Jeff Conner

There are a lot of ways to increase accessibility and improve quality of life for those with physical limitations or mobility issues. Take advantage of these suggestions and clear the way with some accessibility tips you may not have thought of!

Did you know that over 2.2 million Americans rely on a wheelchair for mobility? In this country, there are many barriers and obstacles to access that impact everyday living and quality of life. Make your home or abode, apartment or dwelling, more accessible with simple tips to improve mobility and facilitate aging in place.

Some physical accessibility tips that may not have occurred to you include:

• When looking at access, it makes sense to start with your front door. How accessible is the entrance to your home? Most properties are fitted with doors that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but do you need a ramp? Make sure your entry is wide enough and that you have the exterior space needed to allow for a ramp or a more space-efficient vertical lift if need be.  After all, you need to be able to get in and out of the home.
• Assess and minimize any steps or raised thresholds around the home, such as in entries or to your yard or porch. Keep things as level as possible to prevent falls and make it more accommodating for scooters or wheelchairs. 
• Clear the way around your home and configure furniture to prevent obstacles that could cause accident or injury. Allow a 32-inch berth around your furnishings, like sofas and chairs, to provide ample room to traverse the space. Lift seats to aid in sitting and raise tables with coasters to ease in utility. 
• Consider making an investment in your autonomy with the installation of phones, alarm, and alert systems. These are particularly life-altering for those that live alone or that provide care for others.
• Maintain a pathway through the home that is around 36-inches wide, which will facilitate a wider range of mobility equipment and devices. This also leaves ample space for a 180-degree turn, as needed. 
• Improve and maintain lighting throughout the home. Consider remotes and switches to give you a hands-free way to control and monitor the light. Many falls could be prevented with adequate lighting; think about LED bulbs and fixtures for energy efficiency that requires little upkeep. 
• Upgrade tricky patio doors with simple-to-use sliders. 
• Think about how the doors in your home swing: do they swing in or out? Changing the direction and hinges is a simple way to add instant access. 
• Lever-style door handles are easier to use and less uncomfortable for individuals with arthritis. Use these both inside and outside the dwelling. 
• Have you considered investing in a stairway lift or vertical platform lift? These are not only helpful but quite necessary for full wheelchair accessibility. The best way to weigh and evaluate your options when it comes to a lift is to meet with a mobility expert that can demonstrate devices and provide concrete information.
• What is your flooring like? Hardwood floors are much easier for wheelchairs and scooters, though a low-pile rug can help with cooler climates. You may find that refurbishing the floors of your home makes a dramatic impact on your autonomy and accessibility; talk to a flooring contractor to find out more.
• Bathrooms can be a challenge for folks using mobility aids due to the sheer size of these often-smaller spaces. Talk to mobility experts about step-in showers and save the space typically used for a bathtub. Pick up a shower seat to make bathing easier and a toilet riser to prevent falls.
• Is it feasible to lower your kitchen countertops to make them easier to use? Reconfigure your cabinets so that your most-used items are underneath and think about pull-outs to make items even more accessible. If you use a wheelchair, modify your sink and appliances to make it convenient to use them regularly. 
• At the very least, pick up and install grab bars throughout your home. These simple aids, often called stability bars, make it a lot easier to navigate and get around the rooms of your home. Make sure that you hit the hot spots: bathroom, kitchen, and near your bed. Check the height to install them at a level that accommodates using them for balance during routine activities of daily living. 
• Take advantage of the latest in modern technology. There are some miraculous devices designed for the home that help you control all aspects, from appliances to temperature, from a touchpad. If you live with physical limitations, smart technology could be the answer to aging in place.  

Get more accessibility tips and advice from the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility;  the team is waiting to help, support, and assist you today!

Perhaps the biggest question that consumers have when considering stairlifts relates to whether their staircase will accommodate a lift safely. There are few scenarios that make it impossible to implement a lift and mobility experts and retailers can help you trouble-shoot challenges or concerns. Consider using best stairlift practices when dealing with small staircases to keep the user and others safe.

When it comes to implementing stairlifts, some consumers may wonder if their homes meet the eligibility requirements to accommodate these mobility aids and devices, primarily concerned about the size, shape, or width of their staircase.

