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Eco-Friendly Mobility: Supporting Sustainability on World Environment Day

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Title: Eco-Friendly Mobility: Elevating Sustainability in Senior Care with Stair Lifts and Wheelchairs

Introduction:
As the global community rallies to address environmental challenges, World Environment Day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility towards sustainability. Amidst the diverse array of eco-friendly initiatives, one often overlooked aspect is mobility solutions for senior care. In this article, we explore how incorporating stair lifts and wheelchairs not only enhances accessibility for seniors but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Mobility in Senior Care:
Accessibility is paramount in ensuring the well-being and independence of seniors. However, traditional mobility solutions such as gas-powered vehicles contribute significantly to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Recognizing this, there is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly alternatives that align with sustainable practices.

Stair Lifts: Ascending Towards Sustainability:
Stair lifts provide a safe and efficient means for seniors to navigate multi-story residences without the need for extensive renovations or reliance on energy-intensive elevators. What sets stair lifts apart is their eco-friendly operation. Most models are powered by rechargeable batteries, reducing dependence on electricity from non-renewable sources. Additionally, the installation of stair lifts minimizes the carbon footprint associated with home modifications, as they require fewer materials and generate less waste compared to traditional accessibility options.

Wheelchairs: Rolling Towards a Greener Future:
For seniors with mobility limitations, wheelchairs are indispensable tools for maintaining independence and mobility. While conventional manual wheelchairs remain prevalent, advancements in technology have led to the development of electric wheelchairs powered by rechargeable batteries. These electric models offer enhanced maneuverability and comfort while significantly reducing the physical exertion required by users. Moreover, their eco-friendly design aligns with the principles of sustainability by minimizing carbon emissions associated with transportation.

The Environmental Impact of Sustainable Mobility Solutions:
By embracing eco-friendly mobility solutions in senior care, we can collectively reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The adoption of stair lifts and wheelchairs not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and accessibility within communities. Furthermore, by investing in these technologies, we contribute to the advancement of greener infrastructure and promote innovation in the healthcare industry.

Promoting Sustainable Practices on World Environment Day:
On World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to sustainable living by advocating for eco-friendly mobility solutions in senior care. Whether through the installation of stair lifts or the utilization of electric wheelchairs, every action we take towards promoting sustainability makes a difference. By raising awareness and fostering partnerships between caregivers, healthcare providers, and environmental advocates, we can create a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.

Conclusion:
As we commemorate World Environment Day, let us recognize the pivotal role that eco-friendly mobility solutions play in supporting sustainability in senior care. By prioritizing accessibility and embracing innovative technologies such as stair lifts and electric wheelchairs, we not only enhance the quality of life for seniors but also contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. Together, let us strive towards a greener, more inclusive world where mobility knows no bounds.

Promoting Public Health: Seniors and Stair Lift Safety Awareness

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Introduction:

As the global population ages, promoting public health among seniors becomes increasingly crucial. One area often overlooked is stair lift safety awareness. Stair lifts offer invaluable assistance to seniors with mobility challenges, allowing them to navigate multi-story homes independently. However, ensuring their safe usage is paramount. This article delves into the importance of promoting stair lift safety awareness among seniors to enhance public health.

The Significance of Stair Lifts for Seniors:

For many seniors, maintaining independence is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Stair lifts play a vital role in enabling this independence by providing a safe and convenient means of traversing stairs within their homes. These devices can significantly reduce the risk of falls, which are a leading cause of injury among the elderly. By facilitating mobility, stair lifts enhance seniors’ quality of life and enable them to remain in their homes comfortably.

Understanding Stair Lift Safety:

While stair lifts offer numerous benefits, their safe usage is contingent upon proper understanding and adherence to safety guidelines. Seniors and their caregivers must be aware of essential safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Some key safety considerations include:

1. Installation by Professionals: Stair lifts should be installed by qualified professionals to ensure they are correctly fitted and meet safety standards. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and accidents.

2. Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance and servicing of stair lifts are crucial to ensure optimal performance. Seniors should schedule routine inspections to identify and address any issues promptly.

3. Usage Guidelines: Seniors should familiarize themselves with the operation of the stair lift and adhere to usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This includes proper seating, securing seat belts, and avoiding overloading the lift.

