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Maybe a stairlift or a new wheelchair is not in your buying-budget, but when shopping for loved ones that have physical limitations or mobility issues, small items make a big impact and great holiday gifts, as well. From step-stools and slippers to grab-bars and magnifiers, simple gifts like these can improve the overall quality of life each and every day.

Think outside the box; there are many small, inexpensive mobility aids that help seniors or those with physical limitations manage the day to day activities easier and improve everyday living. While it may not seem like some of these smaller tools can make a big difference, these inventive items can contribute to overall independence and autonomy- which is huge.

Small items make a big impact and great holiday gifts, as well

Sometimes the smallest details make all the difference. When it comes to assistance and accessibility in everyday life, something as seemingly insignificant as a handle or grab-bar can be life-changing. Consider what family or friends with mobility limitations might be able to use on an everyday basis, and that could improve the overall quality of life in a big way.

Some small aids to help with day-to-day-activities include:

• Grab-bars. If there is even the slightest chance that you or someone you love could fall, grab-bars are a good idea. These should be placed in spots that make sense, like near sinks, the toilet, and steps, depending on the layout and particulars of your home.
• Don’t think that ramps involve major construction and a lot of money; there are many affordable and easy portable styles that can be invaluable in preventing a nasty fall or injury.
• Reaching and grabbing tools. Think about putting reaching tools in someone’s stocking this year. Many healthy seniors fall or sustain injury simply from trying to access something that is just out of reach.
• A lazy Susan. Reconfigure and refresh a commonly-used cupboard or cabinet with a handy lazy Susan. These can expand the area inside that is accessible to the resident, making it much easier to find what you are looking for, every day.
• Canes and walking sticks. Canes and walking sticks are great ideas for anyone, but especially for seniors or those with physical limitations. Having the support of a stylish cane or wooden walking stick could be just enough to prevent a fall and assist the user in everyday activities.
• Step-stools with railings. Another clever aid that makes an excellent gift to share widely is a quality step-stool with railing. These will help those living in their own homes with tasks and chores that they do every day. Furthermore, it may curb risks associated with individuals attempting, trying, or climbing to access items that are up high.
• Slip-proof shoes and slippers. A pair of slip-proof shoes or slippers is another underrated aid that could be life-changing for your recipient. Talk to physicians and mobility retailers to find brands endorsed by the experts and rated highly by consumers.
• Magnifiers and readers. Another low-cost idea of a small aid could be a magnifying glass or a pair of readers. Reading glasses are widely-available at a broad price-point, and anyone that uses them for up-close tasks and activities can never have too many pairs.
• Easy apparel. If you struggle with buttons, snaps, or zippers when dressing, consider adaptive apparel, like pull-on pants or Velcro-secured tops. These make activities of daily living (ADLs), i.e. dressing, much easier and more independent.
• Adaptive utensils. Talk to your area’s mobility retailer to find out more about adaptive utensils, pens, toothbrushes, and other necessities that could be a helpful idea. Some of these items have larger handles for easier grip by those with physical limitations.

Large mobility aids and devices aside, these smaller items, products, and tools can make a big impact on someone’s life. Talk to mobility vendors and professionals to learn more about other options for your loved one – or yourself!

Gift-giving with a purpose

Instead of giving the usual gifts, try to think of something that has a purpose for your loved ones with limited mobility or physical challenges. Give them a gift that they may not buy or have thought of for themselves. Some simple aids, tools, and items will mean much more and serve a greater purpose than a box of candy or holiday Poinsettia. You will be contributing to your recipient’s autonomy and independence! What greater gift could there be?

Ready to check out some mobility aids in the area? Come talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility and learn more about how small aids can make a positive impact and significant difference in the life of someone you love this season.  From grab-bars and ramps to stair and platform lifts, visit a retailer today to see more mobility options for yourself.

