Awhile back I was curious about stair lifts, stair chair lifts, and your basic accessibility solutions on the market. With the increased interest of aging in place, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. So I conducted a little experiment.
Lifeway Mobility announced today that it has acquired the assets of Home Mobility Solutions, Inc. (HMS), Downers Grove, IL, through its subsidiary, Extended Home Living Services, Inc (EHLS), Arlington Heights, IL. Founded by Mike Cleary, HMS has served greater Chicagoland and northwest Indiana, offering accessibility solutions including stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, modular ramps, bathroom modifications and elevators, for over 12 years.
There’s an old tale about two villages in the jungle that traded goods with one another. The tigers that lived in those jungles started charging the villagers. They would sneak up on the person who was traveling from one location to the other and strike from behind. Sadly, hundreds of people had lost their lives because of these tiger attacks. One day the assigned trader arrived at the second village ready to do business, but he was wearing a mask on his head backwards! The people were curious as to why he would wear this mask with the face on the backside of his head. The merchant explained that if the tiger thought he was facing him; the tiger would not attack. If his back was toward the tiger the merchant was viewed as prey and would suffer as hundreds of other villagers already did. To this day, when the people of these villages travel to another village, they wear masks with the face displayed on the back of their heads and have stayed safe because of it. How often in life has it felt like a villain crept up on us and we were completely unaware? Or perhaps we sensed something was about to change in our sphere and instead of looking at our options, we turned our back in fear and choose to look the other way? When we yield to the force of fears, we are giving it power over our lives. So why not address some of those concerns and seek solutions instead? Here are some common fears people experience today. Fears of Falling The fear of falling does not go unfounded. All it takes is one slip on the steps and the mere jolt to the body will strike at our self-confidence. Losing balance and taking a spill can send even the strongest person in a downward spiral. It’s not uncommon to then become a fearful person over even the smallest endeavors in the future. There are some precautions that people can take. For example, it may not have been difficult navigating two or three steps into the front door for the past 30 years, but now those steps are a challenge! Handrails can be a very effective and inexpensive solution to remedy future accidents getting into the house. If a family member feels wobbly inside the home, going from room to room handrails along the walls of dining areas, family rooms or even bedrooms can bring peace of mind. If navigating a longer staircase is a daunting challenge, stair lifts may be less pricey than you think! Contact us for an obligation-free quote. Since the bathroom is the most dangerous place in the house, fear of falling in the shower is a common concern! Non-slip coating can be an easy fix to a slippery shower scenario. Our technicians clean the tub or shower and then apply this no slip grip to any shower, bath or other flooring needed in your home. Combine this measure of safety with grab bars and your bathroom is no longer the most dangerous room in the house! Fears of Losing Independence We have some clients who may be in the throes of MS, ALS or some other progressive disease and in an effort to enjoy a sense of independence, they have chosen to install an overhead lift. With this multi room overhead lift system, the user has regained or maintained their independence. This lift enables the user via remote control to go from bed to chair to toilet to shower and in fact can zoom throughout their entire home if they so desire! Because we have licensed contractors and an in-house construction team, we are also able to remodel any room in the house. One of our clients wanted their kitchen redone so their wheelchair bound daughter could learn how to cook! Here we were able to design the kitchen so she could roll up to the stove touch a button and it would bring the stove top down to her level. When she was done cooking, she could hit the same button and it would raise the stove back to its original height. Even the dishwasher was no longer a heavy door opening but now was a drawer that she could access easily as well! Fears of Being Invisible It has been said, that when we approach a certain age, we can feel like no one notices us anymore. There are a few ways to remedy that situation and stay clear of those fears. Decide to get active or stay active in the community. There are plenty of organizations that have weekly activities such as bus trips to wine tasting events, theatrical productions, casinos, baseball games and other sporting events. They have ongoing classes and opportunities to learn how to Zumba, dance or use a smartphone, Facebook, and other social media to stay connected with kids and grand kids who may be far away. There are opportunities all around us, but we must make the effort to help connect our seniors to those programs. Sometimes folks just don’t know what’s available to them. If we are aware and compassionate enough to invite them, it could be a life-changing event for the senior and their entire family! So in the long run, there is no fear that can overcome us unless we allow it to do so. There are solutions for us but sometimes we need to put on a mask of courage just to get us to the right spot where options are available to us. Once we get ourselves in an atmosphere with others who are seeking social connection and independence, we realize we’re not invisible at all! We have a community of people who care, we were just unaware.
