Jeff Conner

When it comes to your stairlift battery, you really have nothing to worry about if you have your equipment regularly maintained and inspected. Typically, the batteries have a limited number of charges and the expected lifespan of a stairlift battery is three to five years, generally.  

As long as you maintain your mobility aids, they should last. This extends to your stairlift. The battery should last around three years or more. There are some things that impact the longevity of a stairlift battery, and it is important to note that these batteries do have a limited number of charges during their lifespan. For this reason, do not switch the device off for weeks on end and have your equipment inspected annually by a mobility aid professional.  

Here are some more things to talk about regarding stairlift batteries: 

Keep It on the Charger 

When you don’t keep the stairlift on its charge point, it significantly shortens the lifespan of the aid. Leave the stairlift on, but when it is off, make sure that it is on its charge point to preserve and maximize the lift’s life and charge. Since most stairlifts are primarily battery-powered, this is important advice.  

Don’t Go It Alone 

Do not try to replace your stairlift’s battery on your own. Always contact the retailer or a qualified technician to prevent damage to your equipment.  

How Long Will It Last? 

As mentioned, your battery should last up to five years with recommended usage, but on average, three years. But how long does a fully charged battery last in the home? You can count on approximately 20 trips up and down the stairway via a lift before the battery will require attention and charging.  

Look for a Light 

Most lifts have a light to indicate when it is time for service or charging. As long as you park your lift on the charge point between rides, you should be good to go. Your mobility aid technician should be able to demonstrate this feature for you at installation.  

Leave It On 

It is proper protocol to leave the lift on regularly. In fact, turning the lift on and off frequently is another practice that will shorten the battery life.  

Have It Serviced Regularly 

Pay heed to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding service and always have your lift inspected by a mobility professional to maintain the warranty, if applicable. Your technician will test and check the charger and assess the life and voltage of your battery. The testing helps to identify when the battery requires replacement, too.  

Know When It’s Low 

There are some distinct signs that will point to a low battery. A low battery is something that can cause the lift to malfunction and leave you in a lurch. Remember that there are no alarms or flashing signals to let you know when the battery is running low, so keep aware of the signs that there is an issue.  

Some things to watch out for include these: 

• Typically, a low battery could be the reason for the stairlift to slow down. This may be just slightly slower than its normal speed, but as it becomes less charged, it will continue to slow.  
• Another sign of a low-charged battery is sudden stops and halts in operation. Your lift may start okay, but then cease to move after a short distance or a few stairs. Sometimes the lift will start back up on its own.  
• Another indication that the battery is very, very low is when it simply will not charge when connected to its normal parked charging point. This merits a call to a stairlift technician and likely will require a replacement battery to resume proper operation.  

These signs are pointing toward the need to contact your mobility aid technician and likely are going to require the purchase of a new battery for your stairlift. As mentioned, never try to replace the battery on your own. It can be complicated and could potentially cause damage to the lift if done improperly.  

Prepare for a Power Outage 

Ever wondered what happens to your lift if and when the power goes out? Since stairlifts are usually battery operated with electric charging points, it probably means that your lift won’t charge during the outage. This could be a problem for prolonged periods of service interruption if you have not been charging your stairlift between uses properly. Talk to your mobility aid retail professional to learn more or for more information about purchasing a stairlift.  

Got questions about your stairlift battery? Always refer to the owner’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Call or visit Pacific Mobility, to learn more about high-quality mobility aids to improve access, autonomy, and quality of life for you or someone that you care about.  

Sometimes the smallest of aids and devices can make the biggest difference in everyday life. There are some select and small mobility aids that can have a big impact on autonomy, safety, and quality of life. Consider these to enhance overall convenience in any home or living situation. 

When you think of mobility aids, do not just think of things like stairlifts and scooters. Sure, you can install a lift to make access easier for anyone who has physical limitations, but there are also small, simple modifications that can be made to the home, too. These may seem like modest changes, but they may in fact have the greatest impact on convenience, comfort, safety, and quality of life.  

Consider these small mobility aids that have a big impact on everyday living: 

Grab Bar 

The first and probably the smallest mobility aid to consider is a simple grab bar. These belong in every bathroom, but especially in the bathrooms of anyone with a mobility issue, physical limitation, or who is over age 60. These are easy enough to install with a drill or screwdriver, and they offer stability that may help to reduce the risk of a nasty fall. These are also precautionary when placed near the top and bottom of stairways, too.  

