Pacific Mobility Center

Stairlifts - Lifts - Mobility Products

Jeff Conner

Choosing the Right Cane and Using it Correctly

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There are many different varieties of canes. They come in many different shapes and styles, are made of different materials, and can range widely in price. While some choices when it comes to cane style are merely a matter of personal preference, some options can affect your health and safety. Knowing how to choose the right cane, and knowing how to use that cane correctly, are very important matters for those who need some mobility assistance. A cane works by widening your base of support and decreasing the amount of weight and stress on the lower joints. The right cane for you, when used correctly, can improve your balance and ease pain in the lower joints while lowering your risk of falling. So how do you know which cane is the right cane, and how do you use it correctly? Some style options when it comes to choosing a cane are solely a matter of personal taste. Color is purely cosmetic. The handle style should be chosen according to the personal comfort of the user. Materials should be chosen according to weight and price, as some materials weigh more than others or are more or less expensive. Some canes also fold, making them easier to carry. These are decisions that make little difference to the health and safety or the user. Some options, however, can have a large impact on the health of the user and the safety of using the cane. The style of the cane and the size of the cane are of tantamount importance when it comes to choosing the correct cane and being able to use it correctly. Canes mostly come in two styles.

Single point canes, as the name implies, have only a single point of contact with the ground.

Multi-point canes have multiple points of contact and usually come in three or four point varieties.

 

 

 

 

 

Different users will have different needs when it comes to choosing between these two styles. Single point canes are usually all someone with arthritis needs, but users with neurological impairments tend to put more weight on the cane and thus multi-point canes are recommended for those users.

When being fitted for a cane, wear your normal walking shoes. Stand tall and keep your arms at your sides. This ensures the cane will be sized correctly and will avoid the need for stooping to use a cane that is too short or suffering a lack of support from a cane that is too tall. The curve of a properly fitted cane should reach to the crease of your wrist. Remember, if you are slumping to use the cane, it is too short, and if you are not able to put your weight on it properly it is too tall. Don’t be afraid to keep trying canes until you find one that is sized just right. Once you have found the right cane, it is time to learn to use it correctly. Canes are used on your strong side, not your weak side as most people think, but are moved in time with your weak side. Advance the cane a few inches in front of you in time with your weak side, and let the cane take some of the weight as you move forward slowly. This way the cane shares the load of the weak side, but is handled by the strong side to avoid putting undue stress on your weak side. When climbing stairs with a cane, start with your strong side leg first and then follow with your weak side and cane together. When descending stairs, start with the weak side alone first and then follow with the strong side and cane simultaneously. Just remember, “Up with the good and down with the bad.” This may take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you will be climbing up and down staircases in no time! We offer a wide range of canes at Pacific Mobility Solutions and our knowledgeable salespeople are able to assist you with selecting the right cane style and size. Contact us or come in today and see what a difference being locally and family owned and operated makes for you in your buying experience!

Happy Holidays from Pacific Mobility!

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The holidays are a time of family, giving and thanksgiving. My family has a tradition: every year at Thanksgiving, before we eat, we circle up and everyone goes around and says a few things they are grateful for. As I reflected this year on what I was going to say, one thing was very easy for me. I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunity I have to serve you, my customers, doing what I love and doing it surrounded by my family and friends. Many years ago when this business was started, I had a vision to build a successful business giving people their lives back and doing it by being friendly, helpful, neighborly, and by having the lowest prices around. Now, years later, that has really paid off. As a family owned and operated business, I get to work every day with my family and close friends, and I get to serve my customers, many of whom are my neighbors, by giving them the best prices and best service around. It has been a very rewarding experience for me, and I have finally learned the truth behind that old adage that if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life.

With the holidays upon us, family becomes the focus and spending time with family is the whole point of the season. Please do not let limited mobility hold you back from that. Come in and see us today and experience the difference that a family owned and operated local business can make on your buying experience. We love what we do and it shows in everything that we do!

Family Time Can Be Fun Time Again!

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Pacific Mobility Solutions is a family owned and operated business. As such, we understand the importance of family and what it means to be able to enjoy the holidays with our families. Many of our clients are parents or grandparents struggling with mobility issues. We are here to help.

As Halloween approaches, we look back at the great times we had taking our children out to do trick-or-treating. The cute costumes, the joy in their eyes, the occasional fright, the reassurance they felt knowing we were right there with them, the feeling of safety we had escorting them…it was a treasured time of family and fun. But many people with mobility issues think these days are over forever for them. After all, it’s hard to take someone out to trick-or-treat when one struggles with mobility.

