disability

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.

Mobility aids do more than improve access they also can increase safety, too. There are distinct devices that are built for safety and that can make your home a safer place. Patient Safety Awareness Week in March strives to improve safety of patients in medical facilities setting the bar for those who want safer environments at home, too.  From lifts to grab-bars, consider the wide range of options available.

Patient Safety Awareness Week in March strives to improve safety in and around medical facilities for the patients seeking help there. Take some cues from healthcare professionals and beef-up safety around your own home using many of the same methods and implements.

One way that patients are safer is with mobility aids and devices. Consider investing time in researching mobility equipment that may work well in your living environment.

Here is what every senior should know about stairlifts and aids that are built for safety:

Stairlifts

Medical professionals endorse the use of stairlifts as an effective means of reducing falls in the home. Did you know that around 36 million seniors fall each year in the US and of these, nearly 32,000 succumb to their injuries and die? Stairs and steps are one of the prime areas that can cause obstacles for seniors at home particularly if the individual also lives with a medical issue or physical limitation.

Stairlifts ease the user up and down stairs, indoors and out, to prevent possible falls. The seat is comfortable and easily accessible, with platforms at the top and bottom for easy operation. Remote hand controls make it a breeze and easy to adapt to, also. Stairlifts are aids that are built for enhancing safety.

Walkers

Walkers are another mobility aid that is designed with safety in mind, and to help reduce the possibility of nasty falls and related injuries. When it comes to walkers, there is a wide range of options from rolling styles to knee walkers, which are particularly useful in recovery or rehabilitative situations. Walkers provide sturdy support during physical activity for users with a variety of medical conditions and issues.

Shower Seats

If you visit a healthcare facility and peek in the bathroom, you will likely see a shower seat and possibly a Shower Buddy, too. These are designed to make bathing safer and the Shower Buddy can also help to keep the caregiver safe too. Transporting patients can be tricky, one wrong move, and the caregiver, nurse, or provider could be seriously injured. Add slick surfaces and water to the mix, and you could have a dangerous situation on your hands. A Shower Buddy is a type of lift that helps during this process.

Shower seats are ideal for any home, really, and they are inexpensive to buy. They provide a place to sit and shower or wash, that is stable and secure. A seat goes a long way toward preventing falls the shower or tub.

Grab-bars

You can’t go wrong with a good grab-bar. First, they are remarkably inexpensive and easy to find. Second, they can be almost lifesaving when it comes to reducing the risk of a fall. A grab-bar that is securely and properly installed provides that bit of stability that many need when doing things like washing, preparing food, getting dressed- basically, any of the routine activities of daily living (ADLs). Grab-bars are great at the top and bottom of stairs, near doors, and anyplace that the resident may need to ‘grab’ some quick support.

Ramps

Do you have ramps outside your home? Many residences do, as they provide a gentle and easy means of access for anyone entering the property. If you don’t want to make the investment in permanent and fixed ramps, consider portable ramps for use anywhere you need quick and convenient access. These can be put in the trunk of a vehicle for use on the go, or you could keep them in place at home. The choice is yours! The price of portable ramps makes them a safety feature that no home should be without.

Lift Chairs

At first glance, a lift chair looks like a regular recliner in the living room. Actually, a lift chair is a motorized mobility aid that gently raises and lowers to make it easier for the person sitting in the chair to get up or down. These are especially helpful for those with mobility issues, neuropathy, or pain associated with joints, legs, or feet.

Bed Rails

Hospitals and nursing facilities use bed rails. Would you or your loved one benefit from them, as well? Bed rails do more than keep the sleeping person from rolling out of bed- they offer a sturdy grip and support for getting in and out of bed, too. These can be installed and attached to a wide range of bed styles; talk to a mobility retailer to learn more.

Make safety a priority in your home. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about mobility aids, like lifts and ramps, that are built for safety and endorsed by healthcare professionals. You have a lot of options in mobility equipment that can improve everyday living. Call or visit today!

Did you know that Diabetes can cause mobility issues? Diabetes is a serious medical condition that causes complications and problems with mobility and that can be life-threatening, too.

