Jeff Conner

A lift seems like a comprehensive and holistic solution to physical disabilities or mobility limitation, but what if you have multiple stairways in your house? Learn how to choose the best solution to make your home accessible and handicap-accessible and meet with a mobility expert for thorough assessment and support.

Got multiple stairways or steps in your home? Here’s how to choose the best solution:

It may seem difficult to find solutions to the multiple stairs, steps, or risers in your home that are also cost-effective and feasible to implement. Before ruling-out any possible strategies, talk to an expert in mobility solutions to make informed buying decisions.

Some options to consider include these mobility solutions:

Free-Standing Lifts

You will find that you have a lot of freedom and versatility with a free-standing lift, as it can be easily moved and modified as needed by the user. If you have numerous stairs or steps throughout the living space, a free-standing lift may be your best option. These are ideal for those with limitations that impact getting up, down, and navigating the home, as well as for those recovering from injuries or rehabilitating from surgery.

Porch and Platform Lifts

Another lift with a lot of flexibility is a porch or platform lift; It is an excellent option for navigating levels or risers in the home that you use regularly, frequently, and consistently, such as a sunken living space or an outdoor area that you are fond of. Furthermore, using porch and platform lifts couldn’t be easier!

Ramps

Ramps are great for temporary situations, homes, or rehabilitation; these are affordable and often the best solution for those in wheelchairs and scooters. Ramps also are a great option for less-traversed and traveled stairs or steps in the home; for example, a set of steps into your garage or basement. Ramps make it accessible for many impairments, without making a significant investment.

One-Level Living

You may also want to segregate living to one level to improve access and autonomy when living with limitations or disabilities. Consider where your bathroom and kitchen utilities are located and reconfigure living spaces to accommodate your lifestyle. This could also make a more permanent solution like a stairlift a viable and pragmatic option for your distinct dwelling.

Entrance and Exit

It is imperative to begin your accessibility strategizing by considering the entrance and exit from the home and taking overall access for others, such as emergency personnel, into account. Also, think about how you will enter and egress your home; this could be the best spot to consider mobility options. After all, getting in and out of your home is part of everyday living and an activity that you should not have to compromise during recovery or rehabilitation.

Don’t go it alone; consult with a mobility expert today

Making the decision to create a more accessible living-space is something that you should do after consulting with mobility experts. These professionals are in the best position to provide clear, accurate information that may point toward the most practical option for you and your home at this time.

Some things to discuss with a reputable mobility professional include:

Current Needs

Think twice about working with mobility aid dealers that don’t offer a thorough assessment of your needs before trying to sell you equipment. This could indicate the level of service that you can expect later on after the sale is made.

Support and Service

Ask questions and do your research about the level of support, repair, and installation services that the mobility vendor will provide. Know that you can contact them for problems, issues, and concerns and get a prompt response and action to your query. Online feedback, ratings, and reviews are very helpful in this task.

Personal Preferences

Don’t be shy about expressing your personal preferences when shopping for mobility aids. Work with retailers that allow you the chance to try out equipment to determine which ones are the most comfortable and feasible for your lifestyle.

Your Budget

Only you know what you can feasibly afford for your mobility solution budget. Don’t allow vendors to upsell or harangue you into buying something that stretches your resources. Talk to professionals that will discuss payment options and arrangements, including rentals, second-hand devices, and your insurance coverage, before asking you to sign on the dotted line.

The Future

When investing in mobility aids, equipment, and devices, also consider your future needs. Are your limitations permanent? Do you have a debilitating medical issue? What is your prognosis? These questions can indicate future needs and the best devices and modifications to keep you autonomous for years to come.

Got a bunch of stairs in your abode? No problem; talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility and benefit from their years of experience and favorable customer feedback. Even making a small adaptation, such as a ramp near your front stoop, deserves the time and effort of discussion with a true mobility professional. Call for your consultation today!

Yoga offers benefits to people with mobility issues, including both physical and mental advantages. From decreased risk of a fall and subsequent injury to lowered stress and improved mood, yoga is a fitness regimen that can be adapted and implemented widely.

If you struggle with debilitating mobility issues or if you are recovering from injury, low-impact exercise may offer relief, improve range-of-motion, and hasten rehabilitation. The beauty of yoga is that it doesn’t require expensive equipment or a high level of athleticism; yoga is for everyone!

