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Mobility impairment encompasses a wide range of conditions, from a fall-risk to traumatic brain injury. Mobility aids can assist with access and convenience.

Over 53-million people in the US have a disability, according to the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, and live with some type of physical impairment. Problems lie in the fact that some individuals live in unsafe conditions due to their limited access to integral areas of the home. This can curb overall quality of life and could potentially result in an accident or injury. Aids and mobility devices could prove life-changing for this significant demographic and increase access to the world around them.

Mobility Impairment Encompasses a Wide Range of Conditions:

There is some ambiguity when it comes to defining a mobility impairment, and it may not always be apparent to family, friends, or caregivers. Some disabilities that impact access and mobility include the following:

Fall-risk

Mobility impairment can impact balance and cause difficulty with the extremities, such as a lack of strength to walk, lift, or grasp. This may result in the use of a walker, wheelchair, or scooter, which can present obstacles in homes that are not adapted and modified to accommodate these aids. A significant fall-risk is also a type of mobility impairment that could be overlooked but that poses obstacles and potential problems in everyday living. Fall-risks may be caused by a recent surgery or a progressive case of arthritis or other debilitating disease; typically, mobility aids include reaching tools, walkers, and canes.

Back-disorders

Back disorders can present another type of mobility impairment, limiting the individual’s ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, or lift. Lower-back pain can create mobility deficits that make autonomous living difficult without mobility aids in-place. This may be caused by a previous injury or from a progressive condition, such as scoliosis, that interferes with the range of motion. When the core of the body- the back- is limited, it can make everyday tasks arduous and painful.

Chronic-pain

Chronic pain can cause mobility impairment; for example, Arthritis causes inflammation of joints, which subsequently results in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Individuals that are overweight or obese may experience pain in the extremities and joints due to the stress and strain on these regions of the body. Mobility devices may help those with chronic issues manage their pain and go-about their daily routine.

Visual-impairment

Not surprisingly, visual impairment impacts mobility; around 285-million people are reportedly visually-impaired globally. Of this statistic, approximately 39-million are blind. Seniors are at particularly high-risk, as it is estimated that over 80% of those that are visually-impaired are over the age of 50. Mobility aids to help these visually-impaired seniors include things like rails, grab-bars, and installations around the home, such as wider doorways and audio aids. Technology has played a significant role in the evolution of electronic devices to help the visually-impaired, as difficulties with sight are directly related to problems with mobility- particularly in unfamiliar areas, outside the home.

Physical-impairments

A physical impairment is defined by a limitation in intentional and independent movement of the body, and it is estimated that one-in-five adults in the US have a disability of one form or another. As mentioned, impairments may be difficult to identify, but impact lives and threaten autonomy nonetheless.

Some other impairments include:

• Cerebral Palsy.
• Head and traumatic brain Injury.
• Spina Bifida.
• Amputation.
• Stroke.
• Poliomyelitis.
• Spinal Cord Injury.

Make life more accessible and convenient with mobility aids

It is integral to the well-being of individuals to have the freedom remain autonomous as long as possible, and mobility issues can compromise this independence. Don’t hinder yourself with limited access to all areas of the home- both inside and out. Visit retail sites to find aids that can help those with physical impairments expand access and increase convenience.

Exciting mobility solutions include:

• stairlifts: It is reassuring to know that there are stairlifts installed for inside and outside your home, making your entire property accessible.
• Vehicle lifts: Vehicle lifts put you back in the driver’s seat and allow for easy storage of chairs and walkers when you get ready to drive.
• Porch lifts: Porch lifts are great for accessing your yard and garden, and enable you to use the main entrance to your home.
• Door-opening systems: Sometimes all you need is a helping hand; door-openers provide that extra bit of assistance that you may need when entering and exiting your home.

What are you waiting for? If you or someone you love is challenged with access in and around the home, take action with mobility aids that help preserve independence and, subsequently, improve the overall quality of life. Don’t buy your devices and equipment from just anyone, however; make sure that the vendor provides customer support, professional installation, and service after the sale to ensure satisfaction, security, and safety.

