Jeff Conner

Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities is a concern all caregivers share. In this first of a five-part series, we explore the components to a well thought out kitchen.

Rethinking the kitchen with a view to accessibility makes sense and reduces the risk of injuries and falls in this area of the home. The kitchen can be a particularly dangerous place for seniors with mobility issues and disabilities, often posing a significant risk of injury.

Safety can be a barrier to autonomy for many seniors, especially those with physical disabilities or mobility issues. Considering that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among seniors, it makes good sense to look at home adaptations, augments, and mobility devices that make the home a safer place. Start your assessment in the kitchen, which has inherent obstacles and challenges for many seniors.

Rethinking the kitchen with a view to accessibility includes taking a second look at:

Lighting

It is estimated that around 30-50% of senior falls are due to environmental factors, including poor lighting. Furthermore, an existing disability or physical limitation increases this statistic, making illumination even more integral to well-being.

Flooring

Another environmental element that is easily remedied is your flooring; do you have carpet, rugs, or floor coverings? These present an increased fall-risk for seniors living independently. The best flooring for anyone with physical limitations is smooth, hard surfaces, such as wood, linoleum, or tile.

Counters

Keep counter height in mind when evaluating the kitchen; are the counters at the right height for those primarily using them? If the individual uses a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, it will be important to assess these aids to determine the best height to prevent injury or discomfort for the user.

Cabinetry

A potential problem in any kitchen is in the cabinetry; reaching in and under, up and over to find specific items can pose risks – especially to seniors. Talk to mobility experts about pull outs and lazy Susan-style implements to make cabinets accessible and convenient for those that have physical limitations.

Storage

When it comes to kitchen storage, reaching in the pantry can also be hazardous. Some options to make overhead storage more feasible include; reaching-tools and ‘grabbers.’ These are inexpensive and prevent falls or injuries that result from extending, over-extending, and hyper-extending.

Rethinking the kitchen reduces the risk of injury

Don’t overlook the potential for fires and hazards in the kitchen; seniors are two-and-a-half-times more likely to become injured or die in a house fire. Make sure that your senior’s kitchen is as safe as it can be and that it is free from common fire hazards that contribute to the mortality rate of the over-65 demographic and that – at the very least – compromise the independence of the individual.

Some other things you can do to make your kitchen safer are:

• Ensure seniors can operate a fire extinguisher before an emergency occurs. Don’t have one? Pick-up two inexpensive, one-time use extinguishers at a hardware store and use one for a practice run.
• One of the biggest causes of fire is unattended cooking; invest in a timer or automatic shut-off for basic kitchen appliances.
• Buy two-handled cookware to make it easier to manage and maneuver pots or pans during cooking. Remind seniors to keep handles pointed in, to prevent spills and nasty burns.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or apparel that has long strings or belts that can catch on things, cause a fall, or contribute to a fire. When preparing or cooking food, insist seniors wear clothing that fits snugly.
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean and free of grease that can accumulate – especially in smaller kitchens. Use a cleaning solution and hot water to melt away grease that could cause fire hazards later.
• Clutter can pose a fall-risk anywhere in the house, and this danger is increased in a kitchen, where you could potentially have hot pans, boiling water, or other hazards. Get rid of clutter in the kitchen area, keeping a clear path through the work area or ‘triangle’ to make it safer.
• Make a note on the calendar to test the smoke detector every month or so; check the batteries routinely and test it to make sure it works. Also, invest in a CO2 detector if you don’t currently have one. This acts like a smoke detector but can warn seniors of dangerous carbon monoxide in the air which can be fatal.

Tackle the kitchen to ensure accessibility, safety, and reduced risk of injury in your – or your senior’s – home. Use these tips to create a safe and comfortable environment that facilitates and fosters autonomy. Talk to providers about additional efforts that you can make, and speak to the experts regarding mobility aids that increase access, improves safety, and preserves independence today.

