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A case could be made for the viability and merit of multiple accessibility ramps throughout the home. After all, when the aim is access, a ramp can be a very effective- and easy to implement- device. Before you concede on a single ram, or even one inside and one out, consider how various ramps could make a difference in the home environment.

When it comes to mobility aids and equipment, ease and access is the aim. So, it makes the most sense to utilize multiple devices and tools to make life more convenient. That said, if one ramp is good, couldn’t multiple ramps be better? Think about your home’s layout: are there steps, rises, or areas that could be made more accessible with the gentle slope of a ramp? Both mechanical and non-mechanical ramps have places throughout the home environment, and they go a long way toward reducing falls and injuries that can be debilitating and compromising to autonomy. Whether you need a little assistance or are reliant on mobility aids already, consider how ramps could improve the traffic and terrain of your home.

First, you should know that adding an access ramp to the home requires a permit from local building officials or municipalities; also, if you do not own the property but are a tenant, you will need permission from the landlord or owner before modifying the structure with ramps and other additions, unless you opt for the temporary solution of a portable ramp.

There is a case to be made for multiple accessibility ramps throughout the home, both inside and out:

Entry

Naturally, you will want to implement and install a ramp for the main entrance or exit in and out of the home. This will need to comply with recommended guidelines offered by the ADA, which can easily be found online. Specifically, you need to consider the slope and incline of the ramp to determine if it is feasible, accessible, and pragmatic for those using it in the home. Individuals that use manual wheelchairs, for instance, will benefit from less of an incline, while those with power chairs or scooters, may be able to utilize a steeper ramp, which also takes up less area and space overall. Make sure that the ramp does not present a hazard or risk to others in the home that may- or may not- use it routinely, but know that in terms of entry, a permanent, fixed ramp seems most prudent.

Vehicle

If you have physical challenges that create issues when you want to drive or ride in your vehicle, consider how a ramp can help. There are portable ramps as well as lifts that are designed for individuals with mobility limitations who want to get back behind the wheel of their car or truck. These lifts often can be folded up and placed inside the vehicle, providing versatility and convenience wherever you go!

Porch

Many with physical limitations miss spending time outside, such as on their porch, which may be difficult due to steps, stairs, or locale. Portable ramps or fixed ramps- depending on the porch configuration and location, can solve this conundrum and allow entry to the porch, patio, or other outdoor space, providing full access and autonomy at home.

Thresholds

Even out the bumps and borders inside the home with threshold ramps. These are small and easy to install, providing a smooth terrain over doorways and entries that can create an unobstructed path for those with a physical limitation or disability. Talk to a mobility dealer to learn more about these clever and necessary fixtures.

Yard and Garden

Miss spending time in your yard and garden? Consider the perks of installing ramps around your landscape so that you can enjoy full access to outdoor spaces. Worried about modifying the property to accommodate a fixed, mechanical ramp? Instead, opt for a portable ramp that can be moved and modified to suit your needs.

If you plan to take a DIY approach to construct ramps throughout the home, make sure to follow the recommended ADA guidelines to ensure the ramp is up to code and safe for regular use. All things considered, it may be most practical to buy ramps from mobility vendors for ease and satisfaction.

Multiple accessibility ramps are going to make the home more convenient, safe, and accessible- which all contribute to your own overall autonomy, independence, and quality of life. Choose from permanent ramps that alter the layout of the home to simple portable solutions that can go wherever you go. A lot of factors come into play when figuring out the best ramps for a distinct living environment- it can be quite insightful and helpful to talk to an industry professional. Consider the difference ramps will make throughout your home and talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

You really cannot be too careful, particularly in today’s world of social distancing amid the pandemic. There are some basic items that consumers should have on hand that will improve safety and increase mobility in the home- as well as protect the individual when they venture out. Set yourself up a basic kit including items that can be accessed at a moment’s notice or taken in-hand when leaving the home environment.

You likely have some items laying around the house that could potentially protect you- or someone you love- from becoming injured or ill. From a nasty fall to COVID-19, it pays to set yourself up with a kit of basic items and essentials that can be used to prevent and protect users in these times of uncertainty. Furthermore, discuss mobility aids and equipment with providers to determine if these devices may create a safer home environment that preserves independence, autonomy, and accessibility for years to come.

