Is It a Good Idea to Buy Used Handicap Equipment?

Mobility products have been among the greatest innovations of all time. The same issue that once used to seem a curse is today manageable. The only thing that may stop a disabled person from availing of its goodness is whether they can afford it.

The best solution to a gap between the price of the equipment and a restricted budget is to buy used handicap equipment. That way, you don’t have to break your wallet to manage your disability or help a loved one do that. We live in the era of the Internet, where almost everything has been brought to one’s fingertips.

Here are some reasons to consider buying used mobility equipment if your budget doesn’t support purchasing a new one:

No compromise on quality

Many people prefer buying used mobility equipment for its quality. As these products undergo thorough repair and replacement, most parts are either serviced or replaced with higher-quality components, making them more reliable than before. All these efforts eventually give birth to a machine that lasts longer than expected and delivers improved performance.

Save money

Another prominent factor that makes buyers consider used mobility equipment is its price. You get the same (or even better) features for a reduced cost of owning a new product. In this way, you get to save money without having to adjust with fewer features or compromise on outdated ones. Though low cost is not the only benefit, it is a significant one and enough to make a decision.

Reliability

As used mobility equipment is tested well before it is made available for sale, you can expect the same reliability as the new one. Buying old doesn’t mean you have to invest in frequent repairs. The key to ensuring the highest reliability is finding a company having extensive experience in the area.

Tips for Success

Suitability is the first thing to check. While buying used mobility products, make sure that they meet all your needs in addition to fitting into your budget.

Another helpful tip is to find a reliable supplier of used and recycled mobility products, as that’s the best way to ensure quality without feeling overburdened.

Does the product satisfy your quality expectations? You need to check that as well. It should have all the modern features you want. The best way to ensure this is to connect with the supplier and discuss it in detail.

The bottom line

Living with a disability is not a nice feeling, but the pain can be reduced with the help of the right mobility equipment and accessories designed for the specific condition. While it seems an expensive affair, it is not necessarily. You can always look for used handicap equipment for sale online, check specifications, make a purchase, and add happiness to your life.

Independent Living Solutions is your go-to place for used mobility equipment. With over 20 years of combined expertise in sales, installation, and service of new and recycled stair lifts, wheelchair or vertical lifts, ramps, automatic door openers, ceiling lifts, dumb waiters, and more, we’re here to make lives more convenient and independent. Connect with us to buy used handicap equipment today.

Signs It Is Time For You To Consider Using Mobility/Accessibility Aids

We all want to spend time with our friends and family members. We want to engage in different types of activities with them. However, some people are not able to do that because of the fear of falling down or losing their balance. If you are too concerned about falling down or not managing your balance while engaging in activities, it could be a sign you need to use accessibility and mobility equipment. The good news is, with the help of mobility devices such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walker, etc., you can remain mobile and still enjoy outings with your loved ones or complete daily tasks. In this blog, we will tell you some signs that indicate it is time for you to invest in accessibility and mobility equipment. What are those signs? Let’s find out.

You Fall Frequently

Many seniors lose their lives or experience serious injuries because of falls. In fact, WHO has reported that falls are among the top three causes of accidents among seniors. If you or your loved one is above the age of 65, there’s increased risk of experiencing serious injuries because of falls. It is essential for you to understand that while leaving your house surely increases the risk of falls, keep in mind that your house can pose similar risk as well. For instance, many seniors experience falls in the bathroom because of slippery surfaces or certain barriers. So, if you have been experiencing frequent falls, it is time for you to consider using some mobility and accessibility aid.

You Get Tired Easily

Age or certain conditions can make you feel weak or tired. For instance, people with multiple sclerosis, ALS, or those who have been through a stroke experience exhaustion. For such people, it is best to use a wheelchair or walker whenever stepping outside of the house. And if you live in a house with multiple floors, it is best to have elevators or stair lifts installed in your house to easily access different floors without tiring yourself too much.

