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Therapeutic recreation engages individuals with recreational-type activities to enhance physical, mental, or developmental wellbeing. Parks and outdoor spaces are a great tool to utilize for therapeutic recreation plus, there is the added benefit of getting out in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and getting some sun therapy, too.

Do you use mobility aids or equipment? If you do, perhaps you could benefit from therapeutic recreation. This is a type of therapy that engages clients in fun, interactive activities to increase holistic health and wellbeing. It is estimated that around 21 million people live with physical disabilities how many would potentially benefit from therapeutic recreation?

In fact, there is a holiday, National Therapeutic Recreation Month, that is set aside for this very institution. Observe National Park & Recreation Month with your own kind of therapeutic recreation and use park and recreation facilities for your activity. Do you know of the nearest park for engaging in some outdoor therapy? Search online for the closest location to you; the parks and recreation office for your area should have a website that details things like accessibility and contact info. Any park that offers classes, events, or activities likely is compliant with handicap accessibility so it should be accessible to you with your mobility aids.

Here are a few ways that parks can be utilized for therapeutic recreation and activities:

Community Classes

What classes does your community offer? It is not uncommon for parks and rec departments, as well as public libraries, to host things like group exercise, tai-chi, or dance in the park. This is an excellent therapeutic recreation option for individuals with varying levels of mobility. Plus, it is a great way to meet like-minded people for socialization, too.

Outdoor Art

Check your local park for outdoor art offerings. If you currently have a recreational therapist, they may make this available to you. It is truly so much fun to paint, draw, or get creative out in nature, it is very inspiring. This is a great therapeutic activity that helps with hand-eye coordination and socialization skills. Again, there are also healing properties connected with spending time in the sunshine, too.

Watery Workouts

The resistance of the water makes for a low-impact and gentle way to get physical activity, in a therapeutic way. Check local parks with pools for water aerobics, or “aquajogging” classes or groups. Individuals that live with mobility issues may find that exercise in water is perfect for reducing joint stiffness and chronic pain.

Walking Clubs

Walking clubs are another way to get therapeutic recreation, in a low-impact way. Walking is a prudent activity for anyone with the physical ability to do so. Ask the park or program coordinators about access for mobility aids; typically, there are handicap-accessible paths and routes that could be perfect for you to get out and enjoy nature. Plus, the socialization of joining a walking club makes it a great activity for all to try.

Animal Therapy

Got a pet? It has been studied and shown that animals offer therapeutic benefits to a wide range of people, young and old alike. If you believe that animal-assisted therapy would be advantageous for you, or someone you love, ask park organizers about programs in your area. Visiting parks with animals, taking pets on walks, or meeting up with rescue organizations at parks for a little one-on-one with a dog or cat all offer a variety of holistic health perks and encourage socialization with others. Area shelters and humane societies may be able to provide more information for events and opportunities in your region.

Gardening Groups

There is something so therapeutic about gardening, getting your hands dirty, and spending time in nature. Many area parks or botanical gardens offer gardening courses, lectures, or events that could be the ideal therapeutic recreation for many. Time spent learning a new skill, doing something tactile, and interacting with others are all helpful skills to hone.

Peer Picnics

Even something as simple as a picnic has therapeutic potential. Interacting with others, preparing food, enjoying a meal, and time spent outside is therapeutic recreation. So, do it; go out and have a picnic! Plan ahead and invite friends. Who doesn’t love a picnic?

Always consult with your physician or provider to ensure these types of therapeutic recreation are appropriate and that you have medical clearance to initiate such activities.

Many can benefit from therapeutic recreation, including those with developmental delays, physical disabilities, and mental illnesses. This model of treatment uses recreation to engage the client or patient, with activities designed to improve overall functioning and wellness by:

• Strengthening basic motor function.
• Building confidence.
• Improving socialization.
• Increasing physical activity.
• Improving mood and /or decreasing anxiety and depression.

