disability

Don’t let mobility issues cause you to miss out on celebrating Memorial Day this year. Memorial Day often signifies the start of summer, a time of renewal, in addition to the observance of those that have served. Use these ideas and suggestions to celebrate and make the most of Memorial Day, despite any issues related to mobility that you may have.

Don’t let physical challenges or mobility limitations hinder you from observing and celebrating Memorial Day in May. There are many ways to honor those that serve that do not present accessibility issues though this is the perfect time to evaluate and consider mobility aids to enhance your own autonomy.

Celebrate Memorial Day this year, regardless of mobility issues, with these ideas:

Fly the Flag

Keep it simple the most meaningful thing that you can do on Memorial Day is to fly a flag. If you do not have a traditional flagpole or flag, invest in some small ones. Size is unimportant. Make sure that you fly the flag at half-mast to recognize those that have passed.  

Don’t have a flag? Create your own; there are lots of tutorials online for sewing, drawing, and constructing your own US flag.

Wear Patriotic Garb

Spread the meaning of the holiday by donning all your red, white, and blue apparel. Go full-on stars and stripes! Visit thrift stores throughout the year to find great deals on flashy patriotic garb. Wear your outfit ahead of time even if you are not leaving the house. Wearing the colors of this great country is enough to put anyone in a celebratory and grateful mood.

Give to Others

If you have a way to get there, consider visiting someone that has served. This may be a friend or family member, young or old, or perhaps you are a member of an organization that serves veterans. Spend a few minutes thanking them for their service and share a moment or two. It can be a powerful way to commemorate Memorial Day.

Send Some Love

Who doesn’t love to get mail? To pay tribute to Memorial Day, commit to sending a care package to current servicemen serving abroad. These soldiers love receiving small gifts, trinkets, and essentials from home, such as hygiene products and candy. Include a handwritten note and lots of good wishes from stateside!

If a package is more than you can do right now, consider a letter to someone serving overseas. Join up with a military pen pal project and start a correspondence with a soldier serving in the military. Letters can brighten anyone’s day- particularly someone who is far from home.

See a Parade

Is there a parade planned near you? There is something about a parade that can put you in a patriotic state of mind; make plans to see a parade to celebrate Memorial Day this year. These are typically offered in municipalities, cities, and towns across the nation to honor all those that gave their lives for their country while serving in the Armed Forces. These are usually posted widely on local event sites or in newspapers.  

Visit a Cemetery

Memorial Day in the US is a traditional time to visit cemeteries to pay respects to those that you have lost, whether military personnel or not. Memorial Day is just that a time to memorialize and remember those that you care about.

Lay down wreaths, flowers, or flags for your loved ones that have passed. There may be gatherings planned at local cemeteries to place wreaths or flags on the graves of veterans, so plan accordingly. Know that accessibility may be challenging at some locales. The ground can be uneven terrain for someone with mobility challenges. Planned events will offer some sort of handicap access for visitors with physical limitations.

Take a Trip

Another benchmark of many people’s Memorial Day celebrations is travel. If your mobility challenges do not hinder you from getting out of town, plan on heading somewhere that accommodates visitors with limited mobility. Popular destinations are generally ready to provide for their guests that have physical challenges or disabilities but you may call ahead to make sure. Consider festive Memorial Day spots like Branson, MO, Charleston, SC, or even Washington DC.

Speaking of the Nation’s capital, what better place to spend Memorial Day weekend? The number of monuments, museums, parks, and buildings provides plenty to see and do, but are they accessible? Some popular spots that do offer access for those with physical disabilities, handicaps, or limitations include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, and Arlington Cemetery though you may need to ride on a bus to explore the latter.

To learn more about mobility aids and solutions, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer high-quality mobility equipment, devices, and aids to make life better. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Mobility aids may help some individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. Since this degenerative disease impacts strength and motor control, specific adaptive devices may ease the strain for the individual while preserving their autonomy as long as possible. May is National ALS Awareness Month, which offers further information and insight.

May is National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month, passed by the US Senate in 1992. The aim of this commemoration is to focus on disseminating information pertaining to ALS to bring attention and garner support.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease disease that slowly robs the afflicted of their mobility, autonomy, and, eventually, their life. As the muscles atrophy, symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and spasms ensue, which causes much discomfort and difficulty with ambulating, self-care, and over time, breathing. The disease is progressive, and symptoms become more noticeable and challenging. There are some resources that may bring insight and comfort to those living with ALS and mobility aids may help with certain challenges.

