of these models include resilience and quality, but affordability, too. These implement a vertical rail design that minimizes the space that the lift occupies on the stairs and risers. A folding rail makes it further streamlined. These lifts accommodate 300 pounds typically and are made in the US. When it comes to straight stairs and steps, this is reported to be the most popular lift on the current market.

Unconventional Curved Stairways

Worried about a curved or winding staircase? Again, the brand Bruno has you covered with their Elite – Curved Rail Stairlifts. Curved stairs do present challenges, but a lift can be customized to fit. These specially designed rails create a smooth and quiet ride. These typically accommodate up to 400 pounds and utilize a design that can be installed on pretty much any curved stairway. Technological features maintain stability which creates a safe, seamless lift. Battery backup makes it reliable even during power outages, too, so relax!

Weight Capacities

It is imperative to heed the weight capacities given for your stairlift, and it is directly related to maintaining safety during use. Many of the Bruno brand can accommodate heavier users; talk to your mobility retailer about the weight restrictions when shopping for a lift.

Wind and Weather

Not sure if your lift will hold up to the elements where you live, such as wind and weather? Bruno’s Outdoor Straight Stairlifts are outdoor lifts with features that preserve and protect from the environment. The seat and armrest are padded with marine-grade vinyl so you won’t worry about stains or water damage during storms. Plus, a waterproof cover will protect your lift when it is not in use. For ease during outdoor usage, the lift utilizes Anodized aluminum rail with covered gear rack- which holds up to the elements. These models usually have a 400-pound capacity and a vertical rail design to minimize the area that they take up. Talk to your mobility vendor about the Outdoor Electra-Ride Elite for an exterior lift that stands heads and shoulders above others.

Power Outages

So, what are you planning to do when the power goes out? Will you need to worry about being stuck mid-way up your stairs? If you own a Bruno stairlift, the answer is ‘no’. Bruno incorporates battery backup for their lifts that perform even during power outages and blackouts. While there are plenty of other brands that tout unique safety features, Bruno really is an industry leader setting the bar high in the realm of mobility aids and equipment.  

Buyers’ Remorse

There really is nothing worse than buyers’ remorse when it comes to a major purchase or investment. This extends to mobility aids; if you are not happy with the equipment, you may not be inclined to use it- which defeats the purpose of improving accessibility. A good way to test whether a stairlift is right for you is with short-term Stairlift Rentals. Pacific Mobility Center is proud to offer a unique rental program in Southern California that may be perfect to determine how a lift can change your lift for the better. If you live outside this region, look around for mobility dealers that rent equipment near you to prevent buyers’ remorse later.

Unsure about the safety of your stairlift? There really is no need to be; talk to the team at Pacific Mobility when making buying decisions to avoid regrets later. While Bruno is not your only brand option, it is a leader in the industry and lauded by buyers consistently. The choice is yours; you have a lot of options and added features to consider. Make sure to take time to consult with the pros who know all about mobility aids and equipment. Call to learn more today.

Occupational therapy has the potential to help people with disabilities and mobility limitations change their lives for the better. The professionals in this field help clients do things they want to do or need to do, including ADLs (Activities of Daily Life). These activities can enhance accessibility and teach skills that increase quality of everyday living.

True, there are incredible mobility aids and equipment that can help others with issues of accessibility while also improving quality of life, but how do many learn to use them? Occupational therapy is key in helping people gain skills and the ability to do what they want and need to do. Occupational therapy utilizes tools to help clients complete ADLs (Activities of Daily Life) and to safely live life to the fullest.

Occupational Therapy Interventions

Occupational therapy interventions vary based on the client’s needs and limitations, but some common interventions include helping to integrate children with physical disabilities into social situations, such as school. Occupational therapists may also work with those recovering from an injury or that may need to re-learn a skillset. The Occupational therapist typically performs a consultation and customizes their treatment plan to the patient, taking the patient’s goals into consideration. Interventions are then personalized to help the patient meet these goals.  OT focuses on health from a holistic point of view, so the practitioners may consider various environmental factors when customizing their treatment plan and subsequent interventions.