Some other Stairlift questions include:

• Does the stairlift pose hazard or fall risk to others in the home when it is not in use?
• Can others safely walk past the lift on the risers?
• Is the staircase too narrow for a lift? Is it too small?
• Will a curved or bending staircase accommodate a stairlift?
• What are the lift options for outdoor staircases?

There are some sound stairlift practices that benefit those dealing with such situations, particularly when it comes to smaller staircases. Since you can’t make your stairs bigger overnight, what can you do to facilitate a stairlift? Keep the following tips in mind when weighing your options.

Safety for the User

In order for a stairlift to be safe, it obviously needs to fit the staircase and be installed by qualified mobility professionals. This is not the time to curb costs with second-hand equipment installed by a novice; your health and wellbeing may be at risk! Basically, the width of the staircase is the most important qualifier when it comes to installing a lift in the home. The safety issue impacts both the user and anyone who needs to use the stairs around the lift in the dwelling. Injuries can occur when passers-by hit their knees on the banister or trip over the track. Typically, the stairway must be at least 29-inches wide to accommodate a lift safely; there are some standing-style lifts that require less width but that may cost quite a bit more. Talk with a mobility aid expert and dealer to learn more and identify if your staircase fits the bill for a lift.

Safety for Others

Addressing the safety of others in the home is another issue worth considering before buying your lift. Where will the lift be parked when it is not being used? Will it be possible to safely walk the stairs around the lift and track? Usually, the chair for the lift is perched at the bottom of the stairs; imagine how this would be in your home. It will also be perched at the top of the stairs, level with your landing; do you see room around the landing to safely exit the lift? Talk to vendors about features that can make your lift even more space-efficient, including foldable seats, footrests, and arm-rests, which allow you to save space when the lift is not in use. Furthermore, this presents much less of an obstruction to others when you have limited space on your staircase. A problem may manifest when you have doors either at the foot or top of your stairway; the track and equipment could potentially pose as an obstacle and block access. This is a distinctive situation that merits a conversation with a qualified mobility expert. Don’t make assumptions based on what you have heard; times are changing and mobility aids and stairlifts have come a long way. They are far more versatile and consumer-friendly than they may have been a few years ago. The important thing to remember is safety and to rely on the expertise and knowledge of a qualified and reputable mobility aids vendor when making buying decisions.

Sensible Solutions

There are many sensible solutions through your mobility dealer that addresses and resolves these stairlift situations. From lifts that park behind the banister to foldable tracks that can be stowed when not in use, all stairlifts are not created equal. You might also find power hinged lifts that make it more convenient when there are non-lift users living in and using the same space. As for curves and bends, there is specific equipment to accommodate these unique staircases. Additionally, you will find custom features available to satisfy each and every user.

Think your staircase won’t accommodate a stairlift? Call our Mobility experts to learn more

Before ruling out the possibility of a life-changing stairlift in your home, talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; they are happy to discuss the parameters and requirements for lifts of varying sizes as well as other options to make everyday life more accessible. Don’t let mobility threaten your autonomy; visit a mobility aid dealer today.

A common question that mobility vendors hear is: Do you need special ramps for different types of wheelchairs? The answer is yes- and no. There are distinctive regulations guiding accessibility and ramps in common or public areas, which makes them standard of sorts, but there are vast differences among wheelchairs that do make some ramps more utilitarian or convenient than others. Talk to a mobility professional to learn more.

Among the many possible and potential mobility aids and devices, wheelchairs may be among the most common and most life-changing for the user. A wide range of individuals can use wheelchairs, from those with permanent paralysis to those temporarily recovering from an injury or procedure. Essentially, wheelchairs are designed to help support the weight of the user in the event they have poor balance or an inability to put weight on their legs. Wheelchairs are commonly prescribed for patients with both short- and long-term medical issues.

