Jeff Conner

When the holidays roll around, it is even more important to be cognizant of surroundings and to put safety first. Sometimes, things like décor and holiday trims can present a hazard and some simple measures can reduce the risk of a fall or accident that can put a damper on this festive time of the year. Use these tips for holiday decorating ideas that promise a safe and cheerful holiday season!

Holiday decorating – and the decorations themselves – can pose a significant hazard and fall risk to those with a mobility issue or physical disability. Did you know that approximately one in four adults, or around 61 million Americans, have conditions that limit mobility? Curb holiday hazards with the decorations that you choose to display and make your festive home more accessible to guests with mobility challenges.

Consider these holiday decorating tips for a safe and cheerful season!

Rethink your Lights

Stringing lights around the home and outside is simply unsafe. First, there is a very prevalent risk of a nasty fall when hanging lights, and second, the wires and cords are a fall hazard. Why not skip the light displays this year? Try easy-to-inflate figures and characters on the front lawn, and perhaps a laser projector to easily create a light show that neighbors will all want to see. There are simpler ways to decorate your exteriors than strings of lights- try some!

Use Ladders Safely

The safest way to use a ladder is not at all! Try to skip tasks that require ladders, especially if you have mobility challenges or issues. If you simply must use one, follow basic ladder safety guidelines, which include:

• Do not lean to the left or right while standing on the ladder. Keep the core of your body within the two rails of the ladder.
• Do not hang things from a gutter, and do not prop your ladder on the gutter or eavestrough of a house. It can break- and take you with it.
• Wait until after the tree is decorated to hang the angel or the star on top- skip the ladder! Ask a visiting friend or loved one to do the honor of hanging it for you.

A good rule of thumb is that if a task requires a ladder to complete, it is a job that you should delegate or request of someone else! Stay safe this holiday season.

Watch Cords Underfoot

When decorating, do you find that you use extension cords to illuminate certain features? These can create a fall hazard when on the floor and underfoot. These may also be a temptation for pets who want to chew on them- very dangerous! Try to reconfigure your displays to be nearer the outlets so extension cords and light strands are kept to a minimum to curb the risks.

Reconsider Gift Placement

Another thing that can be a fall risk is the gifts, themselves. When these are left on the floor, under a tree, and around the room, they could trip anyone but especially those that may use mobility aids. If the gift doesn’t fit completely under the tree and out of the way, put it up somewhere off the floor where it is out of the main pathway through the home.

Keep the Season- and Spaces- Bright

It is lovely to enjoy a space illuminated by just your holiday lights, but be careful: this dim environment can cause falls. Make sure that the areas near steps, doorways, and areas like the kitchen are well lit at all times.

Strategize Safe Storage

Where do you keep the boxes and bags of holiday decorations? Be careful of storing these items up high as they could cause an accident later. Plus, moving and retrieving heavy boxes is not pragmatic for you to do consider investing in convenient bins that stack or that fit nicely under a bed or in your closet, instead. Plus, these keep your belongings dry and protected.

Opt for Smaller Gatherings

Entertain but keep things safe and simple. Make gatherings a bit smaller. Consider guests that opt-out due to the pandemic and be understanding. Make sure paths and entryways are well lit and inviting, and reduce their risk of a fall by keeping the floor surfaces clear.

Use the Mail, Instead

You may save yourself a lot of hassle and effort by mailing gifts and packages this year! This saves packing, repacking, unpacking, and all the added work of trying to assemble and deliver gifts during the holidays. You may be able to skip some of the usual travel by mailing gifts, which can free you up to spend more time enjoying the season at home this year! If you have your heart set on the gift arriving by Christmas, make sure to mail gifts early and allow plenty of time due to holiday delays.

Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more about mobility aids- and staying safe this Christmas season! Enhanced mobility means a cheerier new year, too. Happy holidays!

During November, strive to have an attitude of gratitude- there are psychological, physical, and even social benefits, according to experts. Plus, embrace accessibility and improve quality of life with some mobility aids to be grateful for. They enhance safety, comfort, and ease around the home- or wherever you go.

How will you observe National Gratitude Month in November? The definition of gratitude is ‘the quality of being thankful, and a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.’ With this in mind, you can see where there will be positive psychological perks to adopting an attitude of gratitude; did you know there are physical and social benefits, too? Make this a time to be thankful, consider implementing mobility equipment; this is the perfect time to take full advantage of all the accessibility that mobility aids can offer!