4. Supervision of Grandchildren: If grandchildren or young visitors are present in the home, seniors should supervise their interaction with the stair lift to prevent accidents. Children should be educated about the importance of not playing on or near the device.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Seniors should be equipped with knowledge of emergency procedures in case of power outages or mechanical failures. This may include knowing how to operate manual override functions or contacting emergency services if needed.

Promoting Stair Lift Safety Awareness:

Efforts to promote stair lift safety awareness among seniors can significantly contribute to public health initiatives targeted at the elderly population. Here are some effective strategies for raising awareness:

1. Educational Campaigns: Public health organizations, senior centers, and community groups can organize educational campaigns focused on stair lift safety. These campaigns can include informational sessions, workshops, and distribution of educational materials highlighting key safety practices.

2. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and physical therapists, play a crucial role in promoting stair lift safety. They can incorporate discussions on home safety, including stair lift usage, into routine appointments with senior patients.

3. Accessible Information Resources: Make information on stair lift safety readily accessible to seniors and their caregivers through brochures, websites, and informational videos. These resources should be easy to understand and available in multiple languages to reach diverse communities.

4. Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups for seniors can serve as valuable forums for sharing experiences and knowledge about stair lift safety. Encouraging seniors to discuss safety concerns and solutions within these groups fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility.

5. Incentivizing Safety Measures: Incentivizing seniors to adhere to safety measures, such as offering discounts on maintenance services or providing safety equipment free of charge, can encourage compliance and reinforce positive behaviors.

Conclusion:Promoting stair lift safety awareness among seniors is essential for enhancing public health and preventing avoidable accidents and injuries. By educating seniors and their caregivers about proper usage and maintenance of stair lifts, we can empower older adults to age safely and independently in their own homes. Through collaborative efforts between public health organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups, we can create a safer environment for seniors and promote their overall well-being.

The Five Things That Make the Most Impact for Accessibility

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Pacific Mobility offers suggestions for five things that make the most impact for accessibility: technology, versatility, quality, availability, and societal stigma.

When you think of accessibility, you likely think about things like ramps and stair-lifts. While this is, in fact, how many with mobility issues live each day, there are some other factors that make a significant impact on a more accessible world. New mobility devices are emerging daily; these advancements are helping individuals with physical impairments maintain their autonomy and improve the quality of their lives.

The five things that make the most impact for accessibility are: 

  • Accessibility technology

It comes as no surprise that technology plays a big role in the advancement of accessibility devices. In fact, technology is being used to assist a wide-range of consumers in a variety of ways, from driving a car to talking on the telephone. When it comes to adaptive devices, like stair-lifts, modern technology and advancement have come together to create lifts that are discreet and that meld with their environment. These devices provide a smoother ride, more control, and greater options for users- without needing major home renovations to facilitate installation.

  • Feasibility and functionality

Feasibility and functionality have also had a dramatic impact on accessibility, overall. What was once not feasible for installation of a lift or adaptive device, is now possible; functions that consumers need were not always available, but greater functions are being innovated every day. Whether you are looking for a very basic lift to ascend steps in your home or you have distinct needs that merit assistive robots, it is now more possible to get what you need for greater access and autonomy.

  • Product quality

The key when buying mobility devices is quality; you want to install something that will have some resilience and longevity. The emergence of high-end equipment has made an impact on accessibility as these devices involve less maintenance and repairs than the equipment of yesteryear. Don’t make life more complicated by buying shoddy products from unreliable vendors; talk with someone at Pacific Mobility today to hear more about their high-quality products, designed with the consumer in mind.

  • Resource availability

Recent years have seen a rise in the availability of adaptive devices and mobility aids, particularly as the number of individuals living with physical disability increases. Did you know that nearly 60-million people in the US have a physical disability? While this takes a toll on individual relationships and finances, it also has shown a spotlight on the need for expanded health care resources in this country. This lack of availability and resources has historically been a significant barrier to access to health care for many in the US. Fortunately, independent vendors have picked up the slack- and lowered the prices of equipment that once was only available through a hospital, provider, or medical clinic. This does mandate that consumers take care to only purchase their mobility devices and aids from cooperative and collaborative sellers that pay attention to needs, and that promise service after the sale. Also, though you may be tempted, don’t ever buy second-hand medical equipment at thrift stores or yard sales; these devices could be faulty, even dangerous, and could cause more harm than good.