Yoga offers benefits to people with mobility issues:

It is always advised that you speak with a physician before embarking on any physical fitness regime. Talk to your provider about implementing yoga into your routine, recovery, or rehabilitation. Some benefits of yoga include:

Flexibility

Yoga is effective at increasing flexibility, which can aid in mobility. With regular practice, you will be amazed at how much range-of-motion can improve. This may also help to avoid situations that could cause injury, like a fall, for many seniors.

Balance

Many seniors lose their sense of balance over time, which can increase their risk of taking a nasty fall; it is estimated that one-in-four people over the age of 65 fall every year in this country. The improved balance provided by yoga offers some protection from falls and subsequent injuries.

Weight

Even though yoga is low-impact, it still offers a workout that increases metabolism, which aids in weight maintenance. It is also asserted that yoga offers cardio benefits, which is good news for anyone confined to their home.

Posture

With regular practice, yoga improves posture. You will stand taller and appear leaner; wait and see!

Joints

Yoga is an excellent and effective way to get relief from issues with joints, like knees or ankles, stemming from an injury or arthritis. Talk to your physician about joint relief through yoga, and what specific recommendations they have for you or your trainer.

Yoga is known as a holistic health approach, which means that it impacts physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Consider some of these other benefits of regular yoga practice, too:

Stress

Yoga can be very relaxing and improve your mood; it becomes cathartic the more familiar with the poses and practices you become. It is an effective form of stress-relief, preventing illnesses and mood disorders for individuals of all ages. Living with mobility issues can be stressful and challenging; yoga offers a healthy coping strategy and the perfect way to relax and battle the detrimental impacts of stress and worry.

Clarity

Many that practice yoga daily report that it improves their focus and ability to pay attention. Some say that they are able to concentrate better and that they experience a mental clarity that they have never attained before. These advantages of yoga make it a prudent preventative against the rigors of aging, such as memory loss or dementia. For this reason, it is well-worth implementing as part of your daily health regimen.

Confidence

Yoga can be very restorative and therapeutic, making you feel very vital. This vitality may lead to a new-found sense of confidence; who wouldn’t want to feel confident, vital, and alive? It can be an amazing way to restore self-esteem for those struggling with limitations, disabilities, or isolation.

Interaction

You may choose to take a beginning yoga class or work with a personal trainer or yogi, which are both excellent ways to increase social engagement; you can also join online groups or follow yogis that offer tutorials and videos for daily practice. This often increases social interactions for anyone- including those who don’t get out as much as they like. Professionals assert that socialization is an integral component of healthy aging and combats issues like depression or dementia as you get older.

Additionally, regular yoga practice can improve sleep and body awareness. It offers individuals the opportunity to ‘listen’ to their body and identify any problem areas or potential issues that might otherwise be ignored or overlooked. Talk to your yogi and health provider for more information and insight.

National Yoga Awareness in September

The Department of Health & Human Services conceived of the observance of National Yoga Awareness Month in September. This is a time set aside to learn, educate, and promote the health benefits of yoga while encouraging many toward a healthier lifestyle.

Ready to begin incorporating yoga into your life? Talk to your providers and professionals about the many benefits that daily yoga practice can have for individuals with mobility issues. When you want to learn more about assistive aids, devices, and equipment for autonomy and rehabilitation, reach out to Pacific Mobility; their team is waiting to help improve your quality of life today.

Are you ready for an emergency? Now is the time to customize a preparedness kit to your individual needs, from specific items for those with mobility, vision, communication, or health issues, to basics that no person should be without.

If you have special needs or a medical condition, it is even more vital to be prepared for anything. This can be an overwhelming task when you consider all of the things that you utilize and rely on daily. To ensure you don’t forget anything, consider compiling your own checklist, including all of the aids, equipment, and tools that you require to preserve your autonomy.

Customize a preparedness kit for your individual needs:

From breathing issues to legal-blindness, physical limitations to hearing-loss, be prepared for whatever comes. Storms, evacuations, or natural disasters can force you from your home; are you ready?

Whatever your needs may be, customize a preparedness kit for an emergency:

Mobility Issues

Do you use a walker, wheelchair, or scooter? Don’t get caught ill-prepared when an emergency strikes. Keep necessary aids and supplies at home, in the car, and on-the-ready, in case you need to evacuate your home swiftly.

