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How to Maintain Dignity and Quality of Life as we Age

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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.

Mobility Issues You May Experience as a Cancer Survivor

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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!

Understanding Stairs from the Perspective of Dementia

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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. 

Stairlifts for Arthritis? Yes, Here Is What You Need to Know

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Arthritis comes in many forms, and it is estimated that nearly 60 million Americans live with this condition. Stairlifts can help alleviate some of the stress and strain on joints, like knees, and reduce the risk of a nasty fall. Consider meeting with a mobility equipment professional to discuss all available options.

Do you live with Arthritis? Around 59 million adults have some kind of Arthritis in this country and around 26 million are limited in what they can do because of this condition. Arthritis doesn’t have a cure, but for many, symptoms are manageable with lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment. Since Arthritis sufferers typically have chronic pain in their joints, it may impact daily living and overall quality of life.

There are some ways to combat the symptoms and progression of Arthritis including mobility aids that may help overcome issues of accessibility. A stairlift can reduce the strain and stress that you put on your joints, like your knees and hips, every time that you choose to go up or down stairs in the home environment. Furthermore, it reduces the chance that you could experience a fall and subsequent injury from using stairs. There are many compelling reasons to consider mobility options; talk to your provider about whether a stairlift is a viable option for your home environment.

Here is what you should know:

Arthritis

Arthritis is basically a medical condition where your joints swell and become tender or sore. The prime symptoms of Arthritis are stiffness and pain, which, unfortunately, get worse over time. There are numerous types of Arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some other types of arthritis include these:

  • Gout
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Septic arthritis

Treatment will vary depending on the type of Arthritis that you suffer from. Arthritis is not curable so your treatment will focus on reducing the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The most common symptom of Arthritis is stiffness, particularly in the joints, and pain. Depending on the type of Arthritis that you have, some of the symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Decreased range of motion

A stairlift can help! Consider these symptoms and how the gentle support and reassurance of a stairlift in the home can facilitate autonomy.

Arthritis and Stairlifts

So, what can you do about living with chronic pain and physical limitation caused by Arthritis? There are treatments available that may minimize the severity and frequency of your symptoms, depending on the kind of Arthritis you suffer from. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan and how to move forward.

Mobility aids make sense for anyone who is limited by what they can do physically- including going up and down stairs. Some may be able to ascend or descend, but it takes a toll. Make life easier and conserve your strength with a stairlift.

Stairlifts remove the immense stress and strain that steps put on knees, hips, ankles, and other joints. Be proactive in your treatment and care, after all, you can reduce the severity of symptoms with simple changes. Don’t let Arthritis rob you of your quality of life; talk to a mobility professional to find out more.

Are you at risk?

Risk factors for Arthritis include the following:

  • Your genetics and family history play a part in whether you will have Arthritis. There are some kinds of this condition that are hereditary.
  • Your age also puts you at risk for Arthritis. You are more likely to have some form of Arthritis as you get older.
  • Women more often have Rheumatoid Arthritis, while men are more inclined to contract gout. It is safe to say that gender also puts you at a higher risk for this condition.
  • If you have previously injured a joint, like a knee, you are more likely to later have Arthritis in that same joint. Athletes that repeatedly injure their joints have a high risk of Arthritis.
  • Obesity also puts you at higher risk of Arthritis in your joints.

Over time, severe Arthritis can be debilitating and impact your ability to complete ADLs, or activities of daily living. Consider how a stairlift may help you preserve your independence and autonomy if you live with this condition.

Arthritis Awareness

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day is Friday, May 20, 2022, and May has been set aside as Arthritis Awareness Month. These observances are organized to raise awareness of autoimmune diseases that cause pain and inflammation. 

Want to learn more about a stairlift for your home? Talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility; they can discuss the advantages of mobility aids, as well as provide more information regarding your available options. Call or visit today!

How Fibromyalgia Reduces your Quality of Life

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When it comes to Fibromyalgia, the symptoms can wax, wane, and be quite unpredictable. Severe fatigue, nerve pain, and mood disorder are common among those that suffer from this chronic condition. Fibromyalgia can reduce your quality of life; here are some things that you can do about that.

About 5 million people in this country are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, or Fibro, is a debilitating and chronic pain condition, often referred to as a disorder of the individual’s pain perception. Those suffering from this condition experience persistent, recurrent, widespread, and, often, intolerable pain. The sufferer is sometimes misunderstood by those around them and was treated as a psychological issue with psychotropic medications.

Fortunately, what researchers have discovered about Fibromyalgia has changed much of the public’s perception of this mysterious disease. Furthermore, efforts including Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month strive to spread information and debunk the myths. When Fibro impacts your mobility, you can turn to mobility aids; but what else can you do?

