The holiday season is normally the time of year when we gather with family and friends, especially those that we may not see too often.
When we reside in the same living space every day, we tend to get used to how things are, overlooking accidents waiting to happen. Sometimes a small change is all it takes to keep family members safe. If you find problem areas in your loved one's home, consider contacting an experienced home access provider for an accessibility assessment. Many providers will offer them free of charge and will be able to provide the right solution to fit your needs and budget.
Unsure where to start? Lifeway's checklist below is the perfect place to begin as it highlights potential problem areas and fall hazards in the home.
While commercial and residential vertical platform wheelchair lifts look similar, there are differences between the two that make commercial units suitable for use in schools, churches, theaters, restaurants, and other public buildings.
A common question among people shopping for a stair lift is, “Are they safe?”. Stair lifts that are installed properly by an experienced provider and used correctly are extremely safe. Quality manufacturers (like Bruno) go to great lengths to make sure their stair lifts meet rigorous safety standards.
Lifeway Mobility Offers Bruno's Folding Rail Options for Enhanced Safety
Lifeway Mobility, a Diamond Bruno stair lift dealer, is excided to announce that Bruno's new folding rail can be added as an option for all of Bruno's straight rail stair lifts that we sell and install. The folding rail option can be a manual folding rail or a power folding rail that automatically folds upward once the rider and chair are safely clear.
Features of the New Manual and Power Folding Rails:
Electrical components are now inside of the rail, providing a clean look
Low-profile, unobtrusive design
Manual folding rail locks into position by itself for easy use
A handle that makes it easy to move the folding rail up or down
Do I Need to add a Folding Rail for my Stairlift?
There may be a number of reasons why a manual or power folding rail may need to be added as an option for your stairlift. However, the three most common reasons why our experts would recommend folding rail to your Bruno stair lift are:
There are family members or a caregiver living in your home, and the extended rail is going to be a tripping hazard when they are walking near the staircase
The rail is an obstruction to a doorway
The doorway or hallway at the bottom of the stairs is narrow
Should I add a manual or power folding rail?
The type of folding rail that you will need to add to your stair lift depends on your ability to bend down and fold/unfold the rail. If you have a difficult time bending down to pick something up from the floor, then a power-folding rail would be recommended. However, if you are capable of folding the rail up yourself, or if you have another person living with you that can fold it, then a manual folding rail is likely the better option.
How does a manual folding rail work?
With your foot or walking cane, push the locking lever that aligns the rail. After release, the lightweight rail folds up and out of the way easily with the assistance of a gas spring.
If you would like more information on the new folding rail or would like a free stairlift consultation, please contact us. One of our accessibility experts will be glad to assist you!
If you’re shopping for a stair lift, you may have seen them listed online at lower prices than you’ve been quoted by an experienced stair lift provider. Why? Because those lower online prices typically don’t include installation, warranties, or service after installation. Purchasing a lift online at a lower price may seem like a good way to save some money, but DIY installation is highly discouraged by all reputable stair lift manufacturers, such as Bruno. In fact, most of those dealers do not allow their lifts to be installed by anyone except their trusted dealers.
Do you or one of your family members use a wheelchair or have difficulty with the stairs outside of your home? Lifeway Mobility Chicago, formerly EHLS, offers a number of products that can eliminate the hassle of getting up and down the stairs, and provide you, a friend, or family member with a safe solution. The products that Lifeway sells and installs are wheelchair lifts, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and even pool lifts for those who need assistance getting into a pool at home! An outdoor accessibility solution will increase your independence and allow you to enjoy your front yard and/or backyard again! Below are a few details that will help choose the best possible solution for your Chicago area home
Best Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts for Homes in the City and Suburbs of Chicago, IL
Porch Lifts
A porch lift, which is also known as an outdoor wheelchair lift or vertical platform lift, is a common solution for wheelchair and powerchair users that need assistance getting in and out of their homes. These type of lifts are cost-effective and have a large enough platform that will enable wheelchair and power chair users to get in and out of their homes safely and independently. The porch lifts we sell and install are made by the top manufacturers in the industry: Bruno and Savaria. Make your deck, porch, or garage accessible with a porch lift from Lifeway Chicago!The two pictures below are porch lifts that we recently installed in the Chicago, Illinois Area
Inclined Platform Lifts
Lifeway will usually only recommend an outdoor inclined platform lift when a porch lift or outdoor stair lift cannot be easily accommodated. Like porch lifts, inclined platform lifts have a large platform that wheelchair and powerchair users can easily roll onto. However, instead of traveling vertically, these lifts carry users over the staircase on a rail system that is mounted alongside the stairs. Some even refer to them as a "magic carpet" because of the size of the platform and the way they ride. There are models available to accommodate straight and curved staircases and even ones with multiple levels or intermediate landings.