Online shopping is growing by leaps and bounds but, should you purchase mobility aids online? The risks are great when it comes to buying these products from vendors that may not provide the service and support after the sale that is key in customer satisfaction with lifts, chairs, and other mobility aids.

Everyone is shopping via the internet these days, and it is tough to beat the convenience of ordering items that you need and having them delivered to the door. There are, however, some exceptions to this trend in that there are simply some things you should not buy online. While brick-and-mortar stores may seem fewer and further between, it makes the most sense to buy specific things from local merchants, vendors, and retailers for optimal satisfaction later-on, after the sale. When it comes to mobility aids, there are a lot of features and characteristics to consider that may not be effectively conveyed via the internet. This increases the incidence of dissatisfied customers which in the case of a mobility aid like a stairlift, can have life-altering consequences.

So, it comes down to this: should you purchase mobility aids online?

The answer, in short, is probably no. There are some inherent problems with online shopping that could put you at risk of being dissatisfied and disenfranchised; some of the problems found when making any online purchase could include:

• Digital payment issues.
• Unclear information pertaining to warranties or services.
• Delivery or shipping problems, including inflated costs.
• Quality concerns.
• Lack of security when shopping from some vendors.

The internet may not be the best choice when buying something as important as a mobility aid to increase accessibility. In fact, the risks of a problem implementing your new device could make this a costly, even hazardous, option in some situations.

Websites may be deceiving

It is difficult to tease-out what information is true and valid on the internet from all the sites, stores, and users; the truth is that you can never really tell a company’s reputation from a pretty website. Be skeptical when reviewing and browsing online, especially when you are planning to engage in a business transaction, make a sale, or provide personal and sensitive information to another party.

Do your due-diligence

The smokescreen that the internet provides scammers is what makes due diligence so important. Don’t give out personal information to vendors without researching the company thoroughly. If these seems excessive, consider that around 15-million Americans have their identities stolen online each year. Researching those you plan to buy things from or pay money to makes good sense.

Try before you buy

Buying your mobility aids online also eliminates the opportunity to try and test-out the available equipment and devices. How will you know which lift seat is the most comfortable or which walker is the right size? Buy from a merchant that can offer you a demonstration, too, which will help you immensely when you attempt to operate it in your own home.

Watch out for scams

While any retailer or store could potentially go out of business or close, it is not uncommon for web merchants to shut-down and then, re-open under another name. This is a great way to dodge unhappy customers or aggressive creditors.

Put a face to the name

It is easier to garner a sense of security and reassurance when making an investment, such as buying a lift or scooter, when you can talk to the sales reps in-person. You may be able to establish a relationship with your merchant, which creates a continuum of care as your mobility needs change or progress.

It can be difficult to assess the quality

What about the quality of your mobility device? It can be mighty difficult to assess quality from a picture online, without seeing it in person and trying it out for yourself. Unless you do some homework related to brands, it may be challenging to discern what you are actually buying.

What is your recourse?

Probably the biggest deterrent to buying something as important as a mobility aid online is this: what is your recourse if you are dissatisfied? Who will you call, contact, or message? If you are fortunate enough to reach someone by phone, it is possible that they are in an entirely different state, country, or continent than you are.

Work with merchants who will assess your distinct needs, first

Buying your mobility device, aid, and equipment from a brick-and-mortar business makes sense in most cases. These local vendors work hard to improve the lives of their customers – and are readily available for support later-on. As a patron, you deserve this level of service; in fact, you should demand it.

Don’t try to navigate the world of mobility aids without a reputable and trusted professional by your side. Look for local vendors that have a documented track record of satisfying their customers while providing sales, service, and support that has earned them high ratings and loyal patrons. When you are ready to consider mobility aids to increase your access and autonomy, visit the qualified team at Pacific Mobility for more information.

Everyone’s challenges and obstacles are different; choose mobility retailers that care to customize and invent innovative solutions for those they serve. There is a direct correlation between mobility and environment: let us show you how we help you fit the pieces together.

