Jeff Conner

Immobility carries risks you may not be aware of, including a wide range of serious issues including blood clots, ulcers, pneumonia, and depression. Increase your mobility and improve overall health and well-being with aids and equipment that provide an enhanced range of motion.

If there is even the slightest chance that mobility aids and equipment can improve mobility for the user, it is worth exploring. A comprehensive assessment will identify the most prudent approaches to increasing mobility and autonomy, which carries health advantages, too.

Immobility Carries Risks You May Not Be Aware Of

There is more to immobility than a lack of access or loss of independence. Immobility can wreak havoc on your body’s organs, systems, and functions that can lead to a serious medical issue, even death.

Some of the risks of being immobile include:

• Bed Sores. When immobile, blood pools in parts of the body creating pressure sores and ulcers. These wounds always present the risk of infection, which can be deadly.
• Blood clots. Immobility increases the risk of a blood clot; when a clot forms, it travels. If it goes to a major organ, you run the risk of death.
• Muscle spasms. Limited range of motion sets the stage for hardening of muscles and contractures. This is sometimes called atrophy and can be extremely painful.
• Deformity. The stiffness and hardening of muscles that are not being used and that are becoming atrophied can cause physical deformity.
• Pneumonia. A perhaps unexpected repercussion of immobility is pneumonia, which can be devastating for anyone, particularly the elderly or someone with a compromised immune system. Respiratory issues are common among those that are confined to bed.
• Constipation. Immobility can cause issues with regularity causing constipation and discomfort.
• Cardiovascular issues. With immobility comes cardiovascular risks; the swelling and edema accompanying limited movement create more work for the heart. This can lead to heart attack in some instances.
• Urinary tract and bladder infections. Another potential problem with immobility is the risk of contracting urinary and bladder infections. In fact, UTIs are very common among those that don’t toilet independently.
• Depression. It should come as no surprise that immobility can erode spirits and mood. Depression is a common repercussion.
• Sleep issues. Oddly enough, immobility may impact sleep and sleep hygiene causing reverse cycling. This results in staying up all night and sleeping all day, which over time, may contribute to mood disorder and exacerbate depression.
• Disorientation. Immobility and social isolation can, over time, cause symptoms that resemble delirium or dementia. There is a disorientation that accompanies being confined to a bed, chair, or home – day in, day out.
• Nausea, gas, and indigestion. Since a lack of mobility affects your metabolism, it is not unusual for immobile patients to experience nausea, gas, and indigestion. This may lead to a restrictive diet in order to combat these symptoms.
• Chronic pain. Pain is an unfortunate result of immobility; chronic pain may be managed with medications or physical therapy, though it may not be completely alleviated. Talk to your physician about your pain and be honest: managing your pain will improve mental clarity and mood, enhancing overall well-being.

Lifts and chairs may help increase mobility; talk to your medical provider to garner more information pertaining to your condition to determine if these aids are right for you.

Increase mobility and improve overall health.

Depending on the nature of your limitation or disability, there are numerous aids that can increase and enhance movement and motion. Some potential solutions include lifts, ramps, scooters, chairs, and more; talk to a mobility expert to glean more about what is best suited for you.

Have a mobility assessment today.

The first step to preventing these potential health hazards is to improve mobility with a thorough and comprehensive assessment of your needs. This involves sitting down or talking with a mobility expert in the area. Be wary of retailers that want to sell you devices without carefully evaluating your situation, preferences, and environment; it likely will cost you more in the long run. Seek out a mobility professional in the region that has a firm reputation of providing customer service and support, while also offering quality equipment and aids to the consumer. Make sure that you ask about installation, as many mobility devices should only be installed by a professional in the field.

Ready to reduce the risks that come from immobility? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility; they stand behind the products that they provide to their patrons, and they offer a gamut of mobility solutions that are customized to your needs. Don’t let a mobility limitation or issue jeopardize your health and well-being further; regain your independence today.

Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges involves a thorough assessment of needs and unique mobility solutions to preserve autonomy and improve quality of life. Pay homage to a veteran this November 11th for Veterans Day.

Veterans face distinct challenges, particularly if they live with mobility issues and disabilities that can impact and even jeopardize their autonomy and independence. If you or someone you love is a veteran, mobility experts encourage that you make Veterans Day, on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, a time to reevaluate needs and look at solutions that improve the overall quality of everyday life.

Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges on Veterans Day on November 11th

Pay homage on Veterans Day on November 11th this year by assessing and honoring someone who has served. For many veterans, care and attention to special needs can be life changing and something that may be found with scooters, lifts, and aids that increase access and preserve autonomy. Don’t forget to also thank service personnel on Silver Star Banner day in May, which is another time set aside to commemorate those that have been wounded, ill, and injured while serving their country.

It does merit a closer look at some of the hurdles and challenges when assisting this often-underserved demographic. Some of the inherent obstacles in providing access and assistance to veterans include the following:

The Sheer Numbers

Maybe the biggest issue presenting to those wanting to help veterans is the sheer number; the number of disabled veterans has jumped by 25 percent since 2001 to around 2.9 million. This is a large population with very diverse and distinctive needs that simply are not being met by the VA hospitals and crowded clinics that are reserved for this demographic. Furthermore, this figure by no means represents all veterans that are struggling with limitations, disabilities, or issues that may not manifest in physical symptoms and therefore could be overlooked. War takes a toll on the individual’s physical well-being but also affects, impacts, and compromises mental health, too, which is easier to conceal and harder to diagnose.

A Lack of Resources

There is simply a lack of access to health care, transportation, and financial resources for veterans. As mentioned, the numbers make it difficult to receive help but also assistance may be further away for those who need it the most. Rural veterans and those trying to maintain a home may not be able to visit health care settings when needed and could fall off the radar of those attempting to intervene. Accessibility remains a hurdle for many living with physical limitations and mobility issues widely, including non-veterans.

The Stigma

There is a stigma associated with reaching out for help; early war veterans didn’t give credence to their disabilities when returning home due to stereotypes and fear of being perceived as weak. In light of more recent wars, veterans are returning home with complex conditions that impact everyday living, requiring assistance and intervention. The stigma of being wounded prevents many from reaching out, therefore depriving themselves of the aids, equipment, and treatment that could improve the quality of their everyday life.

How can you help? There are many ways

Wondering how you can help? It may be something as simple as helping veterans with a ride or a simple chore. If you really want to do something that will have positive repercussions on life quality for a veteran, assist them in getting mobility aids to improve access and autonomy in their home. This Veterans Day, on November 11th, 2018, is an opportunity to take time and accompany a veteran to an initial consultation with mobility experts in the area. Find out what types of aids could make the home safer or easier to navigate for the individual through innovative and inventive devices, including stairlifts, mobility scooters, grab-bars, and more.

Help a veteran access mobility aids with an assessment today

A thorough and comprehensive assessment is the first step toward creating a life that is more autonomous and less-restrictive when living with a mobility challenge or disability. Why wait? Preserve the life that you love today with mobility solutions to fit your life, your needs, and your budget. Love someone who is a veteran? Help a veteran overcome a mobility challenge, obstacle, or hurdle this month in honor of Veterans Day.

Are you living with a mobility issue or physical disability? There is no better time than the present to pinpoint the best approach to making life easier, more accessible, and convenient. If you or someone that you care about is a veteran of the armed forces, honor them by preserving independence and freedom with mobility aids that make everyday living easier. A comprehensive assessment is the first step that mobility experts will take to determine the best solutions for you; from grab-bars to stair-lifts, veterans – and anyone with physical limitations – deserve the very best in mobility aids now.

Only you know what your needs are when it comes to mobility and access around the home. Which bathroom accessibility aids best meet your unique needs? Visit a reputable and qualified mobility dealer for a thorough needs assessment to find the most practical aids and equipment for your home.