Some common ALS symptoms include:

• Spasms, twitches, and cramps, particularly in the extremities
• Loss of motor control
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Frequent falls; prone to tripping or stumbling
• Clumsiness; dropping items more often
• Chronic fatigue
• Emotional lability
• Slurred speech and difficulty articulating words
• As the disease progresses, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
• Paralysis

There are some ALS symptoms that closely resemble other conditions. See your physician or practitioner for more information and appropriate testing for an accurate diagnosis.

Mobility aids that may lessen the impact of ALS symptoms include:

Walkers

So, how can a walker help someone with ALS? In the early stages of the disease, a walker may be all that the individual needs to safely ambulate or move about. Rolling walkers may help the user that suffers from chronic fatigue, too. Walkers are a great resource to help reduce the risk of a fall which makes them an excellent implement for many living with this condition and others.

Walkers equipped with seats also help to combat the fatigue and weakness that accompanies ALS, providing a spot to sit, rest, and regain strength, as needed.

Seats

They come under a lot of different names, but a shower or tub seat is another versatile and valuable aid to have on hand for those with ALS. A seat that slides over the seat of a tub can help you in and out of the shower safely; a seat in the tub can be a convenient spot to sit while bathing. Looking for more support in the bathroom? Consider shower buddy lifts and frameless showers Talk to a mobility professional to learn more!

Chairs and Scooters

ALS patients experience weakness and loss of control over extremities which can make it challenging and at times, hazardous to walk independently. Spasms and the increase in falls taken by those afflicted with ALS make wheelchairs and scooters more than a convenience they are key to mobility.

The exhaustion and chronic fatigue that is symptomatic of this condition also warrant a wheelchair or a scooter. Many ALS patients report an increase in clumsiness, like dropping items or objects and being able to transport items smoothly in a chair or scooter may help resolve this and add to the autonomy of the user.

Lifts

Stairlifts are excellent aids to have in a home where there are steps or stairs, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Lifts provide a smooth transfer to the second- or other- level of the home, where a bedroom or bathroom may be located. These aids enable the user to safely ascend and descend stairs at will, while also providing room and allowing others in the home full use of the stairway.

During later stages of ALS, a free-standing lift can provide support to assist the user in and out of bed, the bath, or even a car or swimming pool- plus, it provides support and security for any caregiver, ensuring they are not injured or hurt during these transfers. Lifts may be covered in full or in part by insurance coverage- got questions about paying for your new lift? Call or visit us to learn more today!

Ramps

There are few homes or buildings that would not benefit from a ramp. Portable ramps are both affordable and versatile. These are easy to transport, too providing a means of easier access wherever you go. For the individual living with ALS, a ramp offers a way to access and enter the home, work, or other establishments, without the painful and dangerous task of climbing stairs. Tingling feet can lead to loss of balance and a fall; a ramp may help.

If you or a loved one lives with ALS, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about devices and aids that can improve access, ease, and overall quality of life. Call or visit today!

Wondering if a stairlift has value for you? The short answer is ‘yes’ and here is why:

• Stairlifts improve home and property values.
• Stairlifts reduce the risk of a fall in the home.
• Stairlifts facilitate aging in place.

The peace of mind and security provided by mobility aids, including stairlifts, indicate that they do indeed add value to the life of the user as well as loved ones.

When you think of mobility aids, does a stairlift come to mind? Stairlifts offer numerous benefits to those installing them, but they also provide advantages to the loved ones, caregivers, and family of the individual. The security of knowing that someone you care about has assistance going up and down the stairs can provide a great sense of relief and peace of mind that is worth any price.

Will a stairlift add value to your life? Here is what you should know:

Stairlifts Add Accessibility

Do you need assistance climbing stairs? Perhaps someone that visits you regularly does. A stairlift adds accessibility to any home or building. Worried about others in the home getting around a stairlift? There is no need to be; stairlifts are adaptable, and they do not obstruct the stairs for those using them.

If you or someone close to you has medical issues or surgery, a stairlift can provide invaluable aid during recovery and rehabilitation saving money and the stress of transitioning after. This also makes it feasible to look after others with physical limitations or mobility issues confidently and competently.

