Jeff Conner

Think about the pros and cons for using a knee scooter versus standard crutches when recovering from surgery or injury; while crutches may seem like the logical short-term solution, knee scooters and walkers offer benefits that can aid in rehabilitation.

Does an injury or medical condition cause issues with your legs, knees, or feet? Crutches are a usual approach to taking the weight off the afflicted area and help the patient get around day-to-day. If you have limitations that make putting weight on a lower-extremity painful or uncomfortable, take a look at additional approaches to rehabilitation and mobility devices, such as a knee scooter.

When shopping for mobility aids, consider the pros and cons of using a knee scooter versus standard crutches:

Before you take home a simple pair of crutches, consider how a knee scooter or knee walker could help put you on the road to recovery faster and with less discomfort. Think about your personal preferences and discuss options available with your mobility expert.

Overall Ease

When it comes to overall ease of everyday use, a knee scooter wins by-far. These devices glide and assist users in moving, while crutches rely on the upper-body strength of the user to carry the weight of their afflicted leg. Since a knee scooter is easier to operate and more convenient to get around, in general, it makes these devices a great option for an individual that has co-occurring issues, injuries, or physical limitations.

Weight Restrictions

Crutches are usually designed with a weight restriction that makes them unsafe for use with heavier patients. This is less of an issue with knee walkers and scooters, as these are typically designed to accommodate a wider range of users. These devices seem to hold more weight easily, perhaps due to durability and design.

Body Strength

As mentioned, scooters don’t require arm strength that crutches do, so it could be the best approach for the aged or those with upper-body limitations. This can encourage users to get around more, due to the ease and effortless nature of a scooter. Talk to your provider about what makes the most sense for you and to determine if a scooter can accommodate and assist with your distinct limitations, injury, or disability.

Weather Resistance

Crutches can be tricky to use in inclement weather; first, the rubber-feet can be slick on certain types of terrain, and ice can make moving treacherous. The basic design of a scooter makes it a resilient choice, that works in all types of climates and weather conditions. This can equate to a reduced risk of slips and falls for many consumers.

Everyday Applications

Think about what you do every day, from basic household tasks to eating and drinking. Does a scooter seem easier and more feasible for transporting belongings or goods, including food and drink, from one place to another? Users report better maneuverability with a scooter as opposed to standard crutches, but you know your daily habits best. The choice is yours.

Comfortable Convenience

Never underestimate the importance of sheer comfort when it comes to mobility aids, like scooters, walkers, and crutches. If something is awkward or uncomfortable to use, will you use it? A knee scooter provides a place to rest during activities and the overall comfort exceeds what regular crutches can offer, which can hurt your arms, shoulders, and armpits over time. In terms of operation, the seemingly effortless gliding-motion of a scooter or walker surpasses the strength and energy required to use crutches for most patrons, patients, and users.

Long-term Utility

Depending on the nature of your injury and recovery, you could be confined to using a mobility aid for an extended period of time; does a scooter make more sense for these situations? While it has been established that a knee scooter may be more comfortable, convenient, and practical for short-term recovery, it may also be ideal for individuals with chronic pain, orthopedic issues, or that require long-term mobility assistance.

Prospective buyers should consider that there is a learning curve associated with proper use of both a knee scooter and conventional crutches, For safety, performance, and overall satisfaction, both require some adjustments and personalized instruction from your vendor for best results. Make sure to only buy or rent your mobility aids, equipment, and devices from qualified professionals who ensure support and service during your rehabilitation – regardless of how long that may be.

If an injury or medical condition merits mobility aids; consider all of your options carefully. Before you concede to conventional crutches, think about how a knee scooter or knee walker could hasten recovery and foster rehabilitation. Talk to mobility experts and professionals for more information, as well as for a consult and assessment of needs to find your best fit.

When shopping for your mobility aids and equipment, there are some factors to consider that contribute to your overall satisfaction with the device later. For example, there are five things to consider in choosing the stair chair for your stairlift that impact overall customer experience: ease, compatibility, comfort, adjustability, and fit.

Buying a stairlift? Carefully consider all aspects of these mobility devices to ensure satisfaction later. Talk with qualified mobility aid retailers to assess and evaluate your distinct options. Don’t feel pushed or hurried into making a decision that you will have to live with once your lift is installed in the home.

