Jeff Conner

Wondering what medical conditions merit mobility equipment, such as a stairlift? The fact is, there is a wide gamut of diagnoses that warrant the support and assistance provided by stairlifts. Learn a bit more about five common conditions made much more bearable with the accessibility of a lift in the home.

Do you struggle getting around your home environment? Is it possible that your life would be made easier with stairlifts and mobility aids to increase access? If you have concerns that you could be losing independence or if you struggle with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), you might be a perfect candidate for a stairlift in the home. Before giving up your autonomy, learn more about how a stairlift can change life as you know it.

Five Conditions that may benefit from a stairlift in the home are:

1.       Neuropathy

If you live with neuropathy, you know how it can affect your mobility and independence. Not to mention, neuropathy is a very painful condition that ebbs into every aspect of everyday living. The two primary causes of neuropathy are alcohol abuse and diabetes, but kidney disease can also cause painful leg neuropathy in many sufferers. Over time, it may become extremely painful if possible at all to ascend stairs or navigate the home environment; a stairlift may make it possible to access upstairs spaces of the home and live with more freedom.

2.       Diabetes

In addition to neuropathy, diabetes can cause other consequences that make a stairlift pragmatic. For instance, chronic diabetes may lead to amputations of feet or legs, which make a stairlift a necessity. Additionally, anyone who struggles with the health repercussions of obesity may find going up and down stairs strenuous, if not impossible. A fall could cause serious compromise to the individual and any preventative measure- including mobility aids like stairlifts- are viable and worthwhile expenditures. Injurious falls lead in causes of hospitalizations and subsequent loss of independence.

3.       Arthritis

Do you live with arthritis? You may not realize how severe and debilitating arthritis can be; for many, it is a life-long affliction that they first experienced as a young child. If you have arthritis, a stairlift may be life-changing in terms of accessing areas of the home and doing for yourself. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause joint pain and stiffness, which can make ascending stairs very difficult. A stairlift can reduce stress and strain on these sore joints, improving pain levels and overall quality of life. Furthermore, the swelling and edema often associated with arthritis may make stairs simply too difficult on some days; a stairlift in the home offers an alternative that may be needed on some occasions, but not on others.

4.       Muscular Diseases

Conditions impacting the muscles make stairs difficult if not impossible; some conditions, like MD (Muscular Dystrophy), CP (Cerebral Palsy), MS (Muscular Sclerosis), and Parkinson’s, are examples of diseases that can impact muscle control and movement. Additionally, these strike mobility, often waxing and waning, which makes the option of a stairlift practical and reassuring. Some of these conditions are gradual and progressive, so a stairlift provides support as it is needed. Talk to your occupational therapist or practitioner to determine if a stairlift makes sense for the condition that you are living with.

5.       Respiratory Issues

Another reason to install a lift in the home could be due to respiratory disorders, like COPD or emphysema. Also, stairlifts may be advised for people living with lung or heart conditions that should limit physical activity that puts additional strain on their vital organs. Lifts allow folks that live alone the opportunity to age in place and stay in their own home, despite existing medical issues or conditions. For many, a stairlift provides enough support to allow them to live autonomously longer, enjoying access to the upper levels of their home, which may be where their bedroom or bathroom is located.

There are also a lot of times that a stairlift is used for short term use, such as a rental following surgery or as part of rehab. It can make it far more pragmatic for those in rehabilitative programs to garner independence while recovering and performing therapeutic exercises. It provides support that may make it possible for some to return home from skilled nursing settings as they recuperate and heal from operations, injuries, or medical issues. For many, this is a more therapeutic environment that provides motivation and incentive to heal.

Think your life would be easier with a stairlift? Talk to your provider, and come see the industry professionals at Pacific Mobility. The right equipment, including stairlifts, can restore a sense of security and control that may be missing in the lives of those living with chronic and acute medical issues. Check out what a stairlift can do for you; visit or call today!

If you think about it, vision impacts all aspects of everyday living- including mobility. Poor sight could contribute to a nasty fall which precipitates a slew of health-related problems. Falls are a prime concern of the aging population as these may cause a loss of independence and life-long mobility issues that require intervention or assistance. There is a link between glaucoma and mobility; here’s what you need to know.