Therapeutic recreation is one way to foster a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. If you live with mobility limitations, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about quality mobility aids that improve accessibility and engagement. Also, ask your provider or doctor about a referral for a recreational therapist and whether it makes sense for you or your loved one.  

Buying quality mobility aids and equipment is an investment but is it a prudent one? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’, and these devices can often be life-changing. A stairlift, for instance, promises returns on your investment that extend far beyond mere money. Some other benefits and returns include time, safety, and autonomy.

Sure, buying quality mobility aids and equipment can get expensive. Is it worth the cost? The answer is a loud and clear yes! There is a return on investment when buying these devices that goes far beyond a few dollars. The benefits of mobility aids can change lives, possibly yours, too.

What is the return on investment when buying a stairlift? The savings may surprise you!

More Access

Perhaps the first and most obvious return from an investment in a stairlift is accessibility; these devices increase and improve access and accessibility in the home environment. If you have a bathroom or bedroom that is upstairs or on another level of the home, a stairlift ensures safe and smooth access to these areas of your home. While many people with physical issues tend to move to the first or most-accessible level of the home, a stairlift allows you full reign and facilitates your everyday activities, tasks, and function.

More Time

Who doesn’t want more time throughout and during the day? A stairlift, as well as other mobility aids, can be timesaving features in the home. They save anyone that uses them time accessing and ascending stairs or steps to complete ADLs, or activities of daily living. Stairlifts are swift and you will confidently go up and down with ease, completing tasks in your own time schedule.

Furthermore, time spent waiting for caregivers or caretakers can be better utilized when you are able to move about the home securely and take care of imminent needs, i.e., using an upstairs bathroom.

More Pleasure

There is something quite pleasurable about being in charge and enjoying full reign over the home environment. A stairlift eliminates potential obstacles from your path and removes them from your day. Plus, all the benefits of a stairlift ensure a greater quality of life; who doesn’t want that? Comfort, pleasure, and life satisfaction are all additional returns on the investment that you make in mobility aids.

More Safety

Okay, it should come as no surprise that safety is a great return on investment when buying a stairlift. Many debilitating falls occur because of treacherous steps or stairs. This could cause individuals to be displaced from their homes for rehab or assisted living.

Take control of your environment and make it safer by installing a stairlift. If you use the upstairs, or if you must ascend or descend steps to fully use your home, this is a prudent investment. Did you know that you can get stairlifts specifically designed for outdoor use, too? Porches, pools, patios, and even your vehicle can be equipped with lifts to make life easier. Consider the possibilities.

More Freedom

Freedom is a wondrous and glorious feeling. Sadly, many of us lose a degree of our freedom as we get older or when we face physical limitations. There is really no price that can be put on autonomy and independence- a stairlift is just one more way to preserve and hang on to it for as long as possible. If your plans include aging in place, staying in your own home, and living life on your terms, a stairlift is more than a practical investment, it is a necessary one.

Talk to a reputable mobility aids retail professional to learn more.

More Peace

One of the most valuable perks of investing in a quality stairlift is the peace of mind that comes with it. Knowing that you or your loved one will be able to safely ascend, descend, and access the upper and lower levels of the home is worth every dime that a stairlift can cost.

Furthermore, many buyers may find that they have insurance to help defray the cost of a new stairlift which makes it an even more prudent investment. The time is now. Don’t let life pass you by. Make the home as accessible and convenient as you can for every member of the family and don’t worry: stairlifts do not impact access to the stairs for others in the home. They are streamlined and quite space conservative, in actuality. See for yourself; visit a mobility retailer online to review various options.

Self–Care Awareness Month in September is the perfect time to commemorate and acknowledge how things like mobility aids can improve everyday life. Take care of yourself and make the investment in mobility aids if you have physical limitations or challenges. Give yourself a new lease on life; call or visit Pacific Mobility today!