Did you know that the bathroom is considered one of the most dangerous areas of the home? This is partly due to the number of slips and falls that occur annually, especially among seniors and those with physical limitations or mobility issues. There are ways to increase safety and reduce the risk of a fall in your home and bathroom, specifically, including mobility aids that increase access and independence.

Which Bathroom Accessibility Aids Best Meet Your Unique Needs?

Take time to think about this question carefully and be realistic when evaluating your home for potential mobility upgrades. Also, take future needs into account when looking to purchase mobility aids and devices for your home environment; if your condition is chronic, you may want to invest in devices that will provide increased support over time, however, if you are recovering from an injury or short-term rehabilitation, you may not choose devices that are installed to become part of your home surroundings.

Some accessibility aids to consider for your home’s bathroom include:

Shower Seats

A shower seat is a small way to provide a lot of security in the bathroom; these seats enable many individuals the stability to perform ADLs (activities of daily living) on their own, enjoying freedom and autonomy. There are many different shower seats to accommodate individuals with a range of physical limitations and mobility issues; talk to a qualified mobility vendor to learn more and view specific seats.

Lifts

Depending on the nature of your limitation or disability, you may want to consider installing a lift in your home. Free-standing lifts enable consumers that are unable to use lower extremities the ability to get up and down for ADLs, including bathing and dressing. stairlifts make bathrooms upstairs accessible for those that have difficulty navigating steps or risers. There are many different styles of lifts to make your home more accessible, so visit a licensed dealer for a demonstration.

Shower Aids

To reduce fall risk and reduce transfers to and from the bathroom, consider the useful and versatile Shower-Buddy systems from mobility dealers in the area. These devices prevent slip hazards in bathrooms and reduce the incidence of injury to caregivers providing transfer or transport for those with a physical disability. These devices also allow consumers to maintain a sense of privacy as they complete ADLs.

Commodes

Prevent injury that occurs from a too-low commode; raise the toilet to make the transfer a lot easier and gentler for those with physical disabilities or limitation. Dropping to the standard toilet height can hurt; especially for someone who is thin or frail; raising the toilet can prevent fear and apprehension of using the bathroom without assistance.

Grab Bars

An inexpensive and practical option is to install grab bars around the bathroom of your home. Consider placing them near fixtures and features that get utilized regularly, including the toilet, shower, sink, vanity, and door.

There are many other ways to increase and enhance the accessibility factor of your bathroom beyond these devices. Talk to a mobility expert for more insight into simple adjustments and modifications that can have a great impact on everyday convenience and autonomy.

Some other ideas to increase access in the bathroom are:

• Install electric door openers for your bathroom – or other high-traffic areas of the home.
• Consider widening doorways and thresholds; doorways need to be at least 36” wide but not more than 48” wide to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
• Whether your mobility issue is due to a temporary injury or a chronic health condition, ramps are an inexpensive way to boost the accessibility of your home.
• Talk to a contractor about adjusting the height of vanities in the bathroom. It is common to lower the height for individuals that rely on wheelchairs around their home.

Think outside the box and consider your everyday routine to pinpoint the specific areas of your distinct bathroom that need modification and that will suit you best.

Assess your bathroom with accessibility and convenience in mind

Take a good look around your bathroom and pay special attention to areas that could pose hurdles for those with mobility issues; does it pass the test? Don’t compromise your safety, convenience, and autonomy with a bathroom that presents fall risks or access issues. Invest in solutions to increase your access and autonomy around your own home.

It is estimated that most falls in the home occur in the bathroom; how does your bathroom compare to those adapted for individuals with mobility issues? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to find the right solutions, aids, and devices to update and enhance your current bathroom. Modifying common areas of the home, especially the bathroom, is an investment in both your home or dwelling and your own independence if you live with mobility issues or disabilities.

The time to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care on mobility and other physical disabilities is now; National Chiropractic Health Month in October promotes moving more and learning about the ways chiropractic treatment works. Talk to your providers about how to introduce and implement chiropractic care into your lifestyle to improve mobility and preserve autonomy.