While many parts, pieces, and processes add to the overall performance and appeal of your stairlift, the chair is key. Since you will be sitting in the chair during operation, it is integral that it is both pleasing to the primary user and safe for everyday utility.

Five things to consider in choosing the stair chair for your stairlift:

1. Is the seat easy to use?

Let’s face it: if the seat isn’t easy to use, the lift won’t be much help. Make sure that the seat you choose to go with your lift is simple to operate as well as easy to sit-down in. A reputable mobility device vendor will show you how it operates and field any questions or concerns that the buyer has. Make sure that the seat you choose is covered by the same type of service and support as your lift; after all, if the seat doesn’t operate well, the lift could pose potential dangers and even present a risk of injury to anyone in the home. Also, ask about cleaning and maintenance recommendations for the chair itself; many seats offer a resilient and user-friendly surface material that is easy to wipe clean. Make sure that ease is at the top of your stair chair specs.

2. How compatible is the stair chair?

Another important element of your stair chair to consider is its compatibility to the lift, to the stairway, and to the home. Does the chair meld with your home surroundings? Is it the chair that is recommended by manufacturers to augment your stairlift? These are relevant questions when choosing a stair chair or when updating or refurbishing your current lift.

3. Will the seat be comfortable?

Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a stair chair that is comfortable. While it may seem imprudent to base your decision on comfort since the lift is only used for transfers upstairs, if the seat is not comfortable, the user may not feel secure. This security is what gives many the confidence to utilize their stairlift on a regular basis. Don’t impede usage by skimping on a sub-par seat or by overlo0oking the merits of trying the chair before you make purchase decisions.

4. Is it adjustable?

When considering features, enough cannot be said for the power of adjustability; having the freedom to adjust and augment your stair chair is invaluable in predicting future needs. Many models come with adjustable options for the seat, including height, arms, and seat, so try a few different chairs before settling on your choice. Furthermore, adjusting the seat means that users of various sizes, heights, and limitations could utilize the chair, now or in the future. Which makes it a prudent investment for a wide range of consumers. Ask for a demonstration of this versatility from mobility retail staff when perusing your stair chair options.

5. How does it fit?

Ask yourself honestly: how does the stair chair fit+? This is not simply referring to how the user will fit in the seat, but how the stair chair and lift fit in your home, as well as your lifestyle. Augment the areas of the home that are most used and desirous to the primary user to create an accessible environment and improved quality of life. How does the device fit your budget? Talk to qualified retail staff about buying, payment, and even leasing options when considering what fits best with your financial situation.

Buying mobility aids is a big decision; make sure that you carefully consider all aspects that will contribute to your overall satisfaction with the device. Don’t work with vendors that push you into buying devices that you are unsure of; only buy from qualified and reputable dealers that offer a full assessment of your needs and customer service after the sale. When buying your new lift, pay special attention to the stair chair: is it up to your expectations? Before choosing the lift that is right for you, check out the seat to determine the ease, compatibility, comfort, adjustability, and fit for your home – and you!

When it comes to mobility aids and devices, you have a lot of questions. How can you enhance access and ensure comfort? Take a look at how auto hand controls can improve safety and mobility, and how to integrate these aids into your own lifestyle.

If you or someone you love relies on mobility devices and equipment, make sure that it is as safe as it can be with features like auto hand controls. When investing in these aids and devices, consider current but also future needs. Is there a chance of regaining mobility? Could your limitations increase over-time? The future can be uncertain but features that enhance and improve accessibility and daily convenience are a prudent investment in your overall health and well being now and later on.

Take a look at how auto hand controls can improve safety and mobility for yourself:

When it comes to lifts and mobility aids, automatic hand controls can make all the difference. For instance, auto hand controls in a vehicle can make driving a reality for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. This same feature is found in other equipment, like scooters, wheelchairs, and lifts, both free-standing and fixed models. Think about it: automatic controls not only increase utility for the user, but also can make life easier, safer, and less-rigorous for caregivers, too. Features like these increase safety and lower the risk of an incident or injury.

Got questions?

The best way to determine if auto hand controls – and other safety features – make sense for you is to visit mobility experts for a needs assessment. This will provide the opportunity to view, discuss, and try equipment, aids, and devices for yourself. This is why it makes the most sense to buy from brick-and-mortar businesses in your region to find the perfect pairing of function and comfort, that enhances your own accessibility. Furthermore, mobility professionals can address and answer questions that you may have regarding specific features, hand control options:

Concerned about comfort? 