Some things to include in your preparedness plan are:

• Put-together tire patch kits for wheelchairs and scooter and keep on-hand at all times, including in your vehicle, purse, or evacuation-bag.
• Invest in a lightweight transport chair, if feasible. It will make it much easier to transfer in a hurry.
• Don’t forget about supplies for service pets, if applicable. This includes vet records, any medications, extra food, and a cache of water.
• Keep your wheelchair secured near the bed for easy access in an emergency.

Vision Impairment

It can be scary to navigate an emergency situation when you are visually-impaired. Make the occurrence easier on yourself by being prepared. Consider the following items to keep in your preparedness kit:

• Stow spare eye-drops or medications prescribed for conditions such as glaucoma on-hand.
• Again, make sure you have adequate supplies for your service dog, if applicable.
• Tuck a spare pair of eyeglasses or magnifiers in your preparedness kit.
• Use fluorescent tape to label your emergency supplies for easier identification when needed.

Respiratory Illness

They say that if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. If you live with respiratory issues or illness, make sure that you are able to comfortably breathe when leaving the confines of home in an emergency. Some things to consider are:

• Masks and respiratory aids should always be carried with you, as well as in any preparedness kit.
• Keep oxygen tanks charged and secured to the wall to prevent accidents later, like during an earthquake or other jarring natural disaster.
• Talk to your providers about portable oxygen tanks that will make it easier if you have to ‘bug-out’ of your home.

Communication Issues

For individuals that have communication issues, such as hearing loss or speech difficulty due to a stroke, leaving home in a hurry can be complicated. How will you let rescuers or caregivers know what is going on? Be ready for whatever happens by using some tips to be prepared for the worst:

• Buy a weather radio with a visual display to know when you will need to evacuate – as well as when you can return home.
• Keep a signaling device on-hand and nearby, like an air-horn or bell, for attention during an emergency.
• Use labels on emergency supplies and reservoirs for others to easily identify; ask case managers about labels to help with this.
• Make sure that you keep a laptop charger for the automobile if you rely on your computer for texting to communicate with others. Get one that will plug-in to your car’s cigarette lighter.

Basic Checklist Items:

There are some other basic supplies and tools that The Red Cross suggests every individual keeps on-hand for emergency situations and ‘bug-outs’. If you do find yourself being evacuated, make sure to secure your home and take the keys with you.

Some items to stock in your preparedness kits include:

• Health information, prescriptions, and related-documentation.
• Contact information for loved ones, caregivers, and providers.
• Cash.
• A fully-charged phone.
• A pair of scissors.
• Bleach, to disinfect.
• Hygiene items and products.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Food reserves and water for yourself and your pets too.
• Phone and laptop charger.
• A pair of work gloves and extra apparel.
• First aid kit.
• Reflective vest and rain ponchos for the car.
• A basic tool kit to keep in the vehicles, including booster cables and road flares, ideally.
• Blankets.
• Maps, since it is possible you won’t have GPS or internet connectivity.
• Plastic bags, which serve a variety of purposes in an emergency.

How prepared are you for an emergency that drives you from your home? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility about aids and devices that will travel with you – and that will help you become more prepared and comfortable during a crisis.

Using adaptive equipment and mobility aids improperly poses a significant risk; there is a proper way to use canes, crutches, and walkers. Talk to a mobility expert for more information and demonstration.

Are you using your mobility aids and equipment properly? Using these implements improperly can lead to an injury or nasty fall. Buy your assistive devices from a reputable and customer-ranked company that will provide information, support, and service during your rehabilitation.

There is a proper way to use canes, crutches, and walkers; here’s how:

Are you using your mobility aid correctly? Ask providers and professionals for a demonstration to ensure you are using proper and rehabilitative form.

Canes

If you are recovering from a mild injury or need some assistance with balance, you will likely be recommended a cane. Canes are light-weight and help shift weight from your lower extremities to your arms. Keep in mind that canes are not intended to withstand your entire body-weight, so practice to make the cane a useful walking implement for everyday life.

Some tips for using canes include:

• Your cane should measure around half of your height, with shoes standing straight. 
• When using the cane for better balance, place in your non-dominant hand and keep your dominant hand free for other tasks. 
• If you are recovering from an injury, such as a sprained ankle, hold the cane in the hand that correlates with your injury. For instance, if your right leg is injured, carry your cane in the right hand.