Think that mobility aids must be lackluster? Think again there are many tips and tricks to beautify, distinguish, and enhance the utility of the mobility aids that you use, including wheelchairs. In fact, July is National Wheelchair Beautification Month, so it is the perfect time to give your mobility aids a makeover! Consider some easy and clever ways to improve your wheelchair’s aesthetics, too.

Honor and observe National Wheelchair Beautification Month by doing something to enhance the appearance or aesthetics of mobility aids that you or someone you love use. Have some fun and amp-up the utility of your wheelchair, scooter, or other aid with some of the following suggestions. July is a great time to beautify your equipment and to honor this month-long observance.

First, it can help to know a little history about National Wheelchair Beautification Month. An author initiated this annual observance in 2015, and his name was Horace Knowles. He believed that adorning a wheelchair or other mobility aid of the time can change how those using them feel. The founder was also confined to a wheelchair and started adorning his chair with beautiful fresh flowers, asserting that it would help brighten the day for all those he encountered.

Here are a few tips and tricks to beautify your own mobility aid or device:

Simple Embellishments

You don’t need to spend a ton of money or stress yourself out attempting to beautify your wheelchair or scooter or other aid. Stick to something simple like printed tapes, stickers, ribbon, fabric remnants, and even paper to give your mobility aid a festive touch.

Will these modifications expand utility? Probably not but they may bring to smile to the face of someone you see which makes it worthwhile, for sure.

Wheelchair Quilts

Wheelchair quilts are beautiful and personal no two are typically alike. Upgrade your lap throw or favorite blanket with a new and distinctive quilt. If you sew, consider buying online patterns and stitching yourself up a quilt for your lap when using your chair, scooter, or lift. Plus, they help to keep the chill off!

Rim Covers

The push-rims of a wheelchair are the perfect feature to enhance with rim covers. These are available in a broad range of colors and plushness, and they truly make it more comfortable and easier to navigate your chair. Those hard metal rims can be tough to grip. Rim covers serve a practical purpose by making it easier. These are widely found for around $60 online and are simple to install independently.

Unique Amenities

Whatever your lifestyle, consider amenities for wheelchairs and scooters that facilitate these avocations. For instance, do you enjoy fishing? Install a fishing pole holder that is adjustable and versatile, so it fits a range of wheelchairs. Don’t like to fish? Use the simple attachment as a vase for fresh flowers what could be more beautiful than that?

Cups and Holders

Does your wheelchair, scooter, or walker have a cup-holder? This is a great accessory that makes the mobility aid a lot more convenient and useful, too. Make sure that you choose one with a cup that fits securely with great suction or stability. Some variations are hands-free, making it easier for many to drink on the go.

Pouches and Bags

Beautifying your wheelchair during July may be something as simple and fundamental as using a pouch or bag designed to fit your mobility device. Storage bags, lap tray bags, and even wheel cover pouches make it a lot easier to transport what you need safely and discreetly.

Consider bottle holders and soft, neoprene pouches that clip and attach to the chair or chair bar for small, accessible storage compartments. Wheel pouches serve a dual role as a decorative wheel cover as well as a functional storage space. Make sure the ones you buy are easy to wash.

An Umbrella

Don’t get caught in the rain without an umbrella. Invest in a wheelchair umbrella attachment to keep you dry plus it provides nice shade on sunny excursions. These are typically adjustable and can be customized to fit your device. Expect to pay around $20-$25 for a quality umbrella attachment- you bring the umbrella.

Some Sherpa

There is something about sherpa. First, it is super snuggly and comfortable, but it is also durable. Spruce up a cushion or footrest of a wheelchair with sherpa covers, found widely online at variable price points. Sherpa is weather resilient and it can camouflage imperfections that could take away from the aesthetic appeal of your seat.

