Pacific Mobility Center

Stairlifts - Lifts - Mobility Products

Blog Posts

Using Mobility Products to Stay Safe as You Get Older

By

As an individual ages, muscles become weaker, coordination more problematic, and reaction times tend to lag. For some elderly people, the inability to retain one’s sense of balance can presage a dangerous situation – one in three adults 65 and older falls each year and older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.

For these older adults, common-sense ways to prevent falls abound. For getting around, a cane or a walker can help steady one’s gait and add leverage for getting up and sitting down. When balance issues become severe, a wheelchair may be employed, greatly reducing the chances of a sudden fall. Seniors who have mobility challenges while living in a multi-story home should investigate the possibilities of installing a stairlift.

There are many ways in which home modifications can also prevent the type of accident due to decreased strength and poor balance. Handrails are wall fixtures that provide support and stability. When properly mounted, they are able to bear the weight of a person when walking, rising, bending over, or standing up. They can be installed in any number of areas in the home, including: on the staircase, alongside the bed, near living-room furniture, in the kitchen, and even in the garage where a handrail can be reached through an open car door.

Bathrooms are particularly dangerous places. Up to 80 percent of falls in the home are in the bathroom. While anyone can stumble and fall in the bathroom, having poor muscle strength and balance is strongly associated with increased risk. Most falls occur while:
• Getting in and out of the tub or showers
• Sitting down and getting up from the toilet, and
• Walking and attempting to use towel bars, sink tops or other objects to support balance.

In addition, there are certain environmental features or hazards that add to the risk of falling. These include:
• Insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support
• Shower chairs that are not slip resistant
• Bathtubs that are difficult to step into and out of
• Sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub
• Slippery bathtub and shower floor surfaces
• Slippery floor tiles, especially when wet, and
• Low toilets heights that are difficult to get up from easily.

Luckily, bathrooms can be modified to decrease the risk of accident. Grab bars added to the bathroom provide a great measure of safety. They can be installed above the bathtub, in the shower cubicle and just outside it, next to the wash basin, and beside the toilet. Other bathroom modifications include: bath benches and shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and in some cases more complex bath lifts and bathroom transfer systems.

Seniors with balance issues should also consider investing in better lighting throughout their homes, and especially on their staircases. Poorly lit areas make it harder for individuals to distinguish where steps start and end and this can lead to insecure footing, causing falls or slips.

Another way to prevent falls is to make sure that all rugs in the house are slip-proofed by having them secured to the floor with double-sided tape. In addition, seniors who are prone to falling because of poor balance or weak muscles should always wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shows that fully support their weight. Wearing only socks or smooth-soled shoes on stairs or waxed floors can be unsafe.

At Pacific Mobility, we not only have the best products available, we have the experience and expertise to help you address your mobility challenges based on your individual needs and within your budget. Call or visit us today and we will be happy to serve you.

How to Keep Your Stairlift in Good Working Order

By

Once you’ve decided to invest in a good quality stairlift, your next decision should be committing to keeping it in good working order, just as you would with any other piece of expensive machinery such as an automobile or other major, household appliance. Of course, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. So before getting into the specifics of chairlift maintenance, make sure you follow these pre-emptive tips:

• Keep the stairway free of obstructions and never operate your stairlift if there are people or pets on the stairs.
• Do not allow children to play on or with the stairlift – ever.
• Do not exceed the stairlift’s maximum weight allowance or try to carry more than one person at a time.
• Do not allow liquids to come into contact with any of the stairlift’s mechanisms.
• Make sure to keep the stairlift on charge when not in use.

Next: Read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the precise model you own. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions and make sure you understand if there are any specific things your model requires to keep it in good shape. While you can have a professional maintain your stairlift, and, in fact, you should have it checked out, at least yearly, by a qualified technician, you should try to have a family member perform the following upkeep regimen if you can’t manage it, yourself.