It is estimated that around 30 million people have Type 2 Diabetes in this country and around seven million have not yet been diagnosed. Diabetes can be debilitating and impact all areas of health and wellness, including mobility. If you live with physical limitations or mobility issues related to Type 2 Diabetes, talk to a qualified mobility retailer about stairlifts and aids that can help you.

Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Consider the following risk factors:

• Obesity is the prime risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight and get physical activity.
• Genetics are another risk factor for Diabetes. If you had a close family member with this disease, there is a chance you will develop it, as well.
• Some races and ethnicities are at higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes than others.
• If you have had Gestational Diabetes when pregnant, you may later have Type 2 Diabetes.
• Individuals over age 45 are at higher risk.
• Men are more likely to develop Diabetes.

If you feel you could be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, take a test to see if you have Diabetes. The American Diabetes Alert Day is observed every fourth Tuesday throughout March, which is the perfect time to visit their website and take advantage of their Diabetes Risk Test, an easy online tool.  

When you think of the impacts that Diabetes can have on your life, you may not consider how it affects the way you get around and move. The fact is, Diabetes can be devastating to your physical health and mobility, impacting your autonomy and independence in the process.

Some diabetic symptoms that may cause mobility issues include these:

Tingling and Pain

If you have Diabetes, you likely have noticed the occasional tingling and numbness that you can experience in the extremities, like your hands, your feet, and your legs. The numbness feels similar to when you have a limb fall asleep and the tingling that accompanies it waking back up. This feeling can perpetuate into a burning sensation that is not only uncomfortable but painful and concerning, as well. This loss of sensation and chronic pain can greatly impact how you move and get around, perhaps at times reducing physical activity and eroding quality of life.

Neuropathy Numbness

Diabetic neuropathy may be the cause for the previously mentioned numbness, which typically begins in the feet and legs before moving on to the arms and hands. If you experience Diabetic neuropathy can happen at any time, so it could cause you to take a nasty fall. This condition is marked by an inability to feel your feet while you are up and on them. It is a frightening experience and easy to see how it could affect mobility.

Skeletal Stiffness

When you are hyperglycemic, your Diabetes is out of control or unmanageable. When glucose levels increase and become high, sugar can stick to the collagen that is in your bones, tendons, and cartilage. The result? You will feel stiff, even sore, and your bones may ache. This is caused by the thickening of the collagen from the glucose, which curbs the body’s ability to smoothly move bones and joints through your normal range of movement. It can make you feel stiff with difficulty moving at times.

Vertigo

Have you ever heard of Vertigo? If you have experienced it, you know how unpleasant it is. Vertigo, or paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is much more common among those individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Vertigo is dizziness, sometimes nausea, and often headaches that can occur, and that makes it tricky to stand, sit, or walk a straight line. Some describe it as feeling ‘drunk’, while others may experience excruciating headaches and vomiting. With Vertigo, you may simply want to lie still.

Vulnerability to Infection

The more life-threatening symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes are the vulnerability to infection and the length of time it takes wounds to heal when you are Diabetic. Slow-healing sores could be susceptible to infection which is why so many Diabetics are amputees.

Weight Gain

The excess weight and weight gain that often accompanies Type 2 Diabetes can affect mobility and restrict physical activity. The best, and only, way to maintain mobility with this condition as you get older is with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Observe American Diabetes Alert Day this year and familiarize yourself with the struggles that diabetics endure. One may not think about the mobility complications and issues that this condition causes, but they are significant and severe. For assistance and aid with everyday activities, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about mobility solutions that make sense and that make life simpler.

Are you, or someone close to you, afraid of stairs? This is a type of disorder, a phobia, that can cause crushing fear and anxiety to those afflicted. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce and eliminate the fear of ascending or descending steps and stairs, also known as Bathmophobia.

It is estimated that over 12% of Americans have or will experience a phobia, which is an overwhelming fear or anxiety around specific triggers. For example, Bathmophobia is a distinct fear surrounding steps and using steps or stairs. This can be problematic as most homes and residences have multiple levels, and thus, stairs. Though many with this condition tend to avoid stairs altogether, their anxiety could result in a fall when faced with no other option than to navigate steps. There are some tactics that can help including the use of stairlifts and aids, that can make life a lot easier and less stressful.  