Comfort is key when buying mobility aids and equipment; make sure that it is not only feasible to use, but comfortable as well. Auto hand controls provide an option that can take the strain off the user, and that can make movements and utility more precise. This reinforces the need to try-out and visit mobility aid dealers in your area. Ask about additional features, like soft-grips and ergonomic friendly solutions.

Some ways that hand controls incorporate comfort into driving are:

• Acceleration and brake-use by hand.
• Mechanical linkage from the brake and accelerator to the driver’s seat.
• Left foot gas and quick-release braking system.
• Custom and standard handles to ‘push’ or ‘pull’ brake.

Ask your mobility aid vendor about these varied options.

Do you need auto hand controls? 

If you rely on a lift, such as for your vehicle, auto hand controls make the difference. These allow for easy operation of your car or truck, while also providing stowing options that may otherwise be impractical, even impossible. To enhance driving with auto hand control options, it may be necessary to acquire driving rehab instruction before investing in adaptive devices that facilitate the operation of a motor vehicle.

Wondering about installation and service?

Whether you need a hand control to operate the brake of your vehicle, or if you require the push-pull action to drive safely, hand controls are integral. Mobility experts will be able to demonstrate the correct use of hand controls, and reputable dealers in the region offer full installation and service for these adaptive aids. They can evaluate your distinct vehicle and assess the compatibility while troubleshooting any areas of concern for the consumer.

Perhaps the most important question is: what are you waiting for?

Call and make an appointment for a thorough needs-assessment at mobility experts near you. This will help reveal the most prudent and pragmatic solutions for your home and lifestyle. Shop with qualified merchants that offer sales, service, and support, as well as professional installation to ensure satisfaction later-on. While second-hand equipment may seem like a cost-effective approach, unless it is sold and guaranteed by a mobility company, it could be borrowing trouble. Buy from the best and expect the highest level of quality, support, and service; check online reviews and feedback to garner overall customer satisfaction.

Don’t wait; contact the experts to discuss mobility aids and safety features, like hand controls, today. Convenience, comfort, access, and choices await you with convenient auto hand controls to make lifts and equipment easier to manage- which makes life better all the way around. Protect and preserve your autonomy and freedom with features, including auto control options; after all, don’t you and your loved ones deserve it? Talk to the professionals and begin living your best life today.

If consumers take a look at how the Americans with Disabilities Act has improved mobility, it is hard to ignore the increase in autonomy, freedom, and quality of life impacted. It is also difficult to overlook the modifications merited due to the changing times; evolving interpretations of devices and diagnoses merit reconsideration and reinterpretation to maintain equality and autonomy for every American.

We’ve come a long way, baby… That cliché seems to aptly sum-up how the country has evolved in its views and accommodations of those with physical disabilities. Consumers are gaining entry to places, job-sites, and public areas that previously would have been challenging at-best, but often impractical to access. However, the law isn’t always as cut-and-dry as one may believe, with changes in aids, diagnosis, and demographics emerging. With the number of individuals using mobility devices rising, it makes sense to revisit the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, of 1991 to see just how far the country has come.

Take a look at how the Americans with Disabilities Act has improved mobility:

The Americans with Disabilities Act improves access and protects the liberties of those with disabilities, preserving their autonomy, rights, and entry to public spaces. This Act also mandates specifications that allow easy access for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility aids and equipment which, previously, was not enforced by law. This assures citizens that they will have use and utility of rented homes, access to public restrooms, and the ability to use, enjoy, and traverse spaces that could pose obstacles for those using mobility aids or devices. The law does more than that however by providing a legal precedent for individuals living with disabilities, allowing them the same entry, access, and life of those that do not require accommodations.

Modern Modifications

Twenty years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, revisions were made to specifically address the needs of citizens that use modern mobility aids. With design changes and increased offerings in mobility solutions, the original accommodations asserted by this Act was modified to encompass and protect individuals that use scooters, wheelchairs, or other adaptive equipment, aids, and devices. For instance, the original legislation was enacted before items like seg-ways appeared on the scene; the Segway is used by many with mobility issues to improve access and increase mobility. In fact, the somewhat trendy Segway is being lauded as a personal assisted device, embraced widely by consumers and protected by the law.