A slightly bigger grab bar could be the SuperPole™ System, which is a highly regarded and award-winning modular support system designed to assist with standing, transferring, or moving around in bed. Talk to a mobility aid retail professional to learn more!  

Bedside Commode 

If you have mobility issues or challenges, a bedside commode can be a great resource. These are particularly useful if you are recuperating from illness, injury, or a medical procedure that makes getting up to use the toilet difficult. These are inexpensive and can be picked by visiting a mobility retailer to see what you buy could be a more pragmatic approach.  

These commodes are streamlined and don’t take up a lot of space, so they are easily stowed in a closet when not in use. They can double as a shower seat for support when bathing, too! More on those next!  

Shower Seat 

Experts report that the bathroom is indeed the most dangerous room in the home for a senior. The surfaces tend to be slick, slippery, or wet so there is an increased risk of a fall. One solution to bathroom accidents and subsequent injuries may be a shower seat. Sometimes called a shower chair or transfer bench, these seats provide a stable and supportive spot to sit while bathing or performing grooming tasks.  

These can be used by independent bathers or they can be a great support for a caregiver that helps with ADLs. These shower chairs increase safety in and out of the tub plus, they don’t take up much room so you can still shower without obstacle. The affordability of these makes them a prudent measure toward a safer home environment for anyone.  

Bed Rail 

A bed rail makes a lot of sense for a wide range of people and they don’t cost a lot to implement. A bed rail usually has a comfy, foam-covered grip that lends support when getting in or out of bed. You use these for stability when standing or changing position in bed. They are simple to install, require no special equipment or tools, and are inexpensive to buy.  

Find these aids at mobility vendors, but also online. The rail secures between your box spring and mattress yet allows for access around the bed and convenience when getting around. The rail cover contains no latex, so it won’t trigger allergies or sensitivities either. These aids are discreet and sleek, so they won’t look out of place in your bedroom themes, schemes, or décor.  

Reaching Tool 

Finally, look for reaching tools that you can use to access out-of-reach items. These are particularly useful in a kitchen, by anyone, and reduce the stress, strain, and hazards of trying to reach, grab, or pull on something that you simply cannot get to.  

These typically have grippers or suction cups on the end, and are operated by squeezing the handle, much like you would a squirt bottle. These can save you the hyperextension of limbs when trying to get in kitchen cabinets, under a cupboard, or reaching for something up high. These also make an excellent gift idea that many can use. They are affordable and widely found, with or without a doctor’s prescription.  

Not all mobility aids and modifications must be major. There are small changes, too, that can make a world of difference. Don’t wait to implement mobility aids or equipment that can enhance safety, convenience, and even quality of life in your home. Call or visit Pacific Mobility, mobility professionals in the Bay Area, to learn more!  

 Sure, there are alternatives to installing a stairlift for enhanced accessibility and ease in the home. In fact, other options may make more sense in the distinctive environment or could be more feasible due to other situational factors. Do you rent? Maybe a stairlift isn’t for you but there are other mobility aids with great promise and potential! 

There are a lot of considerations when contemplating a stairlift in your home environment. For example, do you rent or own? Are there children or pets in the living situation? How big is your home? Stairlifts are versatile and can be found and adapted to fit most homes and dwellings, but there are some scenarios that might be better served with a different mobility aid and approach.  

There are alternatives to stairlifts in the home to enhance accessibility and autonomy; here is what you should know: 

Evaluate your Needs 

The first thing that you should do is evaluate your needs. This involves a realistic view of your home surroundings and your own capabilities. Does a stairlift make the most sense? Are there others in the homes with health conditions to consider? Only you can accurately assess your situation and evaluate your needs before proceeding.  

Ask yourself the following: 

• Is the home safe? Do you feel safe here? 
• Do you have assistance or anyone to help, if needed, in the current living situation? 
• Are there obstacles in the home to ADLs, or activities of daily living? 
• Does the home need repair, and if so, what are they? 
• Where is the bathroom/bathrooms located in the home? 
• Do you want to stay in the home? 
• Does it make sense to stay in the home? 
• Can you afford to stay in this living situation? 
• What and where are your supports, like family or providers? 
• What would make life easier for you, in this home or other living environment? 