January is National Staying Healthy Month, the perfect time to give some thought to your holistic health, including your vision. Are you at risk for glaucoma? If you are over 40, you could be; Glaucoma is a primary cause of blindness of people in this country and is a condition that manifests in damage to your optic nerve. There may be a genetic link to glaucoma, so if your parents had it, you might be at higher risk of having glaucoma, too. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness in a relatively short time so it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly to have your eye pressure monitored. If getting to your eye appointments is challenging due to physical limitations, call for consultation and mobility solutions to make life easier.

Lighting

Lighting is a common issue among those with glaucoma, and it is a number one reason why many seniors fall in the home. Bilateral glaucoma manifests in trips, bumps, and falls- which can quickly perpetuate into a long-term mobility issue. While good lighting doesn’t prevent glaucoma, it contributes to falling risk among anyone in the senior demographic, so there is a correlation between mobility and Glaucoma.

Gender

More than half, around 60%, of glaucoma cases in the U.S. are women. The number of people with glaucoma is expected to hit over six million by the year 2050, due to population, genetics, and lifestyle markers. This could present a significant healthcare crisis among the older population.

Risks

Are you at risk for glaucoma? You are more at risk if you are of African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian ancestry. Some other things that make you more likely to contract glaucoma during your life include:

If you have risk factors for glaucoma, it is even more important to have regularly scheduled eye exams, at least once every six months to a year, and have your eyes dilated and eye pressure tested.

Fall Reduction

A fall can create a lot of hurdles for a senior; first, a fall can cause eye trauma that contributes to glaucoma. It can also be a side-effect of the debilitating vision loss caused by glaucoma and increased eye pressure. The key to preventing mishaps and medical conditions of all kinds is fall reduction; i.e. improve lighting, remove obstacles, and wear footwear that provides stability and balance. This is where mobility aids can come in helpful. A grab bar can reduce the risk of slipping and falling in bathrooms or during ADLs; a reaching tool can prevent potential injuries caused by bending over and trying to access things that are just out of your reach. Furthermore, falls can create a loss of independence that can deteriorate mood, mental health, and overall quality of life. The long and short of it is to reduce falls through vigilance and awareness, whether for you or for someone you love.

Mobility Risks

So, let’s consider what happens when your sight is impaired due to undiagnosed glaucoma. First, a fall is more likely to occur- particularly in those that have physical limitations or that are older. Falls can lead to injury, further eye trauma, or infection- including the often- fatal C-Difficile infection, which can be contracted through germs and bacteria all around us. It is safe to say that there are a host of complicated risks associated with a fall due to impaired vision due to glaucoma, both undetected as well as in diagnosed cases.

National Staying Healthy Month in January is a day set aside to encourage and facilitate people to get healthier, through prevention, education, and area resources. It is a time that motivates and inspires us- every one- to do what they can to preserve their health and wellbeing.

Want to stay healthier, longer? Make sure that you visit your eye care professional regularly to be tested and monitored for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in this country. What better way to honor National Staying Healthy Month this January than with an examination by your eye doctor or practitioner. Another way to pay tribute to National Staying Healthy Month is with mobility aids and solutions from Pacific Mobility. The link between glaucoma and mobility exists; resolve to do something about it by increasing access and autonomy with mobility aids and equipment today. Call for a no-commitment needs assessment.

January is National Staying Healthy Month, which makes it the perfect time to consider ways to make the home more healthy, safe, and secure. One way to create a healthier environment for some is to install a stairlift; stairlifts increase access and convenience for seniors and those with physical limitations, conditions, or disabilities. Learn more about ways to make the home this January, and year-round!

January is National Staying Healthy Month, which makes it practical to consider ways to make the home a healthier, safer environment. Part of making the home healthy for seniors or those with physical challenges may include mobility devices, aids, or equipment. Make a resolution to create a healthier home and overall lifestyle with mobility solutions; call today to learn more.