Some everyday items that can improve mobility and overall personal safety include:

Grabbers and Reaching Tools

When you think of mobility aids, it is easy to consider things like stairlifts and walkers, but there are many simple tools that can greatly assist in access. Reaching or grabbing tools extend the individual’s reach, which helps them avoid nasty falls or loss of balance when going about everyday life. These items allow users to access the items that they need- whether up high or down low- while lessening the risk of a debilitating injury from a fall in the home. Did you know that injuries and health-related complications are a major compromise to independence? Reduce this risk by investing in a simple grabber or reaching tool; talk to a mobility aid vendor in the area to learn more.

Rubber or Latex Gloves

The world has become a very unclean place; wearing a pair of protective gloves can protect you from picking up germs and bringing them home. Think about how many hands touch common items that you see in the grocery store, at church, in a taxi- anywhere that you go; provide yourself with a protective buffer between you and every other person that you encounter and wear a pair of rubber or latex gloves. These are not uncomfortable to wear- particularly if you take care to buy the right size. Furthermore, they are discreet and subtle so nobody will look at you funny if you wear a pair when out doing your daily errands. Buy a box at a medical supply store to keep on-hand, pun intended.

Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan used to be a common item found in the home, usually on the dining room table. People are discovering the convenience of adding one of these turntables to cabinets and drawers to make items more accessible to reach and easy to handle. Some modern cabinet companies will install Lazy Susan’s in cupboards so that items never get pushed to the back, out of reach, or the homeowner. Buy a couple and add them to the cabinets that you use the most- in the kitchen or bathroom, for instance- and stop bending and reaching for the things that you need.

Face Mask

It is hard to believe that the world has come to this, but everyone is wearing a face mask in public places now. While it is not easy to find inexpensive face masks in traditional venues, like medical supply stores, right now amid the pandemic, it is easy enough to fashion one out of hair elastics and a scarf or bandana. If you sew, stitch yourself up a couple with a basic online tutorial to show you how.  Typically, dollar stores and discount retailers are perfect places to find face masks that will protect you and those around you from transmitting germs, saliva, and illness to one-another; if supplies are low, check back and stock up when supplies allow.

A Flashlight

A flashlight with working batteries (check them periodically) is something else to keep in your kit. This can illuminate and help make the home more accessible- while also preventing a fall from a lack of proper lighting.

Bleach

Keep a gallon of bleach on-hand to quickly sanitize surfaces, apparel, and linens. Bleach is a rare commodity when consumers are worried about COVID-19, so try to always keep a gallon for your own protection, as needed.

Hand Sanitizer

Always carry a small amount of hand sanitizer with you and be vigilant about sanitizing when leaving and returning to the home. Use the sanitizer when out in public or after handling things, like store products or money, and after touching your face. This small step can save you from carrying germs and potentially contracting an illness, like Coronavirus.

Cash

While cash is not necessarily an item that helps you be healthy or mobile, it is something that can help in the event of an emergency or crisis. Even a few bucks tucked away can be a real lifesaver if you need to leave the home, pay for a cab, or rent a hotel room due to circumstances or unforeseen situations. Remember that not everyone is accepting cards right now, so a bit of cash could come in very handy.

Want to learn more about how mobility aids can make the home environment a safer place to be? Talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; they have been serving Bay Area residents for years, and offer convenient needs assessments to help pinpoint the best mobility solutions for their clients and customers. Stay safe; call or visit to learn more today.

stairlifts bring functionality to the home, expanding and extending utility for those who rely on these devices daily. From accessibility and ease to convenience and versatility, the automation elements of a stairlift make it very viable to operate regardless of physical limitations. Perhaps the most important aspects that a stairlift adds to the home setting are overall safety and autonomy, providing independence and improved quality of life for those living with disabilities.

Do you live with a physical limitation or disability? If you do, then you may appreciate how life-changing mobility aids can be. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of people over 65 plan on aging-in-place, that is, stay in their own home- independently- as long as possible. This is in lieu of communal, assisted, or residential living options. For this to happen, seniors must stay healthy, avoid falls, and be realistic about needs in order to get them met; mobility aids, like stairlifts, make this viable for many.

Access

After all, doesn’t it all come down to access? stairlifts make second levels, porches, patios, and even outdoor living spaces accessible. For some, this could be life-altering, allowing them access to areas of the home that had been prohibitive before. For others, this may allow them to engage in activities enjoyed, like gardening or taking a hot bath, which contribute to overall quality of life. Access with ease is what stairlifts bring to the daily function of your home; isn’t that a worthwhile investment?