Benefits of Gratitude

According to industry researchers, the benefits of gratitude extend far beyond common courtesy and etiquette. In fact, studies have shown that being thankful benefits individuals in three ways- psychological, physical, and social. The question is, how?

•  Thankful people are more active and inclined to take better care of their health.
• Grateful people have stronger immune systems to fight off colds, illness, etc.
• Being grateful lowers blood pressure.
• Grateful people sleep better and for a longer time.
• Grateful individuals seem less focused on or distressed by everyday pains or issues.
• Thankful people are more positive and optimistic about the future.
• These grateful people experience more pleasure in everyday experiences.
• Thankful people are more alert.
• Grateful people are less lonely.
• Thankful folks are more forgiving of others- and themselves.
• Grateful people have more friends and social interactions.
• Thankful people are more compassionate and empathetic.

These may seem like broad statements that may not hold water, but it is true: to be grateful opens you up to a wider range of emotion, expression, and understanding of others. The perks are undeniable- being grateful is great health prevention!

Attitude of Gratitude

So, how do you practice gratitude? It may seem difficult to adjust to practicing gratitude at work and home and may seem inauthentic to others. The fact is, the more you reinforce and practice being grateful, the easier and more natural it will become. The change in your internal self-talk is amazing- and can improve everyday life dramatically.

Some interesting ways to adopt and embrace gratitude include these tidbits:

• Send thank you notes to others; let them know you are grateful for them, too.
• Don’t let a feeling of being underappreciated lead to employee burnout. It is estimated that over half of employees surveyed reported that they would stay at their current or former job if they felt appreciated by managers or supervisors.
• Stay in the present; enjoy the moment. Try not to focus or stress on the past- or the future.
• Be of service to others. This is a wonderful way to see the ripple effects of gratitude as your good deeds impact others in a positive way.
• Gratitude can help alleviate aggressive or angry tendencies. It can keep you calmer in the face of stress or negativity.
• Take a few minutes out every day to jot thoughts and notes in a gratitude journal. This is said to improve long term health by a whopping 10%!

Being grateful requires some practice. Work on mindfulness techniques to learn how to harness your thoughts and focus on gratitude daily.

Mobility Aids to be Grateful for

Enhance your access with simple, yet life-changing mobility aids. Some mobility aids to be grateful for include:

• Stairlifts can restore access to all areas of your home or living environment. From porch, pool, and outdoor lifts to customized stairlifts for unique interiors, a lift can bring freedom- which is something to be grateful for!
• Walkers go a long way toward reducing the risk of a nasty fall. Did you know that seniors are three times more likely to fall? Did you also know that someone dies from injuries sustained in a fall every 19 minutes.
• Chairs can provide the support needed for people living alone to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), like dressing and bathing. Shower seats can prevent nasty falls in the shower or on a slippery tub, while a wheelchair can help those with mobility issues get from one room to the next. Walkers with seats are also a great option for anyone with respiratory conditions that limit exertion.
• Grab Bars are a simple concept that is so effective at providing stability and support to anyone with physical limitations or mobility issues. Worried about losing balance? Grab bars can help. Install them anywhere that a little extra support would be helpful, like near steps, toilets, and sinks.

Ready to adopt an attitude of gratitude? The improved accessibility of mobility aids can help!

Talk to the team of mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; they have the devices and equipment you need to improve accessibility and safety around your environment. Take time out to be thankful during National Gratitude Month in November- the benefits of being grateful are prudent steps toward enhanced health and holistic wellbeing.

If you have been diagnosed with COPD- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- you may struggle with everyday ADLs. A stairlift provides worthwhile benefits that you may not have considered- and makes simple activities of daily living much easier, safer, and comfortable.

Have you been diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD? If so, you know how difficult everyday tasks can be and how it can be a challenge to cope with the breathlessness, cough, and pain that accompany this condition. One way to improve everyday quality of life is with mobility equipment, like lifts and seats, that reduce exertion, improve coordination, and lessen the fatigue of getting around. This relief and mobility assistance may even contribute to fewer flare-ups and less frequency of COPD symptoms!

Have you been diagnosed with COPD? A stairlift may help you in these worthwhile ways:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the respiratory system and afflicts over 60 million people across the globe. COPD develops gradually, causing chest pain, a chronic cough, and loss of breath over time. Because of the breathlessness caused by COPD, mobility limitations may also be a repercussion of this disease. People with COPD usually have oxygen prescribed, as well as different types of respiratory and pulmonary therapy and rehab, with the goal of helping patients cope with this debilitating, incurable disease.