There are many mobility equipment and aids designed to make life better, but which one is right for you?

Mobility and Environment: How we help you fit the pieces together

Environment plays a huge role in the best adaptive equipment and mobility aids to increase and improve accessibility; also, the priorities may shift for those that are trying to preserve autonomy and maintain independent living. Let us sit down with you and figure out the best strategies and solutions to make your environment more ‘user-friendly’ while increasing your own mobility and freedom.

Mobility Challenges

Mobility challenges compromise our autonomy and independence and impacts overall quality of life over time. As individuals age, issues and challenges emerge, manifesting in difficulty maintaining the same lifestyle. Whether it is trouble maintaining balance or chronic pain issues stemming from a medical condition, mobility challenges may sneak-up on you and could cause further potential injury.

Some other challenges to overcome may include:

• Joint pain or stiffness from arthritis that impairs flexibility and range of motion. 
• Difficulty completing activities of daily living unassisted, such as bathing or dressing. 
• Trouble transferring from the home to a vehicle, and out again. Transportation struggles rank high on the list of mobility challenges facing older Americans and those with disabilities or physical limitations.

The results of increasing mobility are multi-fold and a ripple effect occurs that improves everyday living for all involved.

Environmental Obstacles

If you want to remain in your own home, it may become necessary to assess the home environment for inherent hurdles that could be contributing to mobility issues. This may include dangerous situations, like multi-level living or shoddy floor surfaces, that can be resolved easily enough, but it is key to address the situation before injury can occur. Take a pragmatic and honest look around your home surroundings and then speak with a mobility expert to assess needs. As some conditions are progressive, your needs today may not match up with what you need in a month, year, or years down the road; these professionals can evaluate your situation, consider your condition, and point you in the best direction for aids that will serve you effectively, longer.

Home Hurdles

Speaking of ADLs (activities of daily living), consider tasks and everyday habits that are considered ‘instrumental activities of daily living.’ These are the hurdles that may impact safety and well-being if left unassisted in the home. From preparing food to eating independently, driving a car to using the restroom, these are the daily chores that will impact whether or not you are able to live autonomously in your home. Assistance may come in the form of a caregiver, nursing agency, community outreach, or family friend, or it may involve equipment and aids that increase your independence and help you get around much better. Some examples of these devices are stairlifts, grab-bars, vehicle lifts, and shower-buddies.

Inventive Ideas and Sensible Solutions to suit you

Mobility professionals know that one size does not fit all, and this is especially true when it comes to mobility aids to enhance access and convenience around the home. As every home is unique, so are the needs of the individuals living there. Our team can make sensible suggestions that can improve everyday life and make tasks easier, without spending money on devices that you may not need. However, when you do want or need to consider mobility equipment, we are there to guide you every step of the way.

Some inventive ideas and sensible solutions to try includes:

• Have you thought about one-level living? Shut-off the upstairs or upper-level of your home to reduce the effort and energy required to move around the home. 
• Take in a roommate. It may be most practical to offer someone that you know and trust a place to stay in exchange for a little assistance.   
• Give your home a thorough fall risk assessment; remove anything that could pose a potential danger of a fall and subsequent injury, from shoddy carpeting to personal belongings and clutter.

Talk with our team of mobility experts to learn more about making your home environment more convenient and safe.

Talk to us about an assessment today

How do you know what you may need next year? How about in five years? Talk to our trained professionals about mobility options that you won’t ‘outgrow’ anytime soon, and that will make your investment a much more prudent one. Some chairs, scooters, and lifts have features that adapt to the user’s level of mobility and self-reliance, adjusting to meet an increased need for assistance. Other devices are temporary solutions that are perfect for those recovering from an injury or operation and that only require assistance during recovery, temporarily. This also makes a sound argument for renting mobility aids; talk to the experts to learn more.

Are you ready to increase your accessibility? Perhaps someone you care for has physical demands that require the services of mobility experts in the area? Let us assess your distinct challenges and put the pieces together for you; visit us for a comprehensive assessment today.