Convenience

When you install stairlifts, you are adding convenience to your home. The payoff in time, effort, and safety is immeasurable. Users that previously could not carry items, belongings, or things like laundry upstairs can safely complete routine chores and ADLs (activities of daily living), with much less stress and strain.

Versatility

Worried that installing stairlifts can compromise the use of your stairway for those around you? Don’t be; stairlifts are narrow enough and customized to allow for others to safely and comfortably walk past. Talk to your mobility retailer to learn more about the versatility offered by the various manufacturers. Be cognizant though of safety tips that include teaching others- primarily children and pets- to leave the lift alone and never to use it as a toy. Foster good habits that include staying off the lift and keeping toys or belongings away from the device’s track.

Safety

The risk of injury for seniors is a very real concern that should be prevented at all costs. Falls are debilitating, often leading to chronic and life-long problems. Living situations that contain fall hazards, like steep steps or flooring issues, can be detrimental to the wellbeing and safety of seniors living there. Since the majority of senior falls occur in the home living environment, it is critical to adapt safety measures- including stairlifts- to reduce catastrophic falls and the repercussions.

In addition to mobility aids, consider issues surrounding lighting, flooring, carpets, and clutter to help create a safer home and curb the potential for a nasty fall.

Automation

The technology that modern stairlifts bring to the home is amazing. From a simple keypad, users can control and command their mobility devices to suit their needs. This automation at the touch of a finger brings a foreign functionality to the home for many, who may not be as tech -savvy as their younger peers. However, mobility manufacturers pair their technology with easy-to-use devices and remotes, so even a novice can easily adapt to controlling their stairlift independently, with ease.

Autonomy

stairlifts bring autonomy to the home- in fact, many might argue that this is the most important function of any mobility device. A sense of autonomy is far more than merely navigating the home- it is combatting the many age-related stigmas that can compromise independent living. Aging in place may not be viable for many due to health-related issues and needs; mobility aids like stairlifts make it feasible for others. Talk to your doctor, provider, or practitioner about the advantages of installing mobility aids, like stairlifts, in your home living environment: does it make sense? The ability to live independently according to your own preferences, pursuits, and predilections is worth the investment of devices and equipment that help make this possible… Isn’t it?

Thinking about a stairlift? If you live with physical limitations or disabilities, a stairlift can add many features and functionality to everyday living in your home environment. Before buying, make sure that you buy from a mobility aids vendor that provides impeccable service after the sale and support to ensure long-term satisfaction. This is why it makes sense to buy your stairlift from Pacific Mobility; the team at Pacific Mobility are waiting to enhance and improve your quality of life. Call or visit today. 

In today’s world, you can’t be too careful when it comes to contamination and infectious disease. That’s why it makes good sense to clean your mobility aids- from grab bars to stairlifts- regularly. There are tips and tricks to make the job effective and efficient, though it is always prudent to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific aid that you are cleaning and disinfecting to be safe.

Do you use or rely upon mobility aids of any kind? Play it safe and make sure to disinfect; when bacteria and viruses lurk on the surfaces around the home, even your trusted mobility device is vulnerable. For example, infectious coronavirus can be debilitating even deadly for those with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions. Don’t risk your wellbeing; disinfect your devices, aids, and implements periodically.

COVID-19

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that consumers disinfect all high-traffic surfaces in the home from viral bacteria, like COVID-19. Some of these surfaces include your phone, doorknobs, light switches, and the handles to a wheelchair, if applicable. It is suggested that you wear disposable gloves when cleaning with household cleaning and disinfecting products, and then toss out the gloves when you are done. The key is to first remove germs by cleaning the surface thoroughly and follow up with disinfecting which means applying chemicals to the surface after. Always follow the directions on the label of your cleaning products and don’t mix chemicals that could result in toxic reactions.

Want a cheap disinfecting cleaning solvent that you likely have in your home? Combine five tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of regular tap water for a topical disinfectant that costs pennies per application.

Wheelchairs and Scooters

Cleaning a wheelchair thoroughly may be challenging as the primary user could have some mobility challenges that make getting the key areas difficult. Wheelchairs are prone to germs as they are regularly handled and touched widely. Make sure that you clean your own hands well before and after working on your wheelchair- as well as any time that you come in from being outdoors or away from the home.

