From walkers to grab bars and canes to stairlifts, mobility aids that help you get safely around the home are prudent and practical investments. Visit mobility vendors in the Bay Area to find the right devices and equipment that make the home environment a safer one- from the porch to the kitchen! The right mobility aids also support aging in place, which is a primary goal for many seniors widely.
When it comes to accessing and getting around the home safely, mobility aids may be life-changing. The sheer peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be able to get where you need to go in your home living situation is reassuring and may parlay the anxiety of many seniors.
When the home is safer, the risk of a fall and subsequent injury is lessened, which is good news for anyone over the age of 65, as this population is particularly prone to debilitating falls and lengthy rehab. In fact, it is estimated that every 11 seconds, a senior is treated at a hospital for injuries sustained in a fall; it is further reported that every 19 minutes, someone over age 65 dies as a result of a fall.
Now is the time to invest in mobility aids that help you get safely around your home environment:
Scooters
Scooters are a way for those that might otherwise be housebound, or at the very least, that have struggled with ambulating for any distance, get out and remain active. Scooters work for those that lack the upper-body strength of a conventional manual wheelchair. More and more businesses are adopting scooters for their patrons, and charging stations abound in retail venues.
Scooters can be expensive, but insurance typically assists with costs for those that meet medical criteria per their doctor or providers. Work with a mobility retailer that will help you navigate this process and make it easier to get the aids that you need.
Lifts
Do you struggle with stairs? Lifts make it feasible to visit upper levels of the home, which may in some instances, be where bathrooms and bedrooms are located. Furthermore, outdoor lifts like porch or pool lifts, allow users to once again have free reign over their property and surroundings. How nice to be able to visit a garden, enjoy a patio, or take a dip in the water; lifts require an investment and professional installation so skip the DIY path for optimal safety.
Ramps
Whether you use a scooter, wheelchair, or none of the above, a ramp creates a much gentler, low-impact alternative to steps or stairs. There are portable ramps found at mobility retail venues, which are both cost-efficient and convenient to use wherever you go. For more permanent solutions, you may choose to have contractors construct a ramp over an existing staircase or build your own. Make sure to use pressure-treated wood to prevent moisture damage over time, but stain or treat the ramp to prevent it from being slippery under-foot. There are some specialized paints and stains that are anti-slip or that have a textural component added for tread.
Shower Seats
Want to make your bathroom immediately safer? Get yourself a shower seat. These water-resilient seats are made to fit in the tub or shower stall to provide users a sturdy spot to sit and bathe without requiring assistance from others or being at risk of slipping. These seats fit all different types of baths, so talk to a mobility vendor to find exactly what you need for your distinct bathroom.
Grab Bars
Grab bars around the home make problematic spots and areas safer. For instance, near a toilet where you sit and stand frequently can be the cause of a fall; a grab bar offers support and stability. Near stairs is another spot that a grab bar makes sense, as you reach for a railing. Add a grab bar to the sink in the kitchen to offer stability when doing culinary chores, like washing dishes or cooking a meal.
Canes and Reachers
Reaching tools prevent the user from over-extending and potentially losing their balance. Canes provide that same kind of support when users sit, stand, or walk over uneven terrain. This could be in your backyard or when you cook dinner in your home’s kitchen.
Aging in place refers to staying in the home living situation as long as possible, and as autonomous as possible. Mobility aids support this goal and provide many seniors with peace of mind when it comes to their future and independence. Talk to practitioners and vendors about distinctive aids to make the home more accessible and the user more independent.
Ready to check out some mobility aids or devices? Talk to the industry professionals at Pacific Mobility in the Bay Area today. This family-operated business has been accommodating the needs of those with limited mobility or physical disabilities for over 60 years and look forward to helping you. Don’t go to a business without the reputation and reviews for your mobility aids and equipment; call us today.
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)
