disability

Balance and coordination are key in reducing the risk of a nasty, often injurious, fall especially among seniors. So, how can you improve balance and lower the hazard? Balance training has some surprising benefits for those who live with limited mobility or physical disabilities. Here is what you need to know! 

If you live with physical limitations or if you are getting older, balance is more important than ever. A loss of coordination or balance can precipitate a nasty fall and accidental falls are the leading cause of death by injury among seniors over 65. While mobility aids can help you with accessibility and safety, there is more that you can do. For example, observe Balance Awareness Week during September to find out more about what is causing your falls or lack of balance to keep yourself safe.  

So, what exactly is balance training, and perhaps more importantly, how can it help? 

Sense of Balance 

Balance is related to the body’s center of gravity, and sensory responses from the brain. Many things can impact your sense of balance, from medical issues, mobility challenges, weak muscle mass, and aging. A loss of balance can result in symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and headache, but perhaps the most hazardous repercussion of poor balance is an increased fall risk. When a senior takes a fall, it can be debilitating and impacts the ability to perform activities of daily life, like bathing or walking. In some instances, a fall can be fatal, as many never recover from their injuries or contract infections.  Preserving and improving a sense of balance has numerous health benefits and advantages.  

Balance Training  

To improve your sense of balance, try balance training which can easily be added to your everyday routine. Athletes perform these exercises to enhance their performance; seniors may use balance training as a means of reducing their risk of a fall. Young and old alike can benefit from postural exercises that lengthen and strengthen the body’s core.  

Some examples of balance training exercises are standing on one leg, jumping, hopping, and climbing steps or stairs. These will gradually increase and improve balance, while also enhancing holistic health and wellness. Talk to your healthcare provider or trainer to gently and gradually get started.  

Balance Training Benefits 

There are some compelling advantages of regular balance training but always do so with the endorsement of your health provider. Many of these activities can be modified to suit your level of fitness and mobility.  

Some of the predominant benefits of integrating balance training exercises into your routine include: 

• Lowering your risk of a fall or fall-related injury 
• Helps to improve posture, which may reduce chronic back pain 
• Helps to increase and improve your overall strength 
• Increases flexibility, which also helps reduce risks of falls 
• Improves balance and coordination when standing and walking 
• Helps to improve your ability to resist and protect yourself during a fall 
• Can help hasten motor responses 
• May enhance confidence surrounding autonomy, and reduce anxiety surrounding the fear of falls 

Ideally, seniors should plan balance training exercises three times weekly, optimally for periods of 30-45 minutes per session for best results. Again, talk to your health provider to find out more about balance training recommendations.  

Activities of Daily Living 

A loss of coordination or balance can impact how you perform your most basic activities of daily living. This includes but is not limited to things like: 

• Dressing 
• Bathing 
• Grooming 
• Toileting 
• Preparing meals 
• Climbing steps, stairs, or walking 
• Getting to and from necessary appointments and engagements 

It may also dramatically affect your ability to participate in social or leisure activities that you enjoy. This can have a negative impact on overall quality of life and satisfaction. Some goals of a balance training regimen can include resuming these endeavors, while in turn, improving overall physical function and quality of life for the individual.  

Are you a candidate for balance training? Get started today! 

A good sense of balance is helpful for anyone, but are you a particularly good candidate for getting started? If you walk, dress, bathe, or complete any other activities of daily living, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’! We all benefit from having better balance, which in turn can help prevent falls. Some groups that are at greater risk of falls and related injuries from a loss of coordination and balance include these individuals: 

• Seniors 
• Anyone with a physical disability or mobility issue 
• Individuals with neuromuscular health conditions, like Parkinson’s disease or a history of stroke 
• Those with dementia  
• Those recovering or rehabilitating from serious conditions, including Cancer 
• Individuals who are amputees 
• Overweight or obese individuals 
• Anyone who lives with chronic pain conditions, including back, hip, or leg pain 

Want to find out more about the surprising benefits of balance training? Speak with your physician or physical trainer to learn how. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility for mobility aids that can reduce your own risk of a fall, while also improving your overall quality of everyday life.  

Looking for mobility aids to make life more accessible? You have a lot of options, which do you choose? You may want to consider what others with similar situations or conditions have chosen, and why they made those buying decisions. As always, discuss potential solutions with your healthcare provider and visit a reputable area mobility retailer to find out more about popular mobility aids. 