The first way to honor and observe National Wheelchair Beautification Month in July is to keep your chair or other aids clean. Make sure that accessories are machine washable and wipe the chair down periodically yourself. If you need further tips or tricks for cleaning, check out the information available online or talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

Enjoy your Independence Day, but make sure to do so with safety in mind. There are hazards during this time of year that can present danger to seniors or those with physical limitations, particularly. Consider some practical reminders to keep you safe throughout the holiday, and all summer long.

The 4^th of July is one of the most significant and symbolic events for any American- make sure to celebrate it safely. It is estimated that nearly 3,000 accidental deaths occur every July 4^th and most are very preventable. From wearing sunscreen to implementing mobility aids, take strides to stay safe and make the most of this special time of year.

Happy 4^th of July! Here are some tips to enjoy it safely:

Heat

The heat of summer can be a quiet killer. Heat stress and stroke are common when temperatures rise, particularly for seniors or those with physical challenges. Seek shade and limit time spent in the sun- more on that soon! Maintain your air conditioning unit, if applicable, and use fans to circulate the air in the home.

Hey, have you heard about Air Conditioning Appreciation Days? It is a time July 3^rd through August 15^th when people acknowledge and observe the importance of a working AC. Since 1901, air conditioners have been making life cooler for Americans- this holiday is a chance to acknowledge this.

Sun

Too much sun can cause skin and vision damage, as well as certain types of cancers. It hardly comes as a surprise that too much sun can be a bad thing but how can you prevent problems when hanging outside during the 4^th? There are lots of ways, including these tips:

• Cover up with a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves to prevent nasty burns and the effects of heat stroke.
• Find and take breaks in the shade. Remember that the sun is at its peak between 11 am and 3 pm. Plan your activities accordingly especially if you are particularly sensitive to the sun.
• Wear sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF, and reapply it often, every couple of hours. If you swim, reapply.

Want to learn more? Check out UV Safety Awareness Month online throughout July for information and tips.

Hydration

Are you drinking enough water? Drinking water helps to keep you from becoming dehydrated, which can have devastating effects. Dehydration can cause mood swings, confusion, constipation, and medical distress, none of which you want during your holiday celebration. You need to drink more water when it is hot or if you are physically active or sick.

Water is integral to life:

• Water helps you maintain a normal body temp.
• Water lubricates and provides cushioning to your joints.
• Water helps to protect bodily tissue and protects your spinal cord.
• Water helps to move wastes through the body.

Stay hydrated with these tips for the 4^th:

• Keep a water bottle close at hand throughout your activities and festivities. Refill it often!
• Purposefully order water to drink when eating out plus, it saves money on other beverages!
• Try giving your water some citrus flavor and a shot of Vitamin C with fresh lemon, lime, or orange wedge.
• Infuse water overnight in your refrigerator with fresh fruit, berries, herbs, or veggies, like cucumber, for a refreshing change.

Remember, too, that March 22 is World Water Day, which brings attention to water-related issues across the globe.

Travel

Are you hitting the road for the holiday? Many are venturing out and heading on vacation after being cooped up for far too long. Mobility aids and devices keep you safe when away from home or traveling, like ramps. If you have physical challenges, or if you use a scooter or walker now, ramps make a lot of sense. First, they level out steps or stairs for much easier access, and also, they offer accessibility for mobility equipment like wheelchairs and scooters, wherever you go.

Portable ramps are a cost-friendly option that allows you to take your access on the road with you. These smaller, foldable ramps are easy to implement as needed or when the terrain commands it. From getting around outside to climbing steps or navigating thresholds, portable ramps are a prudent solution for many. Talk to a mobility retail professional to learn more and determine if temporary or permanent ramps are the wisest solution for you this summer.

The 4th of July only comes once a year so celebrate it! If you are fortunate enough to live in the USA, observe and enjoy Independence Day this year, and every year to come. Also, consider these tips and stay safe, whether at home or away on vacation this summer. For mobility aids and equipment to keep you safer, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer quality devices to increase accessibility and improve quality of life. Happy 4^th of July!