Occupational Therapy Candidates

So, who would need OT? Typically, the patient would receive a consult with an Occupational therapist following a specific diagnosis.  These diagnoses usually involve some sort of physical limitation that occupational therapy interventions can improve or aid. Some candidates for occupational therapy include:

• Individuals who have experienced a stroke
• Anyone with partial or permanent paralysis
• Individuals with vision impairment
• Diabetics
• People recovering from joint replacement surgery
• People with poor balance, such as vertigo
• Individuals with chronic pain issues
• Dementia patients, including Alzheimer’s disease
• Patients diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
• Cancer patients
• Individuals with brain injuries
• Burn patients
• Those with mental health issues
• People with behavioral problems, and more!

Anyone who struggles with ADLs or everyday tasks may benefit from occupational therapy. Talk to your doctor, provider, or practitioner to learn more about a referral.

Occupational Therapy Treatment

An Occupational therapist is a professional that has attended graduate school and completed clinical training in the field. So, what exactly does the therapist do? The OT’s job is to help teach their clients new ways of completed necessary, everyday tasks, like dressing, eating and talking. This might involve reorganizing the client’s living situation to be more conducive to physical disabilities or limitations or it may include demonstrating how mobility aids and equipment are safely used. The therapist may help the client improve small motor coordination or speech after a medical event, like a stroke. The practitioner may provide support to the family when it is a child that is experiencing issues, such as behavioral problems or developmental delays. These individuals are referred by physicians widely, and also are found in assisted-living situations and rehabs providing therapeutic interventions.

OT Treatment Duration

Wondering how long OT is going to take? That is, what will be the duration of your occupational therapy interventions and treatment. That depends. For instance, if you are having OT that includes speech therapy, treatment could last a week to years. Any OT treatment that is less than 100 days in duration is considered short-term rehab, in medical terminology. Most targeted, OT treatments are short-term provisions that consistently monitor, measure, and assess progress to determine what comes next. Longer OT treatment plans may come into play for those with chronic or debilitating conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease or Diabetes and related nerve damage.

Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational Therapy Month in April provides a chance to find out whether the benefits of treatment are right for you- or someone that you love. Awareness, information, insight, and empathy are goals of this national observance. This is a time to learn more and revere those occupational therapists that are making positive changes in people’s lives every day. By paying tribute to these professionals, you are also honoring someone who relies on them for treatment, too.  Think of ways to observe OT month this year!

Would you benefit from occupational therapy? How about mobility aids or devices? If so, talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility to learn more. The team at Pacific Mobility has generations of experience with finding the right equipment for you, the client. Call for a no-obligation assessment to determine if mobility aids are a practical approach to improving your accessibility and autonomy. If you struggle with access, we want to help. Call today to learn more.

Everyone’s accessibility situation is different; what’s yours? Choosing the right mobility solution for your distinct situation is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. In fact, working with an industry professional that stands behind the mobility products that they sell is the best way to assess your needs and find the best mobility aids and equipment for you.

It can be overwhelming and a bit daunting to shop for mobility aids and devices – have you ever visited a mobility retailer before? How do you know which brand is best- or which type of equipment is warranted for your distinct mobility challenges? What about installation- who is going to repair it if something goes wrong? Do you really need a mobility aid, like a scooter or lift?

These are valid questions. Choose to buy your mobility aids from a retailer that responds to and answers questions like these- and more! Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility and get solid answers from industry professionals that have your best interest in mind.

Use these tips to choose the right mobility solution for your situation:

Simple Strategies

If challenges are few, consider implementing simple aids that can make life better by creating a safer environment. One of the main objectives is to reduce the risk of falls during routine ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), like bathing and getting dressed. Consider adaptive devices that make zippers and buttons easy work for older fingers or grab bars in spots that provide the perfect bit of support during washing and bathing. These items are easy to install and inexpensive to buy.

Short Term Solutions

Perhaps you are an individual that is recovering from a recent surgery or rehabilitating from a sports injury. In these instances, you may do best to rent mobility equipment that accommodates your needs as you recover over the short-term from your injury. Rent scooters, chairs, lifts, whatever you need from reliable and reputable mobility vendors in your area for temporary rehabilitative solutions that won’t lock you in or break the bank.