 

Immobility carries risks you may not be aware of, including a wide range of serious issues including blood clots, ulcers, pneumonia, and depression. Increase your mobility and improve overall health and well-being with aids and equipment that provide an enhanced range of motion.

If there is even the slightest chance that mobility aids and equipment can improve mobility for the user, it is worth exploring. A comprehensive assessment will identify the most prudent approaches to increasing mobility and autonomy, which carries health advantages, too.

Immobility Carries Risks You May Not Be Aware Of

There is more to immobility than a lack of access or loss of independence. Immobility can wreak havoc on your body’s organs, systems, and functions that can lead to a serious medical issue, even death.

Some of the risks of being immobile include:

• Bed Sores. When immobile, blood pools in parts of the body creating pressure sores and ulcers. These wounds always present the risk of infection, which can be deadly.
• Blood clots. Immobility increases the risk of a blood clot; when a clot forms, it travels. If it goes to a major organ, you run the risk of death.
• Muscle spasms. Limited range of motion sets the stage for hardening of muscles and contractures. This is sometimes called atrophy and can be extremely painful.
• Deformity. The stiffness and hardening of muscles that are not being used and that are becoming atrophied can cause physical deformity.
• Pneumonia. A perhaps unexpected repercussion of immobility is pneumonia, which can be devastating for anyone, particularly the elderly or someone with a compromised immune system. Respiratory issues are common among those that are confined to bed.
• Constipation. Immobility can cause issues with regularity causing constipation and discomfort.
• Cardiovascular issues. With immobility comes cardiovascular risks; the swelling and edema accompanying limited movement create more work for the heart. This can lead to heart attack in some instances.
• Urinary tract and bladder infections. Another potential problem with immobility is the risk of contracting urinary and bladder infections. In fact, UTIs are very common among those that don’t toilet independently.
• Depression. It should come as no surprise that immobility can erode spirits and mood. Depression is a common repercussion.
• Sleep issues. Oddly enough, immobility may impact sleep and sleep hygiene causing reverse cycling. This results in staying up all night and sleeping all day, which over time, may contribute to mood disorder and exacerbate depression.
• Disorientation. Immobility and social isolation can, over time, cause symptoms that resemble delirium or dementia. There is a disorientation that accompanies being confined to a bed, chair, or home – day in, day out.
• Nausea, gas, and indigestion. Since a lack of mobility affects your metabolism, it is not unusual for immobile patients to experience nausea, gas, and indigestion. This may lead to a restrictive diet in order to combat these symptoms.
• Chronic pain. Pain is an unfortunate result of immobility; chronic pain may be managed with medications or physical therapy, though it may not be completely alleviated. Talk to your physician about your pain and be honest: managing your pain will improve mental clarity and mood, enhancing overall well-being.

Lifts and chairs may help increase mobility; talk to your medical provider to garner more information pertaining to your condition to determine if these aids are right for you.

Increase mobility and improve overall health.

Depending on the nature of your limitation or disability, there are numerous aids that can increase and enhance movement and motion. Some potential solutions include lifts, ramps, scooters, chairs, and more; talk to a mobility expert to glean more about what is best suited for you.

Have a mobility assessment today.

The first step to preventing these potential health hazards is to improve mobility with a thorough and comprehensive assessment of your needs. This involves sitting down or talking with a mobility expert in the area. Be wary of retailers that want to sell you devices without carefully evaluating your situation, preferences, and environment; it likely will cost you more in the long run. Seek out a mobility professional in the region that has a firm reputation of providing customer service and support, while also offering quality equipment and aids to the consumer. Make sure that you ask about installation, as many mobility devices should only be installed by a professional in the field.

Ready to reduce the risks that come from immobility? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility; they stand behind the products that they provide to their patrons, and they offer a gamut of mobility solutions that are customized to your needs. Don’t let a mobility limitation or issue jeopardize your health and well-being further; regain your independence today.

Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges involves a thorough assessment of needs and unique mobility solutions to preserve autonomy and improve quality of life. Pay homage to a veteran this November 11th for Veterans Day.

Veterans face distinct challenges, particularly if they live with mobility issues and disabilities that can impact and even jeopardize their autonomy and independence. If you or someone you love is a veteran, mobility experts encourage that you make Veterans Day, on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, a time to reevaluate needs and look at solutions that improve the overall quality of everyday life.

Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges on Veterans Day on November 11th

Pay homage on Veterans Day on November 11th this year by assessing and honoring someone who has served. For many veterans, care and attention to special needs can be life changing and something that may be found with scooters, lifts, and aids that increase access and preserve autonomy. Don’t forget to also thank service personnel on Silver Star Banner day in May, which is another time set aside to commemorate those that have been wounded, ill, and injured while serving their country.

It does merit a closer look at some of the hurdles and challenges when assisting this often-underserved demographic. Some of the inherent obstacles in providing access and assistance to veterans include the following:

The Sheer Numbers

Maybe the biggest issue presenting to those wanting to help veterans is the sheer number; the number of disabled veterans has jumped by 25 percent since 2001 to around 2.9 million. This is a large population with very diverse and distinctive needs that simply are not being met by the VA hospitals and crowded clinics that are reserved for this demographic. Furthermore, this figure by no means represents all veterans that are struggling with limitations, disabilities, or issues that may not manifest in physical symptoms and therefore could be overlooked. War takes a toll on the individual’s physical well-being but also affects, impacts, and compromises mental health, too, which is easier to conceal and harder to diagnose.

A Lack of Resources

There is simply a lack of access to health care, transportation, and financial resources for veterans. As mentioned, the numbers make it difficult to receive help but also assistance may be further away for those who need it the most. Rural veterans and those trying to maintain a home may not be able to visit health care settings when needed and could fall off the radar of those attempting to intervene. Accessibility remains a hurdle for many living with physical limitations and mobility issues widely, including non-veterans.

The Stigma

There is a stigma associated with reaching out for help; early war veterans didn’t give credence to their disabilities when returning home due to stereotypes and fear of being perceived as weak. In light of more recent wars, veterans are returning home with complex conditions that impact everyday living, requiring assistance and intervention. The stigma of being wounded prevents many from reaching out, therefore depriving themselves of the aids, equipment, and treatment that could improve the quality of their everyday life.

How can you help? There are many ways

Wondering how you can help? It may be something as simple as helping veterans with a ride or a simple chore. If you really want to do something that will have positive repercussions on life quality for a veteran, assist them in getting mobility aids to improve access and autonomy in their home. This Veterans Day, on November 11th, 2018, is an opportunity to take time and accompany a veteran to an initial consultation with mobility experts in the area. Find out what types of aids could make the home safer or easier to navigate for the individual through innovative and inventive devices, including stairlifts, mobility scooters, grab-bars, and more.

Help a veteran access mobility aids with an assessment today

A thorough and comprehensive assessment is the first step toward creating a life that is more autonomous and less-restrictive when living with a mobility challenge or disability. Why wait? Preserve the life that you love today with mobility solutions to fit your life, your needs, and your budget. Love someone who is a veteran? Help a veteran overcome a mobility challenge, obstacle, or hurdle this month in honor of Veterans Day.

Are you living with a mobility issue or physical disability? There is no better time than the present to pinpoint the best approach to making life easier, more accessible, and convenient. If you or someone that you care about is a veteran of the armed forces, honor them by preserving independence and freedom with mobility aids that make everyday living easier. A comprehensive assessment is the first step that mobility experts will take to determine the best solutions for you; from grab-bars to stair-lifts, veterans – and anyone with physical limitations – deserve the very best in mobility aids now.