Fibromyalgia reduces your quality of life, here is what you can do about it:

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and varying levels of pain. This pain primarily impacts the back, so it seems to radiate and affect both upper and lower body regions. Some things you can do to reduce chronic Fibro pain include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and using deep breathing techniques to relax and reduce anxiety brought on by pain.  

Mood Disorder

Depression and anxiety often accompany Fibro pain. This condition also contributes to lower levels of serotonin. Some things to do include spending time outside getting sunlight and fresh air. A brisk, 20-minute walk can have antidepressant effects. Also, consider talk therapy with a counselor, therapist, or trusted friend.

Fatigue

Those that live with Fibromyalgia report abnormal sleep cycles and difficulty getting good rest. Altered or insufficient sleep leads to chronic fatigue and headaches. Create a sanctuary for sleep in your bedroom and avoid other tasks and activities that are not sleep-related, like work or folding laundry, in your bed. Set yourself a sleep schedule and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Brain Fog

Did you know that Fibro can cause cognitive problems? It’s true; Fibromyalgia affects memory, focus, and concentration. Some patients may notice symptoms when they are trying to go about their normal routine tasks, such as at work. In fact, cognitive impairment caused by Fibromyalgia is a leading cause of sick days and disability for workers in other countries.

Some reputable sources recommend that keeping the brain active is key in preventing cognitive problems associated with fibro. Also, sleep is imperative as insufficient rest can contribute to brain fog.

Tips to Help You Feel Better

Try some suggestions from industry experts that may lessen and improve the symptoms of this chronic condition. Consider these tips to help you feel better:

  • Grasp a good understanding of Fibro- and educate yourself about the disease. There are many, many studies available that may shed light on your symptoms- and help you alleviate them successfully.  
  • Lifestyle changes, like eating well and getting exercise, should not be underestimated. Managing your weight can help with the chronic fatigue and pain associated with this disease.  
  • If your symptoms are severe, talk with your provider about medications. While there are no meds available for all side effects of Fibro, you may be able to gain some relief and results by targeting specific symptoms.
  • It has been shown that regular, consistent exercise can reduce the pain of Fibromyalgia, while also helping with weight management and control. Include brisk activity and stretching for optimal results.
  • Cut down on caffeine, preservatives, and alcohol to help reduce the severity of Fibro symptoms. Prepackaged, preservative-dense foods can trigger symptoms causing inflammation and increased pain. Read labels and try to avoid artificial flavorings, colors, or sweeteners, too.
  • The best diet for anyone diagnosed with Fibro is one that is balanced and rich in protein, unsaturated fats, and carbs- plus plenty of dark leafy vegetables.
  • Mobility aids and equipment can improve accessibility to those that have their mobility compromised by Fibro but even more importantly, these devices may be able to help reduce your risk of taking a fall. Fibro affects mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing. Mobility aids provide support, stability, and peace of mind.
  • There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Talk to your medical provider to learn more.

Make sure to observe and honor Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month in May. In fact, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12th show your support by wearing purple! Dedicate May to spreading information and awareness about Fibro.

Sticking to treatment recommendations may help many individuals cope and live with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Everyone’s experience is different; if Fibro impacts your mobility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

How to Celebrate Memorial Day with Limited Mobility

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Don’t let mobility issues cause you to miss out on celebrating Memorial Day this year. Memorial Day often signifies the start of summer, a time of renewal, in addition to the observance of those that have served. Use these ideas and suggestions to celebrate and make the most of Memorial Day, despite any issues related to mobility that you may have.

Don’t let physical challenges or mobility limitations hinder you from observing and celebrating Memorial Day in May. There are many ways to honor those that serve that do not present accessibility issues though this is the perfect time to evaluate and consider mobility aids to enhance your own autonomy.

Celebrate Memorial Day this year, regardless of mobility issues, with these ideas:

Fly the Flag

Keep it simple the most meaningful thing that you can do on Memorial Day is to fly a flag. If you do not have a traditional flagpole or flag, invest in some small ones. Size is unimportant. Make sure that you fly the flag at half-mast to recognize those that have passed.  

Don’t have a flag? Create your own; there are lots of tutorials online for sewing, drawing, and constructing your own US flag.

Wear Patriotic Garb

Spread the meaning of the holiday by donning all your red, white, and blue apparel. Go full-on stars and stripes! Visit thrift stores throughout the year to find great deals on flashy patriotic garb. Wear your outfit ahead of time even if you are not leaving the house. Wearing the colors of this great country is enough to put anyone in a celebratory and grateful mood.

Give to Others

If you have a way to get there, consider visiting someone that has served. This may be a friend or family member, young or old, or perhaps you are a member of an organization that serves veterans. Spend a few minutes thanking them for their service and share a moment or two. It can be a powerful way to commemorate Memorial Day.