Reducing falls for seniors includes modifications around the home, from trouble-free toilets to getting rid of throw rugs that could cause injury. The costs of a fall could be as high as a fatality, as it is estimated that an older American is treated in the ER for a fall every 11 seconds.

A nasty fall can derail a senior’s independence, while also adding to a slew of debilitating conditions and issues later. Most of these incidents and accidental injuries occur in and around the home, which makes the argument for mobility devices both a compelling and pragmatic option.

Fall reduction for seniors includes these tips:

Falls around the home are common, and yet, very preventable with some basic ADL assistance and fall prevention. Don’t risk the health and well-being of a senior – take proactive measures to make the home a safer environment.

Some things to consider when reducing falls include:

Trouble-free toilets

A common point of problems is often the toilet; lowering and raising to use the toilet can easily cause falls among seniors or others with physical limitations. Some options include toilet bars or rails, but also mobility experts offer raised toilets, which decrease the risk of a fall significantly.

Some help in the shower

Wet, slick surfaces can spell trouble for seniors, which is why the shower and tub are the culprits in many nasty falls. Consider installing a shower buddy or using shower seats that facilitate autonomy during bathing; for those with debilitating injuries or disabilities, ceiling lifts or free-standing lifts may make bathing in the tub a viable option.

The floor under your feet

Take a good look at your floors; if they become wet, could they be a potential fall hazard? Also, check for whether condensation builds up on the floor’s surface, due to a humid space, poor ventilation, or temperature differences. Another area of issue is with throw rugs and bath mats, which could remove the problem of moisture, but that can present fall dangers on their own. Make sure to remove throw rugs or floor coverings that cause an uneven surface and that could be tripped over.

A little bit taller

While it has been mentioned to raise the height of the toilet, did you know that you can raise the height of other fixtures to reduce falls and accidents? Talk to your mobility expert about raising heights of bathroom necessities, such as your vanity, cabinetry, or even tub to create a more accessible bathroom in the home.

Something to grab on to

Small bathrooms may not seem like they need grab bars or rails for users to safely navigate the space, but some may fall by reaching for things that are not intended for support, like the sink, a towel rack, or a shower door. In larger bathrooms, there could be substantial fall risks associated with simply getting from one area of the room to another. Talk to mobility experts about grab bars for the shower, tub, commode, and sink to safely update and upgrade the space.

Another versatile option is the ‘super pole’; super poles are basically portable poles that can be installed anywhere that the user may need a bit of support and ‘grab.’ These make any space more accessible and safer, even when you lack the wall or area for more conventional grabbers or rails.

Illuminated spaces

Poor lighting opens anyone up to a potential fall, and falls due to poor illumination are most common on stairs or in hallways. Poor lighting also makes it harder to see issues, objects, or fall risks, like a snagged carpet or loose tile, which could present significant hazards for seniors.

The real risks associated with a fall

It is estimated that one out of four seniors fall each year in this country, which amounts to an injury every 11 seconds that warrants treatment at the emergency room. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries for Americans over the age of 65, as one senior dies from injuries sustained in a fall every 19 minutes. With these startling statistic in mind, some other things that caregivers can do to reduce the risk of falls include:

• Clear clutter that could cause a potential fall and subsequent injury.
• Check their shoes to ensure they fit properly, and that they don’t present any unnecessary hazards, such as long laces.
• Make sure clothing fits right; surprisingly, many seniors fall as a result of loose-clothing becoming fetched on fixtures and furnishings around the home.
• Try to consolidate the senior’s needs on one-level, but talk to providers about the viability of a stairlift to help with access throughout the residence. This is a proactive step toward preserving independence, too.

Falls seriously jeopardizes the health and autonomy of seniors widely; mobility aids reduce the risks of a fall and also can assist those recuperating and recovering from an injury sustained in a fall. Falls are not uncommon and can have life-compromising impacts; use these tips to make the home a safer place for a senior that you love.

