Pacific Mobility Center

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Can You Really Trust Online Reviews?

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Most people read and refer to online reviews, but can you really trust online reviews? The key is to tease-out which ones to trust from those that are bogus using a few simple tips.

Buying mobility devices is a big decision, so it makes sense to go online and do a little homework regarding customer experiences and satisfaction. When you are looking at local business reviews, how do you know which ones to trust? How can you tell which ones are bogus? The first fundamental for consumers to realize is that you can’t always believe what you read online; teasing out honest feedback requires a little insight.

Can you really trust online reviews? 

It is estimated that 39% of buyers research and check online reviews before making a purchase decision, and 88% of consumers put as much stock in an online review as they do a personal recommendation from someone that they know. Since nearly 9 in 10 consumers consider an online review as important and reliable as a personal recommendation, online reviews are a powerful marketing tool that can make or break a burgeoning business.

Here’s what you need to know about online reviews:

Read what you can online regarding local businesses, services, and products, but take what you learn with a grain of salt. Look for clear and relevant details that could help you come to your own decision about where to spend your money and who deserves your patronage. After all, every consumer’s needs and expectations are different, so what doesn’t please you may work well for somebody else.

When it comes to online reviews…

Not all reviews are real

Did you know that the internet is saturated with fake reviews? Read reviews carefully and be wary of posts that lack substantive details and reasons why the product, service, or company failed to live up to their expectations. Approximately 30% of all product reviews that you find online are fake, and 20% of other reviews, such as for companies or service provision, are also fake. It begs the question: what could be the motivation to leave a fake review?

People are often paid to leave a review

Many people are paid to leave positive reviews, while others are compensated for leaving negative feedback. Typically, you will see a disclaimer at the bottom of an online review indicating that the individual was compensated or received the item at a discount for leaving feedback, but this is not always the case. The best thing to elicit from an online review- good or bad- are specific details about the product or service that could provide information that helps you make your choice easier. Skip the overly-emotional or seemingly-dramatic reviews unless they provide tangible details about their experience that provides another perspective and additional information.

Look at the source

It may be possible to check out the reviewer to determine the legitimacy of a review; this might include how many other reviews they have left on an online platform or whether they are a validated purchaser or patron of what they are reviewing. Some platforms offer a history of other reviews, feedback, and comments that the reviewer has posted, which can reveal whether they are a chronic-complainer or someone who pens a lot of negative comments.

Pay heed to review responses

A courteous merchant or attentive vendor will respond to negative or critical online reviews; give these businesses the opportunity to defend themselves. Often times, misunderstandings or miscommunications cause knee-jerk reactions, which can lead to negative, even hostile, reviews. Responses also can provide you with a means of measuring the vendor’s professionalism and helpfulness, which could say a lot about how the company engages with their consumers and clients.

Keep an eye on the timeline

Make sure that the reviews you are eliciting information from are current and that the time-post doesn’t indicate activity that could be spammy. For instance, if you read several reviews about a mobility device that was a disappointment, and they are posted within a very short time period, be skeptical. It is unlikely that several patrons experienced this same issue at the same time, which could mean that the authenticity of the reviews is dubious, at best.

Use these tips to help narrow the field of online reviews and find the information that you need to make buying mobility devices a bit easier and less uncertain. Continue to rely on the word-of-mouth reviews of friends, neighbors, or coworkers and tease-out pertinent details from the information that you find online.

Go ahead and check out online reviews before making a decision related to mobility aids and devices. Just make sure that you keep an open mind regarding the authenticity of the review, and try to garner a sense of the motivation behind the reviewer. Skip over extremely high or overwhelmingly low reviews that don’t back up their claims with a detailed narrative. Teasing out authentic reviews can lead to insightful information and practical advice when you know what to look for.

Making Bathrooms Safe for Seniors

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shower chair

We like to think that our bathrooms are safe and private places – places where accidents don’t generally happen. But it doesn’t take a lot for a bathroom to become a dangerous place for a frail or elderly senior. According to a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 200,000 Americans are treated in hospital emergency rooms, every year, for bathroom-related injuries. And since more than one in three persons over 65 fall each year, it’s safe to say that many of those who receive emergency treatment are elderly.

By and large, bathrooms have many hard and slippery surfaces, making them especially hazardous for individuals with mobility challenges, such as poor muscle strength or bad balance. But before one can make bathroom trouble spots safer for seniors, it’s important to know where and how bathroom accidents occur. Most bathroom falls occur while getting in and out of the tub or shower; sitting down and getting up from the toilet; and walking while attempting to use towel bars, sink tops, or other objects for support.