There are some accessibility options for your vehicle that you may not know about, and that can improve daily convenience and overall life-quality for those with mobility issues.

When it comes to accessibility for those with mobility issues, driving can become challenging. The obstacles don’t end with getting in-and-out of your vehicle and may extend to storing devices during driving or the actual operation of a vehicle. An inability to drive can impact participation and socialization in everyday life, which will affect overall quality of life subsequently. Did you know that mobility devices exist that can resolve these hurdles and put you back in the driver’s seat? Check out some of the latest and greatest equipment that will get you back on the road!

Some accessibility options for your vehicle that you may not know about include:

• Curbside lifts

A Curbside Lift is a great way to get around your neighborhood, and store your scooter or chair with ease. A button-control allows the operator to stash their device inside their vehicle, doing the heavy-lifting for you. As mobility devices become larger, the ability to store them inside a vehicle can be problematic. It is important to tailor the equipment to your specific vehicle and needs.

• Joey lifts

A Joey lift works well for a wide range of vans, from mini to full-size, and allows you to store your mobility device with a hand-held control. A platform rolls-out with access on both sides, with the added feature of securement belts during transports.

• Meridian lifts

Outside Meridian Lifts are easy to operate and these devices lift and store your scooter or chair outside the vehicle. Roll on to the platform, touch the button-pad, and the lift will take care of the heavy-lifting. “Securement” belts (or seat belts) make transports safer and more secure.

• Truck lifts

Truck lifts are unique in that these devices literally move your scooter or chair from your home to the bed of your truck for you. A hand-held device allows you to control the lift and transport with ease.

• Hand controls

Hand controls resolve obstacles that stand in the way of autonomy behind the wheel; check out the hand controls offered that allow for easy operation of your vehicle. It is recommended that individuals adapting to hand controlled driving utilize driving rehab instruction before making a purchase decision.

Talk to Pacific Mobility about outfitting your vehicle with accessibility options. 

When considering mobility devices for your car, truck, or van, make sure to work with merchants that stand-behind what they sell. Often times, the best insight into where to find mobility equipment lies in the experiences of other consumers. Before you order, purchase, or agree to anything, make sure you are buying the best, from the best.

Things to look for when buying accessibility options for your vehicle are:

• Reputable vendors. Buy from a trusted mobility device merchant that stands behind what they sell, and that provide support to consumers when making purchase decisions.
• Quality products. Look for quality mobility products and lifts that are made in the US, such as those made by Bruno for Pacific Mobility.
• User-friendly features. Don’t be afraid to ask about user-friendliness, as some devices and options may seem daunting at first. Look for equipment that you can operate easily, and that provides the features you need for optimal satisfaction after installation.
• Positive customer reviews. Read reviews and online feedback to determine the level of customer satisfaction before buying. This gives some insight into the vendor and can provide peace-of-mind for consumers.
• Professional installation. Many mobility devices require professional installation to ensure optimal utility and safety. Look for a company that endorses this practice and that will provide installation services as needed.
• Consumer support. Finally, make sure that you have some way to contact your vendor and receive support related to using your mobility device. It may be easy to garner a sense of whether the company provides adequate support by reading online reviews and customer feedback.

It may also be helpful to discuss potential options and obstacles with your primary care provider before making final decisions. Your doctor will offer solutions to keep you as active and accessible as possible, while also using a standard algorithm to determine least-restrictive levels of care and viable options.

Want to get back on the road and in the driver’s seat? See for yourself which mobility aids can improve your life and enhance your accessibility. Visit the professionals online at Pacific Mobility and find the right device for your car, truck, van, or vehicle today. Expert insight, professional installation, and high-quality products make this a go-to resource for adaptive equipment, mobility devices, and accessibility options, whether you are looking for assistance inside or outside your home.

A new bill could help seniors remain at home safely by providing tax credits to enhance access in the home. This bill could maintain autonomy for those over 60 with mobility issues.