Future Orientation

In other instances, there may be a need to look toward future-oriented needs. For example, is your condition a progressive one? Are you getting older? It might make the most sense to think about future needs and invest in equipment that will evolve with you, providing more support as needed. This may be key for aging in place and staying in your own home living situation longer.  Some examples of such future thinking might be to install stairlifts now- even though you may be able to ascend some steps right now.

On-the-Go

Are you someone that likes to be on the go? If so, perhaps the attention to mobility solutions should focus on elements outside the home. For example, vehicle, porch, and pool lifts allow you the freedom to do what you love. A wide range of both portable and permanent ramps make it easier to access with mobility aids such as wheelchairs independently, inside and outside the dwelling.  Vehicle lifts keep you behind the wheel but also offer the technology to stow your walker or equipment while you drive, too.

Active ADLs

Part of the criteria to determine if an individual can safely age in place or stay in their own home is whether they can complete ADLs adequately and independently. Part of making this feasible might include updating the bathroom with some aids that safely enable ADLs while facilitating aging in place.  Some simple aids that make the bathroom accessible and safe include grab bars near the toilet and sink, a shower seat for bathing, a reaching-tool for accessing cabinets, and treads on slick surfaces to prevent falls. Keep a wide berth throughout the home to make access easier with and without mobility aids or devices. Augment lighting throughout the home to more-fully illuminate spaces that you use regularly, paying close attention to light fixtures near stairs or steps.

Care for Caregivers

Take time to consider how solutions can benefit those that provide care for you, too. For instance, lifts help protect caregivers when they are assisting with ADLs or other tasks. By providing your caregivers with devices like free-standing lifts, shower benches, and gait belts, you are reducing their risk of becoming injured on the job. Caregivers could easily become hurt when providing support- it is an industry hazard. There are numerous mobility solutions available that also offer protection for the caregiver.

Find the right mobility solution for your needs with some help from the team at Pacific Mobility. First, they provide consultation to pinpoint the best equipment to improve your access- next, they help you obtain needed devices with financing options to suit your budget. The good news is that sometimes insurance pays for your mobility aids- we can help you find out more.  

Poor sleep can lead to a wide range of health problems- and it can impact those with mobility issues or medical conditions significantly. When you don’t sleep, it takes a toll physically and mentally- creating a cycle that leaves you moody, tired, and susceptible to illness or injury.

If you have trouble getting a good night’s rest, you may already know the harm poor sleep can cause. Beyond fatigue, lack of sleep can make you vulnerable to illness and injury- as well as impact your mental health and sharpness. If you live with a physical disability or rely on mobility aids and devices, poor sleep can have other serious repercussions.

National Sleep Awareness Week strives to celebrate sleep hygiene and laud the benefits of good sleep health. Hosted by The National Sleep Foundation, this observance aims to encourage everyone to prioritize their sleep.  

Are you getting enough rest? Here is how sleep can impact and affect your mobility:

Cognition

When sleep is interrupted or inadequate, your cognition will suffer. Sleep is part of critical thinking; it is tough to navigate tough terrain, plan ahead, or react spontaneously when you are sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep could lead to poor choices that cause a nasty fall for someone with mobility issues or physical impairments.  

Coordination

Sleep definitely impacts an individual’s coordination, rendering them clumsy or a bit of a klutz. This may be accompanied by a loss of balance; if you don’t sleep well, do you ever feel dizzy? This is reported among individuals with chronic sleep issues or insomnia. Being poorly rested can make you feel lethargic, which increases the odds that you trip, stumble, or fall.

Problem Solving Skills

When it comes to decision making, a lack of sleep can contribute to poor judgement and sub-par choices. For example, when choosing how to navigate a wheelchair up a steep incline or how to operate an unfamiliar lift can be muddied and more complex when you are overtired. Fatigue hampers your problem solving abilities.