Instead of being laser-focused on the here and now, it can be beneficial to consider future needs, too. You know ‘you’ best. 

Change your Surroundings 

Do you rent or own your home? Would it be prudent to consider a move at this time? While the rental market can be tricky to navigate right now, there are advocates and resources in-place for those with disabilities. If a change in living environment is a viable option, you may not need the assistance of a stairlift. Again, it comes down to evaluating what you need to preserve, ensure, and optimize your own quality of life.  

Adapt to One-Level 

Are your limitations temporary? Those recovering from surgery or recuperating from injuries may not need the support or aid of a stairlift over time. This makes renting a stairlift a viable option. Another choice that only you can make for yourself is to resort to one level living, either for the time being or for the long-term.  

This is also a possible way to curb the costs associated with maintaining a home but that is a topic for another day! Depending on the configuration of your home, there are basic modifications that can make this simple and convenient for those living there. Mobility aids and adaptive devices may be pragmatic when making the switch to an autonomous, one-level lifestyle.  

Consider Other Approaches 

Still, not everyone is interested in a stairlift for one reason or another. That is fine and fortunately, there are other solutions and approaches available to make life easier and more accessible.  

Consider these tips:  

• Portable ramps are affordable and easy to maneuver. They can level out a steep thresh-hold in the home, and they can make steps or risers easier to ascend or descend. They are less permanent fixtures that can be taken along in your vehicle for access on the road, too.  
• Don’t underestimate the merits of grab bars throughout the home. A bit of sturdy support during ADLs can reduce the risk of a fall. Consider installing these near the sinks, toilet, foot and top of stairs, and anywhere that could be a fall risk.  
• Have you considered a move? Depending on the nature of your limitations, assisted living or skilled nursing care could aid in rehabilitation or recovery, as needed. It may be that the current living situation simply doesn’t suit your needs any longer and you may want to consider other options.  
• Is it possible to enlist the help of a paid caregiver or home health aide? These individuals can perform simple tasks, run errands, or aid with a number of things, from preparing food to administering medications. In-home care providers often contribute to seniors staying in their own homes to age in place.  

Are there effective alternatives to a stairlift for enhanced accessibility in the home? You bet there are and we can’t wait to discuss them further with you! Call or visit to learn more about quality mobility aids from Pacific Mobility today!  

There is a grieving process that accompanies a loss of mobility, and other disabilities. Loss of any kind takes a period of adjustment and implementation of innovation can improve quality of living in some situations. When you experience a loss of mobility, aids and equipment may help individuals cope with their new circumstances.  

Adapting to loss can involve a period of grief. Grief is not so much an isolated experience as it is a series of phases that, hopefully, lead to some sort of acceptance or reconciliation. When you lose mobility or have a decline in health, function, or quality of life, grieving is normal.  Individuals adapting to a loss of mobility may experience the emotional stages of grief and mourning, but please remember that a loss of mobility doesn’t have to mean a loss of independence. 

Yes, you can experience grief from a loss of mobility; the following tips can make the transition easier: 

Learn the Stages of Grief 

Do you know about the stages of grief? Grief is not always as simple as mourning the loss. Most people go through periods of denial, disbelief, sadness, anger, and acceptance. Grieving the loss of a person or thing, like mobility, is not always a linear path, but a meandering one that may revisit previous grief phases along the way.  

Mourning the loss of mobility often involves grieving the loss of a life once lived. Things that you previously did or enjoyed may be less feasible now. The loss may be so profound that you go through complicated grief processes, that could include trauma or depression. Everyone copes with changing life conditions differently- knowing the phases can help you identify what is to come and remind you of the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Reinvent Yourself 

Are you grieving who you were before you lost mobility? None of us are the people that we used to be; instead of looking back, work on what you want to be in the future. Reinvent yourself! It is never too late to evolve and change. Make it a point to do things differently and look at life in a fresh way.  

Become a new version of yourself! Savor experiences, practice gratitude, and get in tune with your spiritual side. Find activities or hobbies that bring peace; do work that gives to others. These are rewarding experiences that can completely change how you perceive the world around you as well as how you look at your own existence. If you are unsure how to begin, a therapist or counselor is a good start. Also, practicing your own religion or speaking with clergy can be helpful.  