All canes are not the same and there is a wide range of styles, grips, and sizes to suit your needs.

Crutches

Your provider may recommend or prescribe crutches for injuries that mandate keeping weight off your legs or feet. For example, crutches are used for folks sustaining a broken leg, foot, or ankle.

Take care when using crutches:

• Avoid going up or down stairs while you are using crutches. To navigate steps, you will need to be flexible and quite strong; ask your doctor first. 
• When you use crutches, start each step as if you are going to move the injured leg but shift the weight to the crutches instead. It will take some practice.
• Try to support your weight with your hands that are on the grips, instead of relying on your underarms resting against the top of the crutch. Over time, this could damage or injure blood vessels or nerves.

Make sure your crutches are the right size; when standing, the crutch should come a couple inches below your armpits. Your hip should be in-line with the height of the hand-grips.

Walkers

Walkers are often used when you need to keep some or all your weight off your lower extremities. These are prescribed for individuals sustaining hip injuries or that are recovering from replacement surgery. Your arms support the weight with a walker, although with time, you may be able to bear more weight with your lower body.

Keep the following in mind regarding walkers:

• Don’t bend over the walker. Adjust it so that the height is conducive to walking upright, with a straight back. Ideally, your wrist and the top of the walker should be the same height. 
• Periodically check the feet of your walker to make sure the rubber-tips are not damaged or covered in debris that could make the walker less-stable. You can find replacement tips and rubber caps at a medical supply retailer. 
• Do not attempt escalators or stairs with a walker. This is dangerous and could result in further injury.

There are many different types of walkers available for you, including both sit-down and stand-up styles. Talk to your provider, who will suggest the best aid for your recovery.

This is not the time to cut corners to curb costs

Worrying about the costs? Don’t be; talk to a mobility aid expert first to determine what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. Never borrow or buy second-hand equipment, as these may not fit you specifically which could result in a fall. Also, only allow qualified professionals to install any mobility aids, such as lifts, in your home.

Are you facing surgery or had a recent injury? Talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility to find the best aids, devices, and equipment to jump-start your recovery and get you back on your feet fast. These professionals will assess your distinct needs and demonstrate proper usage to ensure you are not jeopardizing your rehabilitation by using canes, crutches, or walkers incorrectly.

Would you benefit from a stairlift? Are you delaying due to five misconceptions about stairlifts that you may be making? If you are holding back from a stairlift because you don’t think you need one, that they are too difficult to install, or other concerns, talk to a mobility expert today about options that can improve your quality of life.

Sadly, many consumers that would benefit from using stairlifts rule-out the potential and possibility of having one installed in their homes. This could be due to common misnomers and five misconceptions about stairlifts that you could be making or influenced by. Break down fact from fiction and learn more about how stairlifts can increase access, improve rehabilitation, and enhance your everyday life.

Five misconceptions about stairlifts that you may be making are:

1. You don’t need a lift. If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, you may believe that you don’t need a lift. A lift doesn’t need to be a permanent solution—it also can help with temporary mobility issues and rehabilitation efforts. If your level of mobility is interfering with everyday life, such as decreased access to areas of your home, a lift is a viable option to improve overall living. Still on the fence? Consider your future prognosis and whether your condition could be prolonged or more severe in years to come; some mobility retailers have stairlift rentals available to address temporary situations or skeptical consumers.
2. Lifts are difficult to install. Okay, stairlifts can be difficult to install for laymen, but you should only buy a lift from a vendor that offers complete installation in the home. Furthermore, installing your own lift could void any warranty offered by the manufacturer and compromise the safety of anyone using the lift. Make sure to avoid these consequences by working with a company that will install, service, and supports your new lift.
3. Your stairs are not conducive to a lift. Take a look at the stairs you are going to augment; do you believe that they won’t work due to an odd angle or curve? Perhaps the stairs seem too-steep or too-shallow to make a lift viable; think again. Mobility experts can customize and install a stairlift system that will work for your distinct stairs—no matter how challenging – and increase access to areas of your home that you may be depriving yourself of.
4. You can only use lifts indoors. Another misconception is that you can’t have lifts outdoors in the elements and that they can’t possibly perform when exposed to weather, water, or the environment. You can have lifts outside and regain access to your yard, garden, and outdoor features that could improve autonomy and instill a sense of freedom that you may have lost due to restrictions and limitations with mobility.
5. Lifts are cost-prohibitive. Finally, are you resisting a lift because you don’t think that you can afford one? If money is the barrier, talk to the experts before ruling out the benefits of a stairlift in your home. Many times, insurance carriers will defray the costs of a lift, plus there are often financing options available through mobility aid retailers. Don’t live another day without finding out what a lift would cost and if it is a prudent investment for you and your home at this time.