There are an estimated 3.3 million wheelchair users in the United States. As a result of increased awareness and new legislation, more and more travel destinations are seizing the opportunity to change their thinking about accessibility tourism. Instead of treating it as something that must be managed separately, more destinations now consider accessibility as mainstream. Along with mints on pillows and individually wrapped soaps, travelers will often also find wheelchair ramps and LU/LA elevators in many hotels.
In a 2018 study by AARP, 76% of American age 50 or older said they would like to remain in their current residence as they age. However, as dealing with daily life at home grows more challenging due to accessibility limitations, memory problems, and other issues, staying at home becomes less possible. According to the AARP survey, only 46% of older adults think they will be able to stay at home.
The installation of a stair lift provides a safe and easy way for people with limited mobility to navigate between the floor levels of their home. The process of purchasing a stair lift is often a smooth one as stair lifts safely fit on most staircases. However, there are times when the extended rail of the lift at the bottom of the stairs presents an issue or two that needs to be addressed before installation. One of the most common is that the bottom of the staircase ends in an area that receives a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis. Straight stair lift rails must stick out at least 16 inches past the bottom step, which can lead to the rail becoming an obstruction, and in some cases, a tripping hazard. Another potential issue is when there is a door at the bottom of the stairs. This is common when the lift is installed on a staircase that leads down to a basement.
If you’ve been thinking about buying or renting a stair lift, you’re probably wondering which model is the best one to buy. Ranking any type of product can be subjective and if you ask 100 people, you’re likely to get many different answers. However, when you compare several makes and models of popular stair lifts side by side, it’s not too hard to see which ones rank better than others.
Since April is Occupational Therapy Month, it’s a good time to reflect on how occupational therapists help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world each year. Despite the important services they provide, many people don’t understand what an occupational therapist (OT) does. An OT is a licensed health and rehabilitation professional that works with people of all ages with mental, physical, developmental, social or emotional problems to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills.
As we age, our balance, strength, and vision can begin to decline, and navigating stairways, steps, stoops, and landings can become increasingly difficult. Progressive illnesses and injuries can also cause these familiar household structures to become hazardous. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death and injury to older adults and a common reason that people give up on independent living.
A curved rail stair lift requires a track that is curved to fit the shape of your staircase. There are several different types of curved rail. When buying a curved stair lift, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each type of track.
If you have worked in or been to an elementary, middle, high school, or even a university lately, you may have noticed that there are many diverse situations that need to be accommodated for: wheelchairs, walkers, space for physical and occupational therapy, barrier-free playground equipment, etc. Many schools throughout the country are older and were not built with these accommodations in mind, and despite the Americans with Disabilities Act, some schools are not as compliant as they could be. So, if you are an administrator looking to adapt your school’s environment for students with disabilities or a parent wanting more access, read on for more tips on accessibility!
After you have a stair lift installed, you won’t notice any significant changes to your home’s electric bill. A stair lift is energy efficient and uses approximately .024 kWh of electricity and should cost less than $15 per year.
Do you remember what it was like when you first started driving? For many, the ability to drive marked a rite of passage that signified the transition into adulthood and ushered in new found independence and freedom.
Hartford, CT, January 15, 2019 -- Lifeway Mobility is pleased to announce the acquisition of Home Safe Homes. Founded by Kent McCool in 2001, Home Safe Homes is an accessibility equipment and home modification provider that has served central Indiana for the past 18 years.
With the therapeutic benefits of warm water therapy gaining notoriety, you may be in the market for a new soaking or walk-in bathtub. If this is the case, you might have seen an option called a hydrotherapy air tub. While many people are familiar with tubs outfitted with whirlpool jets, commonly called a Jacuzzi tub, an air tub is a newer concept.