Mobility and COPD

COPD dramatically impacts mobility. Since COPD causes breathlessness and chest pain, exertion can be risky. The use of mobility aids, including walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, is integral to maintaining autonomy and getting around the home safely.

In fact, mobility aids like these may be what prevents a nasty fall, hospitalization, and rehabilitation- consider the following tools and aids in your own home:  

Some mobility options that make sense with COPD include:

Walkers

For patients with COPD, walkers are a pragmatic mobility aid that is easy to use and inexpensive to buy. Rolling walkers or “rollators” make the most sense as they require the least exertion, and with a seat, they provide relief as needed for fatigue.

Rolling walkers also can be modified with baskets to carry oxygen, making this a sensible solution for someone with a respiratory illness. Conventional walkers without wheels are less practical as they lack the same capacity to carry and use oxygen when walking- plus, a seat really is key. Go with a rollator.

Wheelchairs

Anyone that is debilitated by COPD may choose to use a wheelchair. These provide a seat, again, which helps curb exertion and breathlessness. Oxygen can be transported by the person using the chair, either over the back of the chair or on their lap. Be careful not to tangle oxygen tubes in the spokes of the wheels! Electric wheelchairs have a distinct advantage over manual ones, simply by virtue of the labor involved in using the chair. A manual chair is better left as a transport chair in specific situations, not as a means of accessibility in everyday life. In this instance, an electric wheelchair makes the most sense and is clinically indicated.

Scooters

Sure, electric scooters are a lot like wheelchairs but if you have COPD, a scooter may not be the best mobility option. When you use an electric wheelchair, you operate it with a hand-held control; a scooter has handbrakes and handlebars, requiring some dexterity and effort on the user’s part. Scooters may also be more difficult to maneuver around the home environment, with less of a buffer than a wheelchair.  Talk to your provider who knows you best about a referral, but depending on your distinct preferences, a scooter may not be the way to go.

Stairlifts and COPD

So, what about a stairlift? A stairlift provides a way for the user to go up and down stairways and steps in the home, without exertion or risks of a fall. There are essentially two parts involved in a stairlift: a track and a motorized seat that travels along the track.  

Some other benefits of a stairlift when living with COPD are:

•  Stairlifts renew a sense of safety and security in the home- particularly for people that may have previously experienced a fall.
• Stairlifts are very reliable and typically have a back-up energy source.
• Stairlifts are very easy to use and to adapt to.

Stairlifts can help the user regain access to upstairs areas of the home, like bedrooms and bathrooms, which can lead to increased feelings of independence and autonomy. These lifts may be an investment in your future aging in place, providing some security surrounding staying in your own home later. Talk to your loved ones and providers about the home environment and ways to make it safe and accessible.

Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about mobility aids and solutions to make life a lot easier. Call or visit today.

Take time this November to observe National Home Care and Hospice Month. As the population ages, more and more are turning to home care as a means of gaining assistance and accessibility while retaining independence at home. Home care is a prudent option for those with limited mobility, offering a slew of benefits that improve overall quality of life, too.

Experts estimate that nearly 10,000 people celebrate their 65^th birthday each day in this country- which means an increased need for health care services like hospice. Home care provides an alternative to costly inpatient settings, while still preserving autonomy and aging in place. Home care is cost-effective and contributes to maintaining independence, but still receiving assistance with basic activities of daily living.

This November, observe National Home Care and Hospice Month; give thanks and pay tribute to home care workers- nurses, aides, social workers, and practitioners that make it possible for people to stay in their home and still receive daily assistance with everyday tasks. For folks living with physical limitations, it also makes sense to pursue mobility equipment; these aids may create accessibility that facilitates staying in one’s own home longer.

November is set aside to honor and recognize the contributions of nurses, aides, therapists, social workers, and others that work in home care and hospice. This is demanding, though rewarding, work that can make a remarkable difference in the life of the client. Home care is a valuable and viable option for seniors that need a little help, but that wish to remain in their own homes. Among older Americans surveyed, 90% report a strong desire to age in place and stay in their home as long as possible. It is estimated that more than 5 million people currently receive home care services in this country.