Talk to Someone  

Overcome feelings of isolation and hopelessness by talking and connecting with others that have similar, shared, or familiar experiences. This can be quite liberating, as you discover that you are not alone in your plight, nor do you need to surrender to limitations. Groups, loved ones, or coworkers may prove to be that lifeline that you need to move forward, adapt, and change to your new or modified circumstances.  

Treat yourself Gently  

There is no timetable or deadline for grief; it can come and go, ebb and flow, at will. What you can do is treat yourself gently during this time. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling sad or think negatively about your situation or abilities. Instead, work on treating and talking to yourself kindly. This can be life-changing. We are usually our own worst critic, so by affirming and reinforcing positivity, we can and will do better.  

Consider this: if someone you cared about was going through grief, what would you say to them? You would likely be sympathetic, kind, and caring so, why not treat yourself the same way? Just as you can comfort someone else with your words and sentiments, you can do this for yourself, too.  

Improve your Environment  

Tackle your mobility challenges head-on with improvements to your home environment that facilitate access and accessibility, too. Mobility devices and adaptive aids can help make everyday tasks easier, and in some situations, safer, too. Consider such efforts to be instrumental in preserving your own autonomy and independence, invaluable tools, really.  

Here are some suggestions:  

• Install handrails and grab rails 
• Buy a portable ramp for wheelchair access 
• Talk about stair lifts in the home 
• Implement technology to answer doors and turn on lights, etc.  
• Widen the doorframes and smooth-out thresh-holds in doorways 
• Implement personal alarms and fall sensors for safety 

Stop grieving the limitations or losses that you have experienced with quality mobility aids from Pacific Mobility. Accessibility and autonomy can improve overall quality of living and make life’s transitions and adjustments easier to adapt to. Call or visit to learn more today.  

If you want to enhance safety in and around the home, keep it simple, streamlined, and well-ordered. Make sure that there is ample access in and out of the dwelling, which will aid in emergency situations, prevent accidents, and reduce falls, too. These are benchmarks of National Safe-at-Home Week in August. 

Part of staying safe at home involves accessibility and convenience how safe is your home environment? Observe and honor National Safe-at-Home Week in August to simplify and troubleshoot your living situation to determine if it is well-ordered and as safe as it can be.  

Some things to consider include the following tips: 

Accessibility 

It is important to provide access for emergency personnel, as needed, as well as accessibility within the home environment for those living there. For this reason, decluttering and streamlining belongings around the space can be key. Create a wide berth through the home, allowing extra room around fixtures, toilets, sinks, appliances, etc. for ease and access. 

Furthermore, simplifying your surroundings can make it a lot less laborious to keep clean and tidy. If you use mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, reducing objects and items from the living space can make navigating these devices easier. If you live on two levels, maybe it makes sense to consolidate to first-floor living; if you have steps or risers around the entry to the home, modify them with a portable or permanent ramp.  

Consider how to enhance accessibility throughout the living environment in your quest to create order and function at home.  

Clutter 

Clutter contributes to the incidence of falls and subsequent injuries. Removing clutter may reduce tripping hazards; did you know that one in four American adults over age 65 fall each year, resulting in around 36 million incidents annually? It’s true, and in fact, approximately 32,000 of these falls are fatal, creating a serious public health issue.  

What can you do to reduce the event of such catastrophes? Clear the clutter and keep things orderly. In addition to relating to accessibility, as previously mentioned, an orderly home is a lot easier to maintain and keep up with, key for seniors that want to remain autonomous and age in place.  

Stress and Strain 

An organized and orderly home environment is less stressful and requires less effort and strain than an untidy, crowded, or disorganized living situation. Over time, stress and anxiety surrounding your living situation can take a toll; enjoy a healthy home. Don’t let disorder or disorganization compromise your quality of life.  

Many older people aim to live life autonomously and to stay in their own home as long as they can do so. This is referred to as ‘aging in place’ and it can be a comforting prospect to those with physical issues, disabilities, or mobility challenges. Create a less stressful environment by making sure that it is accessible and tidy even if that means purging the home of items that you don’t need or that could cause you to fall.  

Did you know that it is easier to maintain an orderly home? That means, less sweat equity on your part! Talk to loved ones about taking items, keepsakes, or heirlooms to enjoy now, so you can get them out of your way and start living a better life.  