  • Ongoing stigma

Sadly, discrimination and stigma still prevent many from fully-accessing the resources that are available to help them. Seniors, over the age of 65, may face the most challenges, between age-related, co-occurring medical conditions and living in under-served communities or municipalities. Individuals with physical limitations continue to fight stereotypes and stigma in the workplace, schools, and even at home, as many are being pushed from independent living situations into more restrictive levels of care.

The upside to this ongoing stigma is the legislation that has been put in place to prevent discrimination against individuals based on a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 subjects those that discriminate to prosecution- and this includes failing to maintain accessibility for anyone with a documented disability. This legislation has opened doors and provided opportunities for individuals with mobility issues that were often overlooked and ignored prior to 1990.

Pacific Mobility has the solutions to increase access and improve lives

Pacific Mobility is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving consumers, caregivers, and providers for over 60 years, and they have become a resource to find the right mobility aids to fit your needs, lifestyle, and home. Wondering what you need? From stair-lifts to door-openers, Pacific Mobility provides professional service, thorough assessment, and customer support, so you are not alone.

Don’t live another day without the mobility aids that can increase independence and improve daily life. While technology, functionality, quality, availability, and overcoming stigma have made an indelible impact on accessibility, you must advocate for what you need. Physical limitations don’t need to control your life; preserve your independence and accessibility with solutions from Pacific Mobility.

Accessibility Lifts Aren’t Just About Stairs

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Accessibility lifts aren’t just about stairs, but about access and autonomy for those with mobility issues. Pacific Mobility aims to increase access and improve daily life.

When consumers think of increasing access for those with mobility issues, they may only think of stair-lifts; there are many different types of accessibility lifts that can improve quality of life while also providing a measure of safety for both consumers and caregivers. Both inside and out, Pacific Mobility offers high-quality, contemporary mobility devices and lifts that change lives and preserve independence.

Accessibility lifts aren’t just about stairs:

Lifts can make any area of the home or landscaping accessible to chairs, scooters, and walkers from the garden and pool, to the bath and car. Furthermore, lifts provide a safe, stable transport from one point to another, without the potential injury and strain that individuals and their caregivers may experience when not using a lift. Think of the increase in access provided by mobility devices as an investment in autonomy- and no price can be put on that!

Stair-lifts

While accessibility extends to far more than stairs and steps, it merits mention how stair-lifts enhance access and improve life for many living with mobility issues. From being able to access upper or lower-levels of the home to traversing a backyard garden or patio, stair-lifts provide a convenient way for consumers to avoid debilitating falls and subsequent injuries when enjoying the many areas of their home. Choose from a range of seats, features, and remote-options to find the stair-lift that is best-suited to your space, dwelling, or living situation. Worried about installation? Don’t be; professional assistance is available and these lifts are designed to be cohesive parts of your home’s design, which won’t detract from overall curb appeal.

Ceiling-lifts

Caregivers have a lot of responsibility, and the last thing you want to occur is an injury related to a lift or transport. Ceiling-lifts make the process of ADLs (activities of daily living) far easier, eliminating the risk of injury to both consumers and their caregivers exponentially. Getting out of bed, chairs, or for medical evaluations, ceiling-lifts gently raise the consumer or patient. Depending on your physical limitations, these may be used in the bedroom, bath, or living area, and can be used in conjunction with other accessibility products and devices.

Porch-lifts

To enjoy outdoor spaces, porch-lifts are a prudent solution. These lifts are basically vertical platform lifts that accommodate wheelchairs in and out of the home. These mobility devices garner their name from being used to raise chairs relatively short heights to access porches, decks, and patios around the home or property. These can be easily operated by the user, and expand access for those in chairs to include exterior areas that may have previously been impossible to traverse and visit. These devices typically take-up less space than an accessibility ramp and could be compared to an outdoor elevator, of sorts. When installing these features, know that there will also need to be a clear path to the cement pad that is home for the lift, which may require additional construction and costs.

Vehicle-lifts

There is a certain type of freedom that comes from driving, and if you have mobility issues, this could be something that you often miss. Hence, vehicle-lifts can put you back in the driver’s seat, whether you use a chair, scooter, or walker, and make getting in and out of your car or truck a breeze!

These are also adaptable for transporting others with mobility issues easily. Talk with mobility experts to find the best option for your specific make, model, and vehicle.

