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Simple Tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues

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There is no disputing it: simple tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues. The good news is that for every challenge and task, there is a solution and mobility aid that can make life easier. Additionally, these devices and aids contribute to autonomy by preventing accessibility hurdles and keeping the home environment safer.

Got a mobility issue? Mobility issues and physical limitations can make everyday tasks a bit more difficult. Often-times, it is not doing the task that is challenging but the risk of injury presented is simply not worth the effort. Don’t make things harder on yourself; visit Pacific Mobility in Southern California to learn more and see mobility aids and equipment demonstrated for yourself.

The simplest tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues:

Task: Preparing Meals & Putting Away Groceries

One of the most basic daily tasks is to shop for, put away, and prepare food at home; this becomes more challenging for those with physical limitations or disabilities. When it comes to grocery shopping, delivery services have revolutionized the way that many buy their food, but how about after it gets home? The risk of a fall or accident becomes greater when working in a kitchen, which typically has slick flooring and hot surfaces.

Solution: Reaching Tools, Grab-bars, Walkers, and Canes

Reaching tools make it easier- and safer- to access overhead or tall storage spaces, making putting away and retrieving food easier. Grab-bars near spots like the stove, the fridge, and the sink, can give users support during routine kitchen chores. A cane is a great and inexpensive tool that can give just the right amount of stability for someone and help reduce the chance of a nasty fall and subsequent injury.

Task: Showering & Bathing

Speaking of slick or slippery surfaces, the majority of falls among the senior demographic occur in the bathroom. The combination of tile, water, and bare feet can be a dangerous mix! How do seniors or those with physical challenges conquer or circumvent the potentially hazardous environment of the home bathroom?

Solution: Lifts, Slings, Tub Seats, and Grab-bars

Depending on your level of mobility, a lift may help. Lifts and slings help those who cannot walk or rise get in and out of the tub or shower. If the limitations are less severe, a simple tub seat may be all that is needed to provide support for individuals to complete bathing and activities of daily living. Grab-bars near the sink and toilet are always prudent, and cost-effective to implement widely.

Task: Going Upstairs

Do you miss visiting the upstairs of your home? Individuals with physical challenges may find that they need to downsize their living to one level of their home, which can be complicated if the bathroom is on the second level.

Solution: Stairlifts & Ramps, Grab-bars

Is it time to invest in a stairlift? Stairlifts have been changing lives and increasing access in homes widely for years; but is it practical for you? Ramps help with rises and landings that may cause difficulty for those with mobility issues, and grab-bars can also provide just enough stability for someone at the bottom and top landing of your stairway.

Task: Driving a Car

Driving a car may become more challenging if you have a condition or disability that impacts your overall mobility. Even if you can operate the vehicle, how will you get in or store your mobility device (like a walker) after you are in the driver’s seat?

Solution: Vehicle Lifts & Ramps

Talk to a reputable mobility vendor about vehicle lifts. Many of these aids will stow your devices, like wheelchairs, for you via a remote control key-pad. Ramps are a must wherever there is an incline.

Task: Tending a Garden

Are you getting outside as much as you like? There are many reasons why spending time outdoors is hazardous for those with mobility issues; fall risks lurk everywhere and a nasty fall jeopardizes one’s independence and autonomy. Don’t let physical limitations hinder or impede what you love to do; get outside!

Solution: Porch lifts, Ramps, Canes, Walkers, and Scooters

Some tools and aids that can help when venturing outdoors include porch lifts and basic ramps to help navigate porches, patios, and decks. A cane always offers a bit of stability on frequently uneven terrain, though a walker may make even more sense, depending on the nature of your disability. Talk to your providers about the feasibility of a scooter or wheelchair if you have limited mobility; these are made with outdoor use in mind.

Accessibility is key to autonomy and aging-in-place so prioritize your access around the home- and wherever you go. Ask mobility merchants about aids that you can easily transport, like canes, walkers, and reaching tools, to improve convenience, access, and everyday life.