You may find it interesting that COVID-19, Coronavirus, lives on hard surfaces for up to three days; use a solution of at least 70% alcohol to wipe down and disinfect the spots that are most handled, like the grips, arms, and wheels. Spray with the bleach solution mentioned above, but never use baby wipes or personal cleansing wipes to clean these surfaces.

Some spots to pay close attention to when cleaning a wheelchair or scooter include:

• Joystick
• Mouth controls
• Headrest
• Armrests
• Side guards
• Wheelchair Back
• Handles and grips

Beyond your wheelchair, other frequently touched equipment and medical supplies should also be disinfected. These include:

• Any supplies or devices that are in contact with your mouth
• Oxygen tanks
• Steering wheel and door handles on vehicles
• Transfer seats
• Medications

Share this information with caregivers and loved ones that assist you or that regularly visit your home.

Stairlifts

It is easy to overlook disinfecting a stairlift, but don’t. These surfaces get touched frequently by many people, besides the primary user, so it warrants special attention. Dust and wipe down the lift periodically; plus, regular cleaning extends the life of your lift. Be careful using wet solutions to the power lift, and always disconnect power before cleaning the device. A damp cloth should be ample for wiping down the seat and track, followed by a disinfecting solution of bleach and water.

When it comes to the rail of your lift, vacuuming is the most effective and easy way to rid it of the dust and debris that can accumulate and impact the performance of the aid.

Other Tips to Stay Safe

There are other surfaces and spots that merit attention and special cleaning to prevent illness or transmission of germs, such as Coronavirus. Some of these other tips include:

• Make a habit to carry and wear plastic disposable gloves any time you leave home. Invest in a box from a medical supply vendor or online.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible when out and about.
• Never touch any metal surfaces when in a communal vehicle or public trans, if possible.
• Encourage caretakers to wash hands and use sanitizer.
• Always wash your hands before using sanitizer. Sanitizing with an alcohol-based product doesn’t clean the germs away, and the two habits need to go hand in hand. If you are not near a sink, then sanitizer is the next best thing until you are able to properly wash up.
• Wash and sanitize things like your car or house key fob regularly.

Use these tips to create a healthier environment with cleaner mobility aids and devices. Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more about how mobility aids can improve your quality of life today.

Got concerns about maintaining your stairlift? There are numerous things that you can take care of yourself that contribute to the performance and longevity of your mobility aid. Talk to your vendor- and review the manufacturer recommendations- for more suggestions specific to the brand and model that you use or own.

You should only allow a qualified technician to work on, repair, install, or modify your stairlift, but there are some basic maintenance tasks that you can conduct- on your own- to protect and maintain your mobility aids, specifically, your stairlift. Plan on regular inspections and service visits for any new lift in order to ensure it performs optimally for years to come.

What is the Point?

So, what is the point and purpose of cleaning a stairlift? Basically, keeping your device clean and clear ensures that it operates well for years- it helps with the longevity of the device. In today’s era, it also makes sense to decontaminate and clean the lift regularly, if only to remove germs and bacteria such as COVID-19.

There is a Right Way to Clean a Lift

There is a right and wrong way to clean and disinfect your stairlift; first, you should regularly wipe down the device with a damp cloth, followed by a wipe down with a bleach-and-water solution. When dust builds up, it can interfere with the sensors and operation of your lift. Cleaning is a simple and effective way to maintain the investment that you have made in your stairlift.

Watch out for abrasive or toxic solvents when cleaning your lift, too. Use water and a soft cloth, as well as the bleach solution, but always refer to the manufacturer’s recommended cleaners typically outlined in the owner’s manual. Also, never mix or combine cleaning agents!

Keep the Rail Clean and Clear

Vacuum and wipe the rails to keep them free of debris, dust, and pet dander- all that can cause interruption and interference with your device. Over time, even a thin layer of dust can become compacted and stuck, causing problems with your lift and transport. Nobody wants to deal with this issue- keep it clean and clear, instead. Ask caregivers to assist in cleaning and dusting the rail and track regularly, like weekly, to ensure a smooth ride.  