It is true that mobility aids have the potential to change lives for the better, but which one is right for you? The best approach to shopping for mobility aids, like walkers and stairlifts, is to visit a reputable mobility retailer in your area to view, try, and discuss your options. When it comes to high-quality, reliable mobility solutions, you have a lot to choose from.  

Consider these popular mobility aids and why they can improve your accessibility, while increasing your quality of life, too: 

SuperPoles 

Have you heard of the ‘SuperPole™’? This modular support system is intended to provide stability and support when standing up, moving, or transferring in and out of bed. Those who struggle with physical limitations may find that these sturdy poles installed near their sleep space allow for independence and ease.  

The SuperPole takes very little time to install, though it does require the expertise of a mobility professional. This aid is a grab bar, of sorts, extending from the floor to the ceiling of your home. The pole is pressure-mounted and provides a measure of safety to all who use it. Some other places in the home where you may find a SuperPole are the bathroom alongside the toilet or in a living space next to a couch or chair. It typically features foam grips for a better grasp.  

Stairlifts 

When it comes to improving access, a stairlift is a very popular option. Bruno stairlifts is a recognized and reputable brand that is touted for quality, longevity, and performance; talk to a mobility retail professional to find out more.  

Stairlifts are not exclusive to the main staircase in a home. Many use these lifts indoors, but also outside, too. Lifts can be installed to get you off and on a porch or outside entry to the home, as well as in and out of a swimming pool or your vehicle. When contemplating the viability of a stairlift, speak with your healthcare provider to determine out-of-pocket costs, as insurance may provide some relief, depending on your diagnosis or disability.  

Shower Seats and Benches 

Most accidental falls in the home occur in the bathroom. This is probably not surprising given the slick surfaces and nature of this area of the home environment. So, how can you make it safer? Shower seats and benches are a cost-effective approach to reducing your risk of a fall and subsequent injury, and they are widely available. These offer support in and around the tub and shower, with a range of styles to suit the primary user’s preferences.  

Grab Bars 

Sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest. That may be the case with grab bars, which are easy-to-install grips that offer sturdy support when and as needed. Some ideal places for grab bars include near sinks, toilets, and thresholds, which could present fall risks ordinarily. Make sure that these are expertly installed to ensure stability and optimal support.  

Bed Rails 

A simple but popular mobility aid is a rail for the bed. Bed rails provide assistance in getting in and out of bed. These are usually installed between the mattress and the box spring of the bed securely, with an anti-slide grip for a firm hold. These are unobtrusive and discreet, often in styles intended to meld with your bedroom décor.  

Lift Chairs 

Lift chairs provide a gentle nudge to help individuals up and down in a comfortable recliner-style chair. These are motorized and ideal for those who may have difficulty or discomfort standing and sitting. These are often found in rehabilitative environments for those recovering from injuries or surgeries. These chairs typically feature a remote control and come in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit your distinct décor. Lift chairs make a great gift idea, too.  

Ramps 

Have you given any thought to getting a ramp? Different kinds of ramps are also popular mobility aids that come in door threshold, folding, modular, and fixed styles. Also, consider portable ramps which are a convenient option that is ready to go where you are with a price that is compelling. Ramps go a long way to reducing the risk of a fall injury, while also creating a more accessible home environment for you, and whoever visits your dwelling.  

Want to find out more about some popular mobility aids? Come see us at Pacific Mobility today! 

So, you have decided to get a stairlift- what happens next? Buying a stairlift is a big decision that will change your life and accessibility for the better. When buying from a qualified mobility retail venue, expect personal service and attention to ensure a smooth transition into using your mobility equipment. Here is what you can expect on installation day when you decide to get a stairlift. Congratulations! 

If you are looking for mobility aids that enhance accessibility, while creating a safer home environment, a stairlift may be the best option. Stairlifts can foster independence and convenience that lend to aging in place, an overarching goal for many older Americans. Stairlifts provide a safety net for many seniors or individuals living with physical limitations by reducing the risks of falls going up and down stairs in the home. Whether your steps are indoors or outdoors, curved or straight, steep or shallow, a stairlift may be a viable option for you. 

Congratulations on your decision to get a stairlift! Here is what you need to know: 

Installation Day 

When installation day comes, know that it is OK to be home when the technician comes to install your new stairlift. There is no need to plan to be away if you prefer not to. In fact, this ensures you get some one-on-one time to ask questions that you may have. The process does involve the use of power tools, so it may be noisy and there could be some dust. Are you sensitive to sound or dust? No problem: your technician can install the lift and clean up so that when finished you can come home to your new stairlift. The choice is yours! 