Have you ever wondered how people get the help they need when physical challenges disrupt their independence? You may be surprised! Sometimes folks will call on their peers, others will look to co-workers, glean wisdom from medical professionals, senior centers, social workers or articles. Let this blog be the one to simplify the process, explain the truth about stair lifts, and guide you to solutions with one phone call, not ten.
Layout and Design Overhead ceiling lifts have been available for many years. Most people are not aware that such items exists. Depending on a person’s mobility, an overhead track lift could be a great solution for anyone having difficulty transferring from bed to chair. We normally recommend a lift system over the bed area. In this particular home we installed a lift that travels from the bed into the family room, through the hallway and into a bathroom. This is not a typical lift layout, but we pride ourselves in creating solutions for our clients. Structural Modifications This two story home has been engineered with TJI joist and multiple ceiling heights. Most new homes nowadays have such a joist. TJI Joist and overhead lifts don’t go well together, and here’s why: ceilings are made to hold the floor above, not a hoist from below. With some design work and modification to the ceiling and door ways, we were able to get this track system installed. Types of Overhead Lifts and Alternatives If one is considering a ShowerBuddy transfer system, it’s good to understand that in most cases this can prevent a rail from traveling throughout the home. We would normally recommend an overhead lift that starts over the bed transferring onto a TubBuddy system. This way the end user can be rolled over a toilet and slide into the tub. There are multiple types of installations available for overhead lifts. We prefer to use a wall mounting system which would prevent modification to the ceiling. Such installations are normally quick and can be removed with very little damage to the walls. If one wishes to travel from room to room, a wall mounted system cannot be used. . . . . . .
With so many brands, models, and features to choose from, selecting the right stair lift can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, if you know the right things to look for when shopping for a stair lift, choosing the right one doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
Poison prevention involves many different things. There are many items in just about every home that could be poisonous if used improperly. Medication being taken at the wrong dosage, by the wrong person, or combined with other medicines can all be considered poisonous. Household cleaners and chemicals may also be poisonous when inhaled or ingested. Over 90% of poisonings occur in the home—so it is critical to make your home safe in order to avoid poisoning.
Holiday lighting, decorations, trees and more help to put everyone in the holiday mood. All of these things help set a cheerful holiday atmosphere, but they also pose hidden dangers. These tips can help you keep your family and home safe.
Walk-in bathtubs have long been known as an accessible bathing solution for people with limited mobility. But did you know that recent studies have also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of walk-in tubs? A walk-in tub can help people with a variety of conditions, including:
For seniors and those with limited mobility, grab bars can be a lifesaver. There are many types of grab bars that can be added throughout different rooms in a home to provide stability for people who have trouble walking. The bathroom is often the room that makes the most sense for the installation of a grab bar because it is the most dangerous room in a house for seniors or those with limited mobility. In fact, falls in the bathroom due to a wet, slippery floor is one of the top causes of injuries for elderly men and women. Whether it's the barrier that makes it difficult to get in and out of a tub or shower or a toilet that is tough to get off of, the bathroom definitely presents its challenges.
Fast approaching is that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate the holidays. Often that means events and parties that include elderly parents, friends or relatives. Whether an elderly relative or friend with limited mobility is coming for the afternoon or staying longer, it is best to consider their safety and comfort.
If the stairs at home are becoming difficult to manage due to limited mobility or significant injury, a stair lift may be the perfect solution. However, because there are so many different available models and options to choose from, the research process can be pretty overwhelming. Many people don't know where to start and are often unaware of the factors that are most important when choosing a lift. In this post, we have compiled 7 tips that will simplify the process and make it easier to choose whether or not a stair lift is the best solution for yourself or a family member.
As we age, getting in and out of a bathtub can become a difficult task that can put us at risk of injury. For those that enjoy a warm bath after a long day but have trouble lowering themselves into a standard bathtub, a walk-in tub might be the perfect solution. A walk-in bathtub features a water-tight door that swings either in or out, and a built-in seat that allows you to bathe in a seated position. This means you can avoid lowering yourself into a traditional bathtub.