Brain injury is one of the contributing factors to mobility issues, potentially causing brain dysfunction that affects speech, memory, and movement. Mobility aids can often help poor balance, weakened muscles and uncontrolled movements that impact coordination and autonomy.

A traumatic brain injury or TBI, is sudden physical damage to the brain that either has temporary or lasting effects; this does not extend to congenital conditions and is typically caused by an external source, such as a car accident or blow to the head. Some things that can be affected by a TBI are speech, memory, personality, and mobility, which merits the use of mobility devices in many instances.

Brain injury is one of the contributing factors to mobility issues

If you see someone in a wheelchair or using a mobility aid, it may not be a physical condition impacting their mobility, but rather an injury to the brain. It is estimated that over two-and-a-half-million people endure the lasting impacts of a traumatic brain injury in the US; this correlates with the assertion that brain injury is a major contributor to mobility issues and limitations.

Spasms

Brain injury can also impact the ability to control movements. Some brain trauma may cause uncontrolled spasms, jerking movements, or slower-than-usual response time. This can interfere with coordination and balance, resulting in a fall or mobility problem.

Weakness

Brain injury can cause muscle weakness and loss of strength. This may be as severe as requiring assistance and mobility aids to get around. This may also manifest in one limb being far stronger than the other, which contributes to potential mobility issues. It is not uncommon to find those recovering from a traumatic brain injury to be living with physical limitations of some degree.

Balance

Balance is another function that can be significantly impacted by a brain injury. It could be difficult for those with TBI to control movements, adjust their posture, or take steps to preserve balance, which may result in a nasty fall. Adjustments made to preserve balance is a complex function of the brain that can be impacted by trauma or injury to the brain.

Spread the word for Brain Injury Awareness Month this March

Show support for the increasing number of people living with a TBI in the US by honoring Brain Injury Awareness Month in March; traumatic brain injury impacts more than mere brain function – things like memory, reasoning, and personality – but also affects the families, loved ones, and caregivers of those living with a TBI. Caregivers may be most at-risk for burn-out when working closely with someone who has a brain injury, as symptoms may manifest suddenly, inconsistently, and unpredictably, which can add to the challenge. Mobility issues bring their own distinct obstacles, which makes mobility devices even more pragmatic. Ensure safety with quality mobility aids that are professionally-installed and o something meaningful during March to acknowledge, affirm, and advocate for all those affected by traumatic brain injury; after all, it can happen to anyone at any time.

Some examples of how to give back and spread the word for Brain Injury Awareness include:

• Attend an event, function, or charity-organized gathering to show support and contribute monetarily to the cause. Check online posts and calendars for scheduled events in your area.
• Relieve a caregiver of duties for an hour; even if the caregiver is reticent to leave you alone with their charge, give them the freedom to do something else or take a break while you sit and stay with the patient.
• If your patient, friend, or loved one has a child, take the child out for some fun. Spend a couple hours after school, go the movies, grab a bite – do something that alleviates some responsibility off of the primary caregiver while also showing some love to a child.
• Become informed about traumatic brain injury and what it can cause. Even if you are not impacted by brain injury, but struggle with mobility issues, check out the online articles and scholarly posts to gain empathy and insight into this condition that affects so many Americans, every day.

Make a bit of time for someone impacted by traumatic brain injury, whether it is a patient, a child, a friend, or a caregiver, and pay homage to this growing population for awareness in March – or any time of the year!

What will you do to honor those living with brain injury? Advocate and assist someone with physical limitations resulting from TBI get the mobility aids that can improve quality of everyday life. Talk to the mobility experts and have an assessment to determine the best approaches, devices, and equipment for you – or your loved one – and increase access, enhance convenience, and preserve autonomy today.

When consumers consider mobility aids, know that patient safety is on the top of our list- and should be on the top of the buyer’s also. Pay attention to the things that matter when shopping, like being treated with dignity and high-quality products.