At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we understand and care. We also have a myriad of solutions available for our customers to help get them back out enjoying quality family time again! We offer a wide range of scooters to help the mobility-challenged take back their lives and start enjoying that quality family time again.

Consider the Victory 10. It is designed for outdoor stability and handling while still being able to handle indoors politely with it’s 10-inch, non-scuffing wheels, LED headlight, backlit battery gauge, and crushproof basket. It is also designed for comfort with special foam inserts and a 350 pound weight capacity. The best part is that it is also designed for ease on your wallet, too, and Pacific Mobility Solutions offers the lowest prices in San Diego, guaranteed!

The Victory 10 is just one of our wide range of scooters we offer for sale, but if you aren’t quite ready to buy, would like to try out a model before you purchase, or generally do okay but need a little extra help for things like family activities or vacations (or if you are traveling to beautiful San Diego on vacation!), we also offer models for rent with terrific prices.

Come on in, or contact us today to reclaim your life and make family time your time again today!

You Can Still Enjoy Your Pool or Spa!

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One of the misconceptions the mobility-challenged may have is that they will no longer be able to enjoy their pools or spas. At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we challenge this with our complete line of Pool Lifts. Swimming has many health and relaxation benefits, and we feel very strongly that our customers should not miss out on these important activities.

While pool lifts come in a number of configurations and styles to fit many different budgets and needs, and have varying designs, all are designed to perform the same basic task. They lift the user off the ground, rotate him or her over the water, and then lower him or her into the water. They then lift the user out of the water, rotate until over the ground, and then gently lower the user to the ground Since they are designed with the mobility-challenged in mind, the need of some users to easily transfer from a wheel chair has been accommodated. Pool lifts vary in two main ways: the manner in which they are powered, and whether or not their rotation is powered.

Hydraulic Pool Lifts use the power of water to lift you in and out of your pool, and most models are powered by nothing more complicated than a garden hose. Simply attach your hose and let the power of water do the rest. These models are a nice combination of simplicity and economy for those users who can run a a garden hose to their lifts. Battery Powered models are powered by a rechargeable battery and use the power of electricity to lift and rotate. These models are ideal for those users who either cannot or do not want to run a garden hose to their lifts. Finally, Manual Pump Pool Lifts are powered by the user’s own pumping of the device. These lifts, while economical, may not be the best choice for individuals who struggle with strength issues. Some models require the user or their helper to rotate over the water and back over land, while some also provide power for this rotation as well as lifting and lowering.

At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we offer a variety of models to better serve our customers. We know needs as well as space requirements and budgets vary. We always do our best to work with customers, approaching each and every situation as unique and attempting to provide a solution that fits both the customers needs and their budget. Please contact us or come in and let one of friendly, knowledgeable, and factory-certified staff assist you in finding the right lift for you!

We’ll have you enjoying your pool or spa again in no time. As a locally- and family-owned business, we know the value of both repeat and word of mouth advertising and we strive to create an experience that our customers will want to brag about and experience again and again for all their mobility needs. Call or come in today and experience for yourself the benefits of dealing with the true professionals.

Stairlifts

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Don’t Let Mobility Keep You From Voting!

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New laws passed in many states requiring voters to present valid state or federal identification are bringing back to light a subject often overlooked in the modern American political landscape: disabled voter disenfranchisement. As many as 37 states have passed or are considering voted ID legislation, which could potentially affect, amongst other groups, disabled and elderly voters disproportionately. Disabled and elderly voters are less likely to have ID, and would be prevented from voting under the new or proposed laws. There are also other alarming trends.
A recent study by Rutgers University reveals disabled and elderly voters were disproportionately less likely to vote, a new article by NBC reports. According to the study, disabled and elderly voters were 7% less likely to vote than other groups of voters. The reason? In short, mobility. The study reports that despite court rulings, less than 33% of polling places were completely obstruction-free.
How is this possible in modern America? How can a federal court order be so blatantly flouted? One way state and local governments dodge the order is by allowing absentee ballots and curbside voting. Absentee ballots are ballots mailed in by the voter ahead of the election date. Curbside voting involves mobility-challenged voters staying in their cars while poll workers bring their ballot out to them and assist them in voting. Both of these methods, however, have drawbacks.
Many disabled voters feel that while these options are convenient, some feel they are poor substitutes for voters who want to vote traditionally. Absentee ballots must be mailed well ahead of election dates to ensure they are valid, and hence voters may miss the opportunity to change their planned vote at the last minute due to late breaking developments with a particular party or candidate. In addition, absentee ballots are often not counted unless the race is close. With approximately 11% of voters currently disabled and as many as 36% of voters of 65 disabled, this can lead to the disenfranchisement of a large segment of the population. Voters 65 and older alone comprise 17% of registered voters. Curbside voting is usually counted in the regular vote, but can sometimes lead voters to feel embarrassed or as if they are burdening overworked poll workers. This can lead many disabled voters to avoid using it where available, leading to a drop in the number of disabled people casting ballots.
“People with disabilities should have the same options as everyone else has,” Lisa Schur, a Rutgers University associate professor, said in the article. “Voting in a polling place is an important and symbolic ritual.” Do you feel the same, but are having trouble with your mobility or having trouble accessing your polling place? Pacific Mobility Solutions is here to help.