Spending time in the great outdoors may prove challenging for individuals with mobility issues or physical limitations. Accessibility may be impeded out in nature which makes mobility aids and equipment viable and safe ways to enjoy it. Consider the many health benefits of the outdoors and your diverse options for overcoming accessibility issues.

There are numerous advantages to spending time outside in nature, but some people may have less opportunity to enjoy it than others. Issues surrounding accessibility and safety can impede those with physical disabilities or mobility issues from enjoying outdoor green spaces. If you want to enhance and increase your access to these natural sites, consider mobility aids that can improve accessibility.

First, a few of the health benefits of spending time in the great outdoors include:

Holistic Health

The vitamins that you get from the sun can help improve immunity to many different illnesses and viruses. Additionally, according to experts, spending time outside is good for your heart, blood pressure, and even eyesight!

Sleep Hygiene

The fresh air and sunshine that you get from being outside can improve your sleep. It’s true; spending time outdoors can help to reset your sleep cycle, so you awake feeling better rested.

Brain Function

Who would think that being outside helps your cognition, but it does! Spending time outside in nature can make you more creative, improve your memory, and make you sharper mentally, which can manifest in better academic performance for students.

Mental Health

Being outside increases the production of dopamine, which makes you feel good, and that contributes to mental health and wellbeing. Experts say that spending time enjoying the outdoors leads to less stress, better memory, helps treat ADHD, and just puts you in a better mood.

Life Quality

Who doesn’t want to improve their quality of life, if possible? Spending the equivalent of two hours outside weekly, walking, sitting, or other, can improve the overall quality of life, according to experts. This time spent outside enhances a sense of well-being, so you feel more satisfied and content with life.

So, how do you take advantage of these perks if you have physical challenges or mobility issues that impede accessibility to outdoor spaces? The answer may lie in mobility solutions to suit your distinct needs. The best way to determine what could be useful is to meet with a qualified mobility professional to learn more.

Use these mobility aids and tools to help you enjoy time outside safely:

Portable Ramps

When you think of the challenges that await outdoors for those with mobility challenges, rough or steep terrain is probably on the list. A ramp is an excellent solution but these are permanent fixtures, so it limits your options.

On the other hand, a portable ramp is an easy and effective tool to keep in the trunk of your vehicle or on your porch to utilize as needed. These can be unfolded and used with ease while also being convenient to transport to other locations that may be difficult to access. Plus, portable ramps are affordable. Talk to a mobility retail professional to learn more!

Pool Lifts

Do you have a pool? Do you get the opportunity to swim? If you have not been able to fully enjoy your pool, a pool lift may be key in making it far more accessible for you to use. Pool lifts raise and lower the user, so they are not at risk of slippery transfers on slick surfaces.

Furthermore, a lift protects and provides safety for anyone giving assistance or aid to the user. That is, the use of a lift of any kind helps to protect caregivers from injury which is a significant risk for individuals in the field. Get back in the water and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming with your own pool lift; talk to your medical providers to find out how.

Vehicle Lifts

So, what about driving? The challenges of driving a vehicle begin with where and how to stow mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs when you get behind the wheel. Vehicle lifts make simple work of getting in, out, and accessing mobility equipment with ease. These are life-changing aids that can put you back in the driver’s seat and on the road.

There are many other mobility aids that can help you navigate outdoor terrain, and that is quite affordable, too. From wheelchairs and scooters to a wide range of walkers, consumers have a wide range of options to choose from.

If mobility issues or physical challenges are preventing you from getting outside, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility. We offer a wide range of quality mobility aids and equipment to enhance quality of life for anyone who would benefit from mobility assistance. Call or visit today!

Dignity and autonomy are closely connected to an individual’s quality of life. There are ways to contribute to the self-respect of a senior while allowing them the freedom to age in place. Consider the following suggestions to maintain dignity and quality of life as we age.