Things to Know About Wheelchairs

• Did you know that wheelchairs were invented around 1783? The earliest wheelchairs were usually made from wood with a bit of metal- and uncomfortable!
• If you need the narrowest of wheelchairs for your home or work, look for a transport wheelchair. These differ from regular wheelchairs as they have much-smaller, more-narrow wheels.
• Wheelchairs that are intended to leave the home, need to be lighter. Usually, this is achieved by decreasing the size of the battery, which can shorten battery life or reduce the power of the chair.
• The first electric wheelchairs were seen in the 1950s.
• Manual wheelchairs are considerably lighter than electric ones.
• There are also extra-wide wheelchairs available from mobility dealers and vendors. Typically, the sizes are standard, lightweight, and extra wide. Additionally, you may find child-size or pediatric chairs, too. Transport chairs fall into their own category.
• Some electric wheelchairs are quite fast, clocking speeds of over ten miles per hour!

If you are in the market for a wheelchair, consult with a qualified mobility aid dealer or vendor to find the right chair for your needs. Avoid buying used chairs that could be dated or dangerous, and that will not be covered by warranty or service agreement.

Things to Know About Ramps

• The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA asserts very specific guidelines for implementing ramps in public or common spaces. If others are using your ramp, make sure that it adheres to the law; a mobility aid dealer can help.
• Portable ramps are cheapest, often found under one hundred dollars.
• One ramp definitely does not fit all! The best ramp, rise, and slope depend on the size of the chair, size of user, and structure of your steps or incline. There are so many factors that play a role in determining the best fit; don’t go it alone! Talk to a qualified and professional mobility expert in your area to learn more about ramps available to you.
• Any sloping structures that have a rise greater than 1:20 are considered ramps, per ADA specifications.
• According to the law, ramps need level landings at the top and bottom.
• It is recommended that handrails are no taller than 28” from the surface of your ramp for assistance with wheelchairs.
• For every foot of your ramp, the slope of the ramp should be no steeper than one-inch, according to the ADA.

Wheelchairs and Ramps are both found in a wide range of widths. In fact, there are some built to fit in airplane or bus aisles! Make it a point to measure the width of the doors in your home- or workplace- before shopping for your chair, which will then determine the width of your ramps. Your mobility aid vendor will be happy to provide further information upon request, as well as advise you of your best options.

Want to know more about wheelchairs and ramps? Come see us today

To answer the question regarding ramps for different or distinct wheelchairs, the answer is not that simple. While there are different ramps made to be compatible with your chair, there are also universal standards for ramps put forth by the ADA, which makes them the legal guideline to follow.

Visit the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; learn more about wheelchairs and ramps for your home environment by visiting a mobility retailer in the area. Your first priority should always be safety, so make sure to follow the manufacturer recommendations pertaining to usage to keep the users safe and secure in the wheelchair and on your ramps. When shopping for mobility aids, always ask about service, support, and installation to make sure that your devices are properly and securely implemented, and that you fully understand how to use and operate the equipment when you get it home.

Observe and honor National Attitude Day in June this year and consider the ways that a positive attitude lends to and determines success. While mobility limitations and physical disabilities can present hurdles and challenges, the right attitude and perseverance can contribute to autonomy and aging in place, which are both common goals among older individuals as well as those living with mobility issues.

When it comes to dealing with life’s struggles, a positive attitude can increase success and pave the way for better outcomes. This extends to those living with physical impairments, illness, or disability; mobility aids and devices increase the ease and convenience of everyday living which can be an obstacle to life quality for many with physical disabilities. Even if you don’t think being more positive will help change your circumstances, it certainly can’t hurt. Positive thinking has been associated with elevated mood, improved sleep, and better immunity to illness and disease. Consider this the next time you are tempted to look at your situation cynically- try a bit of optimism instead. What do you have to lose?

Some ways that attitude helps to determine success include:

Autonomy

Believe that you can that is integral to fulfilling what needs to take place in order to achieve your goal. For instance, look at autonomy; autonomy and the ability to be independent may seem like a lofty goal for those living with serious medical compromise or complication. Do what needs to be done in order to live a more independent life, such as scaling down belongings, spending less money, accepting outside assistance, or using mobility aids and devices for accessibility. More on that last point later…

Aging in Place

Autonomy contributes to aging in place, a term used to describe meeting the individual where they are at and allowing them the ability to live out their life in their own home. Aging in place is important to seniors, particularly for a sense of security or sentimentality. The home that they live in may be well-equipped to meet their current needs as well as familiar to them. It may also be a link to the past, to family that is gone or loved ones that have passed. It is understood that those living their golden years on their own terms, in their own home may have an improved quality of life over those who are designated and charged with living life on someone else’s terms, such as in a long-term care facility or nursing home.