Installation Time 

It can take anywhere from a couple of hours to all day to install a new stairlift. The installation time depends on many factors, including complexity, brand and model, and the distinct shape and size of your stairs. Typically, Bruno stairlifts, a widely recognized and reputable leader in mobility aids, takes around two to three hours. If your staircase is curved, very steep, or unique in some other way, it can take longer. For an approximate timeline, curved stairlift installations often take around five hours.  When scheduling your installation appointment with the mobility retailer, they will give you an approximate timeline so that you can plan accordingly.  

It is important to mention that custom stairlifts are available to accommodate any staircase or stairway that you may have. Do not assume it will be cost-prohibitive or impossible to install a stairlift in your distinct home; talk to a qualified stairlift retail professional to find out more.  

After Installation 

When the installation has been completed, the technician will demonstrate how your new stairlift works. They will show you how to operate, ascend, and descend on your lift while answering any questions that you might have. They will show you how features like the sensors, safety belt, and fold-in seat work, too. When you buy from a reputable mobility retailer, your confidence and satisfaction are key. The installation technician will not leave if you are not comfortable with your new equipment.  

Stairlift Support 

After the technician has left, the service and support do not end. Customer satisfaction and feedback are key to a mobility retailer; the ability to call and receive assistance is important for customers with new mobility aids. At Pacific Mobility, we pride ourselves on our service after the sale and have been providing it to our clients for generations.  

Stairlift Installation Requirements 

If you want to keep the process short, sweet, and simple, there are a few things that you can do prior to the mobility aid technician arriving to install your lift. How can you prepare for your stairlift installation? 

Here are a few tips: 

• Remove obstacles from the stairs, like plants or objects, including things hanging on the wall, like photos, if possible.  
• It is a good idea to remove anything that is in the way of your new lift including leaving a clear path to and from the stairs.  
• Take a photo of the stairway just prior to having your new lift installed. This ensures that if any damage accidentally occurs, you have pictures available of the ‘before’ and ‘after’. Rest assured, mobility technicians are very careful and considerate of their clients’ homes.  
• Remember that you will need a nearby outlet for your new lift. An appointment with a mobility retail professional will help pinpoint and address this. While your lift operates by battery, an outlet ensures an easy and convenient charge that should extend the life of your battery.  

At Pacific Mobility, we believe that stairlifts change lives for the better. Call on our team to install and service your new stairlift. Call or visit for scheduling that is most convenient for you- and start using your new stairlift right away!  

Yoga can improve flexibility and reduce chronic pain among those who practice regularly. Since National Yoga Awareness Month in September is upon us, it makes sense to look closer at yoga and how it may benefit your holistic health and well-being, particularly if you have limited mobility or physical disabilities. 

National Yoga Awareness Month observes and celebrates the many benefits of yoga. Since 2008, Americans have participated in National Yoga Month through learning and engaging in this ancient practice. This observance is meant to shed light and motivate consumers to try yoga and reap the health rewards of consistent practice. Don’t think you can do yoga due to physical limitations? Try these yoga exercises instead:  

• Chair yoga for those who have mobility issues 

• Yoga pose modification for individuals with knee-replacement 
• Adaptive yoga poses for individuals with cerebral palsy 
• Pranayama yoga and breathing for those with multiple sclerosis 

Typically, National Yoga Month is observed with events, classes, and educational opportunities, but check your local calendar and civic groups for more information pertaining to your region. Also, consider mobility aids to enhance accessibility. 

Adaptive Yoga for All  

These various and modified practices are known as adaptive yoga. This type of yoga considers all different bodies, skills, abilities, and mobility levels. These groups are typically accessible to all with poses taught to be adapted to the participant’s distinct ability and conditioning. Some practitioners call these ‘accessible yoga’ practice.  

If you have ever had the opportunity to attend an adaptive or accessible yoga class, you likely noticed that they are smaller with more individual attention than perhaps a larger, more conventional fitness class may be. These classes tend to work more slowly, providing more time for each pose and allowing for additional instruction or guidance, as needed. However, these adaptations should not be mistaken as less rigorous, as these types of yoga still provide a great workout.  