Expanding Definitions

Just as the need to expand on the rights of those with disabilities has evolved, so has the definition of a disability. Mental health issues plague millions of Americans in a daily struggle that can be debilitating and stigmatizing; therapeutic aids such as emotional support animals have been emerging more widely, which further complicates interpretation of the law. Just as potential landlords must comply with door width and access features, many businesses are faced with accepting support animals in their ‘no pets’ properties to comply with the ADA. A subject of wide-spread legal debate and litigation, there is still ambiguity in the laws that leaves room for confusion and conflict.

Equal Access

It would be impossible to list all of the people and protections afforded by the ADA; in essence, it preserves the right of access to anyone with a disability that could provide obstacles in accessibility. Furthermore, the ADA offers very specific protections for individuals with disabilities at work.  Accessibility hurdles at work that could prevent someone with a disability in their job performance, like stairs, handicap-accessible bathrooms, and visual cues, are mandated and asserted by this very comprehensive piece of legislation.

Improving Technology

Technology is making it easier for individuals with mobility impairments or disabilities to compete in today’s job market. From telecommute positions to meetings by Skype, technology is at the forefront of accessibility for all. This extends to mobility aids and the merchants offering these to their consumers; ask about high-tech features and devices to improve everyday living.

Community Commitment

Improving access and quality of life for those with disabilities requires a community commitment; continued efforts to update and modify existing facilities, public places, and serving as a role-model for others falls to each and every American. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 paved the way for individuals with impairments or limitations to access the same spaces and places as those without disabilities. This legislation calls to action area groups, organizations, municipalities, employers, and citizens in an effort of protecting the rights, improving the accessibility, and maintaining the autonomy of disabled Americans widely, including those that utilize mobility aids.

Preserve your autonomy, or the freedom of someone you love, with mobility aids and devices. The experts at Pacific Mobility are here to help you assess and evaluate your needs while offering options to suit your distinct lifestyle, living situation, and budget. They can offer insight and information pertaining to the ADA laws and guidelines that will preserve and protect your accessibility, as well as your rights.

Increasing accessibility around your home or dwelling may come down to ramps. If you wonder when it is time to consider portable mobility ramps, the time could be now. Talk to a mobility expert to find portable ramps – as well as other aids – to increase access and preserve autonomy.

Investing in mobility devices is a big decision with life-changing consequences, so when it it time to consider portable mobility ramps? The simple fact that you are asking yourself that question could point toward it being time to discuss your options with a mobility expert. Portable ramps are the perfect first-step in increasing access, safety, and independence in the home – as well as when you leave the house! Consider the many benefits of something so basic and ask yourself what you are waiting for.

Got questions about ramps and mobility aids? Here are some answers for you:

When is it time to consider portable mobility ramps?

It is estimated that more than 15 million people use some kind of an assistive device, including ramps. Among these individuals are over nine-million people over age 65; since nobody is getting any younger, doesn’t it make sense that now is the time to think about installing ramps? Ramps offer assistance to a wide range of users, from those utilizing other mobility equipment like scooters or wheelchairs to those who walk without support but that want a gentler way of obtaining access to areas around their home.  

How do ramps help?

The argument for ramps comes down to increased access equates to improved autonomy; simple. Ramps provide a low-rise incline to assist consumers to navigate stairs, risers, steps, and elevated areas, while also providing a key tool in managing and transporting any existing medical or mobility equipment. When you shop for a scooter or chair, you may also be looking for ramps, however, even if you don’t use these devices, a ramp may be the little extra assistance you need to prevent discomfort, a nasty fall, or a subsequent injury.

What are the options?

You have ample options when it comes to ramps; some of the most common and relied-upon include threshold ramps, folding ramps, and modular ramp systems. While retailers can discuss these options in more depth, threshold and modular ramps are typically permanent fixtures. Folding ramps offer portability, which could make them more affordable and multi-functional for some consumers.

Does a portable ramp make sense?

The reason why portable ramps make sense comes down to convenience. A portable or folding ramp offers a wide-range of opportunities to use, from getting in and out of vehicles to easily entering your home. Furthermore, portable ramps offer occasional utility or could be implemented as a permanent feature of your property. Talk to mobility retailers about folding ramps, including tri-folds, for easiest storage and operation on-the-go.