As fall approaches, do you find issues with mobility and access? When looking for solutions to accessibility issues, make time to talk with mobility experts; however, when considering your options for improving overall health that could be contributing to physical limitations, consider consulting with a chiropractor. It is estimated that around 22-million Americans seek chiropractic treatment or adjustments each year. Talk to your provider or physician about incorporating chiropractic care into your healthcare regimen.

National Chiropractic Health Month in October

What better time than National Chiropractic Health Month, in October, to learn more about whether you are a candidate for chiropractic treatment. This national observance is a time to encourage the public to move more and preserve their musculoskeletal health and well-being. Through workshops, seminars, and demonstrations, chiropractors hope to share the many health advantages of chiropractic care. In the event of an injury, chiropractic treatment contributes to a regimen that is conducive to healing and recovery for patients of all ages.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care on Mobility

For chiropractic patients that have mobility issues or physical limitations, the advantages are multi-fold. Chiropractic care shows great promise at effectively increasing range of motion among these clients, while potentially reducing the need and dependence on pharmaceuticals. Since many prescription pain medications have severe side-effects and the potential for dependence, chiropractic care could be an integral element of a holistic and healthful treatment regimen.

Some benefits of chiropractic care on mobility are:

• Speeds recovery of sports-related injuries. Chiropractic care assists with athletic injury, helping sports-related injuries heal much faster. Without physical therapy and chiropractic follow-up, muscular injuries can cause prolonged issues, particularly for seniors. Stay active but treat your injuries with chiropractic aftercare.
• Promotes moving and mobility. Movement is an integral component of overall health and wellness. It is imperative for you to monitor and protect the health of bones and muscles as you get older; this will ward-off potential falls, helping maintain balance and mobility. Regular activity also helps reduce the severity and frequency of joint, back, or muscle pain.
• Lowers inflammation. One of the main objectives of chiropractic treatment is to lower inflammation in your muscles and joints, which helps to repair and restore the body faster. When the swelling goes down, it is easier to move and recover from your injury or affliction.
• Reduces stress and tension. Regular chiropractic care lowers stress and muscle tension throughout the body.
• Alleviates back pain. Back pain is purported to be one of the most common and debilitating conditions that you can have; the purpose of chiropractic care in many cases is to manipulate the spine with a variety of techniques and keep your musculoskeletal system moving.
• Improves breathing. Regular chiropractic treatment improves respiratory health and also provides insight into deep-breathing techniques.
• Relieves headaches. Chiropractic care helps reduce headaches, including migraines and tension or stress-related headache pain.
• Lowers blood pressure. Chiropractic care lowers overall blood pressure – especially important for seniors.
• Boosts immunity. Chiropractic treatment boosts immunities, which helps to fend-off illnesses. Seniors, in particular, are at risk of picking up illness which can have debilitating impacts on independence and life quality.
• Prevents digestion issues. If you suffer from acid reflux, chiropractic treatment combats indigestion and heartburn.
• Helps pulmonary function. Chiropractic adjustments can improve pulmonary function and promotes good heart health. This is beneficial for chiropractic patients of all ages!
• Increases energy. Did you know that chiropractic treatments boost energy? This is a great way to battle fatigue, which has serious health repercussions. Besides, who doesn’t want to feel alert and energized?

Chiropractic treatment is lauded for reducing pain, particularly back, neck, and sciatica pain. Subsequently, this may foster more movement and rehabilitation, while reducing the need for medications. This sets up a scenario that promotes healing and hastens recovery.

Things to Know About Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic medicine first emerged around 120 years ago, but it has only been embraced for the last 30-plus years. It is no longer difficult to find a qualified chiropractor widely in the United States, and there are likely practitioners in your region. Know that after your first chiropractic appointment or adjustment, you may feel some soreness initially; don’t worry. This should alleviate and lessen in a couple days; if it persists, talk to your chiropractor about discontinuing or delaying treatment.