Health and Well-being

Positivity can be contagious, but did you know that it actually has healthful benefits on holistic well-being, too? By looking at life in a more positive framework, you can alleviate and rid yourself of stress that could be taking a toll on your overall health. Don’t worry about situations that you can not control or that don’t directly concern you. By reducing stress, worry, and duress, there are documented health advantages like lower blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke, improved social interaction, and better mood.

Open-Mindedness

Being positive may give you the confidence and curiosity to try new things and accept a more open-minded view of the world around you. For those living with physical challenges, limitations, or disabilities, this may include trying and adapting mobility aids and devices into their lifestyle. From grab-bars to stairlifts, and a whole range of equipment in between, sometimes the simplest augments and assistance can make the biggest difference. Many of these aids are designed to lower the risk of a nasty fall which can have debilitating, even fatal, consequences for seniors or those that already live with physical challenges. Falls are the number one hazard to watch out for among those over age 55; fall prevention efforts are crucial.

Acknowledgment

Start your new positive mindset out by honoring and paying tribute to National Attitude Day on June 5th, 2019; this day is set aside to laud and tout the many advantages and benefits of adopting a positive state of mind. This becomes even more critical when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, circumstances, or situations, which may at first seem like a losing battle. Know this: attitude is a key factor in overcoming obstacles of all kind. Don’t ever sell yourself short on improving your life’s current circumstances.  

Adopting a positive mindset is not to minimize or underestimate the severity or issues associated with physical disabilities and challenges, however, it is through positivity, growth, and a desire to make a change that can pave the way for improved quality of life and increased ease in everyday life.

Visit the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility to find the aids and tools needed to help you develop a can-do attitude. Our goal is to assist as you age in place and to facilitate autonomy and independence as much as possible. We believe a positive attitude can change lives and create positive outcomes; come let us share our optimism and love for what we do with you! Come talk to a mobility expert today.

Concerned about trying to use a stairlift with a wheelchair? Don’t be; some simple safety tips and stairlift tips for wheelchair users make it easy and life-altering to use the two mobility aids in unison. In fact, aging in place may rely on numerous mobility devices that increase accessibility and improve safety to preserve autonomy as we age.

Make the most of your wheelchair by implementing a stairlift in homes, businesses, or environments that could use one. Using mobility aids and devices enhances your access in daily living, which contributes to making your more independent and autonomous. Age in place with the latest in mobility aids and equipment from local vendors and merchants.

Stairlifts and Wheelchairs

Do you use a wheelchair? Some advantages and benefits of installing a stairlift include:

• Convenience is enhanced with a stairlift to get you from one level of the home to another.
• Safety is a must, so make sure that you follow the user guidelines for the stairlift to the letter.
• Flexibility is ensured when you consider lifts around the home. You are no longer restricted to one level!
• Cost is more reasonable than you may think; you may also have some rental options, available.
• Efficiency is increased when you are able to use your lift and wheelchair, collaboratively.
• Accessibility around the home is unlimited!
• Autonomy and independence are preserved when you are able to age in place and stay in your own home.

The benefits of integrating a stairlift into the home are plenty- what are you waiting for? If you are concerned about costs or insurance coverages, talk more to your retailer about pragmatic options for your budget.

Safety Tips and Tactics

Naturally, you want to stay safe. There is no reason why you can’t use a wheelchair and a stairlift in conjunction to make your home more accessible and convenient. Pay attention to basic safety tips to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage to either your lift or the wheelchair:

• Use the seat belt. Even though the ride on your lift is brief, wear the safety seat belt. It is there for a reason: your personal safety
• Keep kids off. Don’t allow children to play on or around your stairlift and don’t permit them to use the device without adult supervision. If the primary user of the lift is a child, talk to vendors about specialized children’s stairlifts come with additional safety features
• Fold the seat after each use. The seat on your stairlift will fold into itself; make sure to return the seat to this inactive position after use. This will prevent people from bumping into it or damaging the lift when it is not in use
• Use the sensors. Sensors will alert you when something is blocking the path of your stairlift; make sure that you use and frequently check these features. Always try to remove pets, kids, or objects from your path, but utilize sensors every time you use your lift to be safe
• Keep clothing and garments snug. Don’t wear or transport loose, flowy items on your lift. This would include long blankets, long dresses, wide legged pants, long scarves, or any item that could potentially get caught in the stairlift mechanism, compromising the equipment and your safety. Keep clothing snug and any cargo within the confines of your lap.
• Liquids can do damage. Liquids are the natural enemies of your electronic stairlift! Don’t drink or transport liquids (without lids!) on or around the stairlift. This cannot be emphasized enough.
• Use the lift for one person at a time. Your lift is not intended to carry multiple people, plus there are concrete weight limits for each distinct stairlift. Follow and pay attention to these manufacturer restrictions at all times and refer to your owner’s manual for further information pertaining to these limits.
• Arrange for annual maintenance. Plan on annual maintenance and inspections for your lift to keep it working smoothly. If you notice any issues or problems, contact your vendor right away for service and support.  Maintaining your lift is often mandated to keep your owner’s warranty active.

Always read manufacturer recommendations and stick to what they suggest for safe operating techniques and suggestions. Each device and aid is different, so talk to your vendor to find distinctions that could make a difference in your own lifestyle.

Thinking about a stairlift? Talk to us today about mobility solutions.

Call us today at Pacific Mobility to learn more about aging in place and safety. Let us demonstrate how you can use a stairlift safely, with or without a wheelchair. We look forward to helping you discover the best mobility aids and devices to support your autonomy, and that make everyday living a lot more convenient.

Do you know how to properly rise from a seated position? Surprisingly, many do not and risk taking a nasty, even debilitating, fall. There is a right way to rise, stand, and sit that can decrease your risk of a fall and preserve your overall quality of life; also, pay attention to tips that can foster fall reduction in the home.

If you have an existing disability or limitation, you know how debilitating a fall can be. Many seniors that fall never fully recover and many more die from their injuries. Reduce falls of any kind with mobility aids and devices– and learn more about the right way to rise, stand, and sit to decrease your risk of injury.

Here’s how to properly rise from a seated position

• Consider the chair. A lot of the problem when standing or sitting could be your chair: how is your chair? Invest in a sturdy chair with a firm seat and armrests that can support your weight. Check to make sure that it won’t tip too easily, too.
• Keep things moving. When you are seated, try flexing your calf and ankle muscles to keep them limber for when you stand. Practice marching in a seated position by holding on to the armrests and raising, then lowering, your feet. This will help make it easier when you do stand up.
• Stay centered. Always keep your feet between your hips, under your body’s center of gravity. Shift or lean until you are at the edge of the seat and push yourself up with your arms, supported on the arms of the chair. When sitting down, back up to the chair until your calves touch the chair before sitting. Be patient and go slowly to prevent a fall.
• Invest in a lift-chair. Life- and standing or sitting- will be a lot easier with a recliner or lift-chair. These quality chairs often use a remote with controls over the height and position of the seat, making it easier to sit and stand. Talk to your provider and a mobility dealer near you to learn more.

Pay a visit to your doctor to rule out underlying conditions that could be impacting your mobility and ability to stand or sit. Some temporary issues like recuperating from surgery could impact you, though it makes the most sense to see a provider to rule out chronic conditions that may require additional treatment interventions.

Exercise is integral for aging-in-place

Staying active is key in aging healthfully; there is simply no way around it. Maintaining flexibility and range of motion through regular activity can help you sit and stand with ease throughout the lifespan. For instance, walking is a great low-impact exercise for seniors or anyone with physical limitations. Remember that a regular routine of suitable exercise can improve your situation significantly, regardless of your current fitness level.

