Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges involves a thorough assessment of needs and unique mobility solutions to preserve autonomy and improve quality of life. Pay homage to a veteran this November 11th for Veterans Day.
Veterans face distinct challenges, particularly if they live with mobility issues and disabilities that can impact and even jeopardize their autonomy and independence. If you or someone you love is a veteran, mobility experts encourage that you make Veterans Day, on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, a time to reevaluate needs and look at solutions that improve the overall quality of everyday life.
Providing special attention to the needs of veterans with mobility challenges on Veterans Day on November 11th
Pay homage on Veterans Day on November 11th this year by assessing and honoring someone who has served. For many veterans, care and attention to special needs can be life changing and something that may be found with scooters, lifts, and aids that increase access and preserve autonomy. Don’t forget to also thank service personnel on Silver Star Banner day in May, which is another time set aside to commemorate those that have been wounded, ill, and injured while serving their country.
It does merit a closer look at some of the hurdles and challenges when assisting this often-underserved demographic. Some of the inherent obstacles in providing access and assistance to veterans include the following:
The Sheer Numbers
Maybe the biggest issue presenting to those wanting to help veterans is the sheer number; the number of disabled veterans has jumped by 25 percent since 2001 to around 2.9 million. This is a large population with very diverse and distinctive needs that simply are not being met by the VA hospitals and crowded clinics that are reserved for this demographic. Furthermore, this figure by no means represents all veterans that are struggling with limitations, disabilities, or issues that may not manifest in physical symptoms and therefore could be overlooked. War takes a toll on the individual’s physical well-being but also affects, impacts, and compromises mental health, too, which is easier to conceal and harder to diagnose.
A Lack of Resources
There is simply a lack of access to health care, transportation, and financial resources for veterans. As mentioned, the numbers make it difficult to receive help but also assistance may be further away for those who need it the most. Rural veterans and those trying to maintain a home may not be able to visit health care settings when needed and could fall off the radar of those attempting to intervene. Accessibility remains a hurdle for many living with physical limitations and mobility issues widely, including non-veterans.
The Stigma
There is a stigma associated with reaching out for help; early war veterans didn’t give credence to their disabilities when returning home due to stereotypes and fear of being perceived as weak. In light of more recent wars, veterans are returning home with complex conditions that impact everyday living, requiring assistance and intervention. The stigma of being wounded prevents many from reaching out, therefore depriving themselves of the aids, equipment, and treatment that could improve the quality of their everyday life.
How can you help? There are many ways
Wondering how you can help? It may be something as simple as helping veterans with a ride or a simple chore. If you really want to do something that will have positive repercussions on life quality for a veteran, assist them in getting mobility aids to improve access and autonomy in their home. This Veterans Day, on November 11th, 2018, is an opportunity to take time and accompany a veteran to an initial consultation with mobility experts in the area. Find out what types of aids could make the home safer or easier to navigate for the individual through innovative and inventive devices, including stairlifts, mobility scooters, grab-bars, and more.
Help a veteran access mobility aids with an assessment today
A thorough and comprehensive assessment is the first step toward creating a life that is more autonomous and less-restrictive when living with a mobility challenge or disability. Why wait? Preserve the life that you love today with mobility solutions to fit your life, your needs, and your budget. Love someone who is a veteran? Help a veteran overcome a mobility challenge, obstacle, or hurdle this month in honor of Veterans Day.
Are you living with a mobility issue or physical disability? There is no better time than the present to pinpoint the best approach to making life easier, more accessible, and convenient. If you or someone that you care about is a veteran of the armed forces, honor them by preserving independence and freedom with mobility aids that make everyday living easier. A comprehensive assessment is the first step that mobility experts will take to determine the best solutions for you; from grab-bars to stair-lifts, veterans – and anyone with physical limitations – deserve the very best in mobility aids now.
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)