Don’t live another day struggling with mobility issues and physical limitations that impact your overall quality of life. Talk to your physician about how chiropractic care could help your condition and reach out to the mobility experts in the area for equipment and aids to make every-day living much easier and more accessible.

Take an honest look and consider your lifestyle before purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Being practical and assessing how you live each day will pinpoint the best aid for you – which makes the most cost-sense, too. Whether you are an athlete recovering from an injury or a senior with mobility issues, choose your wheelchair or mobility scooter with the service and assistance of a mobility professional.

Are you in the market for a scooter or wheelchair? When it comes to mobility aids, one size doesn’t fit all. That is, distinct lifestyle differences and differentiations make wheelchairs or scooters a better option for you. It also pays to think about your living situation in terms of storage, access, and room to move about when looking for mobility aids intended to make life more convenient.

Carefully consider your lifestyle before purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter

Everyone’s daily routine is different. Some may have limitations or disabilities that leave them house-bound, while others may lead active lives and be recovering from a short-term injury. With this in mind, there are some compelling reasons why a wheelchair may make the most sense for one client, while a scooter is better-suited to another consumer. Allow yourself to imagine what everyday living is like now and what it might be like with the enhanced access provided by a wheelchair or scooter.

Some questions to ask yourself when making your purchase decision are:

Are you active? If you don’t want your injury or disability to slow you down from an active lifestyle, mobility aids make sense. A wheelchair will allow you more freedom though also requires more upper-body strength. A scooter could feel restrictive in some situations or when navigating in small spaces. Plus, you will be getting physical activity during your use of a wheelchair that combats muscle atrophy.

Are you sedentary? If you have other medical issues or concerns, you may simply not have the strength to manually operate a conventional wheelchair. This may make scooters the most practical choice to increase your access and mobility. Another possible route is a power-chair; talk to your mobility dealer for more information and a demonstration of power electric wheelchairs.

What is the nature of your disability? Something else to take into account is the nature o your disability or limitation; are you recovering from an illness or injury? Is your condition chronic or progressive? Realistically, could your needs increase later-on? If you may need prolonged or longer-term mobility assistance, go for the aid that will grow with you; in many instances, this is a high-quality scooter. Scooters have power and versatility that can have practical use for years; plus, many vendors will consider trade-ins or rentals for their valued customers.

Are you up for adventurer? Do you go where the mood strikes you? If you are always up for an adventure, optimize your mobility with the right aid. A manual wheelchair may hinder you unless you are fairly active, and a scooter could be the best vehicle for your unpredictable lifestyle. Either way, make sure that you speak with mobility sales professionals about battery life and chargers for reliable and spontaneous use.

Are you a home-body? You may want to keep things simple if you are a home-body, but you may benefit from the technological advances of power chairs and scooters. Consider the home’s layout, size, and configuration to determine the best choice to have ready-access to your favorite spaces.

Are there places you dream of going? If you have a lot of places left to explore, consider the flexibility and versatility of a high-quality wheelchair. Even if this is something that you keep in your vehicle for getaways and travels, a wheelchair is a prudent investment to make. You may choose a sleeker style chair, such as a transport chair, for these situations while choosing something else to enhance mobility in the home, like a second chair or scooter.

Ask yourself these questions and take a good look around at your living situation; look for obstacles and challenges that could arise in a wheelchair or scooter. Do you live on one-level? Is the terrain outside your door rocky? What about steps and stairs? Consider how you will combat and conquer these areas when you bring home your mobility device. Talk to your vendor about additional options, like lifts or ramps, for prolonged or long-term situations.

Only buy wheelchairs and scooters from qualified mobility professionals

Regardless of your choice – wheelchairs or scooters- only buy from qualified mobility professionals that offer service and support, after the sale. Make sure that your seller is interested in how your needs will be met and not simply focused on making a sale; you may need the service, support, and assistance of your vendor later, so shop with this in mind.