Lighting 

There are a few prevalent causes of falls in the home, and one of the primary ones is poor lighting. Make sure that your home is well illuminated; light it up! If you are considering investing in new fixtures or bulbs, go with LED. The reasons that make LED the clear choice include these: 

• LED lasts longer, which means you won’t have to change the bulbs as often.  
• LED can save money over time in bulb replacement costs. 
• LED is cooler to the touch, so there is less chance of getting burned by a hot bulb.  
• LED provides better, brighter light than other options, like incandescent or fluorescent. 

Whether you make the switch to LED or not, make sure that you illuminate the areas of the home that could make you susceptible to falls, like these: 

• Near stairs, steps, or thresholds.  
• Near toilets and sinks.  
• Doorways, entries, and exits.  
• In halls, or other places that you may traverse after dark.  

The initial investment into LED may cost you a few bucks, but you will quickly recoup this expense with savings in bulbs, maintenance, and convenience. Plus, you won’t believe how much better the overall illumination is, providing a much better view of your surroundings. Lighting up the home is a great step toward creating a more orderly living environment that is free from potential hazards and dangers.  

Maintain a safe and well-ordered home with quality mobility aids from Pacific Mobility. From grab bars and shower seats to stairlifts and ramps, we have got you covered. Call or visit today! 

National Senior Citizens Day is the perfect time to honor and gift someone you care about. Since 1988, August 21^st has been set aside to commemorate this demographic; here are some useful and thoughtful gift ideas that any senior will appreciate.  

Ever since Ronald Regan declared it to be National Senior Citizens Day in 1988, people have been honoring and gifting the seniors in their life on August 21st. So, what is a good gift idea for an older individual, especially if they have physical challenges or disabilities that limit their activities? There are some great gift ideas and don’t forget that mobility aids are always in style. Call or visit to learn more!   

Some gift ideas for the seniors in your life include: 

Technology 

There are so many ways that technology can make life easier and safer for seniors and that provide an overwhelming peace of mind for their loved ones. From security systems and video doorbells to Alexa and Siri in the home, help should always be nearby. Furthermore, smartphone capabilities are increasing; see what programs and features are offered on your plans. Give a senior a phone, a device, or even a doorbell- these are all excellent gift ideas.  

Meal Services 

Do you or a senior you love, enjoy cooking? Kitchen accidents happen not just to seniors, but to everyone. There are some ways to make life safer or you could simply gift a meal plan or meal delivery service for your senior this National Senior Citizens Day.  

What do they like to eat? Today, it is easy to find meal services that offer all different kinds of foods, for all different palates. Remember the days when the only food you could have delivered was fresh fruits and who really needs all those pears? Meal service options today include basic, ready-to-serve meals, to more interactive ingredients for an enclosed recipe. The choice is yours!  

Comfort items 

When you think of great gifts, what do you think about? For a senior, it could be a comfort item or something that they may not actually buy for themselves. This will vary depending on the distinct preferences of the senior but some ideas for affordable and appreciated comfort gifts may include these suggestions: 

• Weighted blankets are an excellent idea for anyone that suffers from anxiety, sleep issues, or dementia. They provide a sense of security that aids in relaxation and sleep.  
• Fidget quilts are a therapeutic aid for anyone with anxiety or dementia. They are typically the size of a lap throw with lots of embellishments to ‘fidget’ with.  
• Luxurious throws or blankets are always a welcome, tactile gift.  
• Some exquisite lotion or body care items are often a great idea for those that may not spend the money on themselves.  
• Sumptuous socks or slippers are practical and special.  
• Chocolate can be a nice idea if the senior does not follow a special or restricted diet. In other cases, fresh fruit or other yummy treats may be better suited.  

These are just a few ideas, but there are many more. Consider the comfort items that your loved one might like and use this as a gift guide for National Senior Citizens Day this summer.  

Mobility Aids 

Have you given any thought to mobility aids? Even those that do not need something like wheelchairs or stairlifts can benefit from a number of mobility aids designed to increase accessibility and enhance quality of living. Give the gift of improved mobility with these great ideas: 

• Portable ramps are so handy to have when mobility challenges make steps or stairs difficult. These can be tossed in a vehicle to use when away and when you are unsure what accessibility will be like.  
• Shower seats and benches add a level of safety to the bathroom and may help to reduce the risk of a nasty fall and debilitating injury.  
• Reaching tools help to prevent problems and accidents when trying to access items that are out of reach or up high.  
• Grab bars can be installed easily, in any spot where seniors could use a bit of support or stability. Some popular spots include near the toilets, doors, and stairways of the home.  
• Adaptive aids, like customized or oversized cutlery, for instance, are also designed to make activities of daily living easier. Talk to a mobility professional to learn more.  

