by admin | Aug 25, 2022 | Blogs
Have you stopped climbing stairs without someone’s assistance, fearing you might trip or fall? Perhaps you no longer enjoy moving around the house because of dizziness and loss of balance. If so, it is time to make some changes in your living space and age in place safely and independently. We have accessibility/medical equipment and products you must invest in to decrease the chances of tripping, falling, and injuring yourself and make your place safe enough to move about.
Light up the stairs
Most fall accidents happen on stairs due to poor visibility. Since our vision can get worse as we age, installing stairwell lights is advisable to prevent accidents due to shadows and dark spots and improve safety, particularly at night.
Install a stair lift
Walking up and down stairs is not recommended for aging people because the activity puts pressure on their joints. However, it doesn’t mean they are not allowed to access multiple stories of their house. Investing in a stair lift is wise to avoid climbing stairs and access different levels of the home without effort.
Use a walking aid
Walking aids, like canes and walkers, are easy-to-use mobility products for elderly and physically impaired people. With these accessibility or mobility products, they can comfortably move around without fearing falling or asking someone to give them a helping hand while walking.
Use a wheelchair or mobility scooter
Investing in a new or pre-owned wheelchair is an excellent decision for someone who has recently met with an accident and cannot walk without assistance. Depending on your health condition or injury, you can choose from a wide selection of wheelchairs, from manual wheelchairs to power wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters, on the other hand, are like wheelchairs but are considered vehicles. They are designed for people with decreased mobility due to age or illness. Most elderly prefer mobility scooters over manual wheelchairs to run errands, go shopping, get to their appointments, or meet up with friends without hassles.
Install ramps
Installing ramps is necessary if your property has stairs—at the front door or between rooms— and you use a walker, wheelchair, or mobility scooter, to move around your home. Many people with limited mobility install permanent ramps; others prefer collapsible and portable ramps to transform stairs into a ramp quickly.
Add grab bars and handrails
Adding grab bars and handrails in crucial locations, such as toilets and showers, provides stability and maintains the privacy of aging people with mobility issues. The elderly who always fear tripping due to loss of balance can also consider installing grab bars for improved stability at strategic points in bedrooms, hallways, and other areas they access daily.
Install automatic dorm openers
Switching to automatic doors from standard doors or replacing doorknobs with press lever handles is advisable to improve accessibility in your living space. With these products, you don’t have to put strain to reach out for doorknobs, maintain a grip, or apply effort to open the door, which may cause fatigue or injury.
Add a walk-in bathtub
Aging adults with mobility difficulties can gain a sense of independence and reduce the risk of falling by installing a walk-in bathtub in their bathroom. It’s also an incredible decision to upgrade the shower by adding slip-resistant tiles and additional lights for safety in the shower.
A few changes in the house allow you to age in place independently and give your loved one peace of mind. At Independent Living Solutions, you will find the best accessibility/medical equipment at affordable prices. If you are interested in modifying your living space, call us at 303-463-8200 today.
by admin | Aug 22, 2022 | Blogs
Residential elevators are an excellent way to enhance movements, especially for people with mobility issues. They can use the elevator to access different levels in the house to meet their needs. You can also use the elevator to transport equipment and supplies, including the weekend grocery, luggage, and more. Look for the best residential elevators in Denver and install one in your home or building. It is also advisable to keep a few things in mind when installing a residential elevator, and we will discuss them in the following. Continue reading:
Choose the perfect location to install the elevator.
When installing an elevator inside your home, you will undoubtedly worry about the design of your home. You might not want to ruin the beautiful structure, encouraging you to place an elevator in an inconvenient area. But note that this is about eliminating mobility issues, improving movements, and enhancing independence. It is advisable to look for the perfect spot to install an elevator. Determine where you want to reach through the elevator- whether you wish to go to a specific room or the garage or go outside- and install the elevator accordingly.
Consider the type of elevator you want to install.
Most residential elevators are available in two types- one that requires a hoistway and the other that does not. Consider what kind of elevator you want to install and choose wisely, so it will help serve the purpose. If you’re indecisive about what to choose between the two, pay attention to the following.
An elevator that needs a hoistway: This type of elevator appears as if it is a closet, except that there is an elevator when you open the door. It occupies about 5 x 5 feet of space. The hoistway needs to be load-bearing to hold the weight of the elevator and its occupants or contents.
An elevator without a hoistway: This is one of the most cost-effective elevator solutions and does not require a hoistway. But it needs load-bearing walls and can access a maximum of 2 levels. Unlike the elevator with a hoistway that conceals the elevator cab, this type of elevator is exposed on the level where it was parked.
Look for residential elevators in Denver and discuss your needs with them to help you install the best elevator for your needs.
Prepare your home.
It is advisable to prepare your home before installing the residential elevator. Clear the area where the elevator will be installed. Remove any furniture pieces, structure, or anything to make space for the elevator. Consider organizing your room before the installation process to avoid the chaos that could arise.
Hire the best contractor.
Last but not least, look for the best contractor when installing an elevator to obtain the desired result. Consider looking for someone with experience, skills, and knowledge to ensure safety and a better result.
Elevators are a great way to improve movements and enhance independence. Consider these few tips for installing a residential elevator in your home.
Also, check our website if you’re looking for the best residential elevators to install in your home.
by admin | Aug 19, 2022 | Blogs
Climbing up or going down staircases can literally prove to be an uphill task for those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Not only is it extremely difficult – rather near impossible – it can also end up being quite dangerous for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately, many mobility-challenged individuals are compelled to stay indoors to avoid the hassle of navigating stairs. In such cases, a vertical platform lift or porch lift can come to their rescue.
What is a Vertical Platform Lift?
A vertical platform lift, also known as porch lift, deck lift, or wheelchair lift, operates like an elevator. It is a residential mobility solution to help transport people with mobility issues. People who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter cannot access normal stairs. Vertical platform lift is a convenient way for them to access all levels of their home or business.
What Are the Benefits of Using Vertical Platform Lifts?
Listed below are a few benefits of getting wheelchair lifts installed.
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Safe and Reliable
Porch lifts come equipped with many safety features like a safety under pan, emergency lowering device, battery backup, emergency platform alarm, emergency stop buttons, non-skid platform and solid platform walls, making it a safe, sturdy and convenient alternative to stairs for wheelchair-bound individuals.
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Resistant to Weather
Since wheelchair lifts are meant to be installed outside, they are designed to face the harshest weather conditions. All surfaces and controls come with all-weather protection to help them last for years, come rain or shine.
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Can be Customized
Wheelchair lifts come with customizable features to address specific mobility needs. They are available in a number of sizes and dimensions, and can accommodate lifting from a few inches to 10 feet or more.
If you are looking for used porch-lift or vertical platform lift, we at Independent Living Solutions, Inc. offer the best-in-class vertical platform lifts in Denver, Colorado, enabling you to reach decks, porches, and other raised areas safely and independently. Each of our lifts comes with cutting-edge features to ensure a smooth and safe ride from one level to another. They are carefully designed and built by top manufacturers.
Feel free to get in touch with us or visit our store in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for used porch-lifts or vertical platform lifts at affordable costs. We have the latest models of vertical platform wheelchair lifts and other mobility devices to help people with limited mobility get around safely. Browse through our website to explore our wide range of accessibility equipment.
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