• Clean the track regularly to keep it free of dust and dirt. It is usually sufficient to simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth every week or so. In some cases, an anti-dust product can be used. Avoid the use of detergents and solvents.
• After cleaning the track, lubricate it with a small amount of lubricant such as petroleum jelly.
• Check that the swivel seat is functioning properly and is not loose or wobbly. Tighten any screws that require it.
• Check the stairlift’s arm and footrests and spray any sticky hinges with some WD40.
• Replace your model’s battery as instructed by the manual in order to keep your stairlift from stopping unexpectedly.

Between normal maintenance, always be on the lookout for any of the following signs of trouble:

• Your stairlift is making more noise than usual when in use.
• Your stairlift is making unusual noises.
• Your stairlift starts slowly or moves in a jerky manner.
• There are error codes in the stairlift’s display unit.
• You hear beeping, which may be an alert to an error code or a sign of a low battery.

Your stairlift allows you to stay in your multi-story home with a measure of independence if you are experiencing a decrease in mobility due to advanced age, illness, or accident. Keeping it in good running order will enable you to utilize it in the safest and most comfortable manner possible.
If you have any questions about your stairlift, or stairlift maintenance, call us at Pacific Mobility. We are always happy to help.

For more information and stairlift troubleshooting, please refer to our Stairlift Troubleshooting page.

Benefits of Getting a Power Lift Chair

By

A power lift chair can be an extremely helpful accessory for people whose mobility challenges make it difficult for them to rise out of a chair from a sitting position, or to sit down from a standing one due to pain or lack of muscle strength. A power lift chair is a particularly beneficial purchase for the home that seniors with mobility issues can use to retain their independence while remaining in their homes. They also help provide safety and convenience for nurses, family members, and other caregivers, who risk injury from assisting those who need help getting up from a sitting position or returning to one.

A power lift chair is constructed like a traditional recliner with the added feature of a powerful electric motor located (single & dual options available) in its base which is connected to hand controls that allow its user to manage the speed and angle of the lifting mechanism. Most power lift chairs can achieve all the positions available on the best recliners.

Three basic power lift chair styles are the two-position chair, the three-position chair, and the infinite position chair. The two-position lift chair is built to recline as much as 45 degrees. It is designed for the casual user and is not ideal for napping, or prolonged periods of sitting. The three-position lift chair reclines to an almost flat angle, which more closely mimics the range of a standard recliner. It is a better alternative for those who intend to nap while in it. The infinite-position lift chair is the most expensive type, but a good choice for a person who will be spending a lot of time sitting or lying in it. It generally offers more comfort and therapeutic options, such as dual motors which allow the footrest and the seat back to move independently, and a greater range and combination of positions. Typically the infinite position chairs all user to lay in Trendelenburg Position (heart below lower extremities) which is very helpful in eliminating swelling in the legs.

In choosing the most appropriate model, an individual will have to consider not only his or her mobility needs and functionality requirements, but also such things as price, number of positions the chair offers, specialty features such as heat and/or massage, and how and where the chair will fit in the home. A critical consideration is the weight and height of the individual. Most power lift chairs can support over 300 pounds. A person’s height is important because the distance that the chair needs to lift off of the ground to facilitate a safe and pain-free exit is based on the height of its intended user.

At Pacific Mobility, our experts can help you determine which power lift chair will be the best one to meet your needs while fitting your budget. Our chairs come in a wide variety of styles, fabrics, colors, and advanced features. Come and visit or contact us today.

Stairlift Rentals in Southern California

By

If you have significant mobility challenges and getting up and down stairs is difficult, buying and installing a permanent stairlift in your home can allow you to navigate between floors safely and efficiently. However, there are times when buying a stairlift may not be the best solution for you or a loved one. Depending upon the circumstances, renting a stairlift might actually be a more prudent choice.

elan-stairlift3stairlift rental is preferable for people who are recovering from an accident or surgery and who will, at some point, regain their mobility. Rental is also a good choice for houseguests who cannot walk up and down stairs, or for anyone who isn’t sure how long they might need a mechanical lift to help them. In addition, renting a stairlift will usually be less expensive than buying one, providing the rental period is not prolonged. Another benefit of renting a stairlift is the fact that any maintenance and repairs will generally be borne by the rental company.