The first modification that can be made in a shower is getting rid of any lip that has to be stepped over getting in or out. If possible, a traditional shower stall can be replaced with a walk-in model. If that is not possible, or even if it is, grab bars should also be installed close to the shower opening to supply balance support. Another bar, or set of bars, should be installed in the shower, as well. A shower chair is an easy fix to supply stability as well as a place to rest for a senior who can’t stand for long periods. Another way to modify a shower for safety is to install a hand-held shower head with a long enough hose so that its user doesn’t have to stretch or bend.

Getting in and out of a bathtub can be very difficult for a frail senior. Here, again, well-placed grab bars can be helpful. For floor to tub transfers, a bath bench is another modification that can promote safety. Two of the bench’s legs are placed outside of the tub and the other two, within it. The user sits on the bench and swings his or her legs over the side, and then slides into the tub, without having to stand up. Of course, for both tubs and showers, non-slip mats are necessary inside, and non-slip rugs should be placed on the outside.

Toilets are another potential trouble spot, but there are several modifications that can be made. Raising the toilet seat several inches reduces the need to squat and the distance that has to be covered. Additional safety features include brackets or locking clamps that stabilize the seat on the toilet rim. Also, grab bars can be attached either to the wall near the toilet, or to the toilet, itself.

Of course, bathrooms should be well-lit, with towels, soap, and toiletries within easy reach. All surfaces, walls and floors, included, should be clean and free of any soap scum that makes them more slippery. Finally, the bathroom should be as free as possible of any fragile items or those that can fall and break.

At Pacific Mobility we provide all of the necessary safety items and equipment that can help make your bathroom safe for seniors. We can also help you make the best choices for any extensive bathroom modifications that you might wish to make. Call or visit us today.

Medicare Coverage for Mobility Equipment, Explained

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One of the first questions many folks ask when they are facing mobility issues is how they will pay for the mobility equipment they need. For most, Medicare is the first place they look for coverage. However, when it comes to Medicare benefits, questions abound. In this article, we will cover the ins and outs of Medicare coverage for wheelchairs and scooters, explain the process, and answer some of the more common question questions regarding this benefit.

Medicare classifies wheelchairs and scooters, as well as many other mobility products, as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). There is a Medicare benefit covering DME, but there are some conditions and limitations. Generally speaking, as long as these conditions are met, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of the cost of the equipment. Private insurance may help cover some or all of the remaining balance.

The first step in getting your DME covered is visiting your doctor. Your doctor must be enrolled in the Medicare program. He or she will examine you and determine what kind of medical equipment your condition requires. At this point, they will then prescribe the equipment for your use. Getting this prescription is important for receiving your DME Medicare benefit. While some medical equipment is available for private purchase without a prescription, most requires one, and regardless, to receive Medicare coverage, a doctor must prescribe the equipment for your in-home use.

Once you have the prescription, it’s time to find a dealer. This dealer must be enrolled in Medicare in order for you to receive coverage for the DME. Your dealer isn’t required to accept assignment, but if they do not, you may be required to pay the entire bill (both your share and Medicare’s) at the time of purchase, and then file for reimbursement.

It’s important to note that Medicare does not limit what suppliers are allowed to charge you, but they do limit their benefit. They will only cover 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you to cover any remainder. The San Diego area, including Carlsbad and San Marcos, is in a Medicare competitive bidding area, which further limits the amount Medicare will pay towards your DME.

For these reasons, it’s important to buy from a reputable dealer who understands the DME benefit and the intricacies of Medicare’s requirements, and who will take the time to sit down with you and clearly explain their price and your share. Your dealer should also be able to work with your private insurance, if you have any, and make sure you are also receiving the maximum benefit from that insurance. When Medicare and private insurance benefits are combined properly, you may end up having to pay little or nothing out of pocket.

Here at Pacific Mobility Center, we have a wide range of scooters and powerchairs to fit your needs, but more importantly than that, because we have been in business for over 20 years, we have the knowledge and skills to help navigate the Medicare and insurance process. We will help you determine what your coverage is, and clearly explain your benefits, as well as your out-of-pocket costs. We help with the paperwork, and do what it takes to make purchasing your new powerchair or scooter a breeze. We also guarantee the lowest prices in the San Diego area, so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. Because we also live locally, we care about our clients and do everything in our power to make sure the buying process is easy, fair, transparent, and satisfying. Come see what a difference family ownership, experience, and a local connection to the community makes. Contact us or come on in to our beautiful showroom today!