Shower and pool-lifts

It is estimated that over 235,000 people fall and are injured in bathrooms each year, and one-third of these instances occur when showering. Water brings the inherent risk of creating a slippery-surface that can become quite dangerous for anyone who is prone to falls, has physical limitations, or mobility issues. When you consider that every 11-seconds, some senior slips, falls, and is treated by medical professionals in the US, it seems integral to do everything possible to prevent fall-risks around the home, including the bathroom.

Pool-lifts make it for viable for consumers to enjoy aquatic-therapy and swim routinely, which can enhance daily living while also providing numerous therapeutic health benefits. Pool-lifts are the safest, most-supportive way to transport in and out of a pool, circumventing a typically-tricky and potentially-dangerous situation. Furthermore, who doesn’t enjoy a nice dip in the pool?

Pacific Mobility Solutions can help

It is estimated that one-in-five people live with a disability in the US, with many facing the challenges of physical disabilities and mobility issues. This significant statistic demonstrates how accessibility lifts can be an integral part of everyday life and prudent investment for overall well-being and autonomy. Create a convenient, comfortable home for anyone living with mobility issues and talk with Pacific Mobility to assess needs and find the perfect solutions for your distinct situation.  Enjoy the ease, access, and independence that the right mobility aids can provide in your home or property!

Mobility Centers Empower Seniors to Age in Place

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Mobility Centers Empower Seniors to Age in Place with adaptive equipment and devices that provide what the consumer needs today, at this stage, such as home and vehicle lifts.

 

Aging in place refers to meeting the senior where they are at, both physically and mentally. Empower the senior in your life with resources and mobility devices that make everyday life a bit easier as they age. Every senior deserves the chance to age in place, preserve their autonomy and live independently despite the challenges that the aging process presents. Mobility centers, such as Pacific Mobility, can solve these conundrums with adaptive devices and equipment to make everyday life easier, safer, and more comfortable. This company offers solutions aimed at preserving quality of life for the clients that they serve.

Some things that can present hurdles for seniors are:

  • Having access to all areas of the home or workplace are key. This includes being able to traverse stairs, use the bathroom independently, and venture outside.
  • Nearly 285,000 people are injured by a fall in the bathroom each year, and around 14% of these falls lead to hospitalization or a visit to the emergency room. Mobility devices such as grab-bars and shower-buddies can help prevent nasty falls and subsequent injuries.
  • Limited mobility can also lead to a decrease in social engagement among seniors, which can lead to isolative behaviors and withdrawal.
  • Physical disability directly impacts mental health and well-being, often causing depression among seniors. In fact, those with chronic illnesses or conditions are at risk two-to-ten times higher for depression and mood disorders.
  • Physical impairments can also eat-away at an individual’s autonomy. The ability to stay in one’s own home can make a significant difference to aging adults.

Equipment and mobility devices.

When looking for solutions around the home, mobility aids can dramatically impact access and safety. From the bathroom to the garage, specialized equipment can restore freedom and convenience for those seeking independence as well as their caregivers.

Some adaptive devices to consider include:

  • Home lifts. 

  • Bathroom aids. 

  • Vehicle lifts. 

  • Rails.

  • Grab-bars. 

  • Ramps.

  • Wheelchairs and walkers. 

Know that lifts can be installed both indoors and out- so accessing second-levels of the home, outdoor areas, porches, decks, and gardens are feasible for those in chairs or that use walkers. Bathroom aids may include patient-lifts that help with ADLs (activities of daily living), making it far safer for both the consumer and the caregiver.

Lifestyle changes.

Don’t overlook the simple things when attempting to help empower seniors to age in place; this includes any aspect of the home environment that poses a safety hazard, injury risk, or that makes the client uncomfortable. Ask yourself a few questions to determine if there are some simple lifestyle changes that could make a difference around your home:

  • Assess the floor underneath your feet; are there rugs or edges that could cause a fall? Do away with runners and carpets that could impede access or cause a safety risk.
  • Are the cabinets within easy reach? Reaching for items in cabinets or cupboards is dangerous, and causes many senior falls. Instead of using a chair or foot-stool which can present fall-risk, invest in a “grabber” or reaching-tool.
  • How is the lighting? Are switches accessible and easy-to-reach? Consider foot-lights, exterior motion-sensors, and dimmer switches to keep the environment well-lit and safe.
  • Is there room for your senior to move about freely? How about something to help support them as they move about their home? Arrange furniture around the perimeter of the rooms so that there is as much open-area as possible, particularly when the senior uses a walker or wheelchair. Ensure that there is something to grab on to, if needed, but not obstructing the path through the space.
  • Did you hear something? If you are worried that your senior is not hearing something, augment doorbells and telephones with lights. This provides further indication of a visitor or a call, which can help those with a hearing impairment.