Stairlifts Increase Confidence

So, speaking of confidence, many seniors and others using stairlifts regularly report higher self esteem and autonomy associated with enhanced accessibility and independence. Many simply want to enjoy their home, upstairs too, and these mobility aids make them possible. Stairlifts give a sense of confidence to many.

Stairlifts Aid Aging-in-Place

Individuals that want to make the choice to stay in their own home as long as possible may also find great value in stair lifts. These aids enable you to age in place, or live in a home environment of your choosing.

If you are someone that wants to be around family as long as possible, aging in place may be a viable goal. Part of facilitating aging in place is access and creating a home environment that is conducive to the needs of those living there. Living out one’s life in a familiar and comfortable setting is many people’s wish but health issues and accidents can derail aging in place and require assisted living situations. To age in place requires some planning and preparation. Stairlifts and other mobility aids can be part of a plan to age in place safely, according to your own wishes.

Stairlifts Reduce Risks

Falls remain the biggest type of accident, accidental injury, and reason for hospitalization among seniors over the age of 65. Stair lifts may be the most proactive and effective step that you can take to reduce the risk of taking a nasty fall. A fall is more than a subsequent injury it is a loss of confidence, it can be anxiety-provoking, and it can begin a downward health spiral impacting other areas of holistic health and wellness.

Falls perpetuate other injuries and conditions while also being a main obstacle to aging in place and living autonomously. If a stairlift can help reduce a stumble or trip on the stairs, it is a worthwhile investment that brings value to everyday life.

Stairlifts Improve Property Values

If stairlifts are such an asset, can they actually increase home and property values? Yes, they can and they do. Imagine if you were a senior or other individual looking to buy a home how would you feel about a stairlift? Many people begin planning to age in place now, before it is imminent. A home with a lift, or other mobility accommodations, would be considered advantageous. Furthermore, if anyone truly felt strongly about the stairlift and wanted it removed, they are easily uninstalled by a local mobility professional.

Do not underestimate how a home could stand apart on the real estate market when it is outfitted with a stairlift. These aids are valuable and will be considered a plus by many buyers but for those with a senior or loved one in the household that needs some mobility assistance, this could be an amazing opportunity. Stairlifts do bring value to life and they also improve property values widely, too. Not planning to sell right away? That is okay it is a seller’s market right now. Consider your lift to be an asset if you ever do decide to list, sell, or rent your property.

Thinking about a stairlift? These devices do add value to your life as well as your property. To learn more about stairlifts in southern California, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility today!

Enjoy gardening? There are many holistic health advantages to spending time working with nature outside. Make the most of your yard and garden with mobility solutions and strategies that can improve safety and preserve autonomy. If accessibility is preventing you from enjoying your greenspaces, consider these tips.

National Gardening Month in April celebrates gardening at home, at work, and in school. There are numerous health benefits to gardening from a sense of achievement to fresh produce on the table and it is the ideal hobby and leisure activity for anyone with limited mobility. Accessibility issues are easily solved with mobility aids, that aim for access, safety, and comfort as well as other sound strategies recommended by industry experts.  

Tips for safe gardening with limited mobility are:

Prepare the Space

The best way to start preparing safer greenspaces is by leveling, mowing, and maintaining the surfaces. Remember, these can all present fall risks and challenges to anyone concerned about mobility. Construct a walkway that offers a smooth, level path to the plants or garden; this also makes it accessible for mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

Paving the space can be costly, but cement pavers are an inexpensive option. Go with larger pavers or bricks to create as smooth a surface as possible.

Raise the Beds

Bending over to tend plants and gardens can be back-breaking work, but there is an easier way. Try raising the level of the garden so that it is waist-high, or at a level that is comfortable for those in chairs or on scooters.

You can achieve this by using raised beds or containers for planting. You could also install benches that are at a comfortable height for reaching the beds, and that gardeners can use for stability, support, and sitting when working outside.

Consider Container Gardening

Speaking of container gardening, this is a prudent approach for anyone who may be stuck inside or that has limited accessible outdoor space. If someone is ill or recently injured, they may simply not be up to going outside to work on plants. Small kitchen herb gardens, hanging potted plants, and blooming window boxes are some other ways to keep them in touch with nature from the comfort of the inside.