Also, when you rent a stairlift, it gives you time to decide if it is the right one to eventually buy. Not all stairlifts are appropriate for all people – they come in many different configurations and designs, with a wide array of different controls and accessories. In addition, not every stairlift will be the best fit for every house. So, trying out a lift before buying it can prevent you from making an expensive mistake. Finally, in most cases, if you do decide to buy the lift you rented, a good percentage of the rental fees can be applied to the purchase price.

At Pacific Mobility, we have a rental program for our straight stairlifts that just might be the right choice for folks with temporary injuries, or for any other situation that does not require a permanent installation. Renting from us can save you money, and if you do decide to buy, your payment process will be easy to manage. Call or visit us today, for more information.

What Type of Power Mobility Device (PMD) is the Right Piece of Equipment?

By

Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) help mobility-challenged individuals conserve energy because they require less physical effort to operate than walking or propelling a manual wheelchair. When choosing the best type of PMD, many factors need to be considered, including a person’s:

  • Medical condition
  • Physical status
  • Functional abilities
  • Performance of daily activities
  • Home and work environment
  • Transportation options

Two of the most common PMDs are motorized scooters and power wheelchairs.

Motorized scooters allow mobility-challenged persons to travel long distances, independently. They are available with three or four wheels and come in different sizes with different weight capacities. They are a good choice for those who can sit down and stand up from a chair, safely, and have good trunk control and balance while sitting. Motorized scooters are battery-powered devices that operate by pressing hand throttles and they are controlled through a mechanical tiller system. So in order to navigate one, an individual must have good hand and finger strength and coordination. Motorized scooters can often be disassembled for easy transport.

Some drawbacks of motorized scooters include their size – the length of some types can make it difficult to turn around in small places; and some offer limited seating options which can’t be modified if an individual’s physical condition changes.

A Power wheelchair is a good option for individuals who don’t have the strength or capacity to propel a manual wheelchair, nor the trunk support to maintain proper balance and posture required for a scooter. They are a good choice for those who have been using a scooter, but become unable to because of a decline in their physical condition.

Power wheelchairs come in three different types according to the location of the drive wheels – rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel. They have a wide range of seating systems depending upon an individual’s needs and comfort requirements. Power wheelchairs are generally operated with a set of buttons and a joystick mounted on one of its armrests, however the control interface can be customized and many different options are available.

Power wheelchairs make it less problematic to go over difficult terrain and they are generally easier than a scooter to maneuver in different environments because their turning radius is often much smaller. Their limitations include their weight and the fact that they cannot normally be disassembled for transport, generally requiring the use of a ramp or automated lift in order to get them into a van.

A third option for some people is the pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair (PaPAW). These devices were developed to help people who have difficulty propelling a manual wheelchair over surfaces encountered on a daily basis, such as ramps, carpets, grass, curb cuts, and gravel. They are a good option for people with enough strength to propel themselves in most environments, but need some assistance to navigate difficult terrains.

PaPaWs are units that attach to manual wheelchairs and include specialized wheels with battery-operated motors mounted on the frame. They have sensors on the wheels’ pushrims that amplify the user’s strength when propelling the chair. Their drawbacks include their added weight and the fact that they add an inch or two to the width of a manual wheelchair.

If you require a PMD, you should visit us at Pacific Mobility. We have the expertise to help you decide which PMD is best suited for your particular situation and we will work with you to evaluate and assess your needs in order to find the right device for the right price.

How Important is Sleep as you Age?

By

No matter your age, sleeping well is essential to your physical and emotional well-being. In fact, many physicians consider a person’s sleeping habits to be a valid barometer of his or her overall health. Sleep allows the body to repair any cell damage that may have occurred during the day; it refreshes the immune system and helps prevent disease. Sleep is also important for keeping the mind sharp, improving both concentration and memory.

While sleep requirements vary from person to person, most children and adolescents need more sleep than young and middle-aged adults. However, older adults generally begin to need more sleep as they age – from seven to nine hours per night. Unfortunately, many older adults often get less sleep than they should for a variety of reasons.