Have you been conflicted about the safety of mobility aids, lifts, or equipment in your home? When it comes to mobility devices, Pacific Mobility has built their business on the safe transition and easy installation provided to their clients and patients. With over 40 years of healthcare expertise, your needs will be assessed carefully before determining the best mobility options for your distinct situation, home, and lifestyle.

Patient safety is on the top of our list.

All companies should place their patrons’ health and safety above all else- but unfortunately, many do not. Pacific Mobility sets itself apart by going above and beyond to accommodate clients and preserve utmost safety when implementing and installing mobility aids and devices. We strive for our customers’ satisfaction and safety, period.

• Confidentiality.

Patrons can rest easy, knowing that we hold their information in the strictest confidence; we uphold confidentiality and honor client/patient rights in every interaction and transaction. We also work to gain consumers’ trust with thorough needs assessments that pinpoint the most practical and viable mobility options for them, without trying to sell equipment and devices that you don’t need. Your private medical information is safe with us, and we ensure maintaining your confidentiality.

• Delivery. 

Since safety is key, we provide professional delivery and installation, to ensure your mobility aid performs the way that you need it to. Your technician will demonstrate the operation of your device, which prevents any mishap or injury due to user error. Sit back and relax while your technician installs your device- you know that it will be done right. This also curbs user-error that could impact the overall performance of your equipment; our technicians will instruct, demonstrate, and guide you following installation.

• Technology. 

The team at the Pacific Mobility Center keeps staff members up-to-date on the latest home healthcare technology. The company supports learning and education through seminars and training programs, as well as offers in-house opportunities. Since trends in technology change on a seemingly-daily basis, staying abreast of current trends also helps our team assist you and your caregiver in finding the best mobility options available. We offer the highest-quality products, such as Bruno lifts, to increase accessibility, preserve independence, and improve overall everyday life.  

• Dignity. 

Our company promotes dignity and supports autonomy among our clients. We hold respect and integrity high and are a trusted family-owned business with over 60 years of experience in the field. We foster and value the relationships made with our clients and work hard to establish trust and transparency in each and every interaction. We respect your choices, preferences, and budget- and we strive to find the best options available.

• Support. 

Our follow-up process further sets Pacific mobility apart from any competitors in the region. We have a firm -understanding of our responsibilities to the clients served, and we reach out to determine their satisfaction and offer service after the sale. Support after the sale is something we pride ourselves on- and something that has helped to build our business for years and years. We want to be available to you- the consumer- when and if you have a question, need support, or have feedback for our team.

• Reputation. 

Pacific Mobility is a family-owned business with over 64 years of healthcare industry experience. We have established this reputation by aiming to provide the highest quality home care and accessibility products easily and feasibly, based on our valued customer’s needs and budgets. We strive to make these devices and aids accessible and available, for consumers both in our local geographic locale and our online patrons, as well.

Celebrate patient safety and spread awareness.

Plan to honor and celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week, scheduled for the week of March 11-17, 2018. The goal of the commemoration is to bring together healthcare providers, caregivers, and patients to share and disseminate information about patient safety. Events, programs, and speakers are some of the ways that this occurs, but individuals widely can do their part by making small adjustments, efforts, and augments to improve safety in their own environment.

Worried about the safety of mobility aids or devices in your home? Don’t be; Pacific Mobility offers an assurance of safety satisfaction with the mobility aids that they distribute and sell. Whether you are an online consumer seeking information about access, or a local patron that is ready to update or upgrade their current living situation, Pacific mobility offers the products that can preserve autonomy, increase access, and improve lives for countless consumers living with physical limitations or disabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prospective mobility product buyers may wonder what goes into our recommendations viewed online. Customers laud the assessment, installation, service and support of our mobility aids, as well as the quality of the merchandise sold.