Stairlifts can help you stay healthy in the coming years; here’s how:

Fall Reduction

Stairlifts generally help reduce fall risks associated with navigating the home, stairs, and areas of the home living environment. They can reduce stumbles and falls that could lead to serious decline and deterioration for those who are older or that have other medical issues and conditions. Stairlifts make the home a much safer place to be, which in turn, preserves the health and wellbeing of those that live there. Do stairlifts help you stay healthy? You bet they do!

Increased Independence

Individuals that have access around their home will be more independent- it is that simple! With independence often comes a feeling of holistic health and wellbeing- plus, you are less likely to suffer a fall or accident that could derail independence and compromise quality of life. In essence, the freedom to live your life, your way, can lead to increased health.

Assists with Aging in Place

For those fighting to stay in their own home, a stairlift may facilitate aging in place. By being able to access upstairs bedrooms, bathrooms, or other areas of the home, it may not be necessary for assistance when seniors live alone or struggle with medical and mobility issues. Having the ability to stay in a familiar, comfortable, and sometimes sentimental setting can improve health in a wide range of ways, including mood.

Preserves Autonomy

When seniors begin to feel their autonomy slipping away, depression and angst can follow. This can lead to a whole host of emotions that may leave some feeling without purpose or hope. It can be said that to preserve autonomy helps with a sense of self, enhanced mood, and a reason to get out of bed each day. Mobility aids, such as lifts, preserve this autonomy and help by providing the assistance needed to live comfortably and safely.

Facilitates Mobility

Moving around makes you feel good and healthy; unfortunately, physical activity may present risks that make it counterproductive and challenging, overall. A stairlift may help those that would otherwise not be able to move about their living situation freely, move around and complete ADLs (activities of daily living). Some examples of ADLs that a lift helps facilitate include bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and getting ready for bed.

Encourages Evaluation

Nothing that you implement around your home to preserve health and wellbeing substitutes for regular medical checkups and evaluations. Obtaining a stairlift puts you in the loop of providers and practitioners, that may get your medical needs met. For this reason, a stairlift and associated assessments are the perfect opportunity to address health conditions and make changes that improve overall health and wellbeing. Put simply, popular healthy aging tips often include seeing a practitioner or provider routinely.

Honor National Staying Healthy Month this January with some mobility aids and solutions from Pacific Mobility

National Staying Healthy Month offers a range of tips to preserve health, from what you eat to how you sleep. Mobility is an element of holistic health, so pay tribute to this national observance by doing something to maintain mobility, like install an aid or stretch to increase flexibility. Groups, agencies, and resources widely promote the benefits of staying mobile, from fitness classes to transportation services; take advantage of these- or other similar offerings- to promote National Staying Healthy Month in January.

Ready to make the home a healthier place? One element of holistic health and well-being is mobility and access. Mobility means a lot more than merely getting around; it encompasses a number of traits needed for aging in place and preserving independence. Make your home more accessible with a stairlift- or other device- that allows individuals the freedom to live autonomously. Stay healthier, this January and year-long, with resources such as stairlifts. At the very least, reach out to a reputable vendor in the area and ask for a no-obligation demonstration. You may be surprised at how different life can be with a stairlift in the home; call to learn more today.

Don’t let age deter you from becoming a blood donor; age does not disqualify you from donation. There are many compelling reasons why donating blood is vital, from medical need to the feeling you get from giving the gift of life. Reach out for assistance, if needed, but do your part and donate blood, if you are an eligible donor.

January is National Blood Donor Month; do you donate blood? Eligible people are encouraged to donate blood for vital surgeries across the country that save lives. A shortage in donated blood is a healthcare crisis that affects us all. If physical limitations or medical issues hinder your ability to donate blood, consider mobility solutions and community resources that may assist.

Are you a blood donor? Why you might want to consider donating:

The Need for Blood

The need for blood cannot be overemphasized; in fact, there is a need for blood every two seconds for treating accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, and surgery patients. It is estimated that approximately one-in-seven of those going to the hospital need blood. Giving blood contributes to the prevention of a national health crisis or a shortage of blood.

No Alternative for Blood

There is no manmade alternative for blood; it can’t be manufactured. Blood for medical treatment comes from donations- be part of preventing a healthcare crisis by donating blood if you are eligible to give. Not sure about your eligibility? More on that later…

Gift of Life

There is something truly special about giving the gift of life by donating blood. Since the nation’s blood supply comes from people that care enough to donate, it is a vital role that you play. Think about how the blood that you donate could save lives, providing another day, another hug, another memory, for someone else. It is the gift of life and there is no other feeling quite like it!