Try these fall reduction tips to help: 

• Improve lighting. How is the lighting in your home? Improve any dim spots and upgrade to convenient remotes and switches that allow for ease when illuminating all the areas of the home. This will go a long way toward reducing the risk of a fall.
• Remain empty-handed. Always make sure that your hands are empty when getting up and down from a chair or bed. Trying to hold things, like dishes or books, can throw your balance off, plus it eliminates having your hands free to help steady yourself.
• De-clutter your space. Don’t risk tripping over stuff that is taking up space in the home. De-clutter your home and remove potential hazards and obstacles.
• Make floors safer. Make sure the surfaces throughout your home are not slippery and invest in some slip-proof mats, rugs, or pads to pave a pathway through the areas of the abode that you use most.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom. Go ahead and install grab-bars in the bathroom. Bathrooms are the area of the home most prone to accidental falls, partly due to the wet surfaces. Keep yourself safe with something to hold on to.
• Wear sensible shoes. Always wear non-slip shoes or slippers, and never go barefoot or stocking-footed in the home. It is far too easy to slip and fall under these conditions. Can’t live without your fuzzy socks? Buy the kind that has non-slip rubber soles.
• Avoid clothing that can trip you up. Try to avoid wearing loose clothing or items that could fetch up on furniture or fixtures around the home. The fabric can become twisted or snag, contributing to the risk of a fall.
• Keep track of pets. Don’t let your pets trip you up; keep pets out from underfoot. Outfit dogs and cats with collars that have small bells attached so you can hear them when they approach.

Pacific Mobility offers consumers a wide range of mobility aids and devices that improve accessibility- as well as quality of life. Make the decision to live life to the fullest and increase the access that you have around your home environment; call us today.

Don’t let chronic disease or disability impact your overall quality of life; take joy in the simple things that bring you pleasure. Reach out for assistance with accessibility issues, which can improve autonomy and simply make your everyday living easier and utilize some other tips that will help you live your very-best life.

Is something holding you back from living your best life? If you struggle with a chronic illness or physical disability, perhaps access is the issue. Know that there are solutions that can preserve autonomy and protect the lifestyle that you want to live, including mobility aids. There are other simple solutions that may improve everyday living and make it a lot easier on you, too.

What are you waiting for? Decide to live your best life despite chronic illness with these tips:

Prioritize a good night’s sleep. Make rest a priority in your life. Sleep is recuperative, particularly if you have a chronic illness or compromised immune system. Study up on sleep hygiene and create a restful sanctuary for getting your best night’s sleep. Some tips to prevent sleep disturbances include the following advice:

• Watch your caffeine intake during the day.
• Install white noise to drown out distractions, like a fan or sound machine.
• Avoid food a couple hours before bed which will prevent digestion issues when you are trying to sleep.
• Limit naps during the day.
• Only use your bedroom for sleep, if possible. Don’t let it become a mecca for productivity or place where others feel welcome when you want it to be a serene sanctuary for sleep.
• Keep your bedroom tidy and uncluttered can help avoid nagging thoughts as you rest.

Use these tips and put effort into creating a bedroom that is relaxing and calm, rather than a catchall for clutter or place where you work.

Use available resources. Don’t be afraid to accept a little bit of help with everyday tasks. Consider mobility aids for accessibility and autonomy. Sometimes simple implements, like a cane or grab bar, can prevent a nasty, debilitating fall around the house.

Communicate honestly. Don’t waste time being passive-aggressive or beating around the bush: communicate honestly and openly with those around you. Tell others what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. It is as simple as that!

Take care of yourself. Self-care is key when living with a chronic illness or disability. Don’t overdo and risk complications; take your time and know your limits, both physically and emotionally.

Be open-minded. Try to be open to new schools of thought and other opinions, when it comes to your own life as well as other issues. Demonstrate your perspective in lively discussion or debate, but don’t let it make you angry, bitter, or blue.

Live mindfully. Do you live mindfully? Try to live in the present, not dwelling on the aspects that brought you here nor speculating on what might come tomorrow or the next day. When you ruminate about the past or future, you are not fully-experiencing the present. Live your life to its fullest by living mindfully.

Share what you have. Think about it: you really are lucky in so many ways. Go ahead and share your gifts with others whenever possible and try to be of service to others. It really makes a big difference in the overall quality of life and your sense of purpose.

Fuel your body right. Spend a little bit more to put quality fuel in your body. Buy organic foods that are devoid of nasty pesticides and look for whole foods from farmer’s markets and roadside stands during warmer weather. Treat yourself to cooked meals, if you are able, instead of processed or fast foods.