What better gift is there than increased accessibility? Access directly relates to autonomy and self-sufficiency; a gift that fosters independence is one to be treasured.  

Your Time 

You know that your time and attention are all that a loved one really wants. Make time and take the effort to spend an afternoon, share a meal, have a cup of tea, or even just have a personal conversation with someone special. These are the times to make cherished memories. Start with something special for National Senior Citizens Day this year! 

Want a great gift for a senior? Call on the team at Pacific Mobility to help. With quality devices and equipment, we have a lot to offer seniors any time of the year!  

When it comes to stairlifts and other mobility aids for that matter, you have a lot of options. Which one is right for you? Depending on the nature of your physical limitation or disability, there are stairlift features that can make life a lot easier and more convenient, too. Here is what you need to know! 

Stairlifts bring value to life in so many ways. First, they increase independence and autonomy for the users, while also maintaining a safer home environment. With so many new and inventive features, there truly are stairlifts for every home environment.

Choose the stairlift that is right for you: 

Curved Stairs 

You don’t need to have a straight stairway to install a stairlift. There are lifts for curved stairs, steep steps, and even winding staircases! The truth is, a custom stairlift can be constructed to suit any distinct, narrow, or difficult staircase or risers. Talk to a mobility professional to find out more!  

Safety Sensors 

If you live in a home environment where there are pets or children, you may be worried about the overall safety of a stairlift. Don’t worry there are safety sensors that stop the lift when something is near or on the track. Furthermore, the seat can be folded in and the lift leaves a wide berth for those that want to walk up or down the steps. A toy or stray object is not going to derail or cause issues for your lift.  

Water Resilient 

So, what about those that want a lift that holds up to the elements? When it comes to water, you want an outdoor lift. As for inside the home, it is recommended that you do not use the lift with beverages that could spill and cause damage to your equipment.  

Weight Restrictions 

Typically, the weight limit for a basic Bruno stairlift is 300 pounds, but there are models that have weight limits of 350 pounds or more. Speak with your mobility dealer to discuss your distinct needs. If you have hesitated about looking closely at a stairlift due to weight issues, don’t put it off another day! These lifts can be customized to meet your needs and the benefits that they bring to users make the initial efforts well worth it. Call or visit today.  

Outdoor Options 

So, speaking of the great outdoors: there is a lift for that. There are several different types of lifts that can get you safely from point A to point B. It depends on your preferences. From stairlifts and porch lifts to vehicle lifts and pool lifts, accessibility should not interfere with your independence. Depending on the property that you are adapting, there are many exciting and inventive options to explore that promise greater autonomy, more convenience, and improved quality of living.  

Small Spaces 

Also, many buyers are under the impression that you must have a wide, lofty stairway to accommodate a lift. Not so. For instance, a spiral staircase can be adapted to a stairlift and those are not typically wide steps. Steep or shallow risers are no problem, either. If you live in a small space, it makes sense to see what options exist that could make your home more accessible.  

Limited Budgets 

Not everyone is working with a big budget when it comes to mobility aids. That is why we offer things like rental services and refurbished lifts, in some instances. Be wary of buying a stairlift from anyone other than a qualified mobility aid technician and never let a layman install or repair your lift. This could nullify the warranty on the equipment. If you need service, simply contact the vendor and schedule your installation, repairs, and inspections at your convenience!  

Amenities and Accessories 

Finally, buyers should know that there are accessories, features, and amenities that you can have custom added to your lift, as desired. The best approach is to visit online sites or brick-and-mortar retailers to see what they have to offer you. From comfy seats to safety belts, each lift has something different to consider.  

Mobility technicians that install your equipment will take the time to discuss and demonstrate how the stairlift works, too. They will field questions and provide you, the customer, with contact information in case you have concerns or problems later. Furthermore, the device should be backed by a warranty or guarantee of satisfaction, so if you are displeased or something goes awry, you have service and support.  