Make simple tasks easy and safe again with mobility aids, equipment, and devices from Pacific Mobility in Southern California. Don’t risk your autonomy with a nasty fall or injury from trying to attempt everyday tasks unassisted. A cane, grab-bar, or reaching tool are the simplest tools, yet provide so much support during ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Talk to a mobility expert today.

What to do with Mobility aids and Stairlifts when you no longer need them

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So, what to do with mobility aids and stairlifts when you no longer need them? Well, the answer depends on a few factors, including what it is, where you bought it, and how old it is. Consider also the many ways that you can recycle and repurpose your stairlifts and mobility aids; contact your mobility retailer to learn more.

What are you planning to do with your mobility aids and stairlifts when you no longer need them? Well, if you rent them, the answer is simple, but if you have invested money into buying a device, the decision may be a bit more complex. Talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility in Southern California to learn more or to discuss your distinct options when it comes to relinquishing mobility aids, devices, and stairlifts.

Some ways that you may choose to give up your aids and lifts include these suggestions:

Sell Privately

The first way to give up your devices, and make some money in the process, is to sell privately via craigslist, Facebook marketplace, classified advertising, or similar online venue. It can put more money in your pocket when you get the device inspected and offer documents when selling to a private party to ensure the device has been serviced and maintained accordingly. Know that some of these sites attract scammers so always get your money up-front and meet in an occupied, public place.

Take Advantage of Buyback Programs

Did you buy your stairlift from us at Pacific Mobility? Yes, we do offer a stairlift buyback program for customers who have purchased their Bruno lifts from us. We don’t have to do this and a lot of the major competitors of ours do not do this at all. This provides an incentive that you have recourse when you no longer need your lift, which can be reassuring when making buying decisions. These lifts are then reconditioned and restored so that we can resell them at a reduced price with a solid warranty. Contact Pacific Mobility for further details regarding our stairlift buyback program.

Donate to Charity

Another viable option is to donate your device, equipment, or lift to charity. Local and state organizations are always looking for good used mobility equipment, and often-times, they will pick up and deliver. You can choose whichever charitable organization speaks to you, including Wounded Warriors, ALS Association, Cancer Society, or Alzheimer’s Association. You could also choose a local shelter, nursing home, or thrift store.  Unfortunately, a lot of equipment is customized to a specific person or home environment which makes it difficult to transfer and use without modifications or repair. Remember that when you donate your devices, request a receipt from whoever accepts it; this can be used for a tax deduction later.

Donate to an Individual

Not everyone can afford to donate their equipment to someone else in need, but it sure is nice when you can. Want the 4-1-1 on someone in need of a lift or other device that can’t afford one? Consider reaching out to an area agency on aging, hospice, or skilled nursing facility to find out more.

Recycle the Battery

Unfortunately, it costs money to recycle or dispose of a battery, and most mobility aids operate on batteries. Buy your lift from us and we offer consumers a nice perk: If you bought a battery from Pacific Mobility, we will take the old battery and recycle it for free. We charge no additional cost added to the purchase price for recycle or disposal fees. This is simply another way to get the most out of your old device with as much convenience as possible.

If the device is damaged or outdated, you may be able to recycle parts of it, like the metal track, to decrease your carbon footprint. Talk to a mobility vendor to find out if this makes the most sense for your equipment.

Trade It In

What about a trade-in on another device? Are you stepping down in terms of your assistance needs? Could you use a bit more support? Call your mobility professional to learn more about trading in your gently used or second-hand mobility equipment for a down payment on something new, upgraded, or different. These refurbished aids get a good once-over before hitting the sales floor or potentially being used as a short-term rental device for those in need. Talk to the vendor that you purchased your mobility device or stairlift from to find out if they endorse and sponsor such a program as well as what the specific guidelines may be.