Fast & Easy

Some people are reticent to donate as they feel it takes too much time and they are simply too busy. In fact, donating blood only takes about an hour, though there are variables that could contribute to a longer or shorter wait. Things like whether you have donated before and the number of people that show up to donate impact how long it takes to donate blood. Generally, it is a fast and easy process!  

Your Age

In general, you can never be too old to donate blood. Don’t’ let age be the reason that you don’t try to be a donor. Up until 1978, people over age 65 were not permitted to donate blood. Unless you have other health issues, you should be fine to be a donor.

Eligibility

This brings us to eligibility to be a blood donor: who should and should not donate blood? Surprisingly, a mere 37% of the population is eligible to donate blood, and of these people, only around 10% donate blood regularly.  

Some reasons you may not be eligible to donate blood include the following:

• All prospective blood donors are required to fill out a detailed health history form and questionnaire that serves to rule out those with certain medical problems as potential donors. Some of the conditions that bar a person from donating blood include dementia, a recent history of cancer, a recent history of heart disease, viral hepatitis, H.I.V. infection, and certain heart rhythm disorders. Also, if you take certain types of medications, like anticoagulants, you are ineligible to be a donor.  
• Blood banks require that blood donors weigh a minimum of 110 pounds typically.
• History of IV drug use, medical infection, or recent travel to specific geographic areas are other reasons you may be deemed ineligible as a blood donor. 

Know that each state and blood bank can impose their own guidelines and additional regulations, as they see fit. Some may require additional medical history or documentation for donors over age 75, such as the state of New York. In these instances, prospective donors are evaluated individually before donating blood.

What If?

Nobody wants to think of the worst-case scenario, but what if there wasn’t enough donated blood? What is blood was unavailable when you, a loved one – anyone – needed it? If everyone eligible to donate blood became complacent and decided they didn’t need to donate because someone else would, the likely outcome will be a blood shortage and healthcare crisis. Do your part and become a blood donor.

Don’t let your age or physical condition deter you from donating blood. There are area agencies and resources that will help with access and transportation for donors widely; check your municipality to learn more. For mobility solutions, consider talking to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility to increase accessibility and improve everyday living. From stairlifts to grab-bars, we offer mobility aids and devices that preserve independence and enhance safety.

Radon testing is imperative, especially for those that spend extended periods of time in their home like seniors or those with limited mobility. January is National Radon Action Month- and the perfect time to have your home- or the home of someone you love- tested for radon. It is a low-cost way to ensure a safe and healthy environment, free from radon carcinogens and toxins.

Radon is something that everyone should be concerned with and routine testing of the home should be a routine occurrence. This is a particular issue facing those that spend extended time indoors, such as seniors or those with limited mobility. Since January is National Radon Action Month, it makes sense for radon testing, since this invisible, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Some ways to observe and further the cause of National Radon Action Month is to consider the impacts of radon and sensible ways to lower its risk in the home. Whether you are concerned for a housebound loved one or your own wellbeing, this is the time to make modifications that reduce the risk of radon exposure.

The good news is that you can test and lower radon levels in the home quite-simply, and the EPA endorses that January be a time to pay attention to radon and radon testing widely. When assisting individuals with mobility solutions, make sure to assess the radon situation in the home environment, too.

Here’s what you need to know about radon testing your home:

The Problem with Radon

The problem with Radon is that it is cancerous; in fact, radon is the leading cause of death by cancer in this country, according to experts. It is estimated that around 21k people die each year from the consequences of exposure to Radon, which primarily includes lung cancer. This is a distinctive situation as the connection between radon and subsequent lung cancer has been proven by healthcare experts. In sum, the problem with radon is that it is a poisonous, carcinogenic gas.

Home Ventilation

It can be a catch-22 situation: you want to seal up your home from the elements, yet you need proper ventilation and airflow in the home. A home that is too tight or super energy-efficient can trap toxins, like radon. Homes become a kind of vacuum, sucking in and holding on to radon gas.