What do buyers need to know?

Distinct needs require distinguished solutions; make sure that the ramp you buy offers versatility and convenience. Portable ramps allow freedom of access that may not be found with other types, but with this comes specific usage recommendations that may – or may not – meet your current and future needs. The best approach is to speak with an expert in mobility devices for a thorough needs assessment.

How do you stay safe?

The best way to ensure performance and satisfaction of any mobility aid or device is to follow the recommended usage and safety tips provided by the manufacturer and seller. However, there are some basic strategies that can curb accidents and maintain your ramp during use that merit attention.

Some tips to stay safe include:

• To ensure your ramp is at a safe degree of incline, aim for one-foot of ramp per one-inch of incline.
• Keep your ramp maintained in inclement weather to avoid slips or falls and provide some sort of traction during precipitation. Vendors may have grips or recommended strategies to keep the ramp traversable.
• Keep the landings on both ends of your ramp as flat and level as you can.
• Always pay attention to the weight restrictions for your ramp; this includes the weight of any devices, aids, or items that you may routinely carry on your ramp.

What next?

The next step should be to reach out and speak with a mobility expert in your area. They can reinforce why professional installation is key, and why it is integral to only allow qualified mobility technicians install, service, or repair your equipment. While portable ramps are easy-enough for the layman to implement and utilize, your mobility merchant can point out usage tips, manufacturer’s recommendations, and safety suggestions to ensure satisfaction over the long-term.

If you are wondering when the time for ramps is or other mobility aids, it could be now. Take time to discuss options, benefits, and costs with a mobility professional, and see for yourself how much convenience and autonomy a simple, portable ramp can bring to your lifestyle. Got questions about mobility options? Keep these answers in mind and speak with an expert today!

When shopping for your new lift, make sure to take a closer look at the seat on your new stair chair. Since this will be different for each and every consumer, it makes sense to buy chairs and lifts from companies that offer features to suit your distinct preferences.

Think about it: you want your lift seat or stair chair to be something that you can easily use and adapt to. For this reason, stair chairs merit a little extra attention. Think about your investment as something that you will have for years to come – which makes satisfaction with the seat especially important. Talk to mobility experts to find the right chair – and lift – to suit your needs, preferences, and living situation.

Let’s take a closer look at the seat of your new Stair Chair, shall we?

Design

Examine the design of the chair and factors such as the shape of the arm-rests and height of the back when buying. Be cognizant of weight recommendations to ensure smooth operation and safety. Look for high-end details that could add convenience and overall satisfaction, such as quality materials and padding. Consider aspects such as where you will be primarily using the device if there is terrain to be concerned and any existing physical limitations that may point toward the best options.

Comfort

Speaking of padding, comfort is key when shopping for your stair chair. If possible, take a seat and try it out; if not, read customer reviews and feedback to assess the overall level of satisfaction with the comfort of the style. No consumer ever thinks ‘I wish I had gotten a less comfortable chair’ but often wish they had kept comfort in mind before buying.

Maintenance

Is your new stair chair going to be easy to clean and maintain? When buying devices and aids, it is always recommended that you purchase from a retailer that stands behind their product, offering service, support, and installation. Keeping this in mind, routine maintenance may involve inspections and servicing from a qualified mobility professional. To have a company that supports consumers after the sale is integral and pays for itself in overall maintenance convenience.

Versatility

Another aspect to consider when contemplating your options is versatility; is the seat adjustable at all? This could be prudent when seats are used by more than one person, or when you are making an investment for the long-term, such as for a stairlift. The more options, features, and details that you have to consider in your stair chair, the more likely you are to be satisfied with it for many years to come.

Brand

What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to mobility equipment, quite a bit could be riding on the brand and manufacturer. This is not the time to opt for obscure names that may offer an alluring price point; stick to the companies that have been relied on by consumers for generations like Bruno, Mac’s, and Pride products. These names have earned a reputation for performance, longevity, and quality over the years – with clients just like you!