Consider these tips to help cope and overcome Bathmophobia, or fear of stairs:

Go Slow

The first piece of advice for everyone, not just those with Bathmophobia, is to go slow; slow down! Feeling the pressure to hurry and ascend or descend stairs can lead to a fall and an injury. Take the steps one at a time, hold on, and try to conquer your fear along the way. With the right footwear and a sturdy railing, you can do it.

Implement Railings

So, speaking of sturdy railings, this is a necessity if you are ever going to be less fearful of steps or stairs. Plus, a railing goes a long way toward reducing the risk of accidents and falls around the home. Depending on the configuration of the stairs, use the banister, railing, or wall to ease your way up or down the steps. If there is no support, do not try to traverse the steps; it is a safety issue that will require further resolution.

Install Aids

There are some mobility aids and devices that can solve the problem of climbing stairs. Consider the practicality of a stairlift. These aids are amazing for helping older individuals or those with physical limitations live independently and access all areas of the home. These are motorized, easy to use, and comfortable plus, you have a safety strap to make sure you are secure during transport. Stairlifts are being installed in more and more homes these days, as they have shown to significantly improve everyday living and quality of life. Talk to a qualified mobility professional to learn more!

Enhance Safety

How safe are your stairs? If your fear is partly due to the condition of the stairs, it is worth the investment to fix them and resolve the issue. Have a professional builder renovate loose, damaged, or uneven steps to make them safer. Also, make sure there is slip-proof surfacing, such as non-slip rubber or tread, to help reduce the risk of a fall.  

Move Downstairs

Is it feasible to reconfigure the home environment to one-level living? Perhaps you can use portable ramps to make entry steps or porch stairs more accessible, too? By consolidating your lifestyle to the most accessible floor of the home, you may be able to cope with Bathmophobia and experience fewer triggers.

Consider Treatment

If your condition is debilitating, have you considered professional treatment for your Bathmophobia? This is a practical option, and it has been determined that CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) can help! When you meet with a cognitive-behavioral therapist, they will teach relaxation techniques that you can use when feeling anxious or stressed about your phobia, in this case, Bathmophobia.

The therapist will work to help you replace fears about stairs with rational thoughts to reduce your stress level when faced with stairs. The counselor may achieve this goal through systematic desensitization, which is a slow and gradual exposure to the stressor over a period of time.

Ask for Help

Have you tried reaching out and asking someone that you trust for help? Talk to a friend or family member about your fear, ask for a supportive hand, or to lean on a shoulder when dealing with stairs. When you express your fear, they may provide support and steadiness that makes you more confident and less likely to fall.

Do you struggle with Bathmophobia? Pacific Mobility may be able to help. Call or visit to find out more about mobility aids and equipment like lifts and grab bars that can help you navigate the stairs in your own home safely, securely, and with less anxiety or fear. Do not live in a state of stress due to stairs and do not let your fear risk your autonomy and plans to age in place. Consider these tactics to alleviate Bathmophobia and improve quality of life overall.

When it comes to mobility aids and equipment, when will you know the time is right? It may be a tough conversation to have with a loved one but it is necessary to support aging in place and safety. Stairlifts can change lives for the better. Talk to your senior today.

The time comes when mobility aids are necessary for safety and accessibility but also for quality of life. These devices can change lives for the better when given a fair chance. Stairlifts can facilitate aging in place and autonomy for many seniors, providing them effortless access to areas of the home that may have previously been difficult.

When should you start to consider these types of things, and how do you know when the time is right?

Physical Limitations

An obvious scenario that is going to bring up a conversation surrounding the right time for aids is after a fall or other incident that demonstrates some degree of physical limitation. After a fall, an injury, or a scare, it may be easier and quite a relief, to all involved to bring up the possibility of investing in a stairlift to make the environment more accessible. Remember a stairlift helps reduce the risk of a fall and its aim is to enhance autonomy and independence, not take it away. From this perspective, the conversation should not be unpleasant but should result in a firm plan with a clear timeline.

Aging in Place

Is your loved one focused on aging in place? That is, do they want to remain in their home living situation for as long as possible? In this case, use the easy-to-follow AARP tool to assess their level of mobility and other capacities, too to determine when extra help might be prudent.