Send Some Love

Who doesn’t love to get mail? To pay tribute to Memorial Day, commit to sending a care package to current servicemen serving abroad. These soldiers love receiving small gifts, trinkets, and essentials from home, such as hygiene products and candy. Include a handwritten note and lots of good wishes from stateside!

If a package is more than you can do right now, consider a letter to someone serving overseas. Join up with a military pen pal project and start a correspondence with a soldier serving in the military. Letters can brighten anyone’s day- particularly someone who is far from home.

See a Parade

Is there a parade planned near you? There is something about a parade that can put you in a patriotic state of mind; make plans to see a parade to celebrate Memorial Day this year. These are typically offered in municipalities, cities, and towns across the nation to honor all those that gave their lives for their country while serving in the Armed Forces. These are usually posted widely on local event sites or in newspapers.  

Visit a Cemetery

Memorial Day in the US is a traditional time to visit cemeteries to pay respects to those that you have lost, whether military personnel or not. Memorial Day is just that a time to memorialize and remember those that you care about.

Lay down wreaths, flowers, or flags for your loved ones that have passed. There may be gatherings planned at local cemeteries to place wreaths or flags on the graves of veterans, so plan accordingly. Know that accessibility may be challenging at some locales. The ground can be uneven terrain for someone with mobility challenges. Planned events will offer some sort of handicap access for visitors with physical limitations.

Take a Trip

Another benchmark of many people’s Memorial Day celebrations is travel. If your mobility challenges do not hinder you from getting out of town, plan on heading somewhere that accommodates visitors with limited mobility. Popular destinations are generally ready to provide for their guests that have physical challenges or disabilities but you may call ahead to make sure. Consider festive Memorial Day spots like Branson, MO, Charleston, SC, or even Washington DC.

Speaking of the Nation’s capital, what better place to spend Memorial Day weekend? The number of monuments, museums, parks, and buildings provides plenty to see and do, but are they accessible? Some popular spots that do offer access for those with physical disabilities, handicaps, or limitations include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, and Arlington Cemetery though you may need to ride on a bus to explore the latter.

To learn more about mobility aids and solutions, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer high-quality mobility equipment, devices, and aids to make life better. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Mobility Aids that May Lessen the Impact of ALS

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Mobility aids may help some individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. Since this degenerative disease impacts strength and motor control, specific adaptive devices may ease the strain for the individual while preserving their autonomy as long as possible. May is National ALS Awareness Month, which offers further information and insight.

May is National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month, passed by the US Senate in 1992. The aim of this commemoration is to focus on disseminating information pertaining to ALS to bring attention and garner support.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease disease that slowly robs the afflicted of their mobility, autonomy, and, eventually, their life. As the muscles atrophy, symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and spasms ensue, which causes much discomfort and difficulty with ambulating, self-care, and over time, breathing. The disease is progressive, and symptoms become more noticeable and challenging. There are some resources that may bring insight and comfort to those living with ALS and mobility aids may help with certain challenges.

Some common ALS symptoms include:

  • Spasms, twitches, and cramps, particularly in the extremities
  • Loss of motor control
  • Weakness in arms and legs
  • Frequent falls; prone to tripping or stumbling
  • Clumsiness; dropping items more often
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Emotional lability
  • Slurred speech and difficulty articulating words
  • As the disease progresses, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
  • Paralysis

There are some ALS symptoms that closely resemble other conditions. See your physician or practitioner for more information and appropriate testing for an accurate diagnosis.

Mobility aids that may lessen the impact of ALS symptoms include:

Walkers

So, how can a walker help someone with ALS? In the early stages of the disease, a walker may be all that the individual needs to safely ambulate or move about. Rolling walkers may help the user that suffers from chronic fatigue, too. Walkers are a great resource to help reduce the risk of a fall which makes them an excellent implement for many living with this condition and others.

Walkers equipped with seats also help to combat the fatigue and weakness that accompanies ALS, providing a spot to sit, rest, and regain strength, as needed.

Seats

They come under a lot of different names, but a shower or tub seat is another versatile and valuable aid to have on hand for those with ALS. A seat that slides over the seat of a tub can help you in and out of the shower safely; a seat in the tub can be a convenient spot to sit while bathing. Looking for more support in the bathroom? Consider shower buddy lifts and frameless showers Talk to a mobility professional to learn more!

Chairs and Scooters

ALS patients experience weakness and loss of control over extremities which can make it challenging and at times, hazardous to walk independently. Spasms and the increase in falls taken by those afflicted with ALS make wheelchairs and scooters more than a convenience they are key to mobility.

The exhaustion and chronic fatigue that is symptomatic of this condition also warrant a wheelchair or a scooter. Many ALS patients report an increase in clumsiness, like dropping items or objects and being able to transport items smoothly in a chair or scooter may help resolve this and add to the autonomy of the user.