Radon Seepage

When you find through radon testing that radon is detected in the home, how did it get there? Well, radon can seep into the home from the soil, which is why porous surfaces, like concrete foundations, can be the door that radon uses to get inside your home. Gaps in floors and walls are also prime entry points for radon gas. There are a lot of variables that contribute to the radon level, so if your neighbor has low levels, it doesn’t mean yours are the same.

Radon Zones

Radon can be a problem for residents widely, however the EPA issued a map that identifies the most-prone areas for high radon levels. This map of EPA radon zones, color-codes counties into zones, with zone 1 having the highest predicted levels and zone 3 having the lowest. The EPA asserts, however, that radon is commonly found in any and all zones. There are many variables to consider, from environmental to your own personal lifestyle, that could account for varying levels of radon from one residence to the next.

Lowering Radon Levels

If you find that your radon level is high, don’t delay action. Use these strategies to lower your levels:

Prompt Response

If your home is tested and the radon is high, don’t panic. There are things that you can do to reduce the levels and, no, you don’t have to pack up and move out. The most serious consequences of high radon levels come from prolonged exposure; the important thing is that you now know what the level is. Talk to an abatement specialist or contractor to learn more about mitigating the high radon level in the home by ventilating the home with PVC piping to move radon out of the space.

Why wait until January? Contact your local municipality, agency on aging, or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more information about radon testing today. For mobility solutions and tips for aging in place, contact Pacific Mobility to learn more.

Make this the year that you resolve to improved accessibility with a stairlift. Whether it is the season to make resolutions or simply a turning point, enhance and increase everyday convenience and overall quality of life with mobility aids from reputable vendors in the Bay Area. Call a mobility professional to learn more today.

Don’t you owe it to yourself to have the very best life possible? Accessibility contributes to quality of life and everyday living; learn more about stairlifts and mobility aids that can enhance access and make life a lot more convenient. Talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility and learn more about your options and choices.

Make the resolution of improved access and accessibility with a stairlift this season- or any time of the year!

• Take time to talk to a vendor. The truth is, you should take the time to talk with a reputable mobility vendor in the region first, to determine if you are a good candidate for a stairlift. These professionals will also be able to identify issues, outline costs, and pinpoint the best device to meet your distinct needs. This should be one of the first steps you take toward the resolution of a stairlift and improved accessibility!
• Learn a little bit more. Do some research and make a point to learn a little more about the stairlifts, models, and brands- this can also help you identify some features that you will definitely want- or not- when you purchase your own mobility aid. Review online ratings and ranks to find high-quality products and the vendors who sell them locally or online.
• Consider a range of options. Keep an open mind regarding mobility aids; it may be that grab bars and reaching tools are also pragmatic investments. Depending on your mobility level and the configuration of your home, a stairlift may be the best and most prudent approach to a year of improved access and autonomy.
• Treat yourself to a demonstration. Are you near  Pacific Mobility in the Bay Area? If possible, visit a site where you can see stairlifts demonstrated for your consideration. How will you know that it works for you if you don’t try it first? This will also help to tease-out the equipment that you find most appealing among a range of lifts and devices; the team at Pacific Mobility looks forward to welcoming you to their location!
• Figure out the financials. It is possible that your insurance coverage may help defray the cost of installing a lift in your home. Talk to an industry mobility expert- they can help you navigate the often-complicated path with insurance carriers, too.
• Place a call to your provider or practitioner. Call your provider or physician; are you eligible for a prescription for a mobility aid, such as a lift? Your doctor may be able to assist you in getting documentation for your insurer; speak with them to learn more.
• Opt for professional installation only. Once you have resolved to enhance your access with a stairlift, make sure that you only opt for professional installation. Allowing someone other than a mobility professional install equipment could nullify any warranty that you might have; also, it is never safe to allow laymen to work on, service, repair, install or uninstall your lift. Call a pro.
• Always follow manufacturer recommendations for use. Once you have made the decision to gain access, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for using your lift. This includes only one passenger at a time, adhering to weight restrictions, and wearing your safety belt at all times when using the device. Refer to your owner manual for more specifics regarding your distinct model and brand.
• Keep and maintain a clear berth. Clutter can be a problem for a stairlift; avoid issues by maintaining a clear and wide berth around the lift, paying special attention to the landings at the top and bottom of the stairlift. Objects can cause the device to stop in mid-transport, which may be a problem for the user.
• Never rule out the possibility. Don’t assume you don’t qualify or can’t afford a stairlift. Make the resolution that you are worth the effort and find out for yourself today!