Want to know more about available features and types of stairlifts? You have a lot of choices; use these tips to find what works best for you. Let the team at Pacific Mobility help. They bring expertise and experience to southern California with the highest quality mobility aids and equipment around. Call or visit today.  

Therapeutic recreation engages individuals with recreational-type activities to enhance physical, mental, or developmental wellbeing. Parks and outdoor spaces are a great tool to utilize for therapeutic recreation plus, there is the added benefit of getting out in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and getting some sun therapy, too.

Do you use mobility aids or equipment? If you do, perhaps you could benefit from therapeutic recreation. This is a type of therapy that engages clients in fun, interactive activities to increase holistic health and wellbeing. It is estimated that around 21 million people live with physical disabilities how many would potentially benefit from therapeutic recreation?

In fact, there is a holiday, National Therapeutic Recreation Month, that is set aside for this very institution. Observe National Park & Recreation Month with your own kind of therapeutic recreation and use park and recreation facilities for your activity. Do you know of the nearest park for engaging in some outdoor therapy? Search online for the closest location to you; the parks and recreation office for your area should have a website that details things like accessibility and contact info. Any park that offers classes, events, or activities likely is compliant with handicap accessibility so it should be accessible to you with your mobility aids.

Here are a few ways that parks can be utilized for therapeutic recreation and activities:

Community Classes

What classes does your community offer? It is not uncommon for parks and rec departments, as well as public libraries, to host things like group exercise, tai-chi, or dance in the park. This is an excellent therapeutic recreation option for individuals with varying levels of mobility. Plus, it is a great way to meet like-minded people for socialization, too.

Outdoor Art

Check your local park for outdoor art offerings. If you currently have a recreational therapist, they may make this available to you. It is truly so much fun to paint, draw, or get creative out in nature, it is very inspiring. This is a great therapeutic activity that helps with hand-eye coordination and socialization skills. Again, there are also healing properties connected with spending time in the sunshine, too.

Watery Workouts

The resistance of the water makes for a low-impact and gentle way to get physical activity, in a therapeutic way. Check local parks with pools for water aerobics, or “aquajogging” classes or groups. Individuals that live with mobility issues may find that exercise in water is perfect for reducing joint stiffness and chronic pain.

Walking Clubs

Walking clubs are another way to get therapeutic recreation, in a low-impact way. Walking is a prudent activity for anyone with the physical ability to do so. Ask the park or program coordinators about access for mobility aids; typically, there are handicap-accessible paths and routes that could be perfect for you to get out and enjoy nature. Plus, the socialization of joining a walking club makes it a great activity for all to try.

Animal Therapy

Got a pet? It has been studied and shown that animals offer therapeutic benefits to a wide range of people, young and old alike. If you believe that animal-assisted therapy would be advantageous for you, or someone you love, ask park organizers about programs in your area. Visiting parks with animals, taking pets on walks, or meeting up with rescue organizations at parks for a little one-on-one with a dog or cat all offer a variety of holistic health perks and encourage socialization with others. Area shelters and humane societies may be able to provide more information for events and opportunities in your region.

Gardening Groups

There is something so therapeutic about gardening, getting your hands dirty, and spending time in nature. Many area parks or botanical gardens offer gardening courses, lectures, or events that could be the ideal therapeutic recreation for many. Time spent learning a new skill, doing something tactile, and interacting with others are all helpful skills to hone.

Peer Picnics

Even something as simple as a picnic has therapeutic potential. Interacting with others, preparing food, enjoying a meal, and time spent outside is therapeutic recreation. So, do it; go out and have a picnic! Plan ahead and invite friends. Who doesn’t love a picnic?

Always consult with your physician or provider to ensure these types of therapeutic recreation are appropriate and that you have medical clearance to initiate such activities.

Many can benefit from therapeutic recreation, including those with developmental delays, physical disabilities, and mental illnesses. This model of treatment uses recreation to engage the client or patient, with activities designed to improve overall functioning and wellness by:

• Strengthening basic motor function.
• Building confidence.
• Improving socialization.
• Increasing physical activity.
• Improving mood and /or decreasing anxiety and depression.

Therapeutic recreation is one way to foster a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. If you live with mobility limitations, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about quality mobility aids that improve accessibility and engagement. Also, ask your provider or doctor about a referral for a recreational therapist and whether it makes sense for you or your loved one.