Take a Trolley

Make gardening easier on everyone and invest in a gardening trolley. Never heard of one? A gardening trolley is a fantastic, wheeled cart and tool that not only transports everything you do and might need when working in the garden, but also provides a means of support and source of stability for those that may have some mobility challenges.

Gardening trolleys have clever little seats that hover above the wheels, and that are the perfect height for reaching the ground or working on plants. They have sturdy, heavy-duty wheels to handle any outdoor terrain. These trolleys are great. super useful. and inexpensive to buy. Check them out online!

Try Ergonomic Tools

While you are at it, take a closer look at some of the ergonomic gardening tools that are widely available. These provide bulkier handles that prevent pain and slippage. Some may be made of lighter materials to make them easier to handle. Skip the bulky and often-dangerous power tools and go with adaptive manual ones that are comfortable to grip and convenient to use.

Light Things Up

Make sure that all areas to and from the greenspaces are well lit and illuminated. Many debilitating falls at home occur due to poor or faulty lighting. Light things up with modern LED bulbs and outdoor light fixtures. This can go a long way toward preventing accidents as well as making people more comfortable working outside.

Hire Some Help

It is always an option to hire help for tasks that are too arduous, difficult, or daunting. This can also prevent time spent in the garden from becoming too much work to be enjoyable. Contract a local landscaping company to maintain and mow throughout the season.

Implement Mobility Aids

Stay safe and reduce the risk of a nasty fall with some mobility aids that are designed for the rigors of being outdoors and in the elements.

Some mobility aids that work in the garden include:

• Walking sticks and canes are easy to carry and offer a reliable source of stability when walking around outside on uneven or grassy terrain.
• Portable ramps are helpful for accessing areas with steps, stairs, or steep inclines that may be difficult to traverse otherwise.
• Outdoor lifts, such as pool, porch, or vehicle, can make outdoor activities possible for those with physical limitations. Talk to your provider to find out more.

Talk to your provider about other aids and equipment that can bring you autonomy when working in the garden or engaging in whatever activities you enjoy. Some may be covered fully or in part by insurance.

Stay safer when out gardening with mobility aids and devices that are intended to increase accessibility, while offering safety and comfort, too. Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? The team at Pacific Mobility understands and wants to help you find mobility solutions that will improve the overall quality of your life. Call or visit today.

If you live with physical disabilities or limitations, driving may be impeded. There are mobility aids and devices that can enhance accessibility, helping to keep you safer on the road. From assistance with seat belts to a convenient way to stow scooters and chairs when driving, there are mobility solutions for the situations you could encounter behind the wheel.

Leaving home with physical disabilities or mobility issues presents certain challenges. It could serve to increase anxiety surrounding driving and getting out which could jeopardize independence and confidence behind the wheel. Maintain your autonomy, or the autonomy of someone you love, with simple accessibility options that help keep drivers safe.

Also, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April offers the perfect platform to learn more and ask questions regarding safety related to driving. When accessibility is compromised due to physical challenges, health issues, or aging, mobility aids could offer a solution.

Consider these accessibility options that help to keep you safe on the road:

Height Help

As we age, we shrink! It is a lot easier for seniors to drive when they have good reach and control behind the wheel. Check out wedge seat cushions available widely at most medical supply or mobility equipment venues or foot pedal extensions, that can give shorter drivers better control and reach of the pedals, while also keeping them close to the wheel.

Seatbelt Support

To ensure that everyone wears their seatbelt, make sure that it is within reach and easy to buckle. There are reaching tools specially designed for seatbelts, consisting of a strap with a rubber handle that helps the user reach and fit the belt around them. This also comes with added padding around the neck that helps protect the wearer from uncomfortable chafing. When the belt is easy to secure, you are more inclined to wear it which is the safest thing to do.

Ocular Options

Driving is difficult, possibly dangerous if you can’t see well. First, always wear corrective lenses if you have been prescribed them and visit your eye care provider at least every year. Health conditions and even things like diet can impact how well you can see. Protect your sight with preventative care.