You Experience Pain

Many Americans suffer from chronic pain that makes their lives extremely difficult. If you too are suffering from chronic pain in knee or back, we will recommend you to take your medications and follow the advice of your healthcare practitioner properly. However, in addition to doing that, we will also advise you to make use of accessibility and mobility aids to make your life easier. For instance, you can use mobility scooters for running errands or outings. You can consider installing stairlifts or elevators at your home to reduce stress on your joints.

You Struggle With Balance or Dizziness

If you have poor balance or cannot stand for long, we will advise you to not take any risk and consider using some mobility aid. Many seniors and people in general with poor balance experience falls that lead to serious head injuries and other types of bone injuries. Even if you do not have poor balance but experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or feel disoriented at times, it is best to invest in a mobility aid to stay stable and prevent falls.

If you can notice any of the above-mentioned signs in your life, we will recommend you to get in touch with Independent Living Solutions. We are known for offering affordable solutions to different types of mobility challenges. If interested, you can buy used handicap equipment and mobility/accessibility equipment from us. The products we offer includes stair lifts, ceiling lift systems, power lift recliner chairs, mobility scooters, ramps, automatic door openers, and much more. To know more, call us at 303-463-8200.

Benefits of Using Ceiling Lifts in Disability Care

A routine part of caring for the disabled involves assisting them in and out of bed for activities such as toileting, bathing, and other activities away from bed. While this is manageable for both the caregiver and the disabled, it exposes both to risk of injury and mishap, and builds an increasing sense of dependence on the disabled which can sometimes lead to a feeling of distress.

Fortunately, innovations such as patient transfer lift technology make it much easier and effortless for the disabled to get on and off from bed without relying so much on the assistance of a caregiver. For instance, a motorized ceiling track enables the disabled to be lifted off from bed and transferred to any destination along the line of the track. This article will highlight the major benefits of using these lifts in disability care.

Protects the Disabled

For a disabled person, getting on or off the bed with the assistance of a caregiver means relying on his or her physical strength, and effective techniques in providing support. While professional caregivers are skilled in this regard, there is always a risk of mishap such as a slip or trip that could lead to an injury. On the other hand, using a ceiling lift for mobility relies on the structural strength and precise functionality of a sophisticated and reliable machine, specially designed and manufactured for transporting a person. As long as the disabled is safely secured in the carrying device (either a sling or a lifter), there is only a microscopic chance that things can go wrong.

Makes it Safe For Caregiver

Assisting a disabled person on or off a bed sometimes requires a caregiver to provide support in a manner that puts heavy strain on their back. While the majority of caregivers may not find this to be a problem, for those with lower back pain, or spine or disc disorders, it can aggravate their condition. Using a ceiling lift to transfer a disable out of bed does not require the caregiver to provide physical assistance, but rather making sure that he or she is properly secured in the carrying device. This not only makes the process easy but makes it safe for the caregiver.

Reduce the Cost And Need For an Additional Caregiver

Having streamlined one of the more hands-on and physically demanding parts of disability care, installing a ceiling lift can help to reduce the cost and need for an additional caregiver. With a significant chunk of responsibility transferred to the lift machine, a caregiver can more easily manage the needs of their patient. This creates a situation where a family or a facility can hire the professional service of a caregiver at a comparatively lower price, or even eliminate the need for a professional caregiver for certain periods of time.

Gives Freedom and a sense of Independence

As mentioned earlier, dependence on the assistance of a caregiver for mobility can lead to the development of a sense of increasing dependency for the disabled. This can lead to mental distress with serious associated symptoms. Installing a ceiling lift that easily transports the disabled with little to no help reinforces a feeling of independence and security.

Conclusion

Using a ceiling lift provides protection and safety to the disabled, and provides freedom and a sense of independence. In addition, it also makes the work of a caregiver safer and easier. Overall, installing a ceiling lift offers multiple benefits to all the parties involved in disability care. To buy a motorized ceiling track for the disabled, contact Independent Living Solutions, a trusted dealer in home accessibility equipment. You can turn to them for all your requirements regarding accessibility equipment including purchase and installation.