Thinking of increasing accessibility? Tips before you buy

There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for mobility aids, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and research your options first. Since the primary goal is to increase access, any idiosyncrasies or characteristics that impede use or deter the user defeat the whole purpose of utilizing mobility aids; keep some basic buying tips in mind to ensure you are satisfied after the sale:

• Some mobility aid retailers offer equipment for consumers to rent; this could provide you with the option of trying various aids before you buy a new one.
• Make sure that the company you choose to shop with assesses your needs before selling you equipment. This may include a brief discussion, questions, and some information relevant to providing you with the best mobility options for your distinct situation.
• Be wary of buying mobility aids from second-hand sources, such as from private individuals. These devices won’t be backed by service and satisfaction guarantees and could potentially pose safety hazards if not installed professionally. It is simple: buy new.

Pay some extra-attention to where you will be sitting when buying mobility aids, and don’t afraid to sit for a spell to find the best fit. Discuss options with mobility experts, who can assess your distinct needs, to find you the best stair chair for your home. Accessibility aids only help when they are utilized, so make sure that the seat of your lift doesn’t impede, hinder, or deter you from using the device once installed in your home or dwelling. After all, the goal is to find devices that fit in with your lifestyle and habits; buying the right seat or stair chair is a fine start to increasing access and preserving autonomy for those with physical limitations or disabilities.

It bears repeating that fall prevention for seniors significantly improves quality of everyday life, so let’s take another look at reducing fall risks for seniors. Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes and mobility aids can decrease the risk of a nasty fall and increase autonomy, consequentially.

Falls among the elderly are on the rise, and it is estimated that each year one out of four older people falls; it is further asserted that once you have fallen, your chances of falling again double. Talk to your doctor or provider about how to reduce the risk of a fall – and the potentially-debilitating consequences – while maintaining independence and autonomy. Many times, simple assistive aids and mobility devices can reduce the risk of a fall, which contributes to making the home a much safer place to live.

Let’s take another look at reducing fall risks for seniors:

Whether you are over the age of 65 or not, reducing the risk of a fall and subsequent injury improves overall everyday life. From avoiding an injury and avoiding a hospital-stay to preserving independence and maintaining autonomy, these tips can contribute to your well-being.

Some tips to reduce risks around the home include:

• Make things easier to reach. Reaching is an easy way to take a tumble, and it may warrant a reaching tool to reduce risks. If you are looking for a bit of added support, consider something like a super-pole to provide stationary support in a favorite living space or bedroom.
• Give bathrooms something to grab. Install grab bars near toilet, sink, and shower to make your bathroom a safer place. Don’t try to install these on your own; ask professionals to ensure they are secure and stabilized in wall-studs to prevent serious injury and potential property damage.
• Make sure phones are cordless. Invest in cordless phones for your home, or the home of a senior. This prevents the possibility of a fall when hurrying to answer the phone in the home.
• Create safer surfaces. Implement non-slip mats or plastic runners through the home to make surfaces stable and provide tread. These also are easy to clean and maintain.
• Wear your shoes. Make sure that you always wear shoes in the home; look for slip-resistant, rubber soles when buying shoes or slippers. Also, never wear socks or nylons on your floors as these can be slippery. Treat yourself to a great pair of house-slippers, with a slip-resistant sole.
• Eliminate clutter. Get rid of clutter that could cause you to trip or fall. Also, remove items that prevent access to walls or door-frames, in case you need the support. Living with a bit less can be liberating, while also making your home seem roomier and more accessible.
• Get the right stool. If you must have access to tall or high areas of the home, buy yourself a sturdy step-stool with handrails. Use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Make stairs safer. Create safer stairs and steps with lighting and handrails on both sides for support. Use sticky treads on bare risers to further reduce fall risk.
• Fight the ice. Remember to keep exteriors de-iced during inclement weather. Use cat-litter or sand for added tread and traction on ice or slick surfaces.
• Become stronger. Any senior can reduce their potential for a fall by becoming more agile; build strength, balance, and flexibility with simple movements, activities, and exercise daily.
• Keep up on repairs. If you want to reduce hazards around the house, keep your home maintained. Make prompt and timely repairs as needed for the safest dwelling possible.
• Light things up. It also makes sense to invest in lighting solutions, as poor lighting is a major cause of falls in the home. This includes stairwells, task lamps, footlights, and outdoor light fixtures.
• Live on a single-level. Consider whether now is the time to adapt to one-level living. If a senior is residing in a home with two or three stories, it could significantly reduce fall-risk to reconfigure the living situation into something that curbs the use of stairs. If this is not feasible, consider investing in a stair-lift to maintain access and decrease hazards.
• Use your aids. Got a cane, walker, or other assistive-device? Use it! Too many people leave their aids behind when moving about the house, even though a hefty percentage of these incidents occur in the home.