Consider these driving tips when vision is an issue:

• Augment the auto with another mirror or two-why not? Make sure that you don’t have a blind spot that could cause issues. There are oversized mirrors that affix to the rearview but that provide a much wider view of the back and sides of the vehicle. These are a big help when parallel parking especially for those that have limited flexibility and range of motion in their neck or back.
• Make the leap and invest in a backup camera for your main vehicle. This can prevent blind spots and help those that may struggle to flex, move, and look around. These often come with night vision cameras which may be helpful to anyone with night blindness or that has had eye surgery for cataracts, which can cause difficulty driving after dark.
• The sun can be blinding and cause a nasty accident in the blink of an eye. Invest in a glare shield that is customized to fit perfectly over your existing sun visor. This will provide better glare protection, without any obstacles in your view. These are great for any driver but those with vision issues or impairment will benefit greatly.

For vision issues, make sure to discuss your options with your eye care professional. Wear polarized sunglasses or prescription glasses to further reduce glare and the damage that UV rays can do to your eyes.

Stow Service

If you use a wheelchair or scooter, the problem may not pertain to driving as much as what to do with your mobility device when you get behind the wheel? Also, how will you store the equipment until your next stop? This is where vehicle lifts come in and they enable many with physical disabilities and challenges to resume driving, while maintaining their freedom, too. If you feel that a vehicle lift is right for you, speak with a mobility professional to learn more about this solution.

Entry/Exit

A key to accessibility is entry and egress. Have you ever struggled to get in or out of a building or door? Portable ramps make any step, stoop, or stair accessible. These are easy to fold and stash in the trunk, for when they are needed. They are easy to pull out and implement when you get where you are going and need to navigate some tricky entry or exit. Another perk of temporary, portable ramps is the price; these are very affordable mobility solutions.

Keep loved ones, or yourself, behind the wheel longer with accessibility and mobility aids that make driving easier and safer. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to find out more about adaptive aids and equipment for your vehicle, too.

Occupational therapy focuses on recuperation, rehabilitation, and recovery of individuals that have experienced accidents and injuries or that have just had surgery. Mobility aids can improve and hasten healing from such incidents, while also providing the sense of safety and security that help many get around easier. Talk with your OT provider and mobility professionals to learn more and consider observing Occupational Therapy Month this April to show your support.

Occupational Therapy Month in April each year strives to spread awareness and make connections among those that could potentially benefit from treatment and therapy. The benefits of occupational therapy extend across patients and seniors to families and caregivers, moving people toward recovery. As for mobility aids, occupational therapists (OTs) embrace the tools and adaptive equipment that can help individuals move and live with more ease.  Let’s discuss a few.

Along with Occupational therapy, these mobility aids can enhance quality of life:

Canes and Walking Sticks

A standard cane will provide support, but a walking stick may offer more stability. Consider tripods or quadrupeds, with three and four feet on their base, respectively. These are often used by individuals that are weak, either following surgery or a medical episode, like a stroke. The multi-point base design of a walking stick that you find in a mobility aid retail venue provides the added assistance needed, either for the short or long term.

Crutches

When you think of crutches, you probably think of someone who has broken a leg or twisted an ankle. True enough crutches are the ideal mobility aid to take the weight off a weak or injured limb, leg, or extremity while recovering and rehabilitating. Crutches are not often used long-term, as there are more convenient options for those that require similar support for prolonged periods or for chronic conditions. Crutches are a great occupational therapy tool for someone who has lost mobility or strength in their feet or legs.

Walkers

Walkers are called by many names, including Zimmer frames. Typically, these ‘walking frames’ or walkers have four legs or two legs with two wheels. These provide walking assistance for those that need it. Some other styles of walkers include foldable, wheeled, non-foldable, and without wheels, the options and features go on and on. You will see people in hospitals often using walkers of all different kinds- there are even knee walkers that you crouch on when moving- or in settings where people are recovering and rehabilitating.

Rollators

A Rollator is essentially a rolling walker, though there are variations and distinctions. These are designed for individuals that may lack the strength or stamina to push a traditional walker forward when moving. Many of these offer seats for the user to sit and rest as needed which also may reduce the risk of a fall for many. Three-wheeled rollators are often called tri-walkers, and you may find a sturdy outdoor variation with four wheels that is good on rough and rugged terrain.

So, yes rollators are good for both indoor and outdoor use. Storage may be the only issue that some consumers face, though many styles are light enough to allow for picking up and folding with relative ease, when necessary.