We are all getting older. How do we maintain our dignity and quality of life, especially if we live with health or mobility issues, as we age? There are a lot of precautions and suggestions that can contribute to aging in place successfully, from participating in a social network of sorts to using mobility equipment, like a stairlift. Dignity, as you age, is important and connected to quality of life you really can’t have one without the other.

Here is what everyone needs to know about preserving dignity and quality of life as you or someone you love- get older:

Dignity and Respect

Dignity and respect are essential to aging in place with purpose. There are simple ways to show dignity to others as well as to obtain it for yourself. First, do not stand for disrespect.

Here are some ways to show dignity to seniors or individuals that we care for:

• Respect the privacy of those around you. Command privacy for yourself, too. This extends to when you are dressing, bathing, or using the toilet.
• Knock before opening any door that is closed.
• Be discreet when discussing the choices and decisions of your loved one. Do not break confidences.
• If caring for a senior, ask what they care to eat, watch on TV, or do- don’t make assumptions.
• Try to be empathetic and respectful of the choices made by others, even if they are not the ones you would choose for yourself.
• Negotiate solutions when someone under your care makes potentially dangerous choices, like refusing to take medications.
• Offer to accompany seniors to events, activities, or walks so they are not alone but do not insist.
• Listen attentively and ask for others’ opinions.
• Involve seniors in conversations and discussions.
• Never discuss a senior as though they are not present.
• Speak in a respectful and non-condescending way. Do not treat seniors as if they are children; it is offensive.

Treating people with dignity and respect costs nothing. It also does not jeopardize anyone’s well-being. Make it a benchmark of your interactions with any and all seniors.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is closely connected to dignity it is hard to feel satisfied with life when you feel as though those around you are not being respectful or honoring your wishes. Some things that contribute to enhanced quality of life as you get older include these:

Monitor Mood

Seniors over age 65 are susceptible to depression, which can be easily treated. Depression can deteriorate quality of life. Triggers for mood decline could include death or illness. Some warning signs of depression include:

• Changes in behavior, like appetite or sleep
• Engaging in unhealthy coping skills, like drinking or drugs
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Lack of interest in activities that once gave pleasure
• Poor hygiene

Depression can significantly impact quality of life. If you notice warning signs, talk to your medical provider right away.

Facilitate Mobility

Physical limitations or mobility issues can greatly impact quality of life. It can make it tough to go anywhere, as desired, and it may even compromise your home living situation. To preserve quality of life, make accommodations and facilitate mobility in any way possible. This includes implementing aids like stairlifts, ramps, shower seats, and grab bars in the home to improve accessibility.

Find Purpose

The core of life quality is a sense of purpose. Whatever the responsibility is, it can help provide a greater quality of life to feel needed and useful. This may manifest in volunteer work or adopting a pet, there are many ways to add purpose to the day.

Encourage Movement

Never underestimate the value of a little physical activity and exercise. When you get the blood pumping with a brisk walk, stretches, or deep breathing, it can relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Plus, getting a bit of activity throughout the day helps with sleep and mood, too.

Stimulate the Senses

Stay stimulated and encourage other seniors to also! From mental games and puzzles to sniffing fresh flowers and snuggling a pet, stimulation improves life quality. Plus, pleasant stimuli can release feel-good hormones which provide a sense of wellbeing.

Stay Connected

Seniors that are disconnected or out of touch with informal supports, like friends or family, are at a higher risk of dementia. This social withdrawal may also impact longevity and shorten life expectancy. Stay connected if you care for a senior, keep them connected, too. Check in on them and provide them with the technology and assistance needed to help you monitor wellbeing, as needed.

Quality of life is interconnected with health and wellbeing. Staying healthy is the most vital thing that you can do to preserve your quality of overall living, every day.