Perform Basic Tasks to Improve Performance

Still wondering what you can do to preserve and maintain your stairlift? Consider some other tasks that you can do with the assistance of your mobility aid technician, owner’s manual, or online supports. These are routine tasks that contribute to the overall performance of your lift:

• The track should be lubricated every few months to prevent problems with free movement.  
• Avoid using solutions, solvents, and detergents that are harsh and damaging.
• Only use a lubricant that has been approved and recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
• Check the moving parts of your lift, like the swivel seat, arms, footrest and cable, to make sure they don’t wobble or are not loose.  
• Does the seat’s locking mechanism work securely? The seat’s swivel should be lubricated once to twice a year.
• Sprinkle the indoor trailing cables lightly with talcum powder; outdoor trailing cables should be sprayed with silicone periodically.
• Keep the battery completely charged and have a spare on-hand when possible. The battery in your lift is usually recommended to be replaced every year, possibly two years depending on usage. Prevent moisture from damaging the charger by keeping it in a dry, cool location between uses.  
• Tighten and evaluate any bolts or screws to make sure they are secure and mounted.  

Also, make a point to inspect the device, particularly the wheels and track, to see that they are working well and smoothly, without cracks or visible damage. Replace wheels that do not seem to be moving freely; call your mobility vendor for support and service.

Steer Away Kids, Clutter, and Pets

Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do to preserve and protect your lift is to keep clutter, pets, and kids away from it. This is not a toy, and should never be used by children, two riders, or be piled high with belongings or clutter. Keep things off the stairs and away from the track, too.

Schedule regular stairlift maintenance to ensure that your lift is working well and has no issues. Typically, the retailer offers maintenance contracts, though some vendors- like Pacific Mobility– offer service and support for all the lifts that they sell. Call and speak to a representative to learn more.  

Got more questions regarding the care, operation, or maintenance of your stairlift? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility today. For over 60 years, Pacific Mobility has provided consumers with top of the line mobility devices and equipment across Southern California. We look forward to helping you, too! 

Stuck at home? If there is one thing that came from Coronavirus, it is some creative ways to occupy time and cope with being stuck indoors. If you are stuck at home, deal with the monotony and boredom in some productive, constructive ways instead!

Stuck inside? Confined to your home? Whether you stuck at home due to weather conditions or quarantined due to a virus, it can take a toll on your wellbeing. The monotony and boredom can wreak havoc on your mental health, so it pays to have things to do. If you rely on mobility aids, you may feel stuck frequently; work with a reputable vendor to find equipment and devices to improve your quality of life today.

Confined to your home? Try these tips to make it easier:

Stick to a Schedule

Fight the urge to hang out in your pajamas all day when you are confined to your home. This can set the stage for an unproductive day. Make a point to stick to a schedule every day; get up, go to bed, get dressed, and eat regularly and on-time. It really does make a big difference.

Grow Something

Another fantastic way to cope with being cooped up, such as during a quarantine, is with gardening. What a perfect time to grow something! Flowers blooming can brighten a mood and who doesn’t love fresh vegetables, picked off the vine? Start simple using a pre-potted herb or flower plant from your local grocery store.

Start a Healthy Habit

Someone once said that it takes 30 days to create a habit; why not start a new, good habit during the next 30 days? Some ideas include a daily exercise video program, yoga, meditation, or maybe cutting out caffeine or sugar. Do you smoke? What a great time to quit. Maybe your new habit is an afternoon walk with the pets- whatever it is, do it every day.

Eat Well

Try to eat well and curb the splurges during this unpredictable time. Worry and fear can make us want to overindulge and overeat- after all, food is very comforting. However, the added weight can make us more susceptible to sickness and ailments, while also making us feel depressed. Eat a balanced diet of whole, fresh foods- with plenty of fiber- whenever possible.

Try a Hobby

It is easy to get busy with life and forget all about the hobbies and activities that we once enjoyed. If you are stuck at home, make this a time to lose yourself in a new- or old- hobby. Even if money is tight, there are some hobbies and creative endeavors that you could try. For instance, pick up a paintbrush, rearrange the living room, start collecting stamps, or pull out the sewing machine; the choice is yours!

Take Care of Yourself

When you are confined to the house, it is the perfect excuse to pay a little extra attention to yourself and your own needs. Give yourself some well-deserved self-care in the form of something special for yourself every day- i.e. cook a gourmet meal, take a hot bath, read a good book. Do something that makes you feel better.