Safety Tips to Follow When Using Residential Elevators

There is no doubt about the fact that residential elevators are a great addition to any home. If your house has multiple floors, a residential elevator will make it easier for you to move between different floors. What’s more, if you have a senior or disabled family member, he/she will benefit greatly from using an elevator at home. They can just move their wheelchair or scooter onto the elevator’s platform and reach the desired floor. As much as these elevators are useful, it is essential to know that they can be dangerous as well if not used correctly. Seniors and kids can hurt themselves if they do not follow the safety tips of using these elevators. In this blog, we will tell you some essential safety tips that you can use to avoid accident and injury while using a home elevator. Let’s get started.

Work With A Known Elevator Contractor

You should start focusing on the safety aspect even before the elevator is installed in your home. It is true that residential elevator installation can be a bit costly, but it is recommended that you only invest in a top-quality elevator and get it installed from a contractor with years of experience in elevator installation.

Get Elevator Repairs Done As Soon As Possible

A perfectly working elevator does not make any strange, loud noises. So, if you can hear noises such as squeaking or squealing from the elevator, we will strongly advise you to not use it and get in touch with repair specialists right away. Generally, you hear such noises when there is something wrong with cables and pulleys. You should also call the technician when the elevator is not aligned with the floor when it stops. The elevator should always stop correctly. To ensure that, a technician might work on the cables or brakes. Never ignore strange signs from your residential elevator. Also, make sure you fulfill its yearly maintenance requirements to avoid future problems.

Learn All The Emergency Features

Although a properly maintained elevator does not suddenly stop between floors, you should always be prepared to deal with such situations. You can deal with such emergency situations by learning every emergency feature of your specific elevator model. Depending on your elevator model, you might be able to use features such as emergency phone, emergency lighting, emergency lowering device, emergency battery, alarm, etc. So, when you get an elevator installed in your house, it is essential that you first familiarize yourself with all the emergency features before using the elevator.

Always Stay Within Your Elevator’s Weight Requirements

Every elevator has its weight limit. Often many people make the mistake of going above the weight limit of their elevators. There is a world of difference between home elevators and commercial elevators. So, do not move between floors with multiple people or move heavy items using the elevator. If you overload the elevator, its cables might break or its doors may not close. Check the weight capacity of your elevator and always stay within that capacity to avoid issues with your elevator.

These were some basic yet essential safety tips of using a residential elevator in Boulder. If you are looking to purchase and install an elevator in your home, you can get in touch with Independent Living Solutions, Inc. Our sole aim is to make people’s lives easier. We do that by providing top-quality home accessibility equipment. If interested, you can call us at 303-463-8200 to know more about products and services.

Everything You Should Know About Buying a Used Power Wheelchair

If you’re in the market for a used power wheelchair, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you buy. A used power wheelchair can be an affordable alternative to brand new, but as with anything else, there are risks involved when you’re buying secondhand. Buying without knowing exactly what you need can lead to disappointment down the road and, in some cases, if your used wheelchair doesn’t meet your needs and cause injury or impairment of function that couldn’t have been predicted before you bought it.

Buying a second-hand wheelchair is a great way to access mobility devices with distinctive features that your insurance might not cover. The following guide will walk you through everything you should know about buying a used power wheelchair.

Why Buying a Used Power Wheelchair Makes Sense?

When it comes to accessibility equipment, power wheelchairs are typically one of the more expensive pieces of equipment. While considering the ease of convenience they offer, they are worth the price tag. However, if you’re looking for something at a reasonable price, a pre-owned power wheelchair can cost at least 30% less than brand new, which is enough of a discount to make it worth considering.

It is worth noting that buying used doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on features; today’s top-of-the-line models can be purchased secondhand. No matter how much money you want to spend, buying used is certainly worth considering, as long as you know what to look for before taking delivery of your wheelchair.

What are the Things That You Should Consider Before Buying a Used Wheelchair?