One of the barriers facing seniors that choose to stay in their own homes is accessibility, particularly pertinent when those living there suffer a physical disability or mobility issue. Getting around the home safely, using the bathroom, and accessing the outside can become challenging, if not impossible. An exciting new bill has been introduced which equates to a tax credit for senior citizens to modify their residences and implement mobility solutions to increase access. This has the long-term potential of enhancing their ability to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in these residences.

The Senior Accessible Housing Act

The Senior Accessible Housing Act was introduced to the House of Representatives in March 2017 by Florida Democratic Representative Charlie Crist, and proposes up to $30,000 tax credit to support seniors, over the age of 60, that may be struggling to remain in their own homes. This tax credit is given for these older homeowners to make needed modifications that increase accessibility, safety, and autonomy. This credit extends to any modifications made up to $30,000 that the senior may incur over the course of their lifetime.

Some things that would be covered by this non-refundable, personal tax credit include:

Entrance and exit ramps

Thresholds may seem easy-enough to navigate, but anything over a half-inch could prove to be a barrier to anyone using a wheelchair or scooter. Installing entrance and exit ramps to create a smooth transition from one room or area of the home to another could significantly impact access for those using mobility aids.

Wider doorways

Another important prospect that would be covered under this bill is the widening of doorways to the home. It is estimated that a standard wheelchair requires a door width of around 32”, while most doorways are only around 27”-wide. It is further recommended that businesses and public places provide handicap access of 36” and wider for their doorways. Widening the doorways around the home prevents accident, incident, and even injury as chairs or scooters could become stuck.

Handrails and grab bars

Around one-quarter of American seniors (over age 65) fall or take a nasty-spill each year, according to the National Council on Aging. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries sustained by the older population. The installation of handrails or grab bars can significantly decrease this number and perhaps preserve autonomy and health for seniors living in their own home.

Non-slip flooring surfaces

Take a closer look at the floor: what kind of flooring does your home have? The installation of non-slip flooring is another feature that can impact accessibility and that is covered under the proposed bill. It has been established that the risk of a fall is a major hazard to seniors, so creating safer surfaces is money well-spent.

Additional accessibility actions

While this bill has only been proposed, it holds exciting potential for other modifications that could make the home safer and more accessible. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will compile the list of modifications that can enhance the ability of the individuals to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in their residences, including predetermined mobility aids. Make sure to consult with the IRS list and guidelines before planning on making refurbishments and upgrades, as there could be caveats that command professional installation to be credited under this new legislation.

Some of these predetermined accessibility features that could be covered under this proposed bill include:

• Stair-lifts. Stair-lifts have come a long way over the years; homes are being seen with lifts both inside and outside, providing fuller-access to all your property. Contemporary stair-lifts are cohesive with your décor and are not as bulky as past models.
• Shower and ceiling lifts. Getting in and out of the shower is a true challenge for some with physical disabilities; shower and ceiling lifts make this transport much safer for both the individual and their caregiver.
• Porch-lifts. Porch-lifts look like mechanical pads that enable a chair, scooter, or walker to raise and lower without effort. This can open-up outdoor areas like the porch, patio, or pool to someone with mobility issues.
• Electronic door openers. Electronic door openers prevent the struggle and hazard of attempting to open entryways while in a chair, riding a scooter, or using a walker. Some utilize motion-sensors while others may offer voice commands.

This new bill could help seniors remain at home safely

This bill has exciting prospects that extend to each and every citizen, widely. Call, write and reach out to your local legislators and representatives to let them know that this tax credit for accessibility and mobility aids is worth endorsing to preserve the autonomy of the aged population. Encourage your representatives to make your voice heard, and to support the passage of this bill, the Senior Accessible Housing Act. Fostering the independence and autonomy of seniors is critical, and can contribute to overall quality of life for the aging population- which impacts us all in one way or another.

Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to find the mobility solutions that make your home more accessible- and that preserve your freedom and independence. From stair-lifts to shower-buddies, your home can become more convenient, safe, and comfortable for anyone living with mobility issues or physical impairment. Work with the professionals for information, installation, and insights that can make your home a more accessible place to live.