Hats Off to Veterans Everywhere

Veterans Day 2020 is the perfect time to pay tribute to and gratitude for our service members, past and present. Give thanks to a veteran for their sacrifice to support the freedoms that we enjoy today- despite the uncertainty of the current pandemic. Consider ways that you can make a difference in the life of someone else- a veteran or civilian- as a way of honoring the holiday this month.

Honor veterans across the map this month for Veterans Day- and consider ways that you could pay tribute and make a difference. Do you know a vet that has limited mobility? Is there someone that you love that could benefit from mobility aids or equipment? Get connected with industry experts that can assess, install, service, and support your equipment from the day that you bring it home. Whether you are considering a stairlift for upstairs access in the home or a ramp for the front door of your business, work with a reputable mobility retailer in the area that will stand behind what they sell- while also providing you with the highest quality devices around.

Honor Veterans- and seniors- widely with these suggestions:

Reduce Risks Related to Falls

Falls are a big deal. Injuries sustained in falls can be catastrophic for seniors or those that are living with other medical conditions. In fact, falls are the biggest reason why older Americans go to hospital emergency rooms. Complications arising from a seemingly mild fall can derail the independence and overall health of a senior- making them more vulnerable and susceptible to life-threatening illnesses, infections, or issues. How do you help lessen the likelihood your friend or family member doesn’t take a nasty fall? Consider safety and risks in the living environment first; discuss aids and equipment that can improve mobility for those with physical limitations or disabilities.

Convert to One-Level Living

One-level living could reduce risks of falls related to going up and down stairs in the home. Is there issues with the steps that could cause a fall, like loose carpeting or narrow risers? It may be most practical to help convert home environments into one-level situations to reduce the burdens on your senior, veteran, or loved one.

If living on one-level is not feasible, talk to a mobility professional about installing a stairlift. These are often more affordable than consumers realize, and they can provide peace of mind and safety for both seniors and their loved ones. Concerned about curved stairways or exterior steps? Don’t be; there are stairlifts available to accommodate these distinctive situations.

Promote Pets

Animals can have a therapeutic impact on owners or handlers. For instance, a VA hospital once studied residents when they implemented an aviary on-site. Normally withdrawn and quiet individuals began to initiate conversation and engage others about the birds in the aviary. Spending time with animals, including dogs or cats, can be cathartic and provide a sense of purpose, companionship, and calm. If a pet at home is not practical for your loved one, consider spending time at local venues- such as libraries or senior centers- when they have visits from therapy pets.

Install Simple Aids

Do not overlook the simplest ways to help a veteran, senior, or person living with a physical limitation; simple aids like grab bars and railings can go a long way to creating a safer environment. Grab bars make sense near sinks and the toilet but be creative and take the individual’s daily habits into account when modifying or installing grab bars. For instance, if the individual spends a lot of time outside, it could be prudent to install a handrail around the perimeter of a porch or patio- or to position a grab bar near the trash receptacles. Furthermore, installing new LED light bulbs can illuminate dim surroundings and potentially prevent a slip or fall. Put tread strips on slick surfaces and use reflective tape to mark thresholds or doorways.

Create a Wide Berth

Pay some respect to a veteran by helping them carve out an easy path through the home- particularly important if they use a wheelchair, walker, or scooter to get around. A wide berth that enables those living there to easily access all areas of the home for activities of daily living should be the goal. Smooth out the door jambs with thresholds from hardware stores.

Respect Autonomy

The least any of us can do is to respect the wishes and autonomy of a veteran- actually, for any senior who has earned the right to live life on their own terms. While safety should always be on the forefront, respect the choices and preferences of those you- or someone else- is trying to assist.

Support Aging in Place

Aging in place relates to the concept of providing seniors the freedom to live life as they wish, in their own homes, and as independent as possible. Certainly, many may have assistance or support from outside sources- including informal supports like family or friends. Additionally, home care could be an option for those that do live with medical issues or mobility limitations. Assess the home for ways to enhance and improve quality of life- with the resident’s approval and consent, of course.

Are you a veteran? If you have served, hats off to you! At Pacific Mobility, we love and appreciate our veterans; let us make your life easier with quality mobility aids to improve accessibility and convenience. Everyday life has its difficulties and you deserve to overcome these with ease; call to talk to the mobility industry professionals today.