Whether your mobility needs are for short-term recovery or long-term rehabilitation, make an informed decision when shopping for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Talk to experts in mobility aids to evaluate your distinct needs and preferences – and to find the device that is most suited to your lifestyle. From temporary conditions to progressive health issues, talk to a mobility professional in the region for more information and options that will preserve your quality of life and maintain your independence.

Did you know that massage offers many benefits for improved mobility? Massage is a holistic health approach with many documented advantages; talk to your provider about incorporating this therapeutic practice into your healthcare regimen.

Massage involves applying various techniques and touch to both the soft tissue and muscle-system of your body. For individuals living with physical limitations, mobility issues, or injuries, massage can be an integral and invaluable resource as you rehabilitate, repair, and recover. Consider implementing both mobility aids and equipment from Pacific Mobility as well as massage therapy, into your health and wellness regimen.

Massage offers many benefits for improved mobility

It is estimated that there are over 200 different types of massage used in treatment, therapy, and practice. The variation lies in the technique, including compression, kneading, tapping, rocking, pressure, and friction; talk to your therapist about products, like oils, that can reduce the impact of friction on your skin during the massage treatment.

Some of the benefits of massage include:

• Improved sleep quality, less fatigue, and more energy. Massage can help fend-off restlessness that impacts overall sleep.
• Better concentration and focus. Massage seems to stimulate the senses and increase your ability to focus, which could indicate cognitive benefits.
• Stimulation of lymphatic system, which results in better immunity and defenses against illness. This is particularly relevant for seniors as illness can quickly impact and compromise their overall health and lifestyle.
• Healthier skin, which happens to be your body’s largest organ. The massaged skin has healthy blood-flow, which gives it a rosy, healthy glow. If you have massage therapy regularly, you will likely get compliments on your skin’s appearance and texture.
• Improved flexibility in your joints. Another advantage for anyone with physical injury or disability is the increased flexibility that massage provides. This improved joint movement can also go a long way toward reducing the risk of a fall and subsequent, severe injury.
• Reduced anxiety, decreased depression, and improved mood. Massage helps with mood. It simply makes you feel good!
• Helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks by facilitating tissue growth and regeneration. Since massage directly impacts your skin, it has great efficacy in improving the look and texture of this organ. Regular treatment with an enriched massage oil could decrease scars, stretch marks, and imperfections, giving your skin a younger appearance.
• Improved circulation; increased oxygenation in organs and tissues of the body. One of the key advantages that trickles-down to other benefits is the improved circulation of massage therapy. This stimulation increases the flow of oxygen in your body that has numerous health perks throughout your bodily systems.
• Fewer cramps, spasms, or incidents of muscle pain. The improved circulation from massage treatment may be why it also results in fewer instances of cramping or sore muscle spasms. This includes RLS, or Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms, which usually include spasming lower leg and foot muscles at night. Massage can contribute to fewer instances with less severity.
• Eases and relieves tired or sore muscles. Massage is an excellent way to relieve and restore tired, sore muscles. Athletes use massage to repair and alleviate tissue injury and pain after working out.
• Releases feel-good endorphins into the body. It is reported that massage treatment and the increased circulatory benefits cause a release of endorphins which create pleasant, healthful feelings. In fact, these endorphins are often referred to as ‘nature’s pain-killer’.

For those with physical disabilities, massage can relieve back pain and increase your range-of-motion. Furthermore, massage stretches and exercises stiff or weak muscles, which alleviates pain and could lower dependence on medications.

Make time for massage during American Massage Therapy Week in October

The perfect time to embark on massage therapy and treatment is during American Massage Therapy Week; the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA, is hosting its 22nd annual National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, in October, from the 21st through the27th. This is a time for members of this group to promote the advantages of massage and share information to educate and encourage consumers widely.

Consult with your physician, practitioner, or provider before embarking on new treatment regimens, including massage therapy

Massage can be a much-deserved treat, a powerful stress reliever, or part of your medical rehabilitation; know that you should always consult with your provider before starting any new regimen, including massage. Massage may be the missing piece of your holistic and healthful treatment plan to preserve wellness and improve quality of life.

Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility about the aids, devices, and equipment needed for your rehabilitation, recovery, and autonomy in your home. For a holistic approach to your treatment regimen, consider adding massage therapy to the mix. With so many benefits of massage, it makes sense to imbibe regularly as a preventative and practical approach to wellness. For those with physical limitations or impairments, massage makes even more sense and could directly correlate with enhanced quality of life.

Talk to a mobility professional today to learn how a stairlift may actually save you money over the short and long-term. Some ways that stairlifts can put money in your pocket is by creating an adaptive home that facilitates autonomy for those with physical limitations or mobility issues.

Been wondering if you can afford a stairlift for your home? The myth surrounding stairlifts is that they are cost-prohibitive for the ordinary consumer. Before you rule out these invaluable mobility aids with the capacity to change and improve everyday life, talk to the experts. You may find that the price of buying a stairlift from a reputable vendor in the area is far less costly than the repercussions of failing to install these devices and improve accessibility in your home.

Talk to a mobility professional to learn how a stairlift may actually save you money

When you think about the expenses that lack of access can cost you, a stairlift seems to be a pragmatic and prudent investment. A poorly-adapted home for someone with physical limitations or disabilities can cost their independence, autonomy, and quality of life. A better question to ask yourself is: Can I afford to live without a stairlift at this time.

A stairlift saves you money – and headaches – in the following ways:

Remodeling

The costs of remodeling and reconfiguring the home can be quite hefty. This might include converting to one-level living or adding rooms on the existing first floor to accommodate those with physical limitations. Installing ramps in and around the house is another expense that a lift may eliminate, depending on the layout of your current home.

Potential Risks

Did you know that around one in four seniors aged 65 and older falls each year? It is estimated that the financial costs related to these fall-related injuries are expected to increase to over $67-billion dollars per year by 2020. Getting injured costs money out-of-pocket, whether you have insurance or not. The secondary costs of an injury could include isolation, depression, and loss of autonomy.

Isolation

Lack of access to an upper or lower level of your living situation could cause you to be isolated, a real problem in times of emergency. Depending on where you live, storms and weather-related issues could make it difficult for you to evacuate or leave the premise. The costs of calling a caregiver or caretaker at these times could be prohibitive, or simply not feasible options.

Relocation

Don’t forget about the potential moving costs of having to move to a more-adaptive, handicap-accessible residence. The costs of these types of life changes exceed dollars and extend to adjusting to a new home, leaving old friends or neighbors, and possible parting with pets. A stairlift can make the difference in maintaining independence and staying in a cherished family home or beloved living situation and living the life that you want on your terms.

Adaptation

Speaking of moving, adapting to a new community is a major life transition that could be difficult for many to adjust to. Part of this is leaving what is familiar and comfortable, which can be daunting, even frightening. Moving even a few miles away could impact seeing family, friends, or engaging in activities that were convenient in your previous home. Think about these consequences of failing to make your current home accessible.

Call for a comprehensive needs assessment today

Still considering if a stairlift is right for your home? The most important first step is to contact a mobility aids expert in the area for a thorough needs assessment. This will point toward the best device, equipment, and options for your needs, limitations, and living situation. Don’t delay; there is no obligation associated with having an evaluation and checking out how a stairlift would make everyday living easier and more accessible.

Consider customer, consumer, and client perspectives when shopping

There are a lot of merchants that will sell you a stairlift, but make sure that you only work with reputable, qualified mobility experts. Be wary of any vendor that wants to sell you a stairlift without assessing, evaluating, and considering your distinct needs and preferences. Also, be careful when looking at used devices; these could lack the warranty and support after the sale, which is so important with mobility equipment. Look for a seller that offers support, service, and installation, and make sure that they offer these options before signing a contract or agreeing to a sale.

When it comes to mobility aids and devices in California, consumers look to Pacific Mobility for insight, expertise, and professionalism to install, service, and support the products that they carry. For decades this merchant has been supplying residents with stairlifts and a whole range of mobility products to make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. Reach out for your consultation today!