Best Outdoor Stair Lifts
An outdoor stair lift is perfect for those who have limited mobility and need assistance getting up and down the stairs. Stair lifts provide a safe and easy way to access the front yard, back yard, patio or even a lake! (see photos below) Bruno's straight and curved outdoor stair lifts are built to withstand all four of Chicago's weather seasons. Restore your independence and enjoy Chicago's beautiful summer weather with a stairlift!Is an outdoor stair lift protected in the rain and snow? Yes, Bruno's Elite outdoor stair lift comes with a cover that protects it from any precipitation.
Best Wheelchair Ramps
A wheelchair ramp is one of the most common accessible solutions for those who need assistance getting in and out of their home. There a number of wheelchair ramps available including aluminum modular, wooden, and concrete. All of these ramps are great accessible solutions for wheelchair and powerchair users. One foot of ramp is necessary for every inch of vertical rise.Aluminum modular ramps are the most popular because they are cost-efficient, easy to install, require little to no maintenance, and will not rot or rust. There are three different surface options available for the aluminum ramps we offer: solid, expanded metal, and perforated. All three surface options are slip-resistant, and the expanded and perforated options provide increased drainage for rain and snow. Aluminum wheelchair ramps are also the quickest wheelchair ramp option available. These types of ramps can be installed and ready to use in a few hours. Aluminum Ramp in Joliet, Illinois Aluminum Ramp in Yorkville, Illinois
Pool Transfer Lifts
A pool lift provides a safe and easy way for those with limited mobility to enter and exit a pool! Everyone enjoys going in a pool on hot summer days in Chicago. However, entering and exiting a pool may be difficult for those with limited mobility. A pool transfer lift safely lifts a person in and out of the pool, allowing them to enjoy the pool just like anyone else would!
For more information on any of these home accessibility solutions, please call us @ 847-215-9490!
A question that customers often ask about stair lifts is whether it will get in the way. This concern is understandable since family and friends will likely need to use the stairs by foot still and will be walking around the home.
As we age, simple tasks such as taking a shower can become a challenge. Bathrooms can be especially risky for those with limited mobility due to slick surfaces and the movements required for bathing and toileting. The National Safety Council estimates that each year, over 200,000 people are injured in their bathrooms. These injuries are mostly due to falls and many of them are preventable.
If you plan to add a wheelchair ramp to your entryway, you may be wondering how long it needs to be. Some people might think a shorter ramp is better because it takes up less space and may cost less money. However, if you add a ramp that is too short for the rise of the entryway being ramped, it can be both hard to use and a safety hazard. This often results in a very steep ramp that may resemble a ski jump!
Some people are reluctant to have a stair lift installed in their home because they are worried about what to do with it when it is no longer needed and what their staircase may look like after it is removed. Fortunately, these problems are easy to address, so that you can use your stair lift worry-free.
If you’ve been researching home accessibility or products such as stair lifts or ramps, you may have come across the term universal design. While it may sound like some sort of New Age philosophy, it is really the cornerstone of the accessibility movement.
You may have seen television commercials or advertisements for stair lifts and thought that you or a loved one would benefit from having one installed in the home. While these advertisements may demonstrate the features and many benefits of a stair lift, they don’t prepare you for what to expect during the buying and installation process. Fortunately, this process can be trouble-free if you know what to expect and reach out to a local trusted stair lift dealer.
In this post, we'll provide helpful information on some of the main factors to consider when buying a stair lift.
If you have determined that you need to have a wheelchair ramp installed at your home or business, you’re probably wondering which type of ramp material is best. The four types of materials typically used to construct wheelchair ramps include wood, concrete, steel, and aluminum. Let’s take a closer look at these materials to help you decide which type of wheelchair ramp best suits your needs.
Elevators for Homes in the Chicago, Illinois Area, Northwest Indiana & Southeast Wisconsin
Lifeway Mobility offers a variety of residential elevators for homes throughout the greater Chicago area, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin. The residential elevators we offer are from the top manufacturers in the industry:
Savaria
Fox Valley Elevator
Wessex
A home elevator is often thought to be an expensive luxury item. However, adding an elevator to your home is actually pretty affordable, and will benefit you and your family in a number of ways.
According to the National Center for Caregiving, there are an estimated 44 million American adults who provide unpaid caregiving to seniors and adults with disabilities. Of these, 14 million are considered “high-burden” caregivers who provide 21 or more hours of unpaid caregiving per week. Many of these caregivers are untrained and underprepared. The high stress and physical demands of caregiving can have serious consequences on the caregiver’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
When you’re getting older or living with a disability, falling is a serious and scary issue. One out of three Americans over 65 fall every year, and almost 10,000 deaths of older Americans each year are related to falls.
At some point, you or a loved one may require a wheelchair ramp to access your home and continue living independently. The decision to rent or buy a ramp depends largely on your unique situation. Here are some guidelines to consider when making this decision. Keep the following considerations in mind to help make the right decision for your specific circumstance.