 

Deciding if Your Mobility Issues Warrant Leaving Your Home

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When a person first develops mobility issues, they and their family are often faced with a tough decision. Should they remain in their own home or move into an assisted-care facility? Unless the person with mobility issues already lives in a house equipped with mobility aides, to stay in their own home, it must be properly equipped for their safety. While this process costs money, assisted-living facilities are often also expensive. Making a proper price comparison takes a thorough analysis of the costs involved with both. While this analysis can be tricky, using this easy, step-by-step guide will simplify the process and allow a decision to be made with confidence.

      1. Determine the Assistance Needs of the Person

        Mobility challenges, like the people who experience them, are unique and vary widely. Some people may be able to navigate most of the house safely, but need safety devices in the bathrooms. Other people may need the full-time use of a powerchair. Many will fall somewhere in between these extremes. Knowing what the person requires to overcome their mobility challenges allows a proper assessment to be made of the house and the equipment it needs.

      2. Determine What Equipment the House Needs

        Like people, houses are unique. Each house needs an assessment to be made of its unique requirements. Does it have a staircase? Are the doors wide enough to permit wheelchairs? Is there a large drop from the front door to the stoop? Additionally, not all areas of the house may need to be made accessible. For instance, if the house has a pool, but that pool is rarely used or unlikely to be used for a long period, a pool lift may not be necessary. Consequently, this may mean the back patio also wouldn’t need to be made accessible. Examine the house with an eye towards determining what to areas the person needs access and what challenges the person faces when accessing these areas.

      3. Get Quotes

        Once a comprehensive list of what changes to the house are needed, a proper quote can be obtained. A reputable mobility company will offer free quotes, and a knowledgeable company will be able to suggest an array solutions to many issues. For instance, a short flight of front steps may be made accessible with either a ramp or a porch lift. A good company will walk you through the pros and cons of each solution, along with the price of each, and ensure you feel comfortable with the equipment selected. Remember that prices for these products are usually negotiable. Shop around to make sure you are getting the lowest price in the area.

        This is also the time to determine the cost of an assisted living facility. Visit a range of facilities, and if possible, visit each multiple times at different times of the day and week. Visit unannounced if possible. This will provide a more comprehensive and accurate view of what the facility is like. Once a few viable candidates are determined, get quotes on prices. Remember, these prices are often negotiable. Determine what the realistic costs of the facility will be.

      4. Compare Prices

        With good quotes for both an assisted-living facility and for equipping the home, a fair comparison can be made. One important factor in this comparison is examining the out-of-pocket costs associated with both options. The amount Medicare and private insurance will pay towards both these options will vary, so be sure out-of-pocket costs are being used for comparison. A reputable mobility products company will help you determine these costs for outfitting your home, and a reputable assisted living facility will likewise determine what your share of the cost will be.

One final thing to keep in mind when making a decision, however, are the intangibles of each option. Family members may feel safer knowing a person is at a facility where additional, around-the-clock care is available. On the other hand, staying in the home is an option many prefer because of both sentiment and ease. After all, moving into an assisted living facility requires going through the expensive, burdensome, and time-consuming process of sorting and packing belongings, and often requires downsizing those possessions. Assisted living also lacks the happy memories and comfort of living in one’s own home.

At Pacific Mobility Center, we are happy to help throughout this process. We give free quotes and our trained staff offer expert advice when determining what equipment is needed for a home. We also offer the lowest prices anywhere in the San Diego area.

If you or a loved one is faced with the difficult decision of whether to refit your home for enhanced mobility and safety or move into an assisted-living facility, think of us first. We will walk you through the process of determining what equipment is needed, and give you the confidence that comes from knowing your quote is the lowest in town. If you decide staying in the home is the best option, our certified and licensed techs will install the needed equipment quickly and properly, making the entire process from beginning to end a breeze. Don’t face this difficult decision alone. Come in or contact us today.