Investing in mobility devices should not be entered into lightly, and many retailers have garnered a reputation based on the sales, service, and support provided among the consumer audience. Pacific Mobility has taken great care to establish themselves and enhance the overall customer buying experience, which is reflected in the online reviews and recommendations found. Be an informed buyer and do your homework in terms of reviewing online feedback to measure the satisfaction of previous consumers. This will tease-out reputable vendors and lead to longer-term satisfaction with your mobility device or equipment.

Wondering what goes into our recommendations from satisfied customers?

Have you read any of our online reviews or recommendations? While we don’t want to brag, they are definitely worth a read for anyone contemplating how mobility devices can change their lives. Pacific Mobility takes great pride in the scores of satisfied customers, as well as in the fact that these mobility solutions enhance life quality for the many consumers using them daily. Don’t take our word for it; check out the online feedback for yourself!

Some of the things that customers love about us are:

The Assessment

Anytime you plan on buying something such as medical devices and mobility aids, plan to go through an assessment process. This is something that helps potential patrons pin-point the precise solution to best suit their needs, living arrangements, and budget. Skipping a comprehensive assessment could result in ill-suited purchases, unnecessary expenses, and long-term dissatisfaction. Customers laud this as an insightful, eye-opening part of the process.

The Installation

Professional installation is the only way to go, and Pacific Mobility receives rave reviews for their skillful installation and courteous technicians. When you opt for equipment that is not professionally installed, you run the risk of malfunction, property damage, and even potential personal injury; err on the side of caution and only purchase mobility devices that come with professional installation, reinstallation, or uninstallation service provisions. Furthermore, make sure that the company you work with receives high marks for their installation process, time-frame, and courtesy before making purchase decisions.

Product Quality

All the assessments in the world and the very best installation means nothing if the product quality is not up to par; Pacific Mobility prides itself on offering customers the best in mobility aids and equipment on the market today. Top-named brands include Bruno, a benchmark of quality in the industry. Customers tout the longevity and dependability of Bruno, making it a popular choice among those buying lifts. Not sure about a Bruno? Talk to our knowledgeable team about rentals to determine the distinctions and differences for yourself.

The Service

Something else often noted in the recommendations and reviews is the reliable service of mobility equipment. When something goes wrong, you want assistance fast- and Pacific Mobility customers know that their needs will be met efficiently and effectively. No one wants to plan on a problem, but it is nice to know that should one arise, help is on the way. Fast and friendly service is something you will see time and time again in our recommendations and online reviews, and customers deserve nothing less.

Ease Of Working With Us

Another thing noted by customers is the ease of reviewing and buying mobility equipment. It should not be a complicated or time-consuming endeavor, though it is an important decision that should be made with information and insight. Let the vendor do the work- from scheduling to installing- and don’t let it interrupt your daily life. From the buyer’s perspective, it should be fairly easy.

Furthermore, note the ease and user-friendliness of the website. If the vendor website doesn’t provide you with accurate contact information, easy-to-follow tabs, and simple layouts, move on. Being able to access and navigate the vendor’s website is something else that should play into the choices that you make.

Our Support

Many vendors are excited to sell equipment, but then disappear, not providing support after the sale. Our customers know that if the customer isn’t happy, Pacific Mobility isn’t happy either. Support is available for questions, queries, or information online all the time, so you are never left waiting around. This fast response has garnered positive reviews and attention, as it provides a peace of mind that other retailers simply don’t offer. Once you buy something from us, you will never have to go it alone- and our recommendations reflect this.

Speak With the Experts Today

Pacific Mobility recognizes that each client has unique mobility needs, and they have made it their business to assess and assist hundreds of clients over the years. Each situation provides a new experience and valuable insight into the industry, providing their clients with the best mobility solutions for their distinct living situations. Before you invest in mobility aids, you owe it to yourself- and those you love- to only work with reputable professionals that come highly-recommended by their patrons.

Some ways how we help seniors stay independent surround accessibility, assistance, autonomy, activities of daily living, aging-in-place, and thorough assessment. Mobility aids foster independence, which can improve overall quality of life.