Rather than a specific way of doing each pose or exercise, this yoga practice puts the emphasis on adapting the move to the individual. One way that this is achieved is with Chair yoga, for instance, but more on that soon! 

Benefits of Adaptive Yoga 

So, what is the purpose of adapting yoga poses and putting in the work? Many experts suggest that there are holistic advantages of yoga, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Plus, regular yoga practice can increase and improve mobility with consistency, among other compelling perks. What are some other benefits of adaptive yoga? Well, according to health experts, there are a few, including these: 

• Chair yoga is a gentle and low-impact way to reap the benefits of this exercise. It helps gradually strengthen the mind and body, according to research.  
• Yoga- including chair yoga can also help subdue chronic pain among participants.
• Studies show that chair yoga and other adaptive practices can reduce the swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, participants with physical disabilities report less interference and issues with everyday activities when engaging in yoga at least twice weekly.  
• Yoga can improve coordination and increase balance among seniors which may result in fewer adults falling or experiencing injuries related to a fall. Regular chair yoga can improve confidence and stability so that falls are less often and less severe. Since falling is the leading cause of injury and accident-related fatality in the US, this is a compelling reason to advocate for adaptive yoga practice.  
• Yoga and deep breathing exercises can be effective ways to combat anxiety and lower stress. Thus, this may help improve and boost mood, too.  
• Yoga offers many yogis relief from the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Regular yoga can lower inflammation in the body, which can reduce chronic pain of various types.  
• Yoga has been shown to lower the incidence and progression of health conditions, including heart disease.  
• Participating in yoga classes or groups, albeit small ones, can provide the same benefits of regular socialization. Social engagement is key to healthy aging; make yoga one way that you meet and interact with others! 

From chair yoga to deep breathing, the benefits are most notable when you practice regularly. Consistency is key to unlocking a wide range of health perks including those that are mentioned here. Make the commitment to do yoga daily throughout September, National Yoga Month, this year. Regardless of conditioning, age, mobility, or other medical issues, these benefits are yours with regular and routine yoga practice. Talk to a yoga instructor or engage other ‘yogis’ in your area to find out more and improve your mind-body wellness right now.  

Could yoga improve your mobility? With regular practice and consistency, it can! As always, talk to your healthcare provider before embarking on a new health or fitness regimen, and talk to the team at Pacific Mobility about everyday mobility aids to make life easier and more accessible.  

Do you have a stairlift? Are there things that you wish you had known first? It pays to do some research before making buying decisions, and you should try to avoid such an important purchase in haste. With a few simple tips, you can avoid buyer’s remorse and find mobility aids that truly improve your quality of everyday life.  

Thinking about a stairlift? Avoid issues and regrets by doing a little homework to find the best option for your distinct situation. Mobility retailers widely will demonstrate, service, and install aids, but will they provide customer support after the sale? Additionally, there is a lot of misinformation floating around surrounding mobility equipment, like stairlifts, so research may help you debunk some myths, too. Before investing in mobility aids, there are some things that you should know:  

Stairlifts are Easy to Use and Operate 

Do not be concerned that stairlifts are difficult or complicated to use. They are easy and your installer will demonstrate the operation for you. Customers widely report how easy it is to learn and use their stairlifts.  

Anyone Qualifies for a Stairlift  

Remember that anyone can qualify for a stairlift. These are aids that help preserve and increase accessibility, so anyone may benefit from them. Visit a mobility retailer to learn more about available mobility options.  

There is a Lift to Fit your Stairs 

If you have been delaying a stairlift due to the configuration or condition of your stairs, what are you waiting for? Stairlifts come in a wide range of sizes and styles to fit most staircases and steps, but they can also be customized for unique and unconventional stairs, too. Talk to a mobility professional to find out what options exist for your distinct stairs or living situation.  

Stairlifts are Unobtrusive to Others 

Worried that a lift will block or obstruct the main stairway in the home? Don’t be. Stairlifts are less intrusive and easy for others to navigate and pass on the stairs. Also, stair lift seats fold in to create a wider berth at the top or bottom of your stairs.  

Stairlifts Work Indoors and Out 

There are stairlifts intended for inside and outside use. This can provide accessibility to practically anywhere in any home environment.  

Stairlifts Can be Temporary  

Mobility aids can and may be a temporary mobility solution for patients recovering from an accident, injury, or illness. They are a great advantage during rehab and recuperation. Speak with your physician to find out more! 