In terms of mobility, there is a ‘timed up and go’ test that evaluates how your loved one can stand and walk from a seated position, in preparation for them living on their own. This is not to say that a low performance on this testing tool rules out autonomy, it merely opens the discussion surrounding mobility aids and equipment that might make it easier and more accessible for the senior.

This testing tool also provides assessments for other areas, including mental health and wellbeing. In this test, you simply ask your senior loved one how they are feeling and whether they are sad, anxious, or down. Seniors with chronic illnesses are most at-risk for symptoms of depression, which can impact overall quality of life for a loved one.

Doctor’s Recommendation

Concerned about having a talk with your loved one about their level of mobility and autonomy? Talk to their primary provider or doctor first. If you have concerns such as issues related to your senior’s health and wellbeing, ask their provider for a recommendation. They might write a prescription for simple mobility aids and devices that can make life safer and easier for your loved one and you! It is fine to be concerned about your aging loved one, but be open to their feedback, positive or negative. in response.

Observable Difficulty

Do you have the kind of relationship with the senior that allows you to ask them if they are having difficulty? Some may not mind being asked as long as they are not being judged. Mobility aids should be presented as a blessing, rather than a curse. After all, many consumers are able to stay on their own and preserve their wellbeing by using things like stairlifts, walkers, or grab bars. These help to prevent accidents and injuries that could compromise independence. This fact alone is compelling enough for many to consider some mobility assistance.

Favorable Feedback

As long as there are no imminent safety risks, the topic of mobility aids does not have to be had in a single conversation. Plan on broaching the topic from time to time, with emphasis on the benefits and options available. Check out a website or online vendor for images that clearly depict the various types of equipment available. Be patient- most will be resistant or reticent about things that are new and unfamiliar. But, over time, your loved one could warm up to the idea of some support and stability when going about their ADLs (activities of daily living). Always treat them with respect even if you do not agree with their perspective! Reiterate the many features and advantages that these aids could provide- including greater autonomy over their own life.

Still waiting to have that conversation with your loved one about stairlifts? Do it. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility for more information and reasons to invest in mobility aids. From stairlifts to grab bars, these aids are what make it possible to hold on to independence, while staying safe.

Are you or someone you love a senior? Help by supporting independence and taking strides to facilitate safety and autonomy in the senior’s home environment. From implementing mobility aids and equipment to enlisting the help of in-home care and services, there are many things that you can do to support aging in place.

One of the biggest worries of older individuals is a loss of freedom and independence. Prioritize maintaining autonomy and support aging in place so that you or your loved one can stay in their own home and live life according to their own wishes. One way that you can help out is to encourage mobility aids that improve access and support autonomy. More on that later!

Five ways to help a senior loved one maintain independence are:

Safety First

You can support aging in place by making sure the home environment is a safe one for your senior. This includes taking an inventory of the home surroundings to ensure there are no safety risks or hazards. Consider these issues, which can be easily resolved.

• Help them declutter and get rid of anything that could present a fall risk. Keep a clear pathway throughout the home for access.
• Enhance and maintain lighting all through the living environment- but especially at the top and bottom of stairs and steps.
• Check out adaptive utensils and implements that may make cooking, food prep, and everyday tasks much easier. Look at ways to improve convenience around the kitchen.
• Get a reaching tool for your loved one to make easy work of accessing out-of-reach items or objects. These are inexpensive and easy to use, found widely at mobility retail venues.

If you have concerns about your loved one’s safety, voice them. There are also area agencies on aging in most communities that offer services and resources to improve safety around the homes of seniors at little or no cost. This might include basic home repair grants or emergency resources to help pay for fuel or heating bills. Looking out for your loved ones doesn’t compromise their autonomy, it helps to put safety first.

Implement Mobility Aids

Visit a qualified retailer and implement mobility aids around the home for your loved one. This may include things like grab bars near the toilet and sink, as well as a shower seat or tub chair for ease in the bath. If your senior would benefit from the freedom a stairlift could provide, investigate it further! These can also be installed in outdoor spaces to allow for freedom outside as well as inside the individual’s home.

Always invest in mobility equipment from qualified retailers. This way you are assured of a warranty and service after the sale. Always opt for professional installation, too. Letting laymen install or repair your equipment, like a lift, for example, can nullify any warranty in some instances.