Only you know what your needs are when it comes to mobility and access around the home. Which bathroom accessibility aids best meet your unique needs? Visit a reputable and qualified mobility dealer for a thorough needs assessment to find the most practical aids and equipment for your home.

Did you know that the bathroom is considered one of the most dangerous areas of the home? This is partly due to the number of slips and falls that occur annually, especially among seniors and those with physical limitations or mobility issues. There are ways to increase safety and reduce the risk of a fall in your home and bathroom, specifically, including mobility aids that increase access and independence.

Which Bathroom Accessibility Aids Best Meet Your Unique Needs?

Take time to think about this question carefully and be realistic when evaluating your home for potential mobility upgrades. Also, take future needs into account when looking to purchase mobility aids and devices for your home environment; if your condition is chronic, you may want to invest in devices that will provide increased support over time, however, if you are recovering from an injury or short-term rehabilitation, you may not choose devices that are installed to become part of your home surroundings.

Some accessibility aids to consider for your home’s bathroom include:

Shower Seats

A shower seat is a small way to provide a lot of security in the bathroom; these seats enable many individuals the stability to perform ADLs (activities of daily living) on their own, enjoying freedom and autonomy. There are many different shower seats to accommodate individuals with a range of physical limitations and mobility issues; talk to a qualified mobility vendor to learn more and view specific seats.

Lifts

Depending on the nature of your limitation or disability, you may want to consider installing a lift in your home. Free-standing lifts enable consumers that are unable to use lower extremities the ability to get up and down for ADLs, including bathing and dressing. stairlifts make bathrooms upstairs accessible for those that have difficulty navigating steps or risers. There are many different styles of lifts to make your home more accessible, so visit a licensed dealer for a demonstration.

Shower Aids

To reduce fall risk and reduce transfers to and from the bathroom, consider the useful and versatile Shower-Buddy systems from mobility dealers in the area. These devices prevent slip hazards in bathrooms and reduce the incidence of injury to caregivers providing transfer or transport for those with a physical disability. These devices also allow consumers to maintain a sense of privacy as they complete ADLs.

Commodes

Prevent injury that occurs from a too-low commode; raise the toilet to make the transfer a lot easier and gentler for those with physical disabilities or limitation. Dropping to the standard toilet height can hurt; especially for someone who is thin or frail; raising the toilet can prevent fear and apprehension of using the bathroom without assistance.

Grab Bars

An inexpensive and practical option is to install grab bars around the bathroom of your home. Consider placing them near fixtures and features that get utilized regularly, including the toilet, shower, sink, vanity, and door.

There are many other ways to increase and enhance the accessibility factor of your bathroom beyond these devices. Talk to a mobility expert for more insight into simple adjustments and modifications that can have a great impact on everyday convenience and autonomy.

Some other ideas to increase access in the bathroom are:

• Install electric door openers for your bathroom – or other high-traffic areas of the home.
• Consider widening doorways and thresholds; doorways need to be at least 36” wide but not more than 48” wide to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
• Whether your mobility issue is due to a temporary injury or a chronic health condition, ramps are an inexpensive way to boost the accessibility of your home.
• Talk to a contractor about adjusting the height of vanities in the bathroom. It is common to lower the height for individuals that rely on wheelchairs around their home.

Think outside the box and consider your everyday routine to pinpoint the specific areas of your distinct bathroom that need modification and that will suit you best.

Assess your bathroom with accessibility and convenience in mind

Take a good look around your bathroom and pay special attention to areas that could pose hurdles for those with mobility issues; does it pass the test? Don’t compromise your safety, convenience, and autonomy with a bathroom that presents fall risks or access issues. Invest in solutions to increase your access and autonomy around your own home.

It is estimated that most falls in the home occur in the bathroom; how does your bathroom compare to those adapted for individuals with mobility issues? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to find the right solutions, aids, and devices to update and enhance your current bathroom. Modifying common areas of the home, especially the bathroom, is an investment in both your home or dwelling and your own independence if you live with mobility issues or disabilities.