When rehabilitating from surgery or an injury, or if you are living with physical impairments and disabilities that impact mobility, consider the many benefits to using a standing frame. There are many advantages to standing, which makes it a vital part of your recovery and rehabilitation regimen.

When looking at aids to daily living to improve mobility and preserve autonomy, a standing frame may be the most pragmatic and feasible step to take. Standing frames allow for support to raise and lower one’s self from a seated position, which also provides peace of mind related to fall risk. Before planning your at-home therapeutic approaches, talk to a mobility aid professional about the many advantages of a simple standing frame in your home environment.

Consider the benefits of using a standing frame in your home

A standing frame is simple in design and space-efficient, so any home can accommodate this aid. This metal frame resembles a sleek piece of exercise equipment, though the advantages of implementing one in your home make it far more important to the user. Some benefits include:

Standing frames are user-friendly. Since these aids are user-friendly, you won’t be intimidated or worried about learning to operate it safely and effectively. These provide support when you need it and can be seamlessly integrated into your home environment and décor with ease.

Restores ability to engage. The ability to stand with the assistance of a standing frame can improve quality of life and restore your ability to engage in activities once again that your impairment may have curbed. These aids are instrumental in physical therapy to recover from an injury, surgery, or expand the range of motion.

These are space-saving aids. Standing frames don’t take up a lot of space in your home, so they are simple to store and easy to work around when not in use. Ask your mobility vendor about space-saving models and options. Since you will be using your standing frame regularly for assistance in standing and sitting, it makes sense to keep it accessible and available at the ready, which makes the conservative lines and sleek style beneficial.

Frames are easy to store. If you do need to consider storage for your device, standing frames are easy to store in even the coziest of homes. Think of the frame as being like an exercise machine or piece of equipment that you have in your space; many styles fold-up or are compact, easily fitting in a closet when not needed.

You can increase your autonomy. Obviously, the benefits of rehabilitation and increased range of motion is improved autonomy and a sense of independence. Being able to stand safely and securely could lead to overall improvement in progress toward increasing mobility, gaining strength, and a speedy recovery.

Frames offer progress in rehabilitation and recovery. Mobility aids and equipment that facilitate and foster progress toward rehab and recovery is well worth further investigation. Talk to a reputable mobility expert in the area to learn more and weigh out the potential outcomes when buying standing frames for your home.

Standing is key in rehabilitation and recovery

Don’t underestimate the importance of simply standing during recovery and rehab. The standing frame by Easy Stand is a therapeutic device that supports and facilitates standing in your home environment. Did you know that standing improves circulation while also improving range of motion? Standing also decreases muscle cramps, contractures, and spasms that can cause immeasurable pain or discomfort. Furthermore, standing helps with bowel and kidney function, which contributes to regularity.

Standing erect can go a long way toward preserving the integrity of your skeletal system and bones. Often-times, standing is an integral part of a physical therapy or rehab regimen for those suffering from injuries or compromise to their lower extremities, spine, or hips. The ability to stand should never be ignored when looking at ways to improve access and autonomy in your home.

Are there other aids and measures that can help right now?

Could you benefit from other simple mobility aids in your home? These inexpensive and practical devices can create a safer and more supportive environment for a wide range of users with varying levels of needs or limitations.

Consider some other quality aids that can make everyday living easier, such as:

• Reaching and grabbing tools for the kitchen and bath.
• ‘Superpoles’ to allow for standing and sitting, with support.
• Gait belts for support when walking or during physical therapy.
• Tray tables to make everyday tasks and caregiving a bit easier.
• Grab bars installed in the bathroom, and wherever fall risk exists.
• Shower seats, commodes, and bathroom aids to prevent fall or injury during ADLs (activities of daily living).
• Bedrails to ensure safety when sleeping.

Freedom and improved quality of life could be a mere phone call away; reach out to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility today. Discuss how standing frames could improve your mobility and facilitate a speedy recovery and rehabilitation.