by Steven Pal | Nov 8, 2021 | Blogs
If you have a family member in your house who is dealing with mobility issues or an aging parent who no longer possesses the strength to walk up and down the stairs, we will advise you to get a stairlift installed in the house. Many people with mobility issues limit themselves to the first floor of the house or sell their house and move into assisted living. You or a loved one won’t have to go through these experiences if you install a stairlift. In this blog, we will tell you mistakes you should avoid when buying the best stairlift for straight stairs or curved stairs. What are those mistakes? Let’s find out.
Not Checking Out Stairlift Options
It is understandable that you are excited to get a stairlift installed in your house so that you can get back your independence and freedom. However, many people make the mistake of settling on the first stairlift they come across. This is a mistake because there are many stairlift types and models in the market. You should take a look at all of them before making the final buying decision.
Not Spending Enough Time On Research
Having a stairlift installed in your house will cost you some money. That is why it is essential to do some research about them on the internet before buying a stairlift. You can get in touch with specialists who have years of experience in this field. Research is important because you need to consider things such as staircase’ shape, indoor or outdoor use, and seat style. If you do not consider these, you may unknowingly buy the wrong stairlift.
Buying Used Stairlift
If you are on a tight budget and have no option but to buy a used stairlift, we will advise you to take help of a professional who has knowledge about stairlifts. We sell and install gently used stairlifts that are in like new condition.
Apart from the above-mentioned problems, people make another common mistake, which is they buy their stairlift from an unreliable source. If you want a reliable, solid stairlift at an affordable price, get in touch with Independent Living Solutions. Our sole aim is helping people regain their independence through quality accessibility products. To know more about our products and services, feel free to contact us at (303) 463-8200.
by Steven Pal | Nov 4, 2021 | Blogs
As most seniors prefer to age in place, home modifications are vital after a certain age to prevent potential injury risks or if they develop health conditions, like arthritis, affecting mobility. When stairs at home become a challenge to navigate, home modifications play a pivotal role in ensuring elderly safety.
If you are considering home modifications for mobility assistance, consider the installation of stair lifts or home elevators for the elderly. Both ensure safety and ease of access – whether you have to go to the bedroom upstairs or the basement laundry room. BUT a question arises, which one will be the better choice for you?
The answer will depend on an array of factors. We have covered all that you need to know about both options to help you make an informed choice.
Stair Lifts
A motorized chair mounted on the staircase’s treads is a stairlift.
If you want an affordable and quick solution to access the basement or upper levels of your home, a stair lift is a good choice. Whether you have a straight staircase or a curved one, installing a stair lift will not be a hassle. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor settings.
If your home doesn’t have the needed floor space than an elevator requires, a stair lift will be a better choice.
Stair lifts may not be the safest option for powerchair or wheelchair users. To use the mobility equipment, you are required to get up from your chair, occupy the motorized chair and get back to your chair when you reach the desired floor. You will need assistance each time you use the stair lift to ensure one hundred percent safety.
Home elevators for elderly are the best mobility equipment solutions for wheelchair users – it ensures better safety and allows them to live independently.
Home Elevators
While home elevators are relatively expensive, they offer many benefits, making them a worthy investment for adults looking for solutions to access each floor of the home.
The ability to navigate different levels of your home with a button’s push is definitely appealing and hassle-free. Installing a home elevator for seniors also boosts your home’s value. When installing a home elevator, you can choose the cab color and design that match your home’s décor and a swing door that resembles your other doors.
An obstacle with home elevators is that they require elaborate planning and work. While a straight stair lift installation requires the knowledge of the total number of stair treads and the width measurements of the staircase, taking anything between a few hours to a day to install, a home elevator will need a few weeks to a month to become functional.
Quick Recap
A stair lift for seniors is a great solution when:
- You require an affordable solution for limited mobility
- You want a quick turnaround time
- You don’t want the hassle of construction or major remodeling
A home elevator for seniors is a great solution when:
- Your loved one uses a wheelchair/powerchair
- You have safety and convenience in mind
- You want to improve your home’s resale value
If you need assistance in selecting the right stair lift or home elevator, get in touch with us.
by Steven Pal | Nov 2, 2021 | Blogs
Over 6.8 million people in America rely on assistive mobility devices. About a third of the US housing community is potentially modifiable (somewhere less than 5 percent is accessible for individuals with limited mobility).
Yet if we were asked to differentiate between mobility equipment services and accessibility equipment, we would find it challenging.
In the disabled and limited mobility universe, the words “accessibility” and “mobility” are often used interchangeably when going for different devices and technologies available in the market to address the issue. However, they are not the same.
Here’s what you need to know:
UNDERSTANDING MOBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY EQUIPMENT USE CASE
The term “mobility” refers to one’s ability to move freely. It indicates the degree to which a person is mobile by his or herself and also movement in general.
Mobility equipment services comprise everything that fulfills the purpose of mobility. These devices are designed to help people overcome their limitations and problems for enjoying greater freedom and independence.
Some of the examples of mobility devices include:
- Crutches
- Canes
- Wheelchair
- Walking stick
- Modified cutlery
- Grab rails
- Mobility scooter
- Adapted cars
- Rollators
It’s important to remember that the word “mobility” is not restricted to walking or going from one place to another. It is inclusive of any kind of movement.
On the other hand, “accessibility” refers to the quality of being reached or entered. If you reach out to an accessibility equipment company, you can expect the following types of products:
- Steel inclines and ramps
- Stairlifts
- Elevators
- Vertical lifts
- Ceiling lift systems
- Automatic door openers
In most straightforward words, accessibility equipment includes products primarily designed to remove barriers for people with disabilities and physical challenges. Apart from products, it incorporates architectural improvements such as ramps and raised building entrances that may hinder or limit access to public buildings and residential spaces.
Accessibility equipment improves functionality and efficiency across a space for a person with limited mobility. While mobility is a critical component for an individual’s independence, accessibility indicates an approach that improves access to difficult areas.
Accessibility products are more personalized and specific, and mobility products are more of a generic solution.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AID TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIVING FOR YOUR DISABLED LOVED ONES
Following are the factors that you need to assess before incorporating any assistive aid:
1. The design and arrangement of your space
2. The flow of your floor space
3. Presence of one or more story
4. Requirement of using stairs
5. Kind of doors installed in your room (whether they are heavy or too tight)
6. Distance of washroom and bedroom for the person in concern
7. Hurdles across entrance areas (where there might be a sudden shift in level and floor material)
8. Safety and functionality across bathroom space
Another essential thing to note here is that while incorporating accessibility installation, there are specific codes and standards that one must stick to while making use of quality accredited devices for the complete safety of a user.
Mobility and accessibility pretty much go hand-in-hand, but they are not synonymous with one another. If you would like to learn how to improve mobility and accessibility for your loved one or seniors staying with you for their better quality of living, browse our website or connect with us directly!
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