Around a third of seniors in the US will take a nasty fall this year; a stairlift can help reduce falls while also providing access to all areas of the home environment. Curb your risk of a fall and subsequent injury, potentially impacting overall autonomy and living, with mobility aids now.

Are you ready to make the resolution to get a stairlift this season? Visit and talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility; they are ready and waiting to demonstrate and assist you in finding the right mobility aids for your needs, budget, and home. Enhance access and increase safety with a stairlift- or other device- this year; make a resolution to improve everyday living today!

Begin to enjoy your bath again with these safety tips that can help prevent common hazards and accidents from occurring. Seniors and individuals with limited mobility can benefit from implementing some suggestions that curb the risk of a fall and reduce the chance of an injury in the home’s bathroom.

If you have sacrificed the joy and pleasure of a bath due to a disability or mobility limitation, there are tips that can make it much safer. Falls are a very serious and very frightening reality for this demographic; falls can be problematic, injurious, and even fatal. Talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility for more strategies and suggestions to make the bath a safer place to be.

Enjoy your bath again with these safety tips:

• Keep a wide and well-lit berth. When it comes to tips for seniors and those with mobility limitations, a clear, well-lit pathway is key. Plug in a night light after dark to prevent falls when going in and out of the bathroom. Get rid of any clutter that is taking up space and not serving a purpose; keep décor to a minimum.
• Grab onto grab bars. Invest in and install grab bars near the toilet, tub, and sink, as well as near any stairs or steps in or out of the bathroom. These should be professionally implemented to ensure they are secure and will withstand pressure and weight when needed. Position these anyplace that you- or your loved one- may be sitting down or standing up, too.
• Get rid of tripping hazards. Eliminate tripping hazards like thresholds, rugs, or loose flooring. Keep the floor as clean and clear as possible. If it has a slippery, glossy surface, add some tread with textured paint or adhesive strips.
• Wear the right shoes. Wear shower shoes in and out of the shower or tub. These are helpful in preventing a fall. Use non-slip adhesive on the floor of the tub and shower for added tread and texture.
• Invest in a reaching tool Talk to mobility vendors about easy-to-use reaching tools that can help prevent falls when trying to reach for things or when attending to daily ADLs (activities of daily living), like bathing or getting dressed.
• Keep things clean. It helps to keep the bathroom, tub, and floor clean and dry at all times. If you are unable to physically wash the floor and bathroom surfaces regularly, it may be helpful to enlist the services of an aide or housekeeper if possible. There are some community programs for seniors that often offer services such as these for area residents.
• Lift the seat. Raise the seat of your toilet to reduce falls and injuries that occur when sitting and standing. Talk to a mobility vendor for simple solutions.
• Change the showerhead. An adjustable showerhead that you can hold in your hand may also make showering and bathing safer and easier. These hand-held heads offer more control which can help with seniors that are aging in place and living independently.
• Sit down. Buy a shower seat and sit down when showering or bathing. These are offered in varying styles to suit different types of shower stalls and bathtubs.
• Warm it up. An electric heated towel rack or bar can provide warm, luxurious towels after a tub or shower that helps keep you toasty warm. This may prevent you from catching a chill or a nasty cold when bathing in cool weather.
• Skip the candles. Reduce the risk of a fire and avoid candles in the bathroom- and throughout the house. Use battery-operated tea lights or flameless candles instead.
• Phone a friend. Put a landline phone extension in the bathroom or make a habit of taking your cell in each time you use the bathroom. This can offer you a lifeline if you happen to fall or need assistance.
• Avoid oils. When adding soaps and bath goodies to the tub, be careful. Don’t use oils or bath products that make the tub slippery later. This can be a recipe for disaster.
• Slow things down. Finally, take your time and slow down when preparing for, taking, and getting out of the tub. Don’t hurry to answer the phone or door. There is far less risk of falling when you take your time and are careful, particularly in slippery or damp bathrooms.

Talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility for more information and insight into making your bathroom a safer, more secure place to spend time in. Feel like a bath? Go ahead- use these tips to reduce the risk of a fall and to create a safer environment for seniors, those with physical disabilities, or anyone! Call to learn more today.

There are many things to consider before you purchase a stairlift, from the type of disability you have to the type of stairs in your home. You will also want to evaluate aspects such as insurance coverage, costs, and your budget to ensure you are happy with the outcome and your stairlift. Working with a mobility aid expert at a reputable vendor is the key to long-term satisfaction and success.

When it comes to buying a stairlift and mobility aids, you should take the time to weigh out your options and narrow your choices. There is a lot to consider when making these types of purchases, from how it will work in your home to how comfortable you are using it. Before you make a big decision like investing in a stairlift, first take the time to troubleshoot and brainstorm the best mobility solutions for you, your lifestyle, and your living situation.

Some things to consider before you purchase a stairlift include:

The Vendor

The right mobility vendor makes all the difference when buying equipment and stairlifts. In the Bay Area, talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility to find out more.

The Costs

Don’t be driven off by the costs of stairlifts; many times, much of the cost is covered by insurance. Take the time to talk to a qualified retailer first to find out what a lift actually costs, out of pocket.

Type of Stairs

Know that the type of stairs you are fitting with a lift matter, too. Curved stairways will cost a lot more than a simple straight stairway. While it is not impossible, it does take more time to install curved lifts. This should be another consideration in making your buying decision.

Condition

Buying new stairlifts is the preferred way to go, however, if you are going to go with a used device, only buy from a reputable company. A private party won’t offer the warranty and service needed- especially for second-hand equipment.

Rentals

So, does a rental make more sense for you? If you are temporarily disabled, rentals seem like a practical choice. Make sure that you rent from a company that will stand behind and services the equipment if you run into issues. Since these devices are used, there is room for issues that you may not anticipate; make sure that whoever you rent from is willing to help you out.

Mobility Level

The primary user’s level of mobility is also a consideration when buying a stairlift. It may be that the individual is unable to operate the equipment independently, or that they don’t require quite that much assistance. For these reasons, it seems logical to visit a site or vendor to see what options are available and how they are utilized. There could be a device or alternative that offers just enough support and assistance, without being burdensome or costly.

Weight Limit

Know that the typical weight limit for stairlifts is 300-pounds; if you need a stairlift with an expanded weight capacity, work with a mobility aids retailer that can special order and install these specialized devices. User recommendations for operation are generally the same as for the lower-limit lifts.

Brand & Model

If you are driven by brand-name, buy a lift made by a leader in the industry, like Bruno. These devices are widely recognized and widely sought-after due to their performance and longevity. Ask around and see what friends or family use and how satisfied they are with their device or aids. Sometimes, this word of mouth can be very insightful when making your own buying decisions for mobility equipment.

Added Options

There are a lot of extras and options when it comes to lifts, including the style and type of seat. Take a look online and figure out what will work best for you.

Service after the Sale

Certainly, a prime consideration of those buying stairlifts- or other mobility equipment- is the level of service and support after the sale. Sure, everyone is helpful when they are trying to get your money, but what about later? What if you have problems or difficulty with your device? Make sure that you are promised and provided with service after the sale, even if it costs a little bit more. If you lack help when things go askew, you may be sitting on a very expensive lemon.

Demonstrations

If it is at all feasible, it really can be an invaluable experience to visit a showroom; the time and effort is rewarded with comprehensive demonstrations and an insider’s look at the mobility aids available. If you are in or around the Bay Area, visit Pacific Mobility for thorough info and hands-on familiarity with a wide range of high-quality mobility brands. Visit our showroom; it will be worth the trip!

Take a lot of the worry and stress out of choosing the right equipment by working with the reputable professionals at Pacific Mobility; they can conduct a helpful needs assessment to make sure you get the best mobility aids and devices for your lifestyle. Let them demonstrate how a stairlift can change your life for the better; call to learn more today.