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Stairlift Options for the Parkinson’s Patient

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Individuals living with Parkinson’s disease face distinct challenges and there are mobility aids well-suited to help. Stairlifts offer features that accommodate those symptoms specifically associated with this chronic condition and help to enhance quality-of-life for the patient, loved ones, and caregivers, too.

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April is the perfect time to begin an honest dialogue and learn more about Parkinson’s disease, as well as how it affects those around you. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition and is second only to Alzheimer’s disease as the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. There are nearly ten million people living with this condition across the globe and mobility aids can help. Industry experts suggest a stairlift to increase mobility and improve quality of overall life.

Some of the ways that stairlifts support those living with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

Accessibility

The physical ramifications and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be severe. Individuals living with this chronic condition experience body tremors, slowed movement, and muscle contraction that can make climbing stairs not just difficult, but also potentially dangerous. This can exclude many from using stairs or steps in their home environment, but assistive technology can help. The purpose of a stairlift is to increase accessibility with features that include an easy-to-operate remote, seat belt, and safety sensors, these devices increase access for Parkinson’s patients and more!

Comfort

Parkinson’s disease causes a lot of stiffness, pain, and discomfort. A stairlift is equipped with a comfortable seat and easy-to-buckle seat belt, for a gentle and seamless ride. There is no jarring or bumping. A stairlift ride is as smooth as glass. The platform at the top and bottom of the stair risers accommodates users to get on and off the lift, conveniently without obstacles. Comfort should be a primary concern when investing in mobility aids and equipment; after all, if it is not comfortable, you may be less inclined to use it. Talk to reputable mobility retailers to find out more about the comfort features available for your stairlift.

Ease of Use

Since some fine motor movements can be difficult and uncomfortable for those living with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it helps that stairlifts are remarkably easy to use. There are simple controls that make it easy to ascend and descend stairs, as desired. Tremors or impaired mobility do not interfere with easy operation of these amazing devices. Try one for yourself to see how easy a lift is to use.

Adaptability

It should also be said that stairlifts are adaptable and can usually fit on any and all staircases. Got a curved staircase? Are your stairs narrow, winding, or steep? Perhaps you are looking for an outdoor stairlift? There are lifts and solutions for all of these. Stairlifts have come a long way. They are adaptable, reliable, and quiet.

Autonomy and Independence

The loss of independence and freedom caused by symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can have a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing. It is not uncommon for many Parkinson’s patients to experience depression, anxiety, memory issues, hallucinations, and delusions, due to compromises to their autonomy, often due to mobility issues. The freedom a stairlift provides can be life-changing.  

Aging in Place

When it comes to aging in place, a stairlift makes sense. These devices help individuals stay in their own homes, longer, by helping with the above issues of access, ease, and comfort. They help the user preserve the autonomy that they need to age in place, in a home environment of their choosing. A stairlift addresses symptoms not only of Parkinson’s disease but of the normal aging process, like muscle weakness, loss of flexibility, or impairments in vision keeping them safer.

Fall Safety

Perhaps the true underlying reason for getting a stairlift is to reduce the risk of falls. Did you know that falls are the second cause of fatal deaths from unintentional injuries in the world? Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can exacerbate fall risk, and it has been reported that at least half of those with Parkinson’s will take at least one fall this year. For more than 50% of those who fall, it will happen again.

Overall Safety

Contemporary stairlifts are designed with sensors and safety features that help protect the user and anyone else in the environment. Don’t worry about faulty function or obstacles in the pathway. The stairlift will detect these. Plus, stairlifts can accommodate others using the stairs without creating a barrier or issue.  Stairlifts make stairs and steps safer. It is just that simple.

It is estimated that around one million people live with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in this country. Pacific Mobility offers stairlifts and mobility aids that preserve autonomy and independence, while also bringing an element of safety to the environment. Talk to the team to discover solutions for accessibility, ease, and convenience today.

CEAC Certified Environmental Access Consultant

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In the U.S., the physically challenged population is a rapidly growing segment already estimated at greater than 49 million people. Recent advances in medical technology have enhanced the life quality of catastrophically injured and seriously ill individuals. People are also living longer, and in terms of accessibility, the physically challenged population now includes the elderly, who add significantly to the number of persons depending on specialists in accessible home modifications and independent living solutions to address their aging-in-place needs.

Currently, there are two certifications available to Remodelers, General Contractors, Designers, Architects, Equipment Providers, Healthcare Consultants, Independent Living Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Rehabilitation Specialists, Case Managers, Public Health Nurses, Assistive Technology Specialists, Life Care Planners, and other professionals who are involved in the business of rehabbing and/or working in homes for the elderly and the physically challenged, who prefer to remain independent but also require home modifications in order to remain in a safe and functional environment.

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The Certified Environmental Access Consultant (C.E.A.C) is administered by the Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors (AHIA). The C.E.A.C. certification was created to reduce the disparity in training and practice found among professionals who evaluate the environmental access needs of the aging-in-place and physically challenged, and to promote independence and empowerment among the physically challenged and elderly. The C.E.A.C. credential was launched to answer the distinct need for formal education, validation, and credibility in this rapidly exploding field.