Pamper your Pets

Make time stuck inside to be the perfect reason to spend more time with pets; give time to their needs during this downtime. Your pets may sense that something is off and could feel anxious or nervous; make them feel better with some care and attention. Worried about catching a virus from your pet? Don’t be- just use common sense and wash your hands after handling or playing with your furry friends. Pay attention to the laws of your region during a crisis, such as the pandemic, to ensure that walking your pets publicly is fine and safe before taking them out.

Reach out to Talk

Call someone and hear a human voice at least once a day- whether it is your mother, a neighbor, or a friend that you are concerned about during a difficult time. An email or social media message is no substitute for human contact; without it, we can become isolative and depressed.

Get Rid of It

Jump into decluttering, spring cleaning, or purging stuff around the home. This can be very liberating, and you may feel a lot lighter and better after. Make it easy by creating three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one to throw in the trash. You can enjoy the items that you do keep a lot more when there is less clutter and visual noise in your living space. It has been shown that clean space and tidy surroundings make it easier to focus and concentrate.

Make your home a safer, more accessible one with devices and aids from Pacific Mobility. From a grab bar near the sink to a reaching tool to access high shelves, sometimes simple items and changes make the most significant difference. Call us today for a no-obligation needs assessment and learn more about how to improve autonomy and quality of life.

Memorial Day 2020 is the perfect time to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, while also paying attention to the distinct needs of this population. For veterans with physical disabilities or mobility limitations, there are resources in place to make everyday living easier, though there could be barriers to accessing these offerings. Dedicate time or effort to empathy and making someone’s life better this Memorial Day.

As Memorial Day 2020 approaches, let’s make a point to honor the distinct needs of our veterans with increased mobility and understanding. There are numerous programs and benefits for veterans that can make life easier when living with a physical disability but accessing these resources may present challenges. In some instances,  mobility aids can make the difference, improving access, and overall quality of life.

Honor a veteran and encourage them to utilize the following resources:

VA Benefits

The first thing to do is to advocate and support any veteran who is struggling to get their benefits and entitlements from the Veterans’ Administration, whether that be housing, medical assistance, or a wheelchair. The VA is busy and people fall through the cracks; if you know someone that served, make sure to encourage them to reach out and get what is owed to them in honor of Memorial Day- any time of year!

Transportation Services

When people think about VA benefits, housing or medical treatment probably comes to mind but the VA has a lot more to offer a disabled veteran than that. For instance, the VA can help modify your vehicle to accommodate a scooter or chair- as well as outfit a home or living situation with ramps. They also can play a vital role in mobility management, geared to increase veterans’ access to health care networks. Plus, if you are giving a ride to someone with a scooter, it can be tough transporting a scooter or chair in a regular, personal vehicle; the VA will evaluate applicants for transportation services that accommodate these needs as well as evaluate any existing vehicle the veteran has to discuss and recommend necessary modifications that could help with access.  

Community Networks

Veterans can benefit greatly from community networks, including providers, practitioners, civic organizations, and agencies on aging. While not necessarily exclusive to veterans, these resources can improve life and autonomy for any person living with a mobility issue or obstacle to access. From advocacy and legal aid to a hot meal or emergency food supplies, community networks are often more-plugged in with a smaller cache area than the federal veterans-only aid encompasses.

Public Offerings

Many metropolitan areas, like the Bay Area, for instance, have public transportation services that can also aid a veteran living in the area. While not ideal, these services often provide private vehicles to transport those clients or fares that rely on mobility equipment, like scooters or wheelchairs. These vehicles are equipped with lifts and special belts for a safe ride, as outlined and mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Many veterans report feeling lonely, especially if they struggle with physical limitations. A great solution to this is a pet – certainly, if the individual is willing and able to care for a pet, but it is well worth the effort. Taking care of a pet provides a necessary sense of purpose that many disabled veterans have lost over the years; the pets rely on them for everything, which can also help establish a comfortable routine. Furthermore, pets provide companionship and affection. Single, widowed, or isolated seniors can benefit from the joy and unconditional love that pets provide. Many communities offer animal-assisted therapy visits, particularly in healthcare or community settings, like hospitals or libraries. Check out the offerings in your area or adopt a pet! Pet ownership is very rewarding.