The founder of angieslist.com discusses making a home accessible in this short video:

Using Your Bruno Stairlift Safely

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stairlift1Stairlifts are devices that allow a mobility-challenged person to safely ascend or descend the stairs. The user sits in a chair that is attached to a carriage that runs along a track installed on the side of the stairs. The carriage is powered up and down along the run of the stairs through the use of an electric motor. Stairlifts greatly improve the safety and comfort of mobility-challenged persons traversing stairs, allowing them to once again use upper or lower floors of their house that may have been previously inaccessible or difficult to access. While modern stairlifts have a number of safety features designed to make them easier and safer to use, the responsibility of using a stairlift safely still falls on the user. Here are some tips for using your new Bruno stairlift from Pacific Mobility Center safely.

Follow weight restrictions

All stairlifts have weight limits within which they were designed to operate safely. Bruno stairlifts offer a range of weight limits, including some of the highest in the industry, but those limits vary by model, so be sure to consult your manual to determine the weight limits of your particular model. Remember that anything you carry with you, including groceries or other items, count towards the weight restrictions, so be sure to consider the additional weight of those items. When in doubt, make several trips. While making multiple trips may be a hassle sometimes, the inconvenience or even danger of a stairlift failure due to the weight limit being exceeded is much greater. A broken stairlift could be expensive to repair and cause you to lose the use of your stairlift for some time. A trip to the doctor or hospital due to injury could be even more expensive and time-consuming.

Use the safety belt

Bruno stairlifts have a safety belt to prevent falls. Always use this safety belt. It will prevent accidental falls from the stairlift or will minimize your risk of injury should the stairlift fail or in the event of some disaster or emergency. Remember that California is prone to earthquakes, which could throw you from the lift chair if you are not using the belt. Earthquakes or other disasters could strike at any time. The safety belt will only help you if you are wearing it, so wear it each and every time you use the stairlift.

Only allow one rider at a time

Older users with children or grandchildren may be tempted to give them rides on the stairlift. Avoid this practice. Stairlifts are designed to accommodate one rider at a time and the safety equipment and weight restrictions are not designed for additional riders. Additionally, stairlifts are not toys and children should be discouraged from playing with them.

Discontinue use if there are signs of trouble

Bruno stairlifts are designed with safety and reliability in mind and are constructed of quality materials with superior craftsmanship. They are, however, machines, and all machines are susceptible to damage or failure. If your stairlift becomes damaged, or exhibits signs of trouble, discontinue use immediately and contact Pacific Mobility Center immediately to schedule a service call. Signs of trouble include, but are not limited to, strange noises, odd vibrations, jerky or erratic movements of the carriage, or slowed or strained movement of the carriage.

Read your manual

In addition to the tips above, all Bruno stairlifts come with a safety manual detailing proper procedures for the safe usage of the lift. Read these procedures and follow them at all times to ensure your continued safety. Be sure to follow the proper maintenance schedules for your stairlift as detailed in the manual as well. Contact Pacific Mobility Center to schedule regular maintenance of your stairlift.

With correct usage and proper maintenance, your Bruno stairlift will provide you with years of safe, reliable usage. Follow the tips above and the procedures in your manual to ensure you use your stairlift safely and to minimize your chance of injury or failure. If you ever have any questions regarding your stairlift, please contact Pacific Mobility Center immediately so that our factory-trained, knowledgeable staff can assist you in the correct usage of your device. We are always here to help.

Watch this video to see Bruno Stairlifts in action:

Choosing the Right Cane and Using it Correctly

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There are many different varieties of canes. They come in many different shapes and styles, are made of different materials, and can range widely in price. While some choices when it comes to cane style are merely a matter of personal preference, some options can affect your health and safety. Knowing how to choose the right cane, and knowing how to use that cane correctly, are very important matters for those who need some mobility assistance. A cane works by widening your base of support and decreasing the amount of weight and stress on the lower joints. The right cane for you, when used correctly, can improve your balance and ease pain in the lower joints while lowering your risk of falling. So how do you know which cane is the right cane, and how do you use it correctly? Some style options when it comes to choosing a cane are solely a matter of personal taste. Color is purely cosmetic. The handle style should be chosen according to the personal comfort of the user. Materials should be chosen according to weight and price, as some materials weigh more than others or are more or less expensive. Some canes also fold, making them easier to carry. These are decisions that make little difference to the health and safety or the user. Some options, however, can have a large impact on the health of the user and the safety of using the cane. The style of the cane and the size of the cane are of tantamount importance when it comes to choosing the correct cane and being able to use it correctly. Canes mostly come in two styles.

Single point canes, as the name implies, have only a single point of contact with the ground.