Enjoy quality of life and dignity through the autonomy and independence that mobility aids provide. Could you use some assistance with activities of daily living? If so, mobility aids and devices may be able to help you maintain your independence. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

Cancer survivors may find they have mobility issues that endure beyond remission. Cancer and treatments can cause various issues pertaining to pain, gait, and balance that may last, causing long-term physical limitations. Mobility aids and devices can help, restoring mobility and overcoming these obstacles.

Cancer and its treatment course can cause issues related to holistic health, including mobility. It is estimated that around 25%–35% of cancer patients experience problems with limb weakness, gait disturbance, lack of balance, and other mobility issues that can impact everyday activities, like walking. Add to this, fatigue and dizziness often caused by cancer treatments and medications, and patients may be at a significant fall risk. There are some ways to counter these side effects, including the use of mobility aids.

If you are a cancer survivor, here is what you should know:

Cancer and Mobility

Cancer is a word that nobody wants to hear, let alone be diagnosed with. The repercussions of cancer are vast and include long-term issues related to mobility, from very slight to quite severe.

If you are currently a patient diagnosed with some type of cancer, you could be experiencing issues related to your mobility. These may be temporary, or you may find that you struggle for years to come. These side effects stem from pain in the joints or muscles, stiffness, malnourishment, medications, anxiety, and the disease itself, especially if it metastasizes.

Furthermore, your challenges related to mobility could be symptomatic of soft tissue sarcoma, a specific type of Cancer that impacts muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and joints. When you are immobile, you are at a higher risk for pneumonia and other infections, which could be extremely dangerous for those with compromised immune systems. Immobility also causes blood clots, which can be lethal. Difficulty with mobility can put additional stress and pressure on the spine, resulting in pressure wounds as well as long-term chronic back pain.

It is easy to see why it is so imperative that Cancer patients maintain and preserve their mobility during and after cancer treatments, as much as possible. Mobility aids can help extend physical abilities, support reach, and improve gait so that patients are able to move about safely.

Some specific mobility aids that may help include these:

• Scooters and wheelchairs for smooth and independent transfers.
• Portable ramps that are easy to install, as well as to take with you on the road.
• Reaching tools and grabbers that can extend reach and help to reduce the risk of a nasty fall.
• Grab bars near sinks, doors, and commodes to help provide sturdy support, as needed, whenever needed.
• Shower and bath seats can help take a lot of the worry and risk out of bathing, as most household falls occur in this room of the home.
• Stairlifts can help the user live their life fully, without fear of ascending or descending stairs.

The overriding goal of such aids is to maintain mobility and to help the patient preserve autonomy and freedom of movement as much as possible. There are also devices, including ceiling lifts, that can provide help and support to the caregiver. These aids can protect them from injury as they provide care and assistance to patients.

Treatment-Related Issues

While Cancer wreaks havoc on your body, the treatment used to kill cancerous cells can also come with a slew of side effects and symptoms. Hopefully, most of these issues will decline and subside over time, they can present challenges and difficulties with everyday life. Some of the specific issues caused include:

• Fatigue
• Disturbances or disruptions in sleep
• Chronic pain
• Nerve issues
• Edema, and swelling
• Inflammation
• Hot flashes or chills
• Respiratory issues or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal distress
• Changes and challenges related to appetite
• Infection
• Issues related to bleeding
• Compromised skin and nail health
• Bowel or bladder issues
• Changes in vision
• Changes in hearing
• Difficulty with speech or communication
• Mobility issues or impairment
• Altered physical appearance
• Premature signs of aging
• Seizures

While not all these symptoms are related to mobility, there are some that could be treated and alleviated with the care and discretion of your medical provider. Talk to your practitioner or physician to learn more.

Observe National Cancer Survivor Month in June

National Cancer Survivor Month in June provides a platform for patients and survivors in the US to connect and network, bringing awareness and disseminating information pertaining to this disease. The purpose of the observance is to demonstrate that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

Are you a Cancer survivor? If you have lasting effects of cancer or its treatment that impact your mobility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility. They offer reputable, reliable, and quality mobility equipment to suit your needs and to overcome physical limitations that impede everyday living. Call or visit today!