Enlist In-Home Care

Why not enlist some in-home care to help support your senior’s independence? This doesn’t have to be a skilled nurse if your loved one’s needs do not warrant it you could simply pay for an errand service or a few hours of companionship and company each week. Make sure that your loved one is receptive to the idea of people coming to their home and respect their wishes, first and foremost.

Try Technology

It is an amazing era that we are in, particularly in regard to technology. It is possible to implement technology that can help you check in and keep your independent loved one safe and secure. From doorbell security cams and smartphones to face timing with providers and life-alert systems, the technological options can help provide peace of mind when your loved one is living alone. Do your best to keep your loved one current and active on as much technology as you can muster. Make sure they are equipped with cell service and wi-fi, too!

Offer Alternatives

It has been touched on, but perhaps the most important way to support your senior’s independence is to respect their choices. If you disagree with their decisions or feel that they are not safe, offer alternatives and other approaches rather than assert control over the situation. Seniors that lose their ability to live life on their own terms often wither. Always be proactive and resourceful rather than bossy and reproachful.

February is National Senior Independence Month, which means it is the perfect time to address the needs of seniors when it comes to maintaining independence. Advocate for support as needed, and always put safety first.

Use these tips to create a safer environment for a loved one or yourself! Independence can be closely connected to accessibility, impacting holistic health and wellbeing- talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility to learn more!

If you look over the past years, it is quite amazing how mobility aids have improved over time. Availability and access have definitely increased, but so have affordability and overall selection, too. This means good news for consumers!

Its true mobility aids and equipment have come a long way. Past generations have had to struggle to find custom equipment to suit their needs, while retailers and vendors are widely found with convenient shopping options available widely. Are you considering mobility equipment for your home or workplace? The timing could not be better!

Consider the following ways that mobility aids have improved over time:

Availability

It is difficult to imagine now, but there was a time when the mobility aids available on the open market were very limited. There were some medical supply stores in some metropolitan areas that offered a limited variety, but typically, consumers had to drive or settle for shipping when it came to getting their mobility aids and devices.

Today’s wide access and availability make it more viable than ever to obtain the aids that you need whether it be a grab bar or a stair lift! With so much availability, competing sellers, and buying options, shoppers can afford to be choosey and seek exactly what they want.

Selection

If you have ever had to settle for what you could get, you can understand how a broader selection of mobility aids is much better. Shoppers find a lot more selection and buying options than ever before, whether you are considering a reaching tool or a power lift. Even walkers have undergone a transformation, and instead of the conventional walker, you find rolling walkers, knee walkers, and a whole lot more! This allows users to get exactly what they need to improve mobility, which ensures they get optimal use from the device, too.

Innovation

Certainly, innovation over the years has contributed to the wide array of mobility equipment now available for purchase and installation into the home living environment and this same inventiveness has made it possible for these aids to be adapted to the home. Years ago, this type of accessibility was only found in commercial buildings, residential properties, and skilled nursing facilities.

So, let’s talk a little bit about some of the innovations found. Well, freestanding lifts have made it viable for individuals to age in place with the assistance of caregivers, and outdoor lifts make it possible to revisit the favorite areas of one’s property that may have previously been inaccessible. When it comes to invention, look for products made by brands like Bruno, who have exceptional solutions made with attention to quality.

Ease

Mobility aids are getting easier to use, too! When you have your equipment installed by a professional, there really is nothing to it! Simply order, wait, and observe as you are instructed by the technician on proper usage information and tips. These professionals will not leave you hanging they are available as needed by phone or online, too. They will demonstrate use and field questions until you are comfortable. Don’t worry you will get the hang of it in no time! Mobility aids are easier to use than ever before. From hand-held controls to convenient remotes, and sensors to keep you on track to top-rated customer support and service, ask about your options for enhanced ease today.

Affordability

Mobility equipment is becoming more affordable. As the range of choices expand, so do the price wars. Competitors are motivated to sell equipment, so they may try incentives and discounts to do so. Make sure that you never compromise quality or reliability for a few dollars, however. Look for vendors with a proven track record of providing top-notch customer support and services. Make sure that once you buy a mobility aid, you won’t be left on your own.

Convenience

It is also far more convenient to purchase and use mobility aids than over past years. No more driving to remote locations to look at limited selections of wheelchairs and toilet lifts. Instead, most transactions can be made online and from the comfort of your own home.