Mobility Centers Empower Seniors to Age in Place.

To ensure safety and empower seniors to live as independently as possible, Pacific Mobility offers high-quality equipment and devices. The difference between a retailer and a mobility center, such as Pacific Mobility, is the one-on-one attention and service delivery to ensure optimal satisfaction for the consumer.

Some things that mobility centers offer to help seniors include:

  • Comprehensive needs-assessment to find the best mobility solutions.
  • Professional installation on-site.
  • Personal instruction and guidance.
  • Customization to optimize comfort.
  • Safety mechanisms and recommendations for use.
  • Service after the sale and customer support.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes aging in place as being able to live in one’s own dwelling independently, safely, and comfortably, regardless of age. Mobility aids offer seniors the opportunity to do just that. Consult with the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility for needs assessment and consultation regarding devices, installation, and costs.

Mobility Solutions Offer Products That Dramatically Improve Life for Americans With Disabilities

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Mobility solutions offer products that dramatically improve life for Americans with disabilities, including more access, increased safety, and overall mental well-being.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with any condition or impairment, and it commands equal access to those with physical limitations. While this extends regulatory action toward businesses and public places, it doesn’t dictate what you should or shouldn’t have in your home. With so many mobility devices available, isn’t it time to make your sanctuary safer, convenient, and comfortable to live in?

Mobility solutions offer products that dramatically improve life for Americans with disabilities, including: 

  • Access.

One of the biggest barriers facing those with mobility issues is access; getting from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ can be a real struggle when you are living with physical limitations or impairment. stairlifts are endorsed by the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) as a means of opening-up areas of the home for individuals with these challenges, that is both practical and viable. These lifts are professionally-installed by experts who take the time to ensure their patrons can use the devices with ease and confidence, which makes for a simple and seamless transition. Contemporary lifts are designed to meld with the surroundings, rather than stick-out aesthetically in the home.

  • Safety.

Around 235,000 people sustain injuries in the bathroom of their home, and approximately 14% of these incidents warrant hospitalization. For seniors, this statistic is even more serious as adults over the age of 85 are more likely to break one or more bones because of a bathroom fall. For this reason, it makes sense to beef-up bathroom safety – particularly if you are living with a physical disability. Lifts, shower-buddies, and toilet rails are some ways to increase safety in the bathroom- the most frequented room in most homes- and to create peace of mind for seniors, their families, and caregivers.

  • Health and well-being. 

There is a strong correlation between having physical impairments or a disability and mental health and well-being; it is hypothesized that if an initial bout of depression is not treated, you are 50% more at risk for an recurrence. One of the contributing factors that can lead to chronic depression is a lack of socialization, which often results from a mobility issue or limitation. Treating depression in seniors typically requires diagnosis by a medical professional, though the signs of this debilitating condition are easy for caregivers to identify; some signs of depression include:

  • Changes in mood.
  • Lack of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.
  • Changes in appetite or sleep pattern.

Depression can be treated with therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Consider making a change with mobility equipment and devices to foster socialization and independence, which can go a long way toward battling a depressed mood.

Some ways that you may be able to improve life quality today include: 

  • Home assessment.

Assess your current needs and identify areas around your home that you have difficulty accessing; outline lifestyle changes that could make a difference in quality of life. Sometimes simple suggestions such as bath mats, grab-rails, shower seats, and walkers can make a significant difference, while for others, stair and vehicle lifts may be key. Consider scenarios that may call for assistance, such as showering or dressing, and target that with adaptive equipment and devices that will help overcome these hurdles.

  • Provider consultation.

Take time to talk with your provider about equipment that can help with access, safety, socialization, and autonomy. These practitioners may be able to issue prescriptions and recommendations that help get you the assistance and mobility devices that can make a difference in your life- or the life of someone you love. These medical providers may also be able to identify areas of need that can make a significant difference in overall quality of life.