Be Wary of Secondhand Purchases 

You may find some seemingly good deals on secondhand stairlifts during your research into mobility aids. Do not be tempted or lured in; while the price may be right, you must be wary of secondhand stairlifts. First, a lift should always and only be installed by a professional mobility technician, and second, you will not have the consumer support later that is integral to long-term satisfaction. More on that soon! 

Stairlifts May Cost Less than You Think  

Do not assume that a stairlift is beyond your budget. Many times, insurance coverage helps defray the costs. Furthermore, if you lack insurance, many retailers offer financing or finance options to help get you the mobility equipment that you need.  

Seek Support After the Sale 

One problem with buying a stairlift from a third party is that you will not have the support later, after the sale, that is so very valuable and important. Who will you call if you experience a technical issue with your lift? What about safety inspections? How about if the lift incurs damage and needs repair? Develop a relationship with a mobility retailer near you for that safety net later, when you want support or services. 

Other Aids May Make More Sense 

Is it possible that you do not need a stairlift, but that another mobility aid makes more sense? The best way to assess and determine the right mobility solutions for you is to visit a qualified and reputable mobility retail store to see what they have to offer. They will ask basic questions to hone in on the devices and aids with the potential to change life for the better.  

Who You Buy From is Key 

Don’t experience buyer’s remorse later from choosing the wrong vendor or retailer to purchase your lift. Look at customer feedback and reviews to evaluate how satisfied customers are before visiting and shopping at a mobility retail venue. Seek out those retailers that provide service after the sale including support in case you have questions or concerns about your equipment.  

Thinking about purchasing a stairlift to increase accessibility? Pacific Mobility has been providing quality mobility aids and equipment for generations throughout California. We offer service, support, and devices that truly change lives for the better. Call or visit us to learn more.  

There are a few basic mobility aids that every senior should utilize to enhance accessibility while also reducing the risk of a fall or accidental injury. These are easy enough to find at a mobility retail venue in your region, and buying from a reputable vendor ensures satisfaction after the sale, too. Here is what you need to know! 

It is estimated that there will be around 78 million seniors living in this country by the year 2035. Perhaps the biggest hurdle that this demographic faces is related to maintaining physical well-being, which in turn, contributes to quality of life. Since falls are the leading cause of injurious and fatal accidents for older Americans, it makes sense to do what we can to prevent these incidents. Mobility aids can help circumvent hazards, falls, and subsequent injuries.  

Here are some basic mobility aids that every senior should use: 

Grab Bars 

Quite frankly, every home should implement grab bars as a safety precaution. These are most seen near sinks, toilets, steps- anywhere that a bit of stability could be helpful. A sturdy grab bar can help reduce the risk of a fall, especially in the bathroom where the floor may be slick or wet. Make sure that grab bars are installed properly to ensure they are secure and supportive later.  

Shower Seats and Benches 

Speaking of the bathroom, another mobility aid that every senior should use is either a shower seat or bench. These are found in a wide variety, depending on your bathroom, budget, and preferences. Some slide over the tub wall, providing an easier way for the user to get into the tub for bathing or showering, while other styles fit inside the tub or shower stall for a spot to sit while washing. Either way, these are found widely at reasonable price points.  

Walkers 

Many seniors benefit from a bit of support when moving about, which is where walkers come in. These are found with seats, and without, as well as with wheels, brakes, or in manual styles. The best walker to buy depends on your level of mobility; talk to a healthcare professional to find out more. Also, consider visiting a mobility aids retail venue to see for yourself how much support and stability a walker can provide.  

Reaching Tools 

Another aid that no household should be without is a reaching tool. These are amazing! They extend your reach so items can be grasped, grabbed, or accessed with ease. For some seniors, bending or leaning can precipitate a nasty fall; reduce this hazardous risk by using a reaching tool in these situations. These are easy to use, inexpensive to buy, and invaluable around the home! 

Ramps 

Another mobility aid that every senior should utilize is a ramp. Most public offices or healthcare settings use ramps, as they provide an easy way to ascend or descend in or out of the building. These are found indoors and out. Typically, there are two different types of ramps available widely; they are: 

• Permanent ramps are the ones that you typically find outside a commercial building or a home that can be lengthy. These are meant to be permanent fixtures, built to accommodate the structure and the height of the entry.  
• Portable ramps are intended for temporary use, such as in a rental or if you are in rehab following an injury or surgery. These can be folded up and taken with you when you go for accessibility elsewhere, too.  