How Can Pacific Mobility Solutions Help You?

If you are disabled and/or suffering mobility difficulties, please come and see us or call us at (760) 471-8884 to schedule an appointment or drop on in to take a free test drive one of our powerchairs and to find out more about having your vehicle equipped. Many of our powerchairs are capable of negotiating many of the obstacles you may find in real-world situations such as polling places. We’d love to help you find the right one for you, and we can even help you with the Medicare paperwork. We also rent powerchairs and scooters. Come see us today!

Questions and Answers About Medicare Coverage of a Powerchair or Scooter

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Many people are confused about whether their Medicare benefit will cover their powerchair or scooter, how they can qualify for such coverage, and what that coverage will be. In this article, we will attempt to answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding this issue with clear, no-nonsense answers. Hopefully, by the end we will have addressed any concerns or questions you personally may have, but if we haven’t, please feel free to contact us at (760) 471-8884 and we will be happy to assist you! At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we are a family owned and local business and we value our customers’ satisfaction. In fact, we guarantee it!

What are the Requirements for Medicare Coverage?

In Medicare terminology, a scooter, powerchair, or manual wheelchair is referred to as “Mobility Assistive Equipment”. There are several different categories: Manual Chair, Rolling Chair, Power Scooter, and Power Wheelchair. Each category has different requirements, but before we get into that, let’s first address the common requirements for all categories.

To qualify for any of the categories, you must meet all the following conditions:

First, you must have a medical/health condition that prevents you from moving without difficulty inside your home. Second, you must be unable to perform normal living activities such as dressing, bathing, getting in or out of chairs or other furniture, even with the aid of a crutch, cane, or walker. Third, you must either be able to safely operate the equipment yourself or have someone who is always available to assist you in the usage of the equipment. The equipment must also fit and be able to be operated safely inside your home, but at Pacific Mobility Solutions we offer a broad array of options and accessibility accessories such as ramps and stairlifts, so we can help with this issue. Finally, it’s important to note that unfortunately you will only qualify for the benefit if the equipment is needed inside your home, and not purely for outside-the-home movement or recreational purposes. Now let’s discuss the individual category requirements and definitions.

Manual Wheelchairs are regular, non-powered wheel chairs with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels. You may qualify for a manual wheelchair if you can’t use a cane or walker safely. Not all manual wheelchairs qualify for this benefit. Please contact us at (760) 471-8884 for assistance choosing one that is covered. We will be happy to help!

Rolling Chairs are non-powered chairs that offer more support and comfort. Their rear wheels are smaller but at least 5” in diameter. You may qualify for one of these if you medically require more support than is provided by a manual wheelchair. The chair must be designed to meet your particular medical need or condition.

Power Scooters are three- or four-wheeled powered vehicles with a chair that generally are controlled with handlebars much like a bicycle. You may qualify for a power scooter if you cannot use a cane, walker, or crutches safely and are unable to operate a manual wheelchair.

Power Wheelchairs, or Powerchairs are generally chairs mounted on four or six wheels that are controlled by a joystick and have the ability to turn in small or zero radius. You may qualify for a powerchair if you cannot sit up or operate the scooter controls safely, or if you cannot safely use a manual wheelchair in your home.

For all categories, you must have your doctor verify your medical need for the equipment. In the case of power equipment, your doctor must examine you in person and verify that you have the ability to operate the equipment safely. Your doctor must then submit an order to Medicare verifying and explaining your need for the equipment and your ability to use it safely.

Once this has been determined, the next question you may have is how much of the cost of the equipment Medicare will cover.