This February, celebrate National Senior Independence Month by fostering independence and striving to make your senior’s life better. Assisted-living facilities and caregivers offer some suggestions to enhance everyday living, and these can easily be translated and implemented into other living situations and homes, including the installation of mobility devices for those with physical limitations or disabilities. Embrace independence and celebrate by offering a helping-hand and treating older individuals with dignity and respect.

Some Ways We Help Seniors Stay Independent With Mobility Aids Are:

A little assistance is often all that is needed to improve quality of life and enhance everyday activities for a senior. Mobility aids, primarily lifts, can increase the access that a senior has around their own home surroundings; for instance, users may be able to get upstairs, drive their vehicle, or get in and out of a swimming pool! Depending on your situation, lifts can make the home more convenient and comfortable.

Mobility aids facilitate independence in the following ways:

Accessibility

Do you know what it is like to be unable to access areas of your home surroundings? Increasing access is one of the main reasons why consumers invest in mobility aids. Some popular options include porch lifts, stairlifts, and vehicle lifts, but access may also extend to widening doorways for wheelchairs and scooters, installing ceiling lifts for getting out of bed, or grab-rails for uneven or raised surfaces. Having access to the spaces you want or need to visit is, indeed, part of living independently.

Assistance

Often times, a little assistance goes a long way toward independence. A helping-hand may be all that is needed to preserve autonomy and stay in a current living situation. This helping-hand may come in the form of a visit from a caregiver, home health services, or mobility aids to increase safety and access around the home. If you are seeking assistance for a senior, check out online resources to find service providers in your area; if you are looking for quality, made in the USA mobility aids, look no further than the mobility experts.

Autonomy

Speaking of which, another way that we foster independence is by providing seniors with dignity and autonomy and allowing seniors to convey their wishes and respect their choices. This may involve creative problem-solving when a senior does not want any help and that is reticent toward changes in their living situation. Mobility aids and equipment can protect the senior from having to make these tough decisions, and allow them the freedom to stay in the home that they love. This also can make caregivers safer when assisting seniors, which leads to greater autonomy for all involved.

Activities of Daily Life (ADLs)

Part of everyday life are tasks like dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing- which are called activities of daily living (ADLs). These ADLs can present challenges for seniors with physical impairments or disabilities. Grab-bars by the sink, reaching tools in the kitchen, and a step-in shower can all facilitate consumers with their ADLs, while promoting independence and fostering self-confidence among the aged.

Aging-in-place

Another way to show support for seniors’ independence is to allow them to age-in-place. This basically refers to allowing them to live in their own homes for as long as possible and by supporting their choices- even if you don’t agree with them. This is where mobility aids, devices, and augments can make a dramatic difference in the senior’s safety and quality of life when living with a disability or physical limitation. This can also help a caregiver support and assist the senior, without fear of injury or accident when helping those with mobility issues.

Assessment

To truly determine how to best help seniors preserve their independence, an assessment of needs is warranted. This may uncover mobility aids and assistance that will be helpful and practical, while also seeking to look at ways of improving the overall quality of life. You should only buy from mobility aids vendors that offer a thorough assessment of needs and professional installation; this guarantees long-term satisfaction and support after you have brought home your mobility equipment.

Contact Us Now For Your Mobility Solutions

Don’t waste another day without optimizing access and putting the priority on independence. Whether you or a loved one lives in their own home, assisted-living, or other situation, strive to replicate how we facilitate independence to enhance overall quality of life. Contact the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility to assess your current and future needs, and to discuss installation, costs, and options.

Would an increase in access make a difference in your life or the life of someone you love? If so, talk with the experts about mobility aids and equipment to increase convenience, improve autonomy, and preserve independence today. Also, use these suggestions and hints how we help seniors stay independent now!

Keep safe patient handling in mind when deciding between a ceiling lift versus a floor lift. The pros and cons of both are contingent on the user, the caregiver, and the living situation.