Lifeway often does a great deal of work to protect our families from dangers both inside and outside of our homes. However, we sometimes overlook one of the best ways to look out for our family – by examining the invisible risks around our home.
But how can you reduce your risk for dangers you can’t see? A great place to start is by addressing common household issues such as contaminants, media access, and emergency preparedness.
In this third article of our three-part series, we explore ways to protect your family with tips for reducing invisible risks around your home.
An old saying that still rings true to many today is: "Your Home Is Where Your Heart Is". Many people can relate to this saying because your home is where your family was raised, friendships and relationships were built, and lasting memories were made.
Unfortunately, decreased mobility, age or illness may mean that the home that you love now poses some difficulties. Maybe arthritis makes the faucets a little difficult to turn on/off, or maybe you don’t feel as steady in the shower and are afraid of falling when no one is home. Perhaps the stairs are not just difficult to climb, but also very dangerous if you were to slip or miss a step.
Most parents can clearly remember the first years of their child’s life - patiently waiting for those first steps and making sure to hover close by in case of a fall. Once walking is "mastered" parents will still make sure to do what they can to prevent slips or accidents from happening in the home. It’s in our nature to make sure that we help loved ones as much as we can to keep them safe. But, the “I can do it myself” was the familiar cry that told us how badly they wanted to be independent.
Thanks to Google and many other search engines, you can easily find a lot of information about a ceiling mounted lift systems that touts all of the features and benefits. But, rarely do they answer the question; do I really need a ceiling mounted lift system?
To answer this question, you'll first need to take time to do the following:
Focus on the person's mobility needs and assess their current level of mobility
Factor in any changes that could affect this person's ability over time.
Consider the caregiver's level of ability to provide and assess this level of functionality over time.
Working with Therapists & Doctors
This is where the client’s therapists and doctors will help. Occupational therapists, in particular, are trained to evaluate a client’s level of functionality in an area they call Adult Daily Living Skills. Armed with this information, it is much easier to make decisions on which type of equipment is best suited for the client’s needs and what level of benefit this equipment will provide.At Lifeway, we work closely with the client and their family as well as review the recommendations of doctors and therapists in planning the solution that best meets the client’s needs. This sounds expensive, and it sometimes can be. In fact, many times the cost will lead clients and their families to choose the most affordable solution over the safest solution. However, choosing the most affordable solution may be the wrong solution, and can potentially lead to a dangerous situation. The safety of the client always needs to be considered.
Floor Mounted Lift Systems
An example of the above situation is choosing a floor-mounted lift system (Hoyert) instead of a ceiling-mounted track system. Many people will find that a floor-mounted lift system is more difficult to use than a ceiling-mounted track because they transfer the client’s weight to three small casters that need to roll over the floor of the client’s home. These castors may roll fairly well on hard surfaces, but they will not roll well over carpet or thresholds.
Overhead Lift Systems
An overhead system essentially takes the client’s weight out of the equation and transfers it to a specially designed track and trolley that has extremely low rolling resistance over the entire length of the track.Ceiling mounted lift systems can also be customized to fit the client’s exact requirements - from simple to complex including moving from room to room or to multiple locations in one room. Our goal at Lifeway Mobility is to factor all of the client’s needs, abilities, and budget into account when designing a solution to meet their needs.For more information on our ceiling-mounted lift systems, please contact us. We would more than happy to answer all of your questions about ceiling-mounted lifts.We have been proving ceiling-mounted lifts to the greater Chicago area, including northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin since 1991!
If you have mobility or balance issues, taking a shower or even getting in or out of the bathtub/shower presents a potentially dangerous situation. For most people, a shower is a time for relaxation and stress release. But if you face physical challenges and/or suffer from a health condition, the act of bathing can be a scary, stressful time. An elderly, ill or disabled person should equip his/her bathtub or shower with a bath seat to prevent the risk of falling.
The bathroom can present challenges for people who are aging, wheelchair-bound, or have limited mobility. More than 2/3 of emergency room visits are due to falls in the bathroom.
A loss of balance, wet floors, tight spaces, and/or bending and lifting required to access the tub and shower, are things that can lead to a fall in the bathroom. With that being said you may be wondering, is it possible to enjoy bathing or showering independently at home for those with balance issues or limited mobility?
In the rest of this post, we will provide information about some of the options that can make showering and bathing safe again.
At some point, you or a loved one may need to consider a wheelchair ramp to continue living independently due to a decline in mobility. Whether you’re using a wheelchair, scooter, cane, or simply have trouble with stairs, a wheelchair ramp can be a quick, easy, and affordable solution.
There are a variety of ramp options available, so it’s important to consider some of the major factors that can influence your decision.
Falls in the home are dangerous for anyone, but they are especially dangerous for people who are injured or aging. Falls are also more likely to happen to people who are injured or aging, as people who are injured or aging might lack the agility to stop the fall. An aging person who falls is more likely to break a bone, and the healing process slows as people age.