Ready to relinquish a stairlift or mobility aids? Talk to the industry insiders at Pacific Mobility; they offer quality mobility equipment with varied terms and arrangements. Consider these options when you are getting ready to rid yourself of mobility devices and call us to learn more!

Finding a Mobility Retailer you Can Trust

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Do you know how to find a mobility retailer that you can trust? It isn’t always easy; look for a company with an established reputation in the region that you live for satisfying customers with mobility needs. Some other things to look for are relatable sales staff, problem-solvers, and service after the sale, if you want optimal satisfaction with your mobility equipment and aids.

It can be challenging to know who you can trust when it comes to buying mobility equipment and devices.  Many vendors are eager to make the sale, but scarce and difficult to reach when the customer encounters an issue. Look for a company that has years of established experience in satisfying customers in your region; in Southern California, that is Pacific Mobility, with over 64 years in the mobility business.

Some things that instill this trust in consumers are:

No Slick and Savvy Salespeople

Our sales team is not comprised of slick, savvy salespeople that want to make the sale at any and all costs. Sure, we want to provide you with the highest quality mobility aids, but we want you to become a loyal customer and friend, first. Our sales staff first start out as installers, so their familiarity with what we sell is unsurpassed. They learn the ins and outs of mobility options, processes, and methods, as well as industry trends first-hand. Some of our sales staff are unpolished in selling but providing service to customers and clients comes first.

Some companies may believe that we do things slightly differently, and we do. We maintain the same mission statement for over 60 years and that may seem somewhat old fashioned to many. We believe that hands-on experience is the key to understanding the needs, function, and performance of our mobility aids and equipment.

Taking the Time to Listen

Something else that prospective consumers should watch for is a merchant that takes the time to listen to what is being said. Attentive listening helps to clarify the situation, needs, and wishes of the client- which provides a better outcome with equipment purchases. Putting the customer first even when it hampers a sale is something that you don’t always find- but that you should take time to seek. For example, a power swivel seat may simply not be pragmatic for a buyer as it does add to the overall cost of the device. However, there are some consumers that would benefit from a swiveling seat, such as those with neuropathy or other mobility-limiting conditions, if the vendor takes the time to listen.

Willingness to Problem-Solve and Invent Solutions

Find someone who is open to problem-solving and finding solutions, even after the sale has been made. When something goes askew with your mobility aid, it can be devastating; for many, these devices are the key to autonomy and independence. To lose that, even for a day, can be frightening. Having a contact person readily available to offer insight and help problem-solve can be comforting. It can also lead to inventive solutions that rectify the situation until a professional technician can come and address the issue. These experts also can identify situations that don’t warrant or accommodate equipment or specific devices; they should not sell you something that you don’t need. Instead, there may be inventive and innovative solutions that increase the consumer’s access available without the purchase of equipment. Maybe this involves buying a piece of mobility equipment or not, but a trustworthy mobility seller will offer these options without regard to a commission, fee, or revenues.

Service After the Sale

What good is a piece of mobility equipment if you can’t get service or support after you get it home? Look for a mobility dealer that is as focused on service as they are on the sale itself. A lot of businesses will claim that customer satisfaction is key, but is it really? One way to glean if the company has a history of satisfying customers and providing service for the devices that they sell is through online ratings, reviews, and ranks. There are sites and forums dedicated to mobility aids and accessibility that provide some insight into these merchants. Check out the reviews found on consumer watchdog or awareness sites online, too. Take this feedback into account when evaluating how open they help after you purchase something from them.  Do they respond to emails or phone calls? This is all pertinent in your purchase decision.

Finding a mobility dealer you can trust is not easy, but if you live in Southern California, it is as easy as calling Pacific Mobility; Pacific Mobility checks all the boxes: relatable sales staff that listen, problem-solve, and provide service after the sale. It is as simple as that. For an established reputation of over 60 years in the business, reach out to Pacific Mobility for your mobility aids, equipment, and devices. Call for your thorough needs assessment, estimate, and more information today.