Lifts

Stairlifts are excellent aids to have in a home where there are steps or stairs, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Lifts provide a smooth transfer to the second- or other- level of the home, where a bedroom or bathroom may be located. These aids enable the user to safely ascend and descend stairs at will, while also providing room and allowing others in the home full use of the stairway.

During later stages of ALS, a free-standing lift can provide support to assist the user in and out of bed, the bath, or even a car or swimming pool- plus, it provides support and security for any caregiver, ensuring they are not injured or hurt during these transfers. Lifts may be covered in full or in part by insurance coverage- got questions about paying for your new lift? Call or visit us to learn more today!

Ramps

There are few homes or buildings that would not benefit from a ramp. Portable ramps are both affordable and versatile. These are easy to transport, too providing a means of easier access wherever you go. For the individual living with ALS, a ramp offers a way to access and enter the home, work, or other establishments, without the painful and dangerous task of climbing stairs. Tingling feet can lead to loss of balance and a fall; a ramp may help.

If you or a loved one lives with ALS, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about devices and aids that can improve access, ease, and overall quality of life. Call or visit today!

Will a Stairlift Add Value to my Life?

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Wondering if a stairlift has value for you? The short answer is ‘yes’ and here is why:

  • Stairlifts improve home and property values.
  • Stairlifts reduce the risk of a fall in the home.
  • Stairlifts facilitate aging in place.

The peace of mind and security provided by mobility aids, including stairlifts, indicate that they do indeed add value to the life of the user as well as loved ones.

When you think of mobility aids, does a stairlift come to mind? Stairlifts offer numerous benefits to those installing them, but they also provide advantages to the loved ones, caregivers, and family of the individual. The security of knowing that someone you care about has assistance going up and down the stairs can provide a great sense of relief and peace of mind that is worth any price.

Will a stairlift add value to your life? Here is what you should know:

Stairlifts Add Accessibility

Do you need assistance climbing stairs? Perhaps someone that visits you regularly does. A stairlift adds accessibility to any home or building. Worried about others in the home getting around a stairlift? There is no need to be; stairlifts are adaptable, and they do not obstruct the stairs for those using them.

If you or someone close to you has medical issues or surgery, a stairlift can provide invaluable aid during recovery and rehabilitation saving money and the stress of transitioning after. This also makes it feasible to look after others with physical limitations or mobility issues confidently and competently.

Stairlifts Increase Confidence

So, speaking of confidence, many seniors and others using stairlifts regularly report higher self esteem and autonomy associated with enhanced accessibility and independence. Many simply want to enjoy their home, upstairs too, and these mobility aids make them possible. Stairlifts give a sense of confidence to many.

Stairlifts Aid Aging-in-Place

Individuals that want to make the choice to stay in their own home as long as possible may also find great value in stair lifts. These aids enable you to age in place, or live in a home environment of your choosing.

If you are someone that wants to be around family as long as possible, aging in place may be a viable goal. Part of facilitating aging in place is access and creating a home environment that is conducive to the needs of those living there. Living out one’s life in a familiar and comfortable setting is many people’s wish but health issues and accidents can derail aging in place and require assisted living situations. To age in place requires some planning and preparation. Stairlifts and other mobility aids can be part of a plan to age in place safely, according to your own wishes.

Stairlifts Reduce Risks

Falls remain the biggest type of accident, accidental injury, and reason for hospitalization among seniors over the age of 65. Stair lifts may be the most proactive and effective step that you can take to reduce the risk of taking a nasty fall. A fall is more than a subsequent injury it is a loss of confidence, it can be anxiety-provoking, and it can begin a downward health spiral impacting other areas of holistic health and wellness.

Falls perpetuate other injuries and conditions while also being a main obstacle to aging in place and living autonomously. If a stairlift can help reduce a stumble or trip on the stairs, it is a worthwhile investment that brings value to everyday life.

Stairlifts Improve Property Values

If stairlifts are such an asset, can they actually increase home and property values? Yes, they can and they do. Imagine if you were a senior or other individual looking to buy a home how would you feel about a stairlift? Many people begin planning to age in place now, before it is imminent. A home with a lift, or other mobility accommodations, would be considered advantageous. Furthermore, if anyone truly felt strongly about the stairlift and wanted it removed, they are easily uninstalled by a local mobility professional.

Do not underestimate how a home could stand apart on the real estate market when it is outfitted with a stairlift. These aids are valuable and will be considered a plus by many buyers but for those with a senior or loved one in the household that needs some mobility assistance, this could be an amazing opportunity. Stairlifts do bring value to life and they also improve property values widely, too. Not planning to sell right away? That is okay it is a seller’s market right now. Consider your lift to be an asset if you ever do decide to list, sell, or rent your property.

Thinking about a stairlift? These devices do add value to your life as well as your property. To learn more about stairlifts in southern California, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility today!