Mobility Aids & Devices

Know that veterans don’t need to go it alone; reputable dealers of mobility aids and equipment are available to discuss options that can help improve access- and accessibility- widely. Call or visit a vendor online to pinpoint sellers in your area. Make sure to only buy from a retailer that provides no-obligation consultation, professional installation, and service after the sale.

Honor a veteran this Memorial Day and provide access to someone with a physical disability or mobility issue. While there are options designed to make life easier for individuals with limitations to access, lend that important helping hand whenever you can as a way to honor a veteran. Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more from a reputable resource with over 64 years in the industry. Understanding the needs of our veterans is the first step in helping and honoring these brave people that have served. Call to learn more today. 

It is very possible that a mobility ramp could make your home more accessible and your life easier, but which kind of ramp is right for you? You have many options in mobility ramps and understanding the differences can help you hone-in on the precise ramp for your living situation, your lifestyle, and your limitations.

Would a ramp make your home or property more accessible? You have a lot of options when it comes to ramps; which one is right for you? Luckily, you don’t have to make this decision alone; talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more and pinpoint exactly the types of ramps that make the most sense for you, your lifestyle, and your living situation.

Mobility Ramps

Naturally,  are a lot of benefits of a ramp for those with physical limitations, from getting in and out of their home to getting behind the wheel of a car. Ramps can provide access for individuals that utilize mobility devices, like scooters or wheelchairs, or they can provide safe access for individuals that may be at risk of a fall.

Here are some of your ramp options, as well as the highlights of each one:

Portable Ramps

Perhaps the most common and popular ramp style available is the portable ramp. Found widely in many different designs and types, portable ramps offer a lightweight and affordable option that can be altered to suit your needs. These are integral to the independence of anyone in a wheelchair or that uses a scooter, as many can travel with the user wherever they happen to go. From tri-fold styles to suitcase-type ramps, portable ramps can be life-changing providing immediate access, inside and out.

Platform Ramps

When it comes to installing platform ramps, it requires a bit more of a commitment than a portable ramp. First, these need to be professionally installed to ensure they are safe- as well as to ensure that they provide stable support for years to come. Platform ramps may or may not come with lifts; talk to a mobility expert to learn more.

Modular Ramps

Another versatile solution is modular track ramps and systems. These can be used inside and out, configured to fit the site and the specific environment. For example, these are frequently found in lightweight aluminum tracks that are put together to create the ramp that you- or your loved one- needs.  Don’t worry- these meet ADA wheelchair ramp specifications and guidelines when installed by an industry professional. These often come with preassembled railings and platforms, which distinguish your ramp from any other.

For the most part, these modular ramps skid-resistant surfacing as well as provide weight limits of up to 850 pounds. These can be installed quickly by a pro and are found widely among mobility aid vendors.

Car and Van Ramps

Car and ram vamps can help those with physical limitations get in, out, and navigate using a vehicle. There are various styles, many adapted to specific types of cars, vans, and trucks, while others are designed to the specific needs of the user. A wheelchair ramp can help those with physical disabilities get behind the wheel and drive their vehicle, without assistance. This can go a long way toward preserving autonomy and overall quality of life.

Threshold Ramps

Only need a little help? The threshold of a doorway or a rise can be just as challenging for someone with physical limitations than an entire set of stairs… Threshold ramps can bridge these smaller accessibility gaps, smoothing out the rise and creating a smoother terrain to traverse. These are typically used with scooters, wheelchairs, or simply when the user has difficulty raising or lowering their feet and legs. These usually can be used to bridge one-to-six-inch heights, with a general weight limit of up to 600 pounds.  

For something that can help prevent slips and falls, consider a rubber threshold ramp, which is also great for outdoor accessibility solutions. These are ADA compliant and can be used in spots where precipitation, like snow or ice, can make the surface treacherous. Also, these rubber ramps are easy to move offering flexibility and more options.

Having a wheelchair ramp built at your residence? Make sure that you hire an expert- someone who is qualified- to make these important modifications to your home. Poor design or builder error can cost you more than a few bucks- it could be the cause or a serious, even fatal accident. Be safe and only hire a professional to build or install ramps, to be sure they meet the ADA guidelines.

Ready to invest in a ramp? From portable to permanent, Pacific Mobility has been providing mobility solutions to Southern California residents for generations. Call today for your free needs assessment or to talk to an in-house professional.