The best type of ramp again depends on your distinct needs. Visit a mobility retailer to see different portable ramps when making your buying decisions. A permanent ramp usually involves a consultation with a building contractor.  

Stairlifts 

Have you tried a stairlift for yourself? Many public places have stairlifts for consumers with mobility or accessibility issues- try one. They are easy to operate and truly make everyday life safer. Steps can be tough on individuals with physical disabilities, or those that are recovering from an injury, illness, or operation. A fall on stairs could be devastating; use a stairlift instead.  

Stairlifts are more common and affordable than you may think, too. Talk to a mobility retail professional about installing a lift in your home today.  

Senior Citizen Day 

Senior Citizen Day on August 21st provides an opportunity to increase awareness and insight into aging, highlighting resources and opportunities to improve the everyday quality of life for this population. Since 1988, this day has been set aside to honor and acknowledge the many contributions of older Americans. What a perfect time to contemplate mobility aids that may make everyday life better for yourself or a senior that you care about.  

Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility for quality mobility aids and equipment that every senior should use. From grab bars to stairlifts, enhance access and improve everyday life with simple tools available widely.  

Before you take the leap to invest in a stairlift to improve accessibility around your home environment, evaluate your needs objectively. First, ask yourself a few questions and be honest; would you benefit from a stairlift? Next, visit qualified and reputable retailers to see options and operations first-hand. Visit Pacific Mobility to learn more. 

Is it time to start considering mobility solutions to improve your accessibility? A stairlift is a life-changing mobility aid that can be installed practically anywhere- indoors and out and helps many individuals age in place while remaining in their homes during later years. Depending on your physical limitations, a stairlift can improve safety, convenience, and even self-confidence among users. Talk to your healthcare professional to learn more about the great potential of mobility aids for you.

Ask yourself a few questions to determine if a stairlift could be a viable option for you: 

• Have you experienced a fall? How about stumbling or loss of balance when walking or standing? 
• Do you take any prescription medications? 
• Do you live with medical issues or conditions that could impact your gait? 
• Do you live with limited body strength overall, but particularly in your legs or feet? 
• Do you tire easily? How is your stamina? 
• Does it hurt to stand or walk? Sometimes? Always? 

Stairlifts are intended to improve access, while also increasing safety. Does this sound like something that could be right for you?  

Consider the following criteria to evaluate your need- or not- for a stairlift: 

Accessibility Challenges 

Consider exactly what your accessibility challenges are around your home. Is it going upstairs to use a bathroom or bedroom? Or, is it outside when you want to enjoy your greenspace? Hone in on those areas of the home that cause you difficulty or that are simply inaccessible when evaluating your need- or not- for a lift.  

Coordination and Conditioning 

The next criterion to assess is your own level of physical conditioning and coordination. Are you typically clumsy? Have you experienced a fall? If you are older, a fall can be debilitating with serious repercussions. Think about your own risk factors for an injury when contemplating the purchase of a stairlift.  

Stress and Anxiety 

Do you worry about going up or down stairs in your home? Do you avoid them at all costs? While this may indicate that a lift is indeed a prudent purchase, some buyers may experience angst at the thought of adapting to and using a stairlift regularly. Only you know what your individual feelings are, but keep this in mind when deciding on whether or not to invest in a stairlift.  

Home Environment 

Another criterion that may point to the right mobility solution for your home is the actual environment. This includes the configuration, types of stairs, layout, and more. Rest assured that there are lifts for the most complicated situations, including straight or curved stairlifts, for indoors and out. Take a good look around your home environment to determine if it is time for a lift, or if there are other safety measures to address first that may improve accessibility also. 

Recovery Goals 

What are your goals for implementing mobility aids? Is it during rehabilitation or recovery from an injury or surgery? Or is it more long-term to make everyday living more adaptive and convenient? Consider your own distinct goals when looking over available mobility solutions. If you are recuperating and the lift is a temporary fix, consider leasing one from an area mobility vendor. If you are a senior or if you have physical limitations, you may benefit from a more permanent option, like a stairlift. Talk to a mobility retail professional to find out more.  

Safety Issues 

The underlying aim of a stairlift is to ensure safety. These make it possible to visit areas of the home that may previously have been inaccessible. This can increase the individual’s independence and ability to complete activities of daily living- like bathing and dressing- without assistance in some cases. Depending on the nature of your own limitations or challenges, a stairlift can make everyday living safer and by preserving autonomy, it can improve quality of life for those that are aging in place at home.  