Furthermore, consider these health consequences of a lack of sleep:

• Depending on how prolonged your sleep issues are, lack of sleep can cause depression and mood disorders. A poll indicated that the majority of those diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression reported sleeping less than six hours a night, on average. This study points to a correlation between sleep hygiene and mental health.
• Achieving a deep state of sleep is necessary for creating certain brainwaves and ‘ripples’ in the memory that keep you sharp and prevent forgetfulness. Memories are consolidated during these deeper phases of sleep, which helps stow them in your longer-term memory bank. When you do not reach these sleep phases, your memory could be compromised.
• There is a connection between poor sleep and weight. In fact, lack of restful sleep is associated with an increased appetite- which could be the underlying reason for the fact that individuals who sleep under six hours per night are 30% more at risk of being obese.
• If all these side-effects were not enough, it is also reported that a lack of sleep can cause less interest in sex and a much-decreased libido. Since decreased energy and lethargy are natural consequences of poor sleep, it makes sense that many may lose interest in sexual activity when they are not rested. Furthermore, a lack of sleep causes feelings of tension that may also interfere with libido.
• Men also bear the burden of dealing with decreased libido due to sleep apnea, which can also directly cause poor sleep. Sleep apnea and continuous interruptions in sleep correlate with lower testosterone levels.
• Poor sleep also causes a public health risk in that it can be a safety hazard to have under-rested drivers operating cars on public roads and highways. Fatigue slows response time dramatically and could cause delays in reaction that jeopardize lives. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 100,000 accidents each year in the US are caused by driver fatigue- and of these, around 1,550 result in a crash-related death.
• Come to think of it, fatigue and lack of sleep present risks and hazards at work, too. Think about the accidents, incidents, and injuries that could be caused by the tired inattention of those you work with; furthermore, those that struggle with sleep hygiene typically call in and take more sick days than their counterparts that do not report difficulty with sleep.

As you can see, there are many health-related issues and complexities that can be caused and exacerbated by lack of sleep or fatigue. Do you have issues with sleep? Talk to your primary care provider about a sleep study. If you live with issues surrounding accessibility, talk to the mobility specialists at Pacific Mobility.

For quality equipment and first-rate customer service, call for a consultation today.

Seniors are most at-risk for vision issues, like cataracts, and this condition can contribute to an increased fall risk and subsequent complications. Impaired vision can create problematic scenarios that compromise the individual’s independence and autonomy. Those with current mobility challenges need their vision- so bi-annual eye exams are strongly encouraged.

Seniors and those with medical conditions or complications are more at-risk for Cataracts, which can rob you of your vision. Cataracts, though very common, often goes untreated until a fall or subsequent issue brings it to light. In fact,  cataracts and the clouded vision that come along with it can increase the risk of falls among seniors or those with mobility issues. While mobility aids and devices certainly help, regular eye exams twice a year are also prudent for older individuals.

Fortunately, there is good news. Even though there is no cure for cataracts, it is easily treated and resolved with surgery. Researchers found that among those that need cataract surgery in both eyes, surgery on one eye decreased their risk of falls by around 78%. In other words, if you want to age gracefully and preserve your autonomy, it pays to have your eyes examined and evaluated for signs of Cataracts as regularly as you can muster.

Signs of a Problem

Since we now know that poor vision can significantly impact mobility and overall wellbeing, what are the signs of a problem? You should see your eye doctor for an assessment and checkup if you notice the following symptoms of an issue, including Cataracts:

• Blurred, dim, or cloudy vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficult with night vision
• Halos around bright lights
• Clouded, blurred or dim vision
• Double vision
• Yellow tinge
• Fluctuating eyeglass prescription

Know that these symptoms are not necessarily exclusive to Cataracts; some are also common with glaucoma, diabetes, or retinopathy patients. The best way to rule out other vision issues is with regular, routine visits to a trusted eye care provider in your service area.

Save Your Vision Month

Save Your Vision Month in March provides the opportunity to learn more about preserving your precious eyesight. Some of the points that this observance attempts to reinforce include the following benchmarks of eye health- which directly impact mobility and physical health, too:

Your Diet

Omega-3s are key in a diet that promotes and protects your eyes. Fish and nuts are good sources that can help prevent glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related degenerative disease.

Vitamin Supplements

Not sure if your diet is rich in vitamins for good eye health? Consider taking a supplement. Some eye vitamins are reported to actually improve your vision and help keep age-related vision issues at bay.

Computers and Screens

How much time do you spend in front of a screen? Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a real thing that is becoming more common amid this technological culture that we live in. Some signs of CVS include blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and headaches. It can lead to permanent vision loss or impairment over time.  