Here are other ways that Home Care benefits those with limited mobility:

Autonomy

So, all the mentions of autonomy and aging in place but what does that mean? It is often issues related to accessibility that cause issues and require time away from home. This time away can erode freedom particularly if there are physical challenges related to staying in one’s own home, i.e. stairs or access issues.

Home care provides a way to live and stay in the home but to receive a little help that can improve the overall quality of life.

Activities of Daily Living

Some of the tasks that in-home caregivers help with are related to activities of daily living or ADLs. Some ADLs include grooming, hygiene, meal prep, dressing, and more. Depending on the client’s mobility level and condition, home care aids provide discreet and dignified care that makes living independently easier and safer.

Nutrition

Some seniors may simply not bother to prepare themselves hot, fresh meals. It may be difficult for some to access their kitchen facilities, or it may cause them physical discomfort to cook. An in-home caregiver can help with mealtime and ensure that the client is eating nutritiously. Part of holistic health is a well-nourished body, so food and eating are integral components of a home health plan.

Mobility

A caregiver can also help with mobility and transfers. For example, if someone is recovering from an injury, they may need assistance getting in and out of bed. Perhaps, they require help being transported to doctor appointments. In-home caregivers are trained for these situations and can provide this level of care.

Convenience

When someone helps and relieves you of a few daily responsibilities, it provides more time for you to do other things and spend time in other ways. Caregivers and in-home health aides allow seniors more time to focus on what they enjoy by lifting some of the burdens from their shoulders each time they visit.

Socialization

It may surprise you, but most seniors look forward to visits with their in-home care aides or nurses. For some, this may be one of the only social interactions that they have, and these practitioners are adept at providing caring and compassionate care. It also can be reassuring for someone to be visiting a shut-in, senior, or person that is living alone to check on them and make sure they are doing alright. Many seniors enjoy these visits with their home health providers.

Safety

These professional caregivers are trained to keep an eye out for safety hazards that could compromise their clients’ wellbeing. They may make recommendations for mobility equipment, like lifts, that can make the home more accessible and safe or they may help remove obstacles and clutter that could present a fall risk. The gamut of safety measures is wide, but know that an in-home care provider should be looking out for you at all times.

Home care offers a wide range of benefits for clients with limited mobility- from everyday assistance to companionship. For additional resources and aids related to accessibility, talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; from stairlifts to grab bars, they have the quality equipment that supports autonomy and aging in place.

There is a stairlift and mobility solution for almost any stairway, steps, or risers that you want to make more accessible. Whether the stairs are curved or winding, or if they are outside in the natural elements, there is a mobility solution available. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more!

Think your stairway is inconducive and likely incompatible for lifts or other mobility equipment? The truth is challenging stairways are no problem; there is a mobility solution available! From bends and curves to the outdoor elements, nothing should stand in the way of improving access around your home!

Clever and creative solutions await you, what is your distinct stairway challenge?

Curves and Bends

Curved or winding staircases may seem like a problem when it comes to installing a lift to gain easy access to the upper levels of the home. Contemporary, brand-name lifts now are adaptable and customized to fit the bends and turns of your distinct stairway. This means that you can have accessibility to all the areas of the home, reinforcing your autonomy, and contributing to aging in place. It is an optimistic and hopeful prospect for anyone who is getting older and that wants to remain in their own home as long as possible.

Mobility professionals can make a lift that is specifically designed to fit your curved stairs, with safe platforms for easy ascent and descent, as desired. Furthermore, you can even have a stairlift installed on a spiral staircase!

Steep Risers

Think your stairs are far too steep to accommodate a stairlift of any kind? Think again: steep risers are no problem when you have a customized Bruno lift installed by the industry experts at Pacific Mobility. Steep stairs present an additional risk of a fall to anyone using them especially if they have limited mobility or physical impairment. It may simply be an accident waiting to happen. A stairlift can change all that and make the home safe and traversable, once more. With decades of experience and expertise in finding creative ways to customize challenging stairways, Pacific Mobility has seen it all! Your steep stairs are no match- call to see what they can do for you.

Outdoor Stairs

Outdoor stairs can be slick and wet presenting a hazard to anyone using them, not just those with physical limitations or disabilities. An exterior lift removes the risk of tackling wet and weather-worn stairs outside the home and provides instant access to outdoor features of the home that many people may not have been able to visit for years. Porches, patios, gardens, pools, and yards are all within reach with a lift that can safely raise you above steps that once were an obstacle. It is a very liberating feeling!