Wheelchairs

Certainly, you are familiar with wheelchairs and, hopefully, you won’t need one anytime soon. Depending on your needs, injury, or conditioning, a wheelchair may be the most therapeutic mobility aid for you. Depending on the user’s strength level, a self-propelled wheelchair may be a viable option. Those with less upper body strength may find that an attendant-propelled wheelchair is more prudent.

If you will be using a wheelchair for the long term, a powered wheelchair makes a lot of sense and it can be a lot more comfortable for the individual, too. Certain factors, like if you plan to use it outdoors or in, are relevant when seeking and purchasing a wheelchair. Visit a mobility retailer to learn more about wheelchair options today!  

Mobility scooters

So, are you going to be using your mobility aid outdoors most of the time? A scooter might be perfect for you. These are designed for non-road travel but with the speed that you want outside. There are two different classes of mobility scooters with varying speed maximums that you should consider as well as the best terrain for each.

Make sure that you account for transporting the scooter as needed. This can be a challenge. Also, do you have a means of transporting it, that is, a large trunk or truck bed? These are pertinent questions to consider when shopping for the best mobility aids for you and your lifestyle. Your OT can help you pinpoint solutions that work and that provide optimal autonomy and independence.

The strides that mobility aids and OT can make are amazing. If you live with a physical disability or are recovering from an accident, injury, or surgery, consider how mobility aids may help put you on the path to recovery. Talk with your occupational therapist about potential options- and visit Pacific Mobility to learn more about mobility aids available

Prepare your home to care for an elderly loved one before they move in to ensure their comfort and safety. Speak with professional contractors to find pragmatic ways to improve your home surroundings to accommodate your guest as well as discuss mobility solutions with qualified retailers to learn more.

Sometimes, it makes sense to move an older family member, friend, or neighbor into your home. It can be a win-win situation for many, though it does take some thoughtful preparations. If your loved one lives with physical limitations or mobility issues, talk to a reputable and qualified retailer about stairlifts and aids to improve and enhance quality of life.

Get ready for your elderly loved one to move in with the following tips and suggestions:

Install Ramps and Railings

The first thing to do is to ensure safety as your loved one enters the home with ramps and railings. The key to aging in place is safe accessibility, and a sturdy, supportive railing and gently sloping ramp can do just that. In fact, all stairs and steps deserve railings on your property, and any threshold or stair that is not accessible to your loved one needs a portable ramp, at the very least. These are modifications that everyone will benefit from.

Speak with a Builder

You own it to yourself to talk with a builder about changes that you may not be able to do yourself, but that could be life-changing for your loved one when they come to stay. A contractor will have the expertise and know-how to detail improvements and give you accurate estimates of costs before you begin any repairs or renovations. Ask a contractor to inspect the property to identify areas that may be safety issues, too.  

Pay Attention to the Bathroom

Since most falls and fall-related injuries occur in the bathroom, it makes sense to focus some attention in this area of the home before your loved one moves in. Line the tub and shower with non-slip mats or coatings and install handholds and grab-bars by the sink and toilet, too. Make sure that the lights work properly and that the switches are accessible for all. Invest in a toilet lift to make it easier for loved ones to use the bathroom when living with mobility challenges.

Tap Into Resources

Start taking people up on their offers to help you with your loved one. Pin down people that offer to sit with a loved one so you can get out more, or that say they will provide a ride somewhere. Enlist help from family and friends to help prevent caregiver burnout and to facilitate your loved one doing all that they want to do each day. Look into area agencies on aging that may offer more formal supports to help family caregivers.

Get Grab-Bars

A firm and sturdy place to grab on is going to go a long way at preventing falls around the home. This is why it seems pragmatic to install grab bars everywhere, throughout the home. These are not expensive and are easy to install with a cordless screwdriver or drill. Worried about holes in your sheetrock walls later? Fill them with a bit of white toothpaste to conceal and cover these spots.

Enhance Lighting Throughout

Dim lighting is another reason why people, especially older folks and those with physical disabilities, fall and sustain an injury. Before your loved one moves in, assess and enhance lighting throughout the home environment. Make sure that lights work properly and consider making the switch to LED it is cooler, more efficient, and lasts much longer than other bulbs. Plus, it provides much better illumination that is gentler on the eyes, too.