June is National Safety Month; will you do something to reduce the risk of a fall in your home? The focus of this commemorative time is to prevent the common causes of injuries and fatalities widely – including those that occur by falling in the familiar spaces and rooms of your own home.

If you or a loved one would benefit from some support or assistance to reduce the risk of a nasty fall, reach out for a needs assessment to determine if mobility aids are the answer. Talk to the experts for consultation, information, and installation, when you are ready to reduce the risk of a fall in your home.

When it comes to grab bars, do you know the proper placement and usage? This extends to the use of any aids to daily living that are intended to increase accessibility and autonomy around the home. A lack of information can lead to problems when adapting to these life-changing implements.

When you think of mobility devices, your mind likely goes to scooters and lifts but there are many assistive aids you may not be considering. Consider, for instance, grab bars and other aids to daily living that can reduce the risk of fall and prevent injury around the home. The key is to opt for medical aids and equipment sold by merchants who offer service and support to ensure satisfaction and an increase in accessibility once installed.

When it comes to grab bars, do you know the proper placement and usage?

Don’t underestimate the installation of a grab bar in the home, and never settle for something secured with suction cups. This is an accident waiting to happen! When you need aids to daily living, treat it just as you would when looking for a wheelchair or scooter. Patronize professional mobility retailers that put your needs first and that offer support to their customers.

Where do you put the grab bar?

Probably the most common placement of a grab bar is in the bathroom, near or next to the commode. This often provides access and support at the sink, too, since the plumbing is often entwined. Another option is to have a grab bar near the tub, but there are other bathing and showering aids that could prove more pragmatic for your distinct bathroom space.

When is the right time for a reaching tool?

Anyone can benefit from a reaching tool; these ‘grabbers’ can be effective ways to avoid the risks that lurk in kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and closets. As individuals age, balance can be compromised which can increase the risk of a fall. Make any room of the home a safer place to be for anyone with physical limitations by investing in reaching tools that can be used anywhere, at any time.

Do you – or someone you love – need bed rails?

Bedrails do far more than give a nudge upon waking; these discreet fixtures can provide a buffer to help restless sleepers from falling out of bed. They can also help reduce the stress and strain on joints when retiring at night, by offering a support that makes it easier to recline. Many styles can be locked in place and lowered as needed, which makes changing bedding and linens simpler.

What does a super-pole do? 

For innovative assistance that is helpful when standing, shifting, or transferring. The distinction between this grab bar and other devices is the floor-to-ceiling bar, offering stability and security that canes or walkers may not provide. Ask your mobility expert about this award-winning device to increase autonomy and mobility in your home space. These adjustable aids offer both seniors and caregivers the added assistance that may prevent injuries during activities of daily living.

Does a seat make sense?

It is estimated that around 95% of hip fractures among the elderly are the result of a fall; it is further reported that around 13% of senior falls occur in the bathroom, including in the shower. Does a seat make sense in your bathroom shower? Even if the consumer prefers to stand independently while showering, a seat can be an excellent way for the senior to navigate getting in and out of the tub. While the sides may prove challenging, even a fall-risk for seniors with poor balance, sitting on the seat positioned over the tub side-wall can allow them to swing their legs in rather than lift and lower. Additionally, this may be a safer approach on wet and slippery surfaces – like the tub, shower, and bathroom floors.

Would a tray-table help?

They have been used in hospitals and healthcare settings for generations, but what is the deal with tray-tables? The sleek style and stability of tray-tables can transform a favorite chair into a convenient and useful space. The casters allow for locking and keeping the table in place, and the adjustable height will fit any chair, bed, or spot that you choose to place it in. Make sure that you buy medical-grade tray-tables to ensure you are getting the same quality seen in healthcare institutions, hospitals, and rehab settings widely.

Don’t write off mobility aids as being restricted to scooters and wheelchairs; sometimes the smallest bit of assistance can make the biggest difference in everyday life. Consider how a grab bar, or other aids to daily living, could increase safety, enhance access, and lessen worry when it comes to protecting someone that you love. Talk to the experts in mobility aids, devices, and equipment about a needs assessment and more information pertaining to simple solutions for daily challenges.