Do yourself a favor and don’t buy second-hand lifts because they are a ‘good deal.’ These lifts may be flawed, outdated, or damaged in some way that could present safety risks in your home. Furthermore, it makes the most sense to buy from a reputable dealer that will install, service, and support your lift after you take it home.

What are you waiting for? Talk to the mobility experts and learn more today:

A qualified mobility expert will be able to sit-down and discuss the pros and cons of a lift in your space. They will cover aspects pertinent to your situation while addressing any concerns you may have and clearing up misconceptions related to:

–          Need and physical benefits.

–          Installation, service, and support.

–          Customization and construction.

–          Weather-resistance and resilience.

–          Estimates, copays, and costs.

Don’t let misinformation or unfounded claims deter you from gaining independence with a stairlift in your home. Talk to an expert to find out more about what you could be missing!

Have you thought about how stairlifts could improve convenience and access in your home? Talk to your provider and then discuss with a merchant your options. Lifts have come a long way over the years, and many homes are accommodating these aids to increase independence and foster autonomy among those with both short-term recovery and long-term disabilities. Find out more today!

When it comes to choosing stand-up or sit-down stairlifts, a comparison between models makes sense before buying. Consider factors like your own physical limitations, the home environment it will be installed in, the size of the stairway in your dwelling, and a prediction of future needs to find the lift that will serve you most satisfactorily.

When it comes to stairlifts, do you know all your options? An important thing to consider when purchasing your new mobility equipment is whether you would be best-served by a stand-up or sit-down style of stairlift; your mobility retail professional should be able to offer more information pertaining to the pros and cons of each. Be wary of any retailer that does not offer comprehensive information and assessment before buying a lift.

Stand-up or sit-down stairlifts: A comparison to pinpoint your personal preferences

There are many factors that contribute to the best stairlift for your distinct needs, and that pinpoint whether a stand-up or sit-down stairlift makes the most sense. Before committing to a mobility device, think about the following to find the aid that fits your personal preferences best.

Some integral things to consider when perusing your options include:

Your physical abilities and limitations

You are the only one who can fully-determine your physical limitations and evaluate which approach works best for you. If standing causes discomfort, pain, or is difficult due to a medical condition, sit-down lifts may be the best solution for your home. If you are recovering from an injury or surgical procedure, your rehabilitation specialists may recommend a stand-up lift to build strength and flexibility. The choice is yours!

The home environment

Take a good look around your home environment; does a sit-down or stand-up lift seem most viable for your space? Your surroundings make a big impact on the best solution for your mobility needs and overall satisfaction with the device once installed. Work with a mobility professional that can assess and evaluate your home environment to determine the best size, brand, and model to increase your access to areas of your dwelling.

Another pertinent factor is pets or children: do you have any that frequent your home space? Think about the family dynamic to determine whether this could influence the safety and security of a stand-up lift as opposed to a sit-down style, both of which are found offered widely by reputable manufacturers like Bruno.

The size of your stairs

The size of the staircase or steps that you are making more accessible is also a factor to be considered when shopping for lifts. Are you augmenting stairs to a second-story, or are you trying to make your porch or deck more accessible? The incline, risers, length, and width are relevant, as are any curves, bends, or angles involved in making adaptations to the stairs. Tricky stairs may require distinctive solutions, which is why it makes sense to discuss with your mobility professional before making buying decisions.

Your future prognosis

Another element that should play a role in your stairlift choice is your future prognosis; if you suffer from a debilitating medical condition, you may want to buy aids that can be augmented and helpful later on. If you are healing from an injury and your prognosis shows promise for mobility improvement, this could play a significant role in the best lift for you.

Don’t let your decision rest on cost alone. Talk to the mobility experts to find a lift that checks all of the boxes and that will also fit nicely into your budget.