Spend time with animals. It has been proven time and time again that spending time with companion animals can be therapeutic. Make a point to interact with animals, pet a cat, play with a puppy, or observe an aquarium, as often as possible. Talk to care providers whether you may be eligible for an emotional support or service pet.

Enjoy simple pleasures. Indulge and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like a cold drink or a long afternoon nap. Buy yourself flowers or spend the afternoon reading a good book. Treat yourself to moments that may have a recuperative effect on your health

Keep an eye out for joy. Look for the joy in simple, even mundane elements of everyday life. Try to be optimistic and consider there are many worse off than you; the power of positive thinking is a very real phenomenon. Nobody will find joy for you so seek it out every chance you get.

Talk to supports and caregivers for assistance in implementing these suggestions that can help you live a better life and visit retailers that can provide products and tools that make you more independent and autonomous.

Let us help. For mobility aids and solutions, visit Pacific Mobility; we look forward to providing you with suggestions and devices that will improve your quality of life.

Make May the time to recognize and appreciate military service members widely; in fact, May is National Military Appreciation Month and is celebrated in a variety of ways and observations. Do something for a service member to honor the military this May, including assisting a disabled or physically-limited veteran. Consider the history of this observance and recognize the sacrifices made.

National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) is celebrated each May, coinciding with other observances that fall in the month, including Memorial Day. The meaning behind the event is to encourage Americans to unite to honor current and former members of the US Armed Forces and to salute those that sacrificed their lives for this country. Participate by helping out a service member with a ride to an appointment, a conversation, or assistance with autonomy, such as providing mobility aids to improve quality of life.

How will you celebrate Military Appreciation Month in May this year?

History of NMAM

Start with a little bit of history about this event: Military Appreciation Month was conceived in 1999 by Senator John McCain who presented legislation to deem the month of May as a tribute to the National Military. Both the House and Senate approved this observance to recognize members of the military and urge all Americans to do the same.

NMAM Observances

National Military Appreciation Month is more than a mere celebration; it is a series of coordinated observances and national holidays. Widely, folks gather to pay homage to service personnel both past and current, which often manifests in parades, picnics, parties, and charitable events. Some perks offered during Military Appreciation Month often include store discounts and free admission to sporting events, among other things.

Presidential Proclamation

The president is called upon during NMAM to remind his fellow Americans of this observance and to urge others to pay tribute to those that have served in the armed forces. The president may make a public address to highlight some of the important roles that the military has played throughout history and to acknowledge the sacrifices associated with service. There is little dispute that without the Armed Forces, our nation would not be united, developed, and free.

During NMAM, try to do something to honor the six separate occasions that are key during the month of May. This month is noted for honoring the military’s accomplishments and victories, including Memorial Day and Loyalty Day. Other noteworthy days during May include ‘Victory in Europe Day’ commemorating the end of WWII in Europe and the ‘Children of Fallen Patriots Day.’ More recently, the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011 is also memorialized during the May remembrance of NMAM. You can see how National Military Appreciation Month is not a solitary event, but rather a coordination of six different recognitions that emphasize the contributions of those who have fought for our freedom.

Accessibility and Autonomy

At the very least, veterans and disabled Americans are entitled to access and accessibility to their homes and workplaces, which may be supported through mobility aids and devices. Whether a little bit of support in the tub or shower would help or if you need help getting in and out of the home, there are many different devices to perfectly suit your needs. Some examples include:

• Lifts.
• Scooters or chairs.
• Reaching tools or grab bars.
• Toilet chairs and shower seats.
• Ramps.

Talk to your provider to learn more about your options and visit mobility aids dealers to try and demonstrate the latest products to support your independence.

How will you observe Military Appreciation Month this year? We have some ideas. 

Now that you know more about Military Appreciation Month in May, how will you honor those that do or have served? Support a veteran in making their life easier through accessibility and help them garner the resources, equipment, and mobility aids needed.

Pacific Mobility proudly supports our military and is available to assist with mobility aids that can increase independence and that support aging in place for our veterans. If you have served or if you are an active member of the military, please accept our gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices made. You are what this great country is all about.