If you do have a desire to browse, online catalogs make it easy. Also, the modern times have created a lot more brick-and-mortar venues to peruse and shop, too. Call ahead to ensure the pandemic has not impacted their hours or caused closure in some regions.

Quality

You will never have to settle for subpar quality when shopping for mobility aids and devices. While times have changed, the attention and focus that Pacific Mobility puts on customer satisfaction through quality merchandise have not. Do not buy unfamiliar brands or second-hand equipment from private sellers. Avoid the hassle by only working with qualified mobility professionals in the area- like Pacific Mobility.

Thinking about mobility aids? The timing for investing in mobility equipment is perfect! Talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; they can show you the innovative and clever ways that mobility solutions have changed- and improved- over time. 

There are some situations when a stairlift is simply not the best option. Pacific Mobility does not want to sell their consumers aids that they do not need or that could be the wrong mobility solution for them. Talk to a qualified stairlift professional to learn when a stairlift is and is not the best option including some specific environmental concerns or when the individual is not able to operate the lift due to debilitation or medication, for instance.

Stairlifts are life-changing and a positive addition to the home for thousands but sometimes a stairlift is not the best option. Be wary of mobility vendors that try to sell you equipment, including stairlifts, when you have apprehension or simply do not want them. In some cases, a stairlift may not be right. Work with mobility professionals that won’t try to sell you something you don’t want, need, or will get the most from.

Sometimes a stairlift is not the best option, such as in these situations and scenarios:

Hazardous Surroundings

Are there inherent hazards in the home environment that make a stairlift less feasible? While stairlifts can accommodate practically any type of staircase or step, there are some hazards that might make it less prudent to consider a stairlift in the home. For example, if the home is in disrepair and there are issues related to stability near or around the stairs, a lift is simply not a good idea. Homes that are heavily water-damaged or that have electrical wiring issues are also not great candidates for a lift. In these instances, there are public resources that may be able to assist with upgrading and updating the home to be accessible and safe, while also preparing it for a potential stairlift later. A local chapter for the Agency on Aging would be a good place to start.

Not Clinically Warranted

Another circumstance when a stairlift is not necessary is when it is not medically merited, that is, maybe you simply do not need one! It may also be the opinion of your provider that you climb stairs in your home, either for the physical activity or for recuperative reasons. Perhaps you have had a joint replacement surgery and your physician believes climbing stairs is in your best interest. Even if you could benefit from a lift for a short time, it may not seem worth the effort for very brief rehabilitative periods in some cases. Again, talk to mobility vendors as well as your own practitioners to come to a consensus about which mobility equipment will be the best option for you, your needs, and your living environment- it may not be a stairlift!

Medication Danger

Is the primary user on medications that could make operating a stairlift dangerous? The best way to know for sure is to discuss such mobility solutions with the individual’s primary physician or provider. They will have a sense of any medications that could impair the user and make it dangerous for them to self-transport up and down stairs in the home, without supervision or assistance. If the user has a lack of coordination or balance that could cause them to fall on the landings, a stairlift may not be the best choice for the situation.

Debilitating Disease

Does the user have a disease that is fast-moving and debilitating? Is there a chance that they won’t be able to get the most use and money’s worth from a stairlift? In these instances, it might make better sense to rent a stairlift. This provides the chance to benefit from the accessibility, but also the chance to opt for something different as the needs change and arise. Also, if the individual is simply too weak or uncoordinated to use a lift it could pose more of a hazard than a help.

Other Options are Better

Do you even need or want access to the upstairs of your home? In some situations, a stairlift is not offering much more access than the individual already has. Consider how often and for what reason you want to go upstairs, or down, and whether a stairlift is prudent. Also, if your needs are temporary, such as recovering from an operation, you may want to consider renting a lift rather than installing one of your own. Stairlifts are not always the right solution. Talk to a mobility professional to find out what other options exist.

Sometimes a stairlift is not the right mobility solution. At Pacific Mobility, we care about our customers and won’t sell costly mobility aids that are not the right option for the client. Fortunately, there is a wide range of aids and equipment to suit any and all mobility needs. Don’t get pressured into a stairlift when it is not the best solution for you. Call or visit the professionals to learn more today!