Understand Your Needs

If you need to buy a used power wheelchair, then one of your first priorities should be figuring out exactly what your needs are. In order to do that, you have to spend some time thinking about how it will actually be used and identifying any specific features that would benefit your personal situation. For instance, if you often use ramps on a daily basis, then it might be best to look for power wheelchairs that are heavy-duty and can handle certain types of terrains.

Consider the Condition of The Wheelchair

Unlike traditional mobility equipment, used power wheelchairs typically come with battery and tire options. As you might imagine, those options will dictate a wheelchair’s value and performance. If you’re looking to buy a used power wheelchair, it’s essential to consider how batteries and tires will affect your purchase price. You don’t want to be spending on a wheelchair that is on its last legs. Not only will it impede your independence, but it can also lead to severe injuries and accidents.

Make Sure the Wheelchair Has All Its Parts

If you’re buying from an authorized reseller like us, there’s little to worry about, but if you’re getting your used wheelchair directly from an individual or through eBay, it pays to make sure that all of its parts are accounted for. You can look for things that indicate potential problems with construction, like the electrical cords and power ports should be secure and in good condition. Seats should be firm; they shouldn’t sag or feel overly loose. If anything looks amiss or out of place, hold off on making a purchase until you can get some answers first.

There is a common misunderstanding that buying pre-owned mobility equipment is a gamble and can cost you more than you intend to save. While this paradigm cannot be dismissed altogether, you don’t have to worry about the authenticity or the quality of your mobility equipment as long as you’re buying it from a reliable dealer. If you’re looking for used power wheelchairs for sale, get in touch with us today!

Common Myths About Power Lift Recliner Chairs That You Shouldn’t Fall For

As our parents progress towards the golden years of their lives, it becomes challenging for them to perform even the most simple tasks, such as getting up from a chair. To ensure that your loved ones can live independently and do as much on their own as possible, a power lift chair can be an excellent investment.

The chair is an ideal solution for anyone who struggles to get in and out of a chair because of their mobility issues. These chairs gently raise you from a sitting to a standing position, helping you sit and stand comfortably & independently. However, despite the benefits that they offer, there are certain misconceptions about using these chairs that can prevent you from making an informed decision as a consumer.

Here are some most common myths about power lift recliner chairs that you shouldn’t fall for.

Myth- They Impede Your Independence

Many people believe power lift recliners hinder independence and inhibit your ability to live alone, but that’s not always true. If anything, a power lift recliner chair fosters independence. Since these chairs are power-operated, they make it convenient for the older adults to come out of their reclined position and into an upright one. They also make it much easier for them to get up on their own, which makes them ideal for those who live alone or don’t have any help getting around in their homes. They’re also useful for seniors recovering from surgery, who might not have anyone to help them with things like getting up from a reclined position.

Myth- They Can Decrease Your Muscular Strength

Another myth about small lift recliners for the elderly that looms over the mobility industry is that these chairs can lead to a decline in muscular strength. However, this is far from the truth! Most people are under the impression that being seated in a recliner chair for an extended period of time can decrease your muscular strength. While the strength of your muscles depends on the level of activity you engage in, it is crucial to understand that the chair has nothing to do with this cause-and-effect relationship. In fact, a power lift recliner chair ensures that there is less strain put on your joints by allowing you to adjust the height of your seat. So being able to rise comfortably with less pain can actually help to increase muscular strength and mobility rather than decrease it.

Myth- They are Unsafe for the Elderly

One of the biggest misconceptions about power lift recliners is that they are dangerous. A lot of people think these types of chairs will make them take flight like a fighter pilot ejector seat. This couldn’t be further from the truth! A power lift recliner chair works very slowly and gently, so you don’t have to worry about them being unsafe for those with limited mobility. Besides, they are easy to control, which means you can simply stop them by releasing a button.

When it comes to taking care of the elderly, it is essential to be well informed and wary of any potential pitfalls that might stand in the way of effective caregiving. If you’re looking for small lift recliners for the elderly for sale, get in touch with us today!

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