The C.E.A.C. credential is recognized by payers (i.e. claims adjusters, grant administrators, case managers, risk managers, health care professionals, federal and state social service directors, professional organizations, consumers) and others who continually seek qualified specialists in accessible home modifications and independent living solutions to complete design specifications, building, remodeling, code compliance consulting, ADL assessments, and aging-in-place needs.

The Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with Home Innovation Research Labs, the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP, Inc. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.

Individuals with the CAPS designation are trained in the needs of the aging population, common remodeling projects and expenditures, codes and standards, product ideas and resources. During their three-day training period, CAPS students learn techniques and strategies for establishing a sustainable, competitive, remodeling business with the senior market in mind.

The Pacific Mobility Center, San Diego’s #1 mobility resource, holds both the C.E.A.C. and CAPS certifications, making it the most intelligent choice for your aging-in-place needs, or those of your physically-challenged loved ones. That means that we understand the remodeling market and the technology and tools available, better than anyone else in the business.

Call us at Pacific Mobility Center for information on common remodeling projects, product ideas, and home modification resources.

Veteran’s Affairs Grants that Provide Assistance to Disabled Veterans

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The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government-run, military veteran benefit system. It was founded in 1930, and became a cabinet-level Department in 1989. As part of its mission, the VA provides disability compensation to eligible veterans who became disabled during or because of their military service. The VA also offers compensation to eligible dependents of veterans, including spouses, children, and/or parents.

The VA provides the following benefits to disabled veterans:

• Disability Compensation – A monthly, tax-free, monetary benefit paid to veterans who are at least 10 percent disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in, or aggravated by, active military service. A disability can apply to both physical and mental health conditions, including, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Automobile Allowance – Financial assistance is provided to help eligible, severely disabled service members and veterans purchase or adapt an automobile to accommodate their disabilities.
• Clothing Allowance – The VA can provide one or more annual clothing allowance payments to veterans who use a prosthetic or orthopedic device, including a wheelchair, because of a service-related disability or injury.
• Specially Adapted Housing and Home Adaptation Grants – These grants provide service members and veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities by helping them purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability.
• Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance – Life insurance coverage is available to veterans who have service-connected disabilities, but are otherwise in good health.
• Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance – Available to veterans and service members with severe service-connected disabilities that can help them or their families pay off a home mortgage in the event of the service member’s or veteran’s death. It is only available to those who received a Specially Adapted Housing Grant, has title to the home, and has a mortgage on the home.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – Provides educational and training services to veterans with service-connected illnesses and injuries to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. It also provides a range of career services, including: career counseling, résumé development, and other work-readiness assistance, plus on-the-job training, and apprenticeships. In addition, independent living services are also
available to veterans who are so severely disabled that they are not currently ready or able to work.
• Adaptive Sports Programs – Provides grant funding to organizations to increase and expand the quantity and quality of adaptive sport activities for disabled veterans to participate in physical activity within their home communities, as well as more advanced paralympic and adaptive sport programs at the regional and national levels.

For more information about Veterans Administration disability compensation benefits, including eligibility, establishing a service-connected disability, and how to apply, individuals can call 1-800-827-1000, or go online at www.va.gov/benefits, or www.ebenefits.va.gov, or by visiting a VA regional office.

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Ramping Versus a Vertical Platform Lift for a Mobile Home

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People in wheelchairs or those with other mobility challenges, sometimes need help getting into and out of their mobile homes. In these situations, the choice generally comes down to either installing a ramp or putting in a vertical porch lift.

A ramp is a good solution when the rise between the ground and the door is low and there is enough room for its installation. In terms of height, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires a ratio of 1:12 for all public buildings; that is, for each inch of height, 12 inches, or one foot of ramp, is necessary. And while some local building codes might be more lenient, requiring perhaps only eight inches of ramping for every inch of rise, the ADA ratio is still considered the safest solution.

So, for example, if the rise between the ground and the entry door is 30 inches, which is often standard for a mobile home, 30 feet of ramping will be needed. And if there isn’t 30 feet of straightaway space available, the ramp is going to have to be broken up with platforms, landings, and/or turnarounds, which can make a ramp project more complex and more expensive.

Another thing to think about if a ramp is being considered is the choice of material used. That generally means either wood or some type of metal – most probably aluminum. Wood may be less expensive but metal stands up better to bad weather. Either way, a ramp should be covered with some sort of non-skid surface. And it needs to be kept free of obstacles or the occasional fallen branch.

If a ramp is not an acceptable option, a porch lift, sometimes called a vertical platform lift, can be a better solution. It takes up less space than a ramp and generally has a lifting height of up to 72 inches. And a lift can be a whole lot easier and safer for a wheelchair user to operate than going up and down a long or steep ramp. The good news is that a lift can also be comparable in price. These considerations make a porch lift a reasonable alternative when a mobile home owner with mobility challenges needs to make his or her abode, more accessible.

Before you decide on which alternative is the best one for your situation, you should seek out professional advice. Here at the Pacific Mobility Center, we can assist you in making the right decision for yourself or a loved one. Call us for a no-cost assessment and a member of our staff will work with you to help you choose the most appropriate solution.

How to Keep Your Stairlift in Good Working Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stairlift Rentals in Southern California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Important is Sleep as you Age?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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