One reason is that as we age, our bodies tend to produce and secrete lower levels of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. But age alone does not cause the majority of sleep problems; instead the following are the most common causes of insomnia and sleep problems in older adults:

  • Poor sleep habits – irregular sleep hours, consumption of food or alcohol before bedtime, falling asleep in front of the TV
  • Pain or medical conditions – having to urinate frequently, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heartburn, hypertension, menopause, Alzheimer’s disease
  • Medications – combinations of certain drugs, as well as their side-effects can impair sleep
  • Lack of exercise – being too sedentary can cause one to either never feel sleepy, or conversely, to feel sleepy during the day
  • Untreated stress or psychological disorders – anxiety, sadness, or emotional trauma can keep one awake
  • Physical sleep disorders – snoring and sleep apnea occur more frequently in older adults

And sleeplessness, itself, can cause a variety of other problems, some of them merely annoying, like excessive daytime sleepiness, and some of them more serious, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer in women.

While some changes in an older person’s sleep habits, such as wanting to go to sleep earlier in the evening and waking up earlier in the morning are considered normal and non-problematic, other changes may suggest a sleep disorder that needs to be addressed. Common symptoms that should be checked by a physician include:

  • Having trouble falling asleep even though you feel tired
  • Having trouble getting back to sleep when awakened
  • Not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep
  • Feeling irritable or sleepy during the day
  • Having difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television, or driving
  • Having difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep
  • Having trouble controlling your emotions

There is no reason for an older adult to forego a good night’s sleep simply because he or she is aging. Because regular sleep patterns are so important, in order to maintain good health, vitality, and emotional well-being, older adults should attempt to practice those habits that promote the necessary and uninterrupted hours needed by mind and body. These include:

  • Limiting caffeine intake late in the day
  • Avoiding alcohol before bedtime
  • Avoiding big meals or spicy foods before bedtime
  • Minimizing liquid intake before sleep
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting mental stress and worry as much as possible, especially at night
  • Remembering to get some sunlight during the day (bright sunlight helps regulate melatonin production and the body’s circadian rhythms, or sleep-wake cycles)
  • Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
  • Developing sleep-inducing bedtime rituals such as taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, getting a massage, or engaging in sexual activity
  • Limiting the use of sleeping aids and pills
  • Talking with a therapist to deal with emotional trauma or depression

Getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining a regular sleep pattern is something all folks should strive toward accomplishing. The benefits are well worth all of us taking the time to review our sleep habits. Sleep Well!

Slings

By

A sling is an item that, when used in conjunction with a mechanical lift, helps to facilitate the transfer of an individual who is mobility-challenged. A sling is comprised of a specially designed and constructed piece of fabric that is placed under and around its user, and then attached by hooks, clips, straps, chains, or loops to the appropriate part of the lift mechanism in order to raise, move, and/or lower the person in it. A sling lift allows patients to be transferred safely while decreasing the risk of injury to the caregiver.

There are many different types of slings that can be attached to different types of lifts, such as floor lifts and overhead lifts, in order to accomplish different tasks. So when choosing a sling, it is necessary to establish its compatibility with the lifting system to which it will be attached, how it will be used, and the frequency of the transfer task desired. For example, a sling that is to be used for toileting will require a commode opening, while bariatric slings are designed for very heavy people.

Some basic types of slings are the Universal Sling and the Hammock Sling. The Universal Sling is also known as the “Quick Fit Sling” due to the ease of application, or the “Horseshoe Style Sling” due to the large horseshoe shaped opening created by the leg straps. The Hammock Sling design is also known as the “Split Leg Style” sling due to its small “L-Shaped” leg straps. The Hammock Sling is acknowledged by professionals as one of the most comfortable and supportive sling for both home and institutional use.

Some specialized kinds of slings are walking slings, standing slings, amputee slings, quadriplegic slings (contain additional head support), showering slings, re-positioning slings (for turning or sliding patients in bed), disposable slings (for enhanced infection control), and stretcher slings (for supine transfer).