Additionally, a stairlift may help preserve the health and well-being of caregivers and those that assist the user routinely.  

Your Lifestyle 

Speaking of aging in place, what is your lifestyle like? Do you want to remain in your current home environment indefinitely? If so, a stairlift can help make this feasible. The benefits of a stairlift are long-term; remember this when evaluating your own need for one.  

Do you need a stairlift? We can help; Pacific Mobility brings generations of expertise regarding mobility equipment to help you make an informed decision. Call or visit us today. 

Have you taken a good look around your home lately? It is important to periodically evaluate your living space with a critical eye to determine any safety risks that could cause an injury. This is particularly prudent for anyone with physical disabilities or mobility challenges in an effort to reduce the risk of a fall and subsequent injury. 

If you take a look around your home living environment, you may be able to detect safety issues or hazards that may go largely ignored. Did you know that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors over age 65? To truly have a safe home, the goal should always be to reduce the risk of a fall. Fortunately, there are simple steps and measures that consumers can take to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety in the home- including checking the living space with a critical eye often. Also, for those seniors with physical limitations, mobility aids can be life-changing.  

Potential Problems and Hazards 

So, what are the hazards and issues that you need to watch for? Anything that could interfere with accessibility or that has the potential to cause a fall should be addressed. Take a look around your home- consider the everyday hurdles and challenges that you face.  

Also, ask yourself a few questions to identify potential problems and hazards in the home: 

• Do you avoid using certain areas of the home because they are up or down stairs? 
• Do you struggle to see well in the home? Is it dimly lit? 
• Do you have a lot of clutter? Would less make everyday activities easier? 
• Is the flooring intact and level, or are there edges that could cause you to trip? 
• Do you struggle to get in or out of the home? 
• Have you fallen in the home before? Outside of the home? 
• Do you have physical challenges that require mobility aids or equipment? 
• Is there a wide path through the entire home? Are there areas or spaces that you simply can not visit? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it is time to address your living space and make it safer. There are resources available to help, but many may simply require making a change and possibly a bit of assistance from a friend or family member.  

Additionally, mobility aids may help to reduce hazards in your home. Here’s how: 

• Install grab bars for stability and support, particularly near sinks, steps, and the toilet. 
• Talk to a mobility retail professional about stairlifts to enhance access to upper levels of the dwelling. These can be installed indoors and out, and fit a wide range of stairs from steep to curved. 
• If you own the dwelling or have permission to do so, consider installing ramps for easier access to the home. Do you rent or lease your home? Another option is to invest in portable ramps that offer a temporary solution for access; plus, these can be taken with you to ensure access away from home, too.  
• Buy a reaching tool to reduce the risk of a fall when trying to get a hold of something that is out of reach. This may be especially helpful in the kitchen, where cabinets can be quite deep and difficult to access for many.  
• A shower seat can reduce falls in the shower or when bathing. These offer stability and come in all kinds of styles and sizes.  

If you feel that you would benefit from mobility aids, like stairlifts or shower seats, contact us to find out more. 

National Safe at Home Week 

Observe National Safe at Home Week in August, the 22^nd through the 25^th, and pay attention to safety measures around your living situation. This is particularly important for seniors with the goal of aging in place; simple steps may help accommodate those that wish to live in their own homes as long as possible. 

Some suggestions that may help include these tips: 

• Go online to find public assistance and grants that may offer incentives and resources to update your home. 
• Are you familiar with what the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) references? Use this as your guide when making accessibility modifications and accommodations.  
• Refurbish the kitchen to include lower countertops and appliances, as well as easier reach to lights and fixtures.  
• Make sure that doors and halls allow for easy passage. Create a wide berth through the home that will accommodate mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs. 
• Invest in bright, LED lighting. 
• Use technology to respond to your voice. That allows you to perform basic functions- like turning lights on or off- with ease.  
• Get rid of any clutter or items that could create a fall risk. It is much easier to navigate with mobility aids, too.  

Take a good look around your living space: do you detect any accessibility challenges or safety issues? Reach out to the professionals at Pacific Mobility; we offer quality mobility aids and equipment that will help circumvent these issues to help keep you comfortable, safe, and independent. Call or visit us today.