Mobility aids that focus on quality of life are the ones that enhance everyday living and expand access. Consider the many ways that these aids- including stairlifts and ramps- can improve and enhance your life, living situation, and surroundings.
In January, International Quality of Life Month, puts the attention on seniors and how they might enhance everyday living. The key for many may lie with mobility aids that improve and increase accessibility around the home and living environment.
It has been studied and shown that accessibility and quality of life are connected. For seniors, quality of life may be synonymous with aging in place which allows the individual to stay in their current home environment across the lifespan. Access plays a role in aging in place, as challenges with accessibility may compromise independence. For instance, if a senior can’t navigate a way to the bathroom in their home, this can jeopardize remaining in the home.
International Quality of Life Month can represent a new beginning for those living with mobility issues or accessibility hurdles. Reflect on your life, and how it may be enhanced each day. It may come down to something as simple as mobility aids that support autonomy, like a shower seat or improved lighting on a stairway. Some may have greater challenges that merit consideration of lifts or wheelchairs, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best approach to take. Make the move to improve your quality of life this January!
Mobility aids change life for the better- consider these mobility aids that focus on quality of life:
Stairlifts
If you live in a home with stairs or steps, mobility issues can present challenges to living independently. A stairlift can remove this hurdle and make the entire environment accessible! Stairlifts should always be professionally installed to maintain any warranty on the equipment and to optimize safety and performance. Stairlifts are non-intrusive on stairs so they do not interfere with others using and navigating the stairs.
When it comes to stairlifts, you have a lot of options. Talk directly with a member of our team to learn more!
Scooters & Wheelchairs
Scooters and wheelchairs are typically prescribed by your healthcare provider to improve mobility and provide ease. While certainly scooters and wheelchairs can improve life significantly, it makes the most sense to visit a mobility retailer to find the right device for you which may include testing, trying, and observing a number of options.
The wrong chair or scooter may cause you grief over the long run, so see what you have available, and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions!
Ceiling Lifts
If you are confined to a bed due to physical disabilities or recent surgery, a free-standing lift/ceiling lift may be key to improving quality of life and fostering recovery. Ceiling lifts make it feasible to get in and out of bed, the tub, or your chair when depending on others for aid. These devices also improve the conditions for caregivers, reducing the risks of an injury that could derail and disable them, too.
Free-standing lifts are able to be moved around, from one spot to the next, with ease and comfort. Visit to see a ceiling lift in action!
Ramps
When it comes to improving conditions around the home, you can’t go wrong with ramps. Even portable ramps offer access and assistance that help many remain autonomous and in their own homes. Consider also that a portable ramp makes it possible to carry this convenience along with you creating accessibility wherever you go! What could be a greater gift than this?
As for permanent ramps, talk with contractors about specifications for ADA-approved modifications that improve access. There are often tax incentives available for homeowners making these adjustments.
Vehicle Lifts
Do you drive? A vehicle lift opens up a whole new opportunity for those that may have thought their driving days were behind them. Vehicle lifts help the driver get in and out of their van or truck, while also providing a way to stash a scooter or chair so that they can get behind the wheel. The freedom and independence of driving are a liberating experience for many!
Talk to your mobility retailer about the kinds of vehicles that are best adapted to lifts.
Shower Aids
Taking a shower is an activity of daily life; the Shower Buddy provides a way to take a shower in the home when you have mobility challenges. The Shower Buddy helps to reduce the need for transfers and lifting that could result in a fall, as well as injury to caregivers. Plus, shower buddy maintains the user’s dignity, a prudent investment.
Improve accessibility and enhance the everyday quality of life. It really is that simple; talk to the team at Pacific Mobility and find out more about mobility aids and equipment that can increase the quality of your life. From grab bars to stairlifts, we offer sales, service, and support for all the products that we sell.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