  • Pacific Mobility.

Visit Pacific Mobility to see what mobility aids are available and that make the most sense for your living situation. Professional installation and personalized instruction can make adapting to this equipment simple and life-changing; don’t run the risk of injury by using re-purposed or used equipment bought from a third-party. Often times, safety guidelines change which can deem these devices unsafe if not purchased from an informed source, such as the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility.

Don’t let a physical impairment, disability, or mobility limitation impact your quality of life; consider how some innovative mobility aids can increase access, enhance safety, and facilitate social integration, which can lead to independence and overall well-being. If you or someone you love has a disability, adapt and adopt devices that will help overcome this hurdle and create a more satisfying living situation. Don’t let disabilities dictate where, when, and how you live your life- visit Pacific Mobility today!

July is Wheelchair Beautification Month

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July is ‘Wheelchair Beautification Month’, so celebrate! Decorate wheelchairs and walkers, add useful accents, and enhance safety for those with mobility issues.

 

Good deeds have a way of coming back two-fold, so do something positive for someone else. Improve and enhance the life of a person in a wheelchair during “Wheelchair Beautification Month” this July. New technology emerges daily and mobility devices reflect this, though lack in a little celebratory flair. Make the month special; plan on bringing a little pizzazz, adding utilitarian accents, or increasing safety for someone who relies on this type of equipment.

July is Wheelchair Beautification Month

It is believed that the founder of National Wheelchair Beautification Month was author and illustrator Horace Knowles. His empathetic aim was to brighten the day of not only the wheelchair-user, but everyone they encounter. It began with simply affixing fresh and artificial flowers to the wheelchairs of loved ones and community members, and has grown to include elaborate displays, clever decorations, and festive parades.

Celebrate in style

Use whimsy and creativity to come up with some light-hearted ideas for decorating your wheelchair or walker. It is best to use temporary materials that won’t damage the finish or compromise the function of the device, so skip the paint or other permanent applications. Instead, make a trip to a craft store or online retailer to find inexpensive baubles, trinkets, and decorations that could be implemented into Wheelchair Beautification Month activities.

It is okay to be a little silly; after all, you are celebrating Wheelchair Beautification Month!

  • Use fun, printed duct tape to wrap around hardware; a less permanent option is to use vinyl clings cut in strips to wrap and bring a bit of color to the device.
  • Coil pipe cleaners around the wheel-spokes for some flash, that is also easy to remove. Pipe cleaners won’t interfere with the wheel’s function.
  • Share some fresh flowers; save floral tubes to affix to the arm or backrest of a wheelchair. Use single stems or small bouquets for a celebratory look.
  • Plan a parade to celebrate the day after decorating chairs and walkers. Plan ahead on a theme for the event, and offer prizes for distinctive decorating ideas, which may inspire people to participate.

Create lasting accents.

Another approach for this special day is to give someone who uses a mobility device a little something that will make their life easier, such as a caddy or bag that secures to their chair. These are easy to make if you sew at all, and you can use this online caddy sewing tutorial; and make a walker bag, too. These can be used to tote small items from place-to-place, making it safer for those who rely on mobility devices and who need to keep their hands free. Depending on the style that you elect to make, these are perfect for carrying handbags, books, groceries, tools, or crafting items.

Aim to enhance safety.

In honor of Wheelchair Beautification Month, take advantage of wheelchair safety features such as lights and caddies to prevent the risk of fall. Use flags, flashers, or reflectors to increase visibility of the chair as well as bring a festive touch. Make this a time to assess the condition of the chair’s casters; these periodically need replacement. Using the chair in rainy or wet weather conditions hastens the need to replace casters. Some signs of deterioration include a loss of traction and a side-to-side wobble when moving at a good rate of speed. It is recommended that you have wheelchairs assessed and serviced at least once a year.

Mobility installations that won’t detract.

If you really want to make a difference during this month, invest in installations and mobility aids that will improve the quality of life in a significant way. These are custom-fitted to add to the home environment and to ensure safe utility for the individual with physical limitations. stairlifts, electric door openers, and shower aids are just a few of the products that can increase access and that are available for the home. Pacific Mobility offers creative solutions that are streamlined, and that will meld with the home surroundings. These are sleek and discreet devices intended to empower the user.