Multi-point canes have multiple points of contact and usually come in three or four point varieties.

 

 

 

 

 

Different users will have different needs when it comes to choosing between these two styles. Single point canes are usually all someone with arthritis needs, but users with neurological impairments tend to put more weight on the cane and thus multi-point canes are recommended for those users.

When being fitted for a cane, wear your normal walking shoes. Stand tall and keep your arms at your sides. This ensures the cane will be sized correctly and will avoid the need for stooping to use a cane that is too short or suffering a lack of support from a cane that is too tall. The curve of a properly fitted cane should reach to the crease of your wrist. Remember, if you are slumping to use the cane, it is too short, and if you are not able to put your weight on it properly it is too tall. Don’t be afraid to keep trying canes until you find one that is sized just right. Once you have found the right cane, it is time to learn to use it correctly. Canes are used on your strong side, not your weak side as most people think, but are moved in time with your weak side. Advance the cane a few inches in front of you in time with your weak side, and let the cane take some of the weight as you move forward slowly. This way the cane shares the load of the weak side, but is handled by the strong side to avoid putting undue stress on your weak side. When climbing stairs with a cane, start with your strong side leg first and then follow with your weak side and cane together. When descending stairs, start with the weak side alone first and then follow with the strong side and cane simultaneously. Just remember, “Up with the good and down with the bad.” This may take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you will be climbing up and down staircases in no time! We offer a wide range of canes at Pacific Mobility Solutions and our knowledgeable salespeople are able to assist you with selecting the right cane style and size. Contact us or come in today and see what a difference being locally and family owned and operated makes for you in your buying experience!

Portable Wheelchair Ramps – How to Use

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Portable ramps are manufactured and designed to be affordable and dependable in a variety of situations. They are strong as well as being easily storable and transportable. Many models of ramps are made to easily fold up and fit in the back of the van or the trunk. Folding ramp models also come with built in handles to make carrying them around easier. Since no installation is required, you can unfold the ramps and set them where they’re needed at a moments notice. Ramps are usually built of lightweight but strong metals such as aluminum. These types of ramps have up to a 600 pound capacity. (Total weight of wheelchair and occupant cannot exceed 600 pounds.)

When carrying or storage space is at a minimum, you may want to check out rolled portable wheelchair ramps. This type of ramp does just what it’s called – it quickly rolls up allowing you to place it in a small space such as in a car trunk or back of a van, and also taken with you on plane trips by being checked as baggage. Though a rollup ramp might seem a little intimidating at first, know that they are strong and safe, with side rails to keep your wheels alligned on the ramp and out of danger. One of the disadvantages to the rollup type of ramps is that the length of the ramp is limited to shorter runs than some of the other, more sturdy or rigid types. The quickness, ease of use and small storage space are what prefer in this type of ramp. To use the folding ramp, you simply unroll it, place the side rails for safety and extra rigidity, and use as needed.

There are a few companies that are now manufacturing portable wheelchair ramps out of glass reinforced plastic, or GRP, that is both extremely strong and lightweight. These new ramps boast a carrying capacity of about 550 lbs, including wheelchair and rider. They come in several different varieties, the most portable of which are the briefcase style ramps and the folding channel ramps. If you’re looking for space saving ramps, these should be small enough to fit in the small spaces of a van or trunk. Both of these types also offer almost instantaneous setup and use. You simply unfold it and you’re ready to go.

Portable wheelchair ramps have made it much easier for those people with disabilities to gain access to places and structures that have not yet been equipped with permanent building wheelchair ramps. Simply pull your own ramp out of your trunk, unfold, or unroll, and join the party.

Charging Your Mobility Equipment’s Batteries

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Many folks ask how much and when should I charge my equipment’s batteries. Read on and learn the proper way to keep your equipment in tip top running condition:

How often should I charge?

Daily Users:
Charge daily. This applies to anyone who actually uses his or her equipment outside of the home.

Occasional Users:
Always be sure to charge before an outing and always after active use. The ideal recharge point is about 50% on a scooter or wheelchair gauge.

How do I charge my Batteries correctly?

To properly charge your mobility battery, follow these simple procedures:
– Use the manufacturer’s automatic charger for all routine charging.
– Never use an automotive or wet-type charger on gel/sealed batteries. (They’ll quickly ruin your battery).
– Never run your battery completely flat.
– Don’t “top off” the battery with frequent charging.

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