Temporary Solutions

Sometimes, you only need assistance with access for a little while. These temporary solutions could stem from surgery or an accident that requires recovery. Whatever the cause, for less permanent mobility aids, ask about rentals. Many reputable vendors will rent stairlifts to individuals that only want them for the short term. This is also a cost-effective way to improve rehab while making the home a lot safer while you recover. When you don’t want to invest in a lift permanently, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about renting one.

Weight Restrictions

For individuals worried about weight limits or restrictions on conventional stairlifts, worry no more. While many lifts have 300 and 400-pound limits commonly, there are exceptions and customized lifts available to accommodate heavier users as well as those with distinct preferences and needs. The best way to approach and find a solution to your distinct stairs is with a comprehensive assessment of your needs. Our representative can help so that you know your best mobility options and can make the most informed decision when it comes to investing in mobility equipment, including stairlifts.

When it comes to creating clever solutions for accessibility, Pacific Mobility has you covered!

Pacific Mobility is the longest-standing mobility dealer in Southern California. Check out the rest and then come talk to us. We have generations of experience in the mobility aids and equipment industry.

Visit our showroom in San Marcos and see for yourself the different stairlifts available, including indoor and outdoor stairlifts, portable stairlifts, curved stairlifts, straight stairlifts, all local to San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

Equipment as important as a stairlift should only be installed by qualified and certified mobility professionals. Do not allow anyone that is unqualified to install, repair, or modify your lift in any way. It can be a costly and dangerous mistake!

Ready to make your stairway more accessible? There is a stairlift and mobility solution for any steps or stairs that you happen to have. Creative and clever solutions are the specialty at Pacific Mobility; talk to the team to learn more today! 

Veterans are often badgered with rude and insensitive questions regarding their time in combat, at war, or overseas- which can be invasive and unwelcome. Take time to learn more about a veteran this Veteran’s Day- or any day- with some thought-provoking questions that engage, but not offend, someone who has served.

Common courtesy commands that you never ask someone intrusive questions that could be insensitive, impolite, or rude. So, why do so many people do this to veterans? Despite possibly being well-intentioned, people can be very invasive and rude when it comes to service vets. This Veteran’s Day, commit to engage a veteran but to consider questions about their service carefully before asking. Also, consider increasing the autonomy and freedom of a veteran that you love with quality mobility equipment to enhance accessibility today.

Veterans

The way you talk to people is important. People that struggle with mental health issues like PTSD– or post-traumatic stress disorder- may suffer silently with debilitating anxiety and difficulty in handling situations that can trigger duress. It is estimated that around 15% of soldiers returning from Vietnam had PSTD, while experts indicate that up to 20% returning home from Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) suffer from this condition.

Show empathy and compassion by refraining from rude questions that could trigger their anxiety.

Refrain from asking these insensitive questions to a Veteran:

• Have you ever killed someone?
• What’s it like to kill someone?
• Do you support the President? Which political party do you belong to?
• What are your thoughts on involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan?
• How are you adjusting to civilian life? Is it hard to adapt?
• Was it hard to leave loved ones for such a long time?
• Did anyone you know die overseas?

Be respectful and gracious. After all, this is someone who served to protect your and my freedoms. Also, it is estimated that one veteran per day dies of suicide, often related to post-traumatic stress disorder and usually within the first three years of being discharged from service.

Be courteous, but learn more about a veteran with these questions:

• How long did you serve in the military?
• Which branch- that is, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Guard, or Reserves?
• Why did you pick that branch?
• Do you come from a military family?
• Have you visited any other countries?
• Where was your favorite place that you went?
• Do you have family?
• What do you enjoy doing? What’s your favorite sports team?

Demonstrate a genuine interest in the veteran as a person- rather than exploit their experiences for amusement. Many still struggle with time spent in combat, so be sensitive and respectful. Thank them profusely for their service.

Veteran’s Day

Show some support and solidarity by honoring those that have served on a day designated to honor and tribute them- Veteran’s Day.