Have you determined which lift is right for you?

Don’t answer that question yet; talk to mobility experts and peruse your options first. Work with vendors that offer a thorough needs assessment and read feedback or reviews from other satisfied patrons. This investment is often much easier when you can rely on the expertise of a reputable mobility aid vendor, so find out what previous customers have to say about the service and support of area mobility retailers.

Talk to the mobility experts today for a thorough needs assessment

Don’t go it alone; buying a stairlift is a big decision, though it may be the most-rewarding one of your life. The promise of improved mobility increased access, and enhanced quality of life are well worth the effort of taking time to research lifts, features, and area vendors first. The experiences of other patrons is invaluable information and don’t underestimate the merit of doing your homework to read online reviews, feedback, and recommendations to help make the decision a bit clearer.

Which lift is going to be best for you, stand-up or sit-down? Take your time and talk to mobility expertsin the area to find the specific model that fits your preferences, condition, and budget. Imagine how much easier and convenient everyday living will be when your lift is professionally-installed in the home, and search for a qualified merchant that offers service, support, and satisfaction after your lift is in place.

 The best way to enhance safety around the home is to take a thorough and critical look around your surroundings. Be realistic about your current needs and implement tips that help make your home safe, free from some inherent hazards that could cause problems.

Is your home as safe as it could be? There are small ways, tips, and tricks to help make your home – or the home of someone you love – a much safer and worry-free environment. If you have other distinct safety concerns, consult with mobility professionals for additional solutions to the challenges of everyday living.

Take stock of your surroundings and use these tips to help make your home safe:

Keep track of your keys. Make sure that you keep track of keys to prevent unauthorized access to your home. Also, don’t ever leave an emergency key outside; criminals and predators know where to look.

Keep things illuminated. One of the biggest reason people fall is due to poor lighting. Eliminate the potential of a problem by investing in the right lighting for your home’s spaces. This may involve a combination of ambient, task, and accent light fixtures, both indoor and out.

Go for the grab-bars. Do yourself a favor and get grab bars for the bathroom. It is advised that you place these near the fixtures, tub, toilet, and sink, as well as near the door, depending on the layout of your bathroom.

Clean up your clutter. Don’t trip and fall over your own stuff! Make your home safer by de-cluttering and keeping items cleaned up and out of the way.

Compartmentalize to one level. Compartmentalize living to one level, if possible, to prevent trips up and down stairs. This may be a temporary approach during rehabilitation or a more permanent solution to autonomous living.

Walk the floors. Walk around your home and take a good look at the floors; remove tripping hazards like rugs or thresholds.

Make stairs safer. Make sure that there are treads and rails on and near all steps and stairs.

Reconfigure your kitchen cabinets. Reorganize the kitchen to keep regularly used items close by; invest in a reaching tool for occasional access to overhead or tall storage spaces. Consider using lazy-Susan style inserts to keep items close and accessible when cooking and dining, and to optimize lower cabinet storage space.

Avoid incidents in the bathroom. Trips to the bathroom at night can be a cause of injury and accident. Make the home safer by investing in bath or shower seats and a portable potty near the bed.

Keep an open line of communication. Keep in touch with a cell phone or life alert system that goes where you go. This can also be life-saving for falls or accidents when living alone.

Service your appliances regularly. Make an appointment to service your appliances twice a year to ensure they are in proper working order. This includes things like air conditioning units, furnaces, your refrigerator, and hot water heater. Mark it down on the calendar to serve as a reminder.

Let someone open the door for you. Let the door be opened for you with automatic openers for the doors to your home or garage. This is also a prudent measure for those utilizing mobility devices, like scooters or wheelchairs.

Maintain your exteriors, too. Maintain your outside areas in all seasons. Plan to deal with snow or ice, as well as lawncare and paving to ensure your exteriors are up to par and safe. Ask around and hire someone to do this regularly for you.

Detect an issue. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors routinely. Plan to replace detectors every ten years. Also, keep a fire extinguisher on hand in the kitchen.

Lock your vehicle. Always keep your vehicles locked even when parked outside your door. It goes without saying that this extends to your home’s doors as well.

Keep valuables tucked away. Never keep valuables in plain view, where people can see them. This includes in your car or on a kitchen counter, where it could be a temptation for those with ill-intent.