Eye Protection

Perhaps the simplest thing that you can do to preserve your vision is to wear protection regularly. That is, wear sunglasses when outside- regardless of if it is sunny and bright. Also, wear goggles or glasses when working with tools or with certain materials. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that nearly 2,000 eye injuries occur each day, with construction workers ranking highest at-risk. Take care to prevent foreign matter, like sawdust, dirt, or debris, from getting in your eyes to prevent painful scratches on your corneas.

Cosmetics

It is amazing what some people will stick in and near their eyes; old or damaged cosmetics, for example, can cause Pink eye, corneal damage, and even blindness in some extreme circumstances. First, never apply makeup around your eyes in a moving car; you risk serious eye trauma. Second, keep your eye pencils sharp and applicable, keep brushes clean and sanitized. Always wash your hands before applying makeup or cosmetics near the eyes and replace old products routinely to avoid bacteria and potential infection.  Nobody wants to endure the painful repercussions of a nasty eye infection brought on by old cosmetics; discard products that you have had for six months or longer, and buy new.

Lifestyle and Habits

Want to make a lifestyle habit that can improve your vision? Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and nerve damage in the eyes. The best prevention for a wide range of eye issues is to never start smoking.

As you can see, there is a correlation between vision and mobility. Take care of both by seeing your eye care provider regularly and through speaking with a mobility specialist at Pacific Mobility to learn more about how quality mobility aids and equipment can change your life for the better. Call or visit today.

If you are thinking about buying a stairlift this year, review some practical do’s and don’ts prior to making the purchase. This ensures you get the best deal on quality stairlifts from reputable vendors- who stand behind their product. It also helps to consider all your options and alternatives to make sure you are making the best choice for your distinct situation.

It is astounding the difference that mobility aids and devices can make in the life of someone with a physical limitation or mobility issue. Autonomy and freedom to age in place are often contingent on accessibility; quality aids like stairlifts preserve access and contribute to overall quality of life. Buying a stairlift is a big decision- don’t do it in haste.

Review these practical dos and don’ts before purchasing a stairlift:

Try and Try Again

It really can make a significant difference in your purchase decision when you try out various models of lifts before buying. Visit showrooms of reputable mobility retailers in your region; in Southern California, the choice is clear, Pacific Mobility is the place to go first. The attention to customer satisfaction and support is truly unrivaled.

Think Ahead

When making an investment for something like mobility equipment, consider your future needs. Is your condition progressive? Are you recovering from a short-term medical issue? Think about what you may- or may not- need later, down the road. This ensures that you buy something that helps you age in place, and that will accommodate you as long as possible.

Get Informed

It is more possible than ever before to obtain needed aids, like mobility equipment. Speak with your provider and do some research into the costs of a lift in your home. Do you have insurance? Talk to a mobility vendor about whether this will defray the costs- as well as identify the best devices for your distinct needs. This is a situation that pays to be an informed consumer.

Buy from Mobility Experts

As mentioned, talk with mobility professionals and qualified retailers in your area. Do not buy from a private seller or buy second-hand equipment from ads online or in the newspaper. Buying from a reputable vendor ensures that you receive the service and support that you are going to need for maintaining mobility equipment, like lifts. This bears repeating: only buy from mobility experts.

Be Wary

Be wary of people adjusting or making repairs to your lift; you should only allow your mobility service professional to install, inspect, repair, alter, or uninstall your lift. In fact, allowing someone other than a qualified technician to work on the lift may impact and nullify your warranty.

Go New

When contemplating options, it may seem prudent to go with a used lift. Unless you are recovering from a short-term injury or rehabilitating after surgery, it makes more sense to go with new. However, consider all your options and talk to your mobility retailer about any used models that they happen to have. Know that buying lifts from others that are more than 10 years old can be risky and sometimes not safe.

Should You Rent?

Whether renting is a sensible approach depends on your situation: is your medical issue temporary? Also, if you are attempting to find the right lift- or if you are looking to equip a temporary living solution, like a vacation home, with a lift, renting may make sense. However, if you are leasing to curb costs, there may be other viable, longer-term solutions. Talk to your mobility professional to learn more.