Evaluate the Stairs

So, what do you want to do about the stairs? Is it necessary for your loved one to ascend and descend the stairs regularly? If the bathroom is upstairs, or you have a bedroom upstairs all ready, consider if a stairlift makes sense for your home. If you have resources downstairs in the home, consider converting to one-level living for your family member. As long as they have access to all that they need for ADLs (activities of daily living) and are comfortable with the arrangement.

Think Ahead to the Future

When you make these plans and modifications, try to consider future needs, as well. Maybe a stairlift doesn’t seem warranted right now, but could it be later? Try to predict future needs to prepare now for situations that could arise at some point, down the road.

Plan now and prepare for your loved one’s arrival with these tips. To learn more about mobility solutions to help make the transition easier, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility.

Stairlifts should be considered essential equipment that are not toys. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you follow the use instructions and suggestions provided by the manufacturer. Follow basic and proper operation tips to ensure the safety and performance of your new stairlift.

There is a lot to know about your new stairlift. With time, using this mobility aid properly will be second nature, but until then, make sure to use safety and follow manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance.

Know that you can reach out to speak with a qualified mobility professional about stairlifts and aids at any time. They will be happy to answer any questions that you have!

Here are some stairlift tips for proper use and operation of your new lift:

• Never allow anyone besides a professional mobility technician install or repair your stairlift for you. Allowing anyone that does not represent the company you bought it from may make your warranty null and void.
• Always wear the safety belt and buckle up when riding up or down on the lift. It may seem unnecessary or inconvenient to always remember to buckle up, but it is imperative. You could sustain an injury if the device runs into an obstacle or something unexpected. Make sure that you are able to fasten the safety belt or ask for assistance from someone else in the home.
• Sure, stairlifts look like a lot of fun, but remember they are not a toy. Always supervise children around your mobility aids and equipment, including stairlifts. Do not set the standard that it is okay for children to sit on or play with the lift. It is not and it can be dangerous. Always use the child-proof immobilization feature when there are children in the home.
• Remember to fold the seat back up when not in use for others in the home who do not use the lift. When the seat is folded up, it is out of the way and does not serve as an obstacle or a fall risk to those that are not watching out for it.
• Engage and ask retailers to demonstrate the obstruction sensors on your stairlift; most current and contemporary lifts have this feature. These sensors detect when something is on the rail or in their path and stop. This makes the lift safer in homes with pets, children, and toys. Always err on the side of caution and keep an eye out for pets when using your lift to ensure they steer clear when it is in operation.
• Always advise those using stairlifts to be wary and try to avoid wearing loose, drapey clothing on their lift. Long, loose items can become caught in the mechanisms of your stairlift, which is a recipe for disaster. This situation could cause injury to the user and damage to the device.
• Remember that stairlifts and liquids do not mix. Do not try to transport liquids, open drinks, or containers up and down the lift. Always use a lid to prevent any kind of spill that can harm your lift. If you do happen to disregard this warning and spill liquid on the stairlift’s parts, contact the lift’s manufacturer right away to ask for further advice and assistance. Avoid using the lift in the meantime to prevent injury.
• Stairlifts have very clear weight and usage restrictions. Pay heed to these if you want your stairlift to last and work properly. Never allow more than one person to use or ride the lift at one time and always adhere to the weight restrictions and limits set by the manufacturer. Check your stairlift owner’s manual if you are unsure about what the weight limit is.
• Do not carry heavy loads or big items up or down on the stairlift. This is not the intended purpose, and it could damage the lift at the very least but cause serious injury, too. Also, it is too easy to underestimate the weight of objects, belongings, and loads which could exceed the weight limit for the device. This can cause damage to the lift as well as injury to the rider.
• Make sure to have your stairlift serviced and inspected regularly, too. This ensures it works safely and properly for years to come! If you have any concerns or the lift is not working properly, contact your dealer or manufacturer about service, which is usually covered by the warranty.

Servicing your stairlift as recommended by the manufacturer also addresses safety issues before they can become problems. Consult with the owner’s manual accompanying your lift to learn more. Don’t have a manual? Contact the retailer, dealer, or manufacturer to obtain or download one today!

Do you have a new stairlift? Use these tips to use it properly and safely. Also, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility for more recommendations or to learn more about your lift.