Some ways to observe and show respect on Veteran’s Day include these suggestions:

• It is always the right time of year to hang a flag. Learn about proper flag hanging protocols online or from the Veterans Administration (VA) directly.
• Pay tribute to any family or friends that served by visiting graves or memorials. Clean up sites or bring flowers. Make this an annual observance, if you don’t already.
• Bake something sweet and drop it off at your local VA or senior center. Share a meal with a neighbor or shut-in.
• Shake the hands of a soldier, active or retired. Thank them for their service.
• Send a thank-you note to your area’s VA. Participate in an ‘adopt a grandparent’ pen pal exchange. Area nursing facilities and hospitals often facilitate these projects. This is a great activity to get kids involved with.
• Read a book with some historical relevance, or that is written by a veteran. Watch a war documentary.
• Stand and salute the flag. Play the National Anthem and listen to the words.
• Help someone else, veteran or not. Contribute time to a local family; this is a wonderful observance for any occasion. Being of service to others is the perfect way to honor vets on Veterans Day this year.

Perhaps the most important contribution and tribute that you can make to a veteran, service member, or individual is the gift of your time. Be patient and kind; remember that someone can be struggling with a debilitating disability or medical issue that doesn’t manifest in physical symptoms. PTSD is a very common mental health affliction that is prevalent among service members- particularly those that have served during a war.

If someone you love could use some assistance with accessibility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility.

We appreciate and respect our veterans. If you have physical limitations or disabilities, we can help. Call or visit today to learn more- and thank you for your service.

All walkers are not the same, and in fact, many people have no idea how many different types and styles of walkers there are available. Consider the different types of walkers and evaluate them to find the one that best suits your mobility level, preferences, and comfort- try them out before you make your choice! This truly is the best way to find a walker.

When thinking about mobility walkers, many people do not realize that there are many different types and styles available, depending on your needs and preferences.  Walkers are a type of mobility device that provides support and stability for the user when they are walking. Typically, walkers have wheels but there are some without.

Walkers are amazingly versatile, and bring the following benefits to the table:

• Improves balance.
• Reduces the risk of a fall.
• Supports weak muscles.
• Limits weight and pressure on lower body.
• Assists with safe transfers after surgery.
• Aids with fatigue when standing or walking.
• Helps the user sit and rise from a seated position safely.

Know that a walker needs to fit the user properly to be comfortable, useful, and safe. Talk to a mobility equipment retailer if you are concerned about your walker’s fit.

Knowing your options can make it easier to choose the right walker for your needs:

Types of Walkers

With so many different types of walkers on the market, you should consult with a physical therapist or your healthcare provider to determine which type is best for your distinct needs. Plus, it makes sense to try the different styles and sizes of walkers yourself, in-person, whenever possible. Consider also investing in walker accessories- like baskets and pouches- to help make the device more convenient and practical for everyday living.

Standard walkers

A standard walker typically is one with four legs and no wheels. These are adjustable to fit patients, in width and height. These must be picked up by the user and moved when walking. Some users incorporate caps on two of the legs to help it glide along more easily. Some even use tennis balls!

Rolling walkers

Rolling walkers feature wheels on the front of the device, making them more natural and smooth to use.  Wheels are also a helpful feature when the user would have difficulty picking the walker up and moving it with each step. There are two different types of rolling walkers: anterior and posterior.

Here is a little more about these two distinct rolling walkers:  

Anterior rolling walkers

 Anterior rolling walkers have support in the front of the base, and it typically has four wheels.

Posterior rolling walkers

Posterior rolling walkers have support in the back of the walker and feature two or four wheels. You may also see a pair of ratchet wheels to prevent the walker from rolling. Side handles make using it different than the anterior rolling walkers. Your provider will identify which type of support is best for you.

Rollator walkers 

Another kind of wheeled walker is the rollator, which generally is the category of three Wheeled and four-wheeled walkers.  These typically have handlebars, hand brakes, and a seat, which makes them ideal for anyone with chronic pain or fatigue. The rollator walker moves fast and turns on a dime, so it can be comfortable to use and easy to adapt to. Knee walkers are a type of rollator that can be useful after surgery or during the rehabilitation of a foot or leg injury.

Gait trainers 

Gait trainers are used primarily by Occupational therapists for individuals learning to walk- or that need help with their gait. These are a lot like rolling walkers, but they implement straps and fixtures to provide security to the user. Gait trainers are more specialized than wheeled walkers and are used prevalently in skilled nursing-type settings and situations.

Walker Features

Some walker features amp up the utility and usefulness of your walker. Ask a retailer about a walker that can fold up for easy storage, or for a walker with handbrakes to help during use.