Transporting someone with a physical impairment or disability can pose hazards to both the individual and the caregiver, as well as run the risk of significant injury. There are numerous mobility devices and aids that can make this process simpler and less-dangerous,

Make safety the priority

Safe Patient Handling refers to protecting both the patient and the caregiver with safe transport methods. Equipment and mobility aids, such as lifts, are fast-becoming an integral component of patient care in hospitals and skilled-nursing settings. Training curriculums often address the principles of good-body mechanics, which decreases the risk of an injury during transports or ADLs (activities of daily life), like bathing or dressing. Implement these same strategies at home to preserve autonomy and to enhance safety when working with individuals that have physical limitations or disabilities.

Ceiling Lift versus Floor Lift: The Pros and Cons of Both:

Talk with a reputable and certified retailer of mobility aids and devices for a thorough nneeds assessment which will indicate the most pragmatic options for you. Furthermore, resist buying second-hand devices from private sellers, as these will not be backed by any type of warranty, support, or service after the sale. Buying from a qualified vendor ensures professional installation and customer satisfaction.  Before making purchase decisions, consider the differences and distinctions of these two very-different accessibility aids.

Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling lifts are often seen in skilled nursing settings, and may be the contraption that you see installed overhead when visiting patients or sitting bedside. A tracking system is installed for the lift to run on during transfers and transports, and the tracking is usually secured to the ceiling, itself, or mounted to a wall. Some ceiling lifts are free standing systems, which often resemble a floor lift although the stabilization or support may differ. Consumers and caregivers seeking assistance with daily routines and ADLs often opt for ceiling lifts, which provide a sense of safety and peace of mind, but there are other factors that may make this device less practical for some households. Interested buyers should meet with reputable merchants for an assessment of needs, product information, and price estimates before making purchase decisions.

Some pros and cons of ceiling lifts include:

• Ceiling lifts are deemed easier to utilize than floor lifts in skilled nursing settings where patients are routinely moved.
• Consumers will pay for the convenience of ceiling lifts, as these are typically more expensive than floor lifts.
• Ceiling lifts offer a wider-range of options and movement than floor lifts. Patients can be raised, lowered, lifted, and rolled using a ceiling lift.
• Ceiling lifts- that are installed- don’t require storage space or take up room in small quarters.

Floor Lifts

Floor lifts are an interesting concept. While the name implies that the device raises and lowers the ground, what it actually does is create a hoist to raise the patient above the floor- wherever they happen to be. These devices provide a lower center of gravity and fulcrum for the transport, similar to the role of a ceiling with a ceiling lift. It always makes the most sense to discuss your options with providers and equipment vendors to ensure you are getting the right device for your needs, living situation, and budget.

Some pros and cons of floor lifts are:

• Floor lifts require more exertion to complete the transport than a ceiling lift. Typically, it takes more than one caregiver to lift or move a patient with a floor lift as opposed to a single caregiver to assist with a ceiling lift.
• Floor lifts are mobile, able to easily move from room-to-room, but take up more space than an installed ceiling lift does.
• Floor lifts are cost-efficient, making it feasible to increase access and ease at a lower price point.
• Floor lifts can be taken on vacation, during respite stays, or to another setting, in the event that the patient or user leaves their home. Ceiling lifts would require professional uninstallation and reinstallation.

Consider Both Patients and Caregivers

Keep in mind that mobility aids are intended for both consumers and those providing care for them, further reinforcing the prudence and practicality of such purchases. These expenditures will enhance access, autonomy, and quality of life for the user, while also providing reassurance, convenience, and safety for caregivers and loved ones.

Floor lifts versus ceiling lifts? The choice is ultimately up to you. Remember that the key for long-term satisfaction is to buy mobility aids from dealers who will stand behind their product and guide you as you adapt and adjust to mobility aids. Accessibility equipment, such as lifts, are a win-win situation!