What Share of the Cost Will Medicare Cover?

This is a very common question and concern shared by many people. Mobility Assisitive Equipment is covered under Medicare Part B. Generally, once you have met your Part B deductible, Medicare will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved cost, leaving 20% for you to cover. If you have private insurance, it may cover part or all of the 20%, meaning you may be able to get the equipment for little or no cost. You should contact your insurance provider for more information regarding their coverage. It is important to note that at Pacific Mobility Solutions we offer the widest selection and lowest prices, guaranteed. We can work with many budgets and needs are always willing to help you. Also, Pacific Mobility Solutions is a Medicare-participating supplier, which means we are approved by Medicare to supply your mobility needs. Now you are ready to pick out your equipment.

How Do I Know What Chair is Right for Me?

At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we offer a broad range of equipment from manual chairs all the way up to top of the line, state of the art powerchairs. We know knowing which category of equipment you qualify for and which model is right for you can be confusing. That’s why we are here to help. We offer many floor models for testing with free test rides, and our friendly, knowledgeable, and factory-trained staff are always available to assist you in carefully choosing the right chair for you. We will help work with your doctor and Medicare to determine what type of equipment you qualify for, and which model will best suit your needs and budget. Please contact us at (760) 471-8884 with any questions you may have, to schedule an appointment, or just drop on by. At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we are your locally and family owned and operated , Medicare approved source for all your mobility needs. Please come see us to experience what a difference personalized service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and that family touch can make for your sales and service experience.

Still on the fence? We also rent a variety of equipment including manual chairs, power chairs, and travel scooters. You may be able to rent the equipment first before you buy to try it out for a longer period.

Hopefully this has answered your questions and addressed any concerns you may have. If not, for more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (760) 471-8884. At Pacific Mobility Solutions, we put our customers first and guarantee satisfaction 100%. Call or come in today reclaim your mobility!

This information is being provided for informative use only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. For medical or legal questions, please contact your doctor or attorney. For more info about Medicare’s benfits and requirements, please refer to www.medicare.gov and specifically http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11046.pdf

Reclaim Your Freedom With Monarch Auto Hand Controls!

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Are you one of the thousands of people who thought your limited mobility meant giving up your ability to drive? It can be incredibly frustrating to feel like you have to depend on others to drive you around. No one wants to feel like a burden. In San Diego, as in many parts of the country, having a car and the ability to drive it is so important to one’s ability to do things like run errands and pursue recreation. At Pacific Mobility Center, we are dedicated to helping those with limited mobility regain their freedom. That’s why we are a Certified Installer of Monarch Auto Hand Controls and Driving Aids.

What are Auto Hand Controls and Driving Aids?

Auto Hand Controls and Driving Aids are devices (usually mechanical) that connect to the existing gas and brake pedals in your car and allow you to control them with your hands or with the opposite sides of your body. Generally, mechanical linkages are secured to the actual pedals and extend up or over allowing the user to control the vehicle. The devices vary in function and in the way the user interacts with the controls. The most common devices, hand controls, link a handle to the pedals and allow the user to control the pedals by pushing it in different directions. The exact motions used to control the vehicle vary by model and different users will find different motions more comfortable.
Pacific Mobility Center has a working display in our showroom to allow users to find which model best suits them. Two of our most popular models are:

The Monarch Mark 1-A Smooth Operator uses the most popular method of operation. This method is reported to cause the least amount of fatigue. The brakes are applied by a forward movement away from the driver, while the accelerator is applied by pushing down towards the driver’s lap and at a right angle to the brake.

 

 

The Monarch Push Rock Sure Operator is the newest model of hand control from Monarch. It uses a different, simpler method of control than the Smooth Operator. The user accelerates by pulling the handle the backward and brakes by pushing it forward. This style is often recommended by driving instructors.

We also offer several other models of auto hand controls as well as an array of adapters for left-hand or right-hand use of certain controls. We also offer parking brake extenders, rotating seats, and steering wheel spinner knobs. You can view our complete line of Auto Hand Controls and Drivings Aids here. Please contact us so we can evaluate your needs and have you come in to our showroom where we have functional displays.

A Word About Safety

Driving using auto hand controls or driving aids takes getting used to and training. We do not offer training or testing in the use of this equipment. We strongly recommend you contact a Driving Rehab Instructor prior to the use of this equipment. Failure to do so could be extremely dangerous and may violate the law. We are more than happy to provide a referral to qualified instructors in the San Diego area.