Watch what you wear. Watch what you wear around the house; for instance, don’t wear stockings around the house as they can be slippery. Wear sensible footwear inside and out to avoid a fall and to keep you comfortable. Also, loose clothing can also cause issues and accidents in the home, especially when cooking.

Talk to the professionals for aids and devices to keep your surroundings safe:

Visit and speak with mobility aid professionals to determine your needs, and to accurately assess which mobility solution is right for you. Keeping the home safe is key to preserving the autonomy of those consumers with physical limitations or disabilities. These experts will be able to pinpoint the best equipment for your environment and buying-budget.

Don’t run the risk of an accident or injury; implement these safety tips and tricks to protect you and your loved ones from these inherent hazards of the home. Also, think about how mobility aids could foster autonomy and preserve independence for someone living with physical limitations or disabilities.

Make sure that you know how to safely use mobility walkers with seats before attempting to navigate outside the home. There are inherent hazards that can be prevented with some insight and information.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to mobility walkers; make sure to have your distinct needs thoroughly assessed by an expert to find the best solution for your limitations, environment, and budget. One of the many options awaiting mobility consumers are walkers with seats; do you need a walker with a seat? What are the benefits? How about the safety of these clever devices? Before buying, talk to your mobility retail professional to determine the best and proper way to utilize these aids.

Learn how to safely use mobility walkers with seats in your home:

The first thing to concern yourself with is the safety; how do you safely use mobility walkers with seats in the home, your office, or public spaces? While manufacturer recommendations will vary depending on the model, there are some basic tips that can increase safety and preserve autonomy for those using walkers equipped with seats.

The walker goes first

Mobility walkers with seats have wheels, and wheeled walkers require a period of adjustment to fully adapt. It is important to know that your walker wheels always are moved first before you take your step. Take your time and don’t attempt to hurry when you are adjusting to your new mobility walker; the wheels will provide momentum and, if you rush, you could lose control of the walker and fall.

Engage the brake

A very utilitarian feature of your mobility walker is the brake system. This provides assurance and peace of mind when sitting and standing, but don’t forget to disengage the brake after. Using and mastering the braking system is particularly important when you go to sit down; if you are a ‘heavy-sitter’, try standing close to the walker and bend your knees before sitting on the seat. This will prevent your walker from sliding away from you on slippery or wet surfaces.

Save your arms for balance

Let the walker do most of the work for you; try to keep your arms free for maintaining balance during use. When you are standing up from the walker, use your arms for balance and use your legs and knees as much as possible. It is also helpful to sit at the edge of the seat when preparing to stand to prevent the drop-and-plop.

Shorten your stride

Shorten your steps and make smaller strides when using a wheeled walker; if you have an uneven stride, purposefully take smaller, more-secure steps to ensure safety and prevent a nasty spill. Taking smaller steps will make each one grounded, stable, and safe. The further you push your walker during each step, the greater the chance to lose control of the walker, which could present problems.

Keep your walker close

It is advisable to keep the walker close during walks and transports, but it also makes sense to keep it near, in general. Try to keep the walker close to you when walking for optimal support and stability that will help you maintain an effective and efficient stride during use. Wheeled walkers with seats are very different than other mobility aids and devices on the market, which may encourage a specific distance for optimal utility; wheeled walkers are best when you keep it close during use.

Face the front of the walker

Remember to always face the front of your walker when moving, standing, or turning. When you are turning, don’t twist your body; simply move your body and the walker gradually around until you have made the angle and turned completely. Remember to use your legs and try to reserve your arms for lightly, but firmly, pushing the walker along, while also maintaining a sense of balance that will prevent you from tripping or falling.

Always ask for a demonstration before buying mobility equipment, and this includes walkers with seats. Don’t assume that you will use it as you would any walker, but instead talk to retail professionals about proper operating recommendations for optimal performance. Also, make sure to discuss service and support available after making your purchase, to ensure you have recourse in the event of an issue, question, or problem.

It is true that mobility devices and aids enhance autonomy and preserve independence, but you could face potential hazards if not used properly. This extends to mobility walkers with seats; make sure to observe one being utilized and ask questions of retail staff before buying. Your walker will be the most effective when you develop a comfort level with it, so make sure that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly to avoid disappointment and an impact on everyday convenience as soon as possible.