Just as it is important for the sling to fit the task it is intended to accomplish, it must also precisely fit its user. Having the correct-sized sling ensures that the person being lifted feels safe and comfortable. Thus, a professional assessment of the user’s size, weight, and medical condition is absolutely necessary. In addition, the user’s caregiver must feel confident that he or she can safely employ the sling and the lift to which it is attached. Some slings are more complicated than others and a caregiver may be reluctant to use a sling if the process of fitting it is too complex. Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants often receive specialized training in order to use slings and lifts safely and effectively.

A sling is made of fabric, and as such, it can wear out or get torn. Because a sling failure can have catastrophic consequences, the condition and integrity of a sling should be visually inspected prior to each and every use. Possible factors affecting the condition and lifespan of a sling include: client weight, frequency of use, frequency of laundering, washing and drying methods, washing and drying temperature, detergent used, disinfectant used, and any misuse it has experienced.

Choosing the right type and size of sling is crucial for the health and safety of its user and his or her caregiver. The professionals at Pacific Mobility can help you understand how different slings work and which one may be your most appropriate choice. Call or visit us for a free consultation.

Making Your Multi-Story Home More Accessible

By

Seniors or individuals with mobility challenges may find living in a multi-story home difficult. Getting up and down stairs can be impossible for some, while potentially dangerous for others. And moving to a one story house or a senior living facility may not be an option for a variety of reasons. If it becomes necessary or preferable for an individual disabled by age, infirmity, or accident to stay in a multi-story abode, there are practical and affordable solutions.

The easiest and least expensive option, if practicable, would be to simply relocate all multi-floor activities to the ground floor. Of course, that would require that the ground floor be made convenient for eating, sleeping, bathing, and all the other normal activities of daily life. Minor modifications may need to be made, such as widening doorways, making a downstairs bathroom more usable, etc. But in terms of difficulty and expense, it is certainly the most cost-effective and convenient way for a disabled person to remain in his or her multi-story home.

However if living exclusively on the ground floor is not possible, then it may become necessary to investigate how the home can be adapted in order to provide safe access between floor levels. The three most common alternatives are residential elevators, stairlifts, and inclined platform lifts. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, but if employed correctly either one can help keep a mobility-challenged person in his or her own home.

A residential elevator is a lift that is enclosed in a shaft and travels vertically between floors. Elevators can range from an unfinished platform to a fully- enclosed cabin with safety gates and a finished interior. Residential elevators are either cable operated or hydraulically powered. They are typically used when the vertical change between two or more floor levels is significant and there is not enough room in the house to install a usable stairlift or ramp. There must, however, be enough room in the house to accommodate the needed shaft space.

A stairlift consists of a seat that travels up and down a stairway on a track or rails mounted either on the surface of the stairs or on an adjacent wall. stairlifts can be installed on most stairways and come in a wide array of sizes and styles. They are fairly easy to retrofit into existing homes and are considerably less expensive than elevators – especially if the staircase is a single straight run. They require a clear floor space at the top and bottom of the staircase so that the user can get on or off, and they will reduce the usable width of the stairs – a particular concern if the staircase is narrow to begin with.

Inclined platform lifts consist of a platform that moves up and down over an existing stairway. They are usually employed by people who use wheelchairs, but some models incorporate a fold-down seat for people who do not use a wheelchair but have difficulty using stairs. The platform is typically supported by rails that are mounted to a wall on one side of the staircase. Platforms on stairlifts come in various sizes, but they are always much wider and larger than seated stairlifts and thus need more room at the top and bottom of the staircase, as well as enough headroom throughout the entire traveled distance. They are easier to install and less expensive if the staircase is a single, straight run. There are platform stairlifts available that will turn corners on curved staircases, but they require wider staircases to accommodate the platform as it turns and are far more expensive.

We understand that staying in the home you love is important to your overall well-being. If you need expert advice on the most appropriate and affordable option for your multi-story home, the professionals at Pacific Mobility are always available for a free consultation. Call or visit us, today.