Stairs can present a hazardous and frightening issue for individuals living with dementia. What may have once seemed instinctual, ascending and descending steps, can be worrisome and dangerous. What can you do? Try to understand stairs from the perspective of dementia first to make modifications that help.

June is the time to observe Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and spread information pertaining to living with dementia. Americans have been honoring and observing this national day since Ronald Reagan initiated it in 1983.

One area of difficulty in the home environment for anyone with dementia is stairs or steps. That is, there are times when the individual may not be able to ascend or descend as safely as they once did. In these living situations, it makes sense to explore the possibility of a stairlift, or other mobility aid to improve access and quality of life.

Some other things to understand about stairs from the dementia perspective include:

• Dementia can affect depth perception and color contrast. This can be a recipe for a nasty fall. It can be hard to determine where one step ends and the next begins when you have these issues.
• Are the steps in the home carpeted? This can also cause difficulty with color contrast, leading to a fall. The challenge for a dementia patient can be distinguishing the riser from the stair tread. Fortunately, this is easily solved. Try putting colored tape along the edge of each step, in a contrasting hue. Make sure the tape is secure and doesn’t present a fall risk.
• Use a thoughtful eye to remove anything from the home environment that could pose the risk of a trip, fall, or injury. Trouble-shoot the entire home, if feasible, and remove any hazards. This is also a good time to de-clutter and spring clean the dwelling to additionally remove potential obstacles.
• How is the lighting in the home? Did you know that poor lighting is to blame for senior falls? Make sure that there is ample lighting, especially around stairs and doors, with easy-to-access switches at both the top and bottom of any stairs. Make the switch stand out with a piece of bright tape or a sticker for easy identification.
• Make sure that the home’s stairs, steps, or inclines have handrails. These need to be sturdy and secure, too. Don’t rely on the wall when you have stairs with a banister on the other side. Install a handrail to prevent problems and make using them easier.
• Dementia can affect mobility in many cases. For instance, some forms of dementia manifest similarly to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This results in spasms or tremors that are difficult to control. Another dementia-related issue affecting mobility is stiffness. It may cause rigidity or limping when the individual walks or moves about. Every case, and type of dementia, is different. Discuss symptoms and concerns with your provider or practitioner.  
• Another challenging symptom of dementia affects coordination and balance. This can make the individual feel dizzy or experience a type of vertigo where they have difficulty maintaining balance. It may also make the patient feel nauseous or queasy, though some may have difficulty articulating this. These symptoms can increase the risk of a fall and subsequent injury including fractures or broken bones which can be debilitating for anyone, but perhaps most especially for an older dementia patient.
• Many dementia patients struggle with Apraxia, which occurs when there is a malfunction or breakdown in the message that goes from the brain to the body. For instance, it may manifest in a person being unable to stand when sitting. It can seem like they don’t know how to rise from the position.
• Some experts report that you can trigger them to respond, in this case, stand, by gently touching or nudging them. This sensory stimulus can often help.
• When assessing mobility aid options, there is a chance that individuals with certain types of dementia will not adapt well to stairlifts. This could be the case with those that suffer from Dementia with Lewy Bodies Syndrome. This condition is marked by hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety surrounding seemingly normal things, and using a stairlift could make them fearful.
• Sadly, as time goes on and these conditions progress, mobility will decrease. People with late-stage Alzheimer’s are not typically mobile, and brain function focuses on critical activities, like respiration. The prognoses will vary. Don’t wait to implement mobility aids that could be ease, reassurance, and autonomy to any individual with dementia.

Do you or someone you love live with dementia symptoms? Now is the time to explore how mobility aids and options can enhance safety in the home- as well as improve the overall quality of life. Talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; call or visit today.