Consider Weight 

When buying, pay heed to the weight limits for Stairlifts. Never carry passengers on the lift during operation as it is unsafe and could damage the equipment. Failure to adhere to the weight restrictions can impact performance and possibly lead to a nasty accident.

Get Started Today

Finally, before buying a lift, consider some other ways of pinpointing the best stairlift options with the most ease:

• Talk to an Occupational Therapist about a referral- as well as for input regarding how a lift may help.
• Talk to friends, family, or neighbors that have a stairlift. Discuss their experience for some unbiased feedback that may help with purchase decisions.
• Work with vendors that put emphasis on safety and customer support.
• Don’t buy from cold-callers or private sellers.
• Visit sites online to request stairlift brochures and information that may help you tease-out what you want, specifically. This can be a great point of comparison when shopping.

Thinking about a stairlift? Make sure that talking with a mobility specialist at Pacific Mobility is something you do before you buy. The expertise and reliability can’t be beat; check out the online feedback and know that you are getting the best mobility aids and customer support around. Request more information today. 

What is disability etiquette? Disability etiquette is a set of guidelines regarding engaging with individuals with disabilities. While political correctness is part of it, it is but one component of a larger human rights issue and social problem that many people struggle with every day. How do you communicate with others around you that may have mobility issues or physical limitations? Here is what everyone needs to know to create a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment.

Disability etiquette is a set of practices and protocols that outline and define how to best approach and engage somebody that has a disability. It is not uncommon for society to assume someone does not live with a disability when they do not use obvious mobility aids and devices; assumptions can compromise inclusion. Disability etiquette first emerged in the 70s- though it has evolved and changed over the many years since. Know that disability etiquette is more than political correctness – which primarily targets spoken word and written language, and that aims to end the reinforcement of negative stereotypes through verbal discrimination.

These disability etiquette guidelines ensure a comfortable, inviting, and accessible situation for all:

Inclusive Language

The foundation of disability etiquette is language and communication. Language shapes perceptions; words can be powerful. Changing how we talk to and engage those with a disability can alter the way that they feel about the world- as well as how others observing the interaction feel. This can have ripple effects in terms of either reinforcing or overcoming stereotypes.

Inclusive language requires that you put the person first, ahead of their disability. Since a disability does not define anyone, they are individuals with disabilities rather than the ‘disabled’. If the individual living with the disability prefers to self-identify differently, please honor their wishes politely and respectfully.

Common Sense

Another element of disability etiquette is common sense, though intuition also plays a role. Be organic and authentic in your interactions with others, including those with disabilities. Use your intuition to identify how you would want to be treated in a particular situation and then replicate this with your actions and words. Be a thoughtful listener, patient, and kind, and speak directly to the individual, regardless of whether they are accompanied by a caregiver, interpreter, or companion. This demonstrates respect and most people respond to this when it is genuine. On the flip side, if you are normally a prickly or harsh individual, do not sugar coat your interactions; be your authentic self.

Etiquette Tips

So, beyond language and common sense, what are the other disability etiquette guidelines? Here are a few:

• Do not treat adults as children.
• Ask if assistance would be helpful, rather than inform.
• Engage directly with the individual, not their caregiver or companion.
• Do not ask strangers questions about their condition.
• Always offer and ask before assisting someone.
• Respect others’ dignity and autonomy.
• Treat all people with the same level of courtesy and respect.
• Do not be condescending.
• Do not speak for someone else unless they ask you to.
• Do not admonish children that are curious or that want to ask someone a question.

These seem like practices in common courtesy, and they are! Disability etiquette is just that: etiquette. Good manners go a long way toward fostering a sense of trust, loyalty, and even friendship. Consider how harsh words or condescending behaviors impact those with disabilities or mobility issues; these benchmarks of disability etiquette are something that we all should strive for all the time.

Assumptions

Think about the stereotypes and assumptions that those with disabilities endure, day after day. This reinforces why etiquette is important to us all. Think about any preconceived ideas you have- do you make any of the following assumptions?

• Someone with a disability wants or needs help.
• If someone is physically disabled, they likely have other medical issues.
• Disabled people are victims that seek sympathy from others.
• Individuals with disabilities are accompanied by caregivers when you see them in public with companions.
• Those with disabilities do not mind being asked about their condition or they want to discuss it publicly.
• Someone who does not appear to need assistance is faking their disability.