Consider how home installations and mobility aids can change the life of someone you care about, or perhaps, may improve your own access and convenience. Celebrate Wheelchair Beautification Day in style with these ideas, or come up with your own ways to decorate and embellish for the occasion. Get together with neighbors, friends, and loved ones to do something fresh and fun to pay tribute to those that rely on a wheelchair every day. Network with area facilities, residential settings, and healthcare providers to plan community events related to this commemorative month.

Pacific Mobility Celebrates Your Independence for Independence Day

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Pacific Mobility celebrates your independence for Independence Day- and all year- with devices for all areas of life, from help at home to improved mood and social engagement.

Mobility is reported to be the most common disability experienced among seniors in this country, which opens the door to a variety of solutions, mobility devices and remedies to increase and improve access. Of the 40% of Americans aged 65 and older with a disability, two-thirds of these instances are related to difficulty climbing and walking. This common problem can wreak havoc with those seniors that want to stay in their own home or live independently. In fact, only one-fourth of seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 with a disability are able to live independently; mobility solutions and medical devices can make a difference in this statistic. Equipment that can help older Americans stay in their home and preserve their independence is worth celebration.

Pacific Mobility celebrates your independence for Independence Day with solutions that make a difference in all areas of your life:

Handy help for the house and home.

For seniors with mobility issues that want to stay in their own home, mobility devices can make a life-changing difference. From stairlifts to power chairs, these devices make areas of the home accessible- both indoors and outdoors! Electric door openers and porch lifts can provide that so-important outdoor time that helps people recharge and restore; as for indoors, stairlifts make steps, inclines, and entire flights a breeze that doesn’t require a helping hand. These lifts can also provide family and loved ones with peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is safe from a nasty fall on steps in the home. Over 100,000 people take a fall down the stairs each year that requires a trip to the emergency room, and these accidents claim around 1,000 lives annually. Don’t let your senior be another statistic.

Methods to make caregiving easier.

Don’t risk an injury to either caregiver or client; invest in lifts that make daily living activities much easier on all involved. Ceiling lifts, slings and shower buddies can make it easier for your caregiver to do his or her job without assistance, while also keeping your loved one- the client- safe and secure during lifts and transports.

Mobility options, on-the-go.

Giving up driving can be a debilitating repercussion of mobility issues; vehicle lifts make it feasible to get out and around. If you are among those that need a chair or scooter when you get where you are going, it can seem challenging and somewhat discouraging to find ways to transport these necessities. Choose from over twenty different mobility products that allow you to raise and stow your powerchair, manual chair, or scooter and that are designed to fit your distinct needs.

Increased social engagement.

Mobility limitations have been shown to significantly decrease social interactions, which can have a negative impact on overall well-being. Over time, a physical impairment that affects mobility can reduce social interactions both inside and outside of the residence. This social withdrawal is unhealthy and difficult to combat, given that many affected are isolated individuals that don’t reach out for help. Having the freedom to move about and engage both in and out of the home can preserve socialization and contribute to holistic well-being.

Solutions that improve mood.

It has been found that limited mobility can cause depression in some populations of older Americans, which can drastically deteriorate quality of life. In a recent study of aging African-American participants, results showed that African-American women exhibiting major depressive disorder symptoms were three-times more likely to have mobility limitations. This study is a mere sub-section of the overall population of Americans over the age of 65 that experience physical impairment of some kind. It makes sense that as individuals lose their independence and freedom of mobility, they suffer some level of depression. Treating depression in older patients has its challenges, including fear of stigma, resistance to treatment, and difficulty tolerating mood regulating medications.

Pacific Mobility celebrates your independence.

Seniors attain a sense of dignity from preserving their autonomy and independence; Pacific Mobility recognizes that with devices and solutions to improve access, convenience, and safety. Give your senior the opportunity to maintain their self-respect by providing information about mobility options that can help them to make informed decisions about their care. Too many seniors are overlooked as decisions are made on their behalf, including those about medical and end-of-life care. Good practice standards dictate that seniors should be treated with dignity, keeping them in the know, which contributes to a positive environment. This positive environment is key in effectively treating older people and assisting them to thrive.

Help someone you love to achieve the independence that they deserve this Independence Day; look at mobility aids to expand access, make life simpler, and improve overall quality of life. Talk with an expert at Pacific Mobility to discover the various ways to increase convenience and caregiving today.