Many users invest in trays that secure to the walker and that allow them to move about with items, food, or other belongings easily. Pouches that clip to the side of the walker are also helpful in managing to carry items from one spot to another.

You may benefit from a walker with a seat, which can help those with fatigue or chronic conditions. Maintain your walker and take care of it so that it can, in turn, help and take care of you. Need help with this? Talk to your healthcare providers to learn more.

When you are ready to explore walkers, talk to a professional at Pacific Mobility to learn more. From short-term rehab to lifelong aid, they have quality walkers that can make life easier and more accessible!

Nobody is getting any younger and many may be noticing changes in mobility or health needs. How can individuals plan now for this later? It makes good sense to plan ahead for reduced mobility and accessibility- particularly if you also live with chronic conditions. Consider these tips to plan- ahead!

You may think that the prospect of needing any kind of mobility aids and equipment is a long way off- so far, in fact, that many don’t give it a second thought. The truth is an injury, illness, or medical procedure can impede mobility and present physical challenges. Why not plan ahead for these situations and be ready for extra assistance if and when it is needed.

Plan-ahead for these situations and mobility issues later:

Arthritis

Did you know that over 22% of the adult population in the US has arthritis?  Nearly half of all people over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with arthritis. It is estimated that by the year 2040, around 78 million people over the age of 18 will have some form of arthritis, diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

The chances of being diagnosed with Arthritis increases when you also have other chronic medical conditions. This is referred to as arthritis comorbidity, and the co-occurring medical condition can play a role in the severity and frequency of arthritis symptoms. For example, issues like obesity exacerbate the symptoms, and pain, of arthritis, limiting mobility and making everyday tasks a challenge. Arthritis is also common among people with diabetes and heart disease.

Health Conditions

Additionally, if you struggle with chronic health conditions that may linger or worsen in years to come, efforts made now to improve access will be well worth the efforts. Conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, muscular issues, obesity, stroke, brain injury, or dementia, may be less debilitating when you have put in the time to implement things like enhanced lighting, lifts, ramps, railings, and grab bars around the home environment.

Chronic Pain

Do you live with chronic pain issues? If not, you are fortunate. It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 cases of chronic pain, defined as lasting more than three months, diagnosed each year in this country. While medications may be used to lessen the severity of symptoms, there is no cure for chronic pain conditions. Some may last for months while others may suffer for years; pain can be persistent and ongoing or phasic and episodic.

Chronic pain sufferers may benefit from mobility aids and equipment, such as stairlifts on landings, now for when symptoms flare up later. Some conditions like diabetes can evolve into painful medical complications like neuropathy. A stairlift can help increase accessibility around the home without the pain of ascending stairs or steps.

Rehabilitation

Adaptive aids and mobility equipment is also helpful during recovery from an operation, surgery, or illness. Many individuals end up staying in skilled nursing facilities if there are accessibility issues at home during recovery. Think now of ways that you could make your home environment easier to habituate if you were facing challenges, such as limited mobility.

Ramps near risers and stairlifts can be pragmatic for anyone that struggles with climbing stairs. Plus, the steps are left accessible and usable for anyone who chooses to use them. Why wouldn’t you want the added convenience? Start small with grab bars throughout the home, anyplace that you run the risk of losing your balance. These are such a simple augment but can be lifesaving at times.

Fall-Risk

Any senior is at risk of a fall, so plan now to reduce potential fall risk. It is estimated that there are around 1,800 fatal falls each year in the US, and another 9,500 people die from injuries related to a previous fall. A fall is the main cause of accidental death among the over 65 subset. Falls can begin a decline in overall health and wellbeing which can be catastrophic for a senior.

Some proactive ways to plan now and potentially prevent the risk of a fall later include:

• Invest in an inexpensive shower seat to help prevent falls when bathing or showering.
• Buy a reaching tool to help grab items or objects that are just out of reach- without losing your balance.
• Improve lighting around the home, particularly near stairs, steps, and doors.

Other People

Who do you live with? What is their health like? It could be that the preparations you make now could benefit those you love later. Are there others in the home that you provide care for? Consider their needs also when assessing the practicality of investing in mobility resources now.

Planning Ahead

Time marches on and everybody gets older. You can’t predict how you will age, but you can prepare for quality of life with any aids and conveniences that will help lessen the blows of the aging process. Plan ahead for your own future- as well as the future of those you love. It makes sense; talk with a mobility equipment professional at Pacific Mobility to learn more about your options today.