Do you live with a disability? Consider these tips for disability etiquette and demand respect from those around you. These practices are fundamental toward creating an environment of inclusivity and empathy- whether at home, school, or work. You may be surprised at how others echo how you act and what you say- positivity is truly contagious. For mobility aids and service, reach out to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; they improve quality of life every day for those living with physical limitations or mobility issues. Call or visit today!

Do you live with the chronic pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? RA does far more than cause discomfort and pain; it can limit mobility and impede independence, eventually impacting quality of life. Join others in observing Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day in February this year and share information about this debilitating condition widely.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a debilitating condition that affects mobility, walking, small motor skills, and the ability to take care of one’s self. It can impact independence and autonomy, which in turn may compromise aging in place for those that wish to live life on their own terms and in their own homes. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes bone loss, chronic pain, and inflammation, including in the organs.

When someone has RA, it is not uncommon for them to rely on aids, devices, and mobility equipment; this may allow many sufferers to live independently, longer.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness

Rheumatoid Awareness Day is in early February and has been observed since the year 2013. Since its inception, the aim of Rheumatoid Awareness Day is to educate and spread awareness of this debilitating condition. This day is recognized globally- providing a day of recognition and kudos to those suffering from RA.

At the same time, Rheumatoid Awareness Day strives to eliminate some of the harmful misinformation out there regarding RA. It is these misconceptions that lead to so many RA sufferers being misunderstood. The unpredictability of their symptoms may confuse those without RA- and could stigmatize RA patients who would benefit from compassion and accommodations. while at the same helping to clear up the misconception that it’s simply a form of arthritis. This lack of understanding about the disease causes a variety of problems, including with disability accommodations, clinical care, healthcare costs, and funding for new and continuing research. Another interesting goal of Rheumatoid Awareness Day is to disseminate information to debunk the common misconception that RA is merely arthritis; this is not true. Osteoarthritis or OA is the type of arthritis that many seniors experience as they get older; while OA and RA are both painful, they are two very different medical conditions. RA is progressive and there is currently no cure. It frequently leads to disability and can cause complex medical issues that may contribute to death. RA is a serious medical condition that should be monitored and treated by a licensed healthcare professional. Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? Talk to your provider to learn more today.

The Diagnosis

So, you have been diagnosed with arthritis; what does this mean? Well, first it means you are in good company; studies show that over 54 million adults report having had arthritis diagnoses from their doctor or provider; of these, nearly 24 million have some sort of limitation or restriction based on their arthritis. These numbers are expected to rise considerably in the next five to ten years, as RA pain and problems is among one of the three main conditions causing vocational disability across all ages.

Some common activities and tasks that can be challenging for those living with RA frequently include the following:

• Small motor skill difficulties, like grasping little items
• Holding cutlery, tools, or writing implements
• Reaching your hands over your head
• Fastening button and zipping zippers
• Remaining in a seated position for a period of two hours
• Lift more than ten pounds
• Climb a single flight of stairs
• Pull or push heavy items or objects
• Walk at least ¼ mile
• Grasp small objects.
• Kneel, stoop, or bend over
• Stand in place for two or more hours
• Going up or down stairs, steps, or risers

If you meet these criteria, discuss the possibility that you have arthritis with your healthcare provider.

The Prognosis

Perhaps one of the biggest hindrances of this condition is the unpredictability of RA symptoms. One day, you may feel fine and less stiff- while others, you struggle to get out of bed. The flare ups have no rhyme nor reason and may cause upset in families and households due to the severity and frequency of RA symptoms. It can make it tough to plan-ahead at times.  

Another lesser-known and misunderstood aspect of RA is the toll that it takes on mental health and wellbeing. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause mood swings, increased anxiety, and depression, too. This is compounded by the worry that comes from living with an unpredictable and significant medical issue like RA- creating additional stress and duress. Many find relief with treatment from mental health providers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can make you a prisoner, limiting independence, and causing great pain that affects overall quality of life. Does RA impact your mobility or limit your access? Call or contact the professionals at Pacific Mobility today.