Know Your Options: Different Types of Wheelchair Lifts for People with Limited Mobility

When mobility gets limited, either because of age-related health deterioration or a chronic injury or a disability, quality of life takes a huge hit. The freedom of moving around that a person should enjoy at home or elsewhere for that matter is no longer there. Besides, getting around becomes a real struggle. You may need assistance to move from one place to another, which can affect your independence. These mobility challenges, therefore, demand immediate solutions.

Over the years, engineers have managed to help people with limited mobility regain their independence and freedom by innovating accessibility equipment. Now, people with mobility problems can move around safely and comfortably within their homes, as well as the outdoors.

One of the most popular pieces of in-home accessibility equipment is a wheelchair lift, or otherwise known as a platform lift. It helps people confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooter or those who struggle to climb steps access raised platforms, such as decks, entryways, porch, and others effortlessly and safely. Whether you install a reconditioned wheelchair lift or a brand new one, you can rest assured that you can reach the desired height independently and safely with the help of this equipment.

Today, a wheelchair lift can be found in most homes in America, especially in senior residences. However, despite its popularity as a mobility solution, many people are unaware of the different types of wheelchair lifts available.

To help you know your options when buying a platform lift, here are the different wheelchair lifts available on the market:

Inclined Platform Wheelchair lifts

The inclined platform wheelchair lifts are designed and built to be used both indoors and outdoors. You can find these types of lifts in residences, schools, churches, hospitals, and public buildings. For those who struggle with climbing stairs, they are an ideal and cost-effective solution.

Vertical Platform Wheelchair lifts

The vertical wheelchair lifts are the most sought-after mobility solution for wheelchair-bound people, enabling them to access raised platforms, decks, porch, and elevated entryways comfortably and safely. They can be customized to fit any commercial building and home.

Portable Vertical Wheelchair lifts

The portable wheelchair lifts are the advanced model of vertical platform lifts. As the name suggests, they are specially designed to be portable to offer easy functionality in homes, school stages, vertical raised platforms, outdoor bleachers, and other applications.

Looking for a wheelchair lift for your loved one? Let Independent Living Solutions, Inc. help you. We have a complete line of in-home mobility equipment, including but not limited to second-hand wheelchair lift for sale, residential elevators, ramps, and many others. Feel free to contact us today with your mobility requirements, and we will help you in the best way possible.

Hoisted V/S Through Floor- Which One Is Better for Me?

Every day more and more Americans are opting to install home elevators for improved mobility and ease of access for those family members who find it difficult to move around easily across certain areas of a house like stairs, upper terrace, and other areas. Getting up and down the stairs doesn’t get any easier as we age. Therefore, the installation of home elevators for seniors is definitely the best decision you will ever make. However, it can be confusing to select between a hoistway or through floor home elevators.

Choosing the right elevator for your home

Investing in home elevators for sale is one of the most effective ways to ensure the independence of movement and prevent any accidental falls or tripping. However, the process may vary for each home due to the design and preferences of a homeowner. Here are a few factors to consider that can determine the installation process for your home elevator:

  • Age of your home

  • Style and design

  • Functionality of space

  • Presence of stack closets (means that closets are directly stacked on top of each other on each floor of the home).

Based on these factors, there are two major classifications of home elevator systems.

Hoistway

This is the most common choice and what people envision when they hear the word, “home elevator”. Hoistway refers to the shaft that allows the elevator cab to access each floor of the house. Following are the features of a hoistway elevator system:

  • It includes roped hydraulic, winding drum, counterbalance weight, and vacuum-operated.

  • It can make multiple stops with a high weight capacity.

  • It is more expensive than its alternative (without a hoistway) option due to the extra electrical, construction, and mechanical expenses.

Through Floor (Without Hoistway)

This option is perfect for those with a smaller budget or less space. This elevator option provides up to 5 stops. Following are the feature and benefits of a through floor option:

  • It requires minimal renovation with a reasonable installation cost.

  • It usually makes use of sensors to detect objects above and below the elevator cab which further reduces the installation time. It requires no hoistway installation.

  • It has a substantially lower weight capacity.

  • It offers customization and an overall finished look which adds to the aesthetic value of a space.

  • It also occupies less floor space.

Home elevators add value to your space while making navigation easier for the elderly and those with limited mobility. Regardless of your concern and reason for purchase, our experts can help you to make the best choice for yourself. For some professional assistance, feel free to dial (303)-463-8200.

Vertical Platform Lift V/s Residential Elevator: Which Is Best For You?

When someone’s mobility becomes limited, they often see stairs as the biggest obstacle at home. At that time, they begin to consider their options – should they live on one floor and avoid accessing stairs altogether? Perhaps moving to a one-story home is the only alternative. But fortunately, it isn’t. There are plenty of other solutions that allow people with limited mobility to access all floors and live in their own homes. In this article, we will explore two popular options: vertical platform lifts and residential elevators. We’ll examine the key features and benefits of both, as well as their drawbacks, to help you determine which option is best suited for your specific needs.

Vertical platform lifts

A vertical platform lift, which is also popularly known as a wheelchair platform lift, is specifically designed to facilitate wheelchair users to go from one level to another. Users can easily roll themselves on the platform before ascending or descending. These types of lifts are installed outside of a home or at the porch and move vertically between floors. If the mobility around the house becomes a problem for you or someone beloved, a vertical platform lift may be the right choice for you. The installation only takes a few days, depending on the needed structural modifications to get it fit in.

Residential Elevators

Residential or home elevators are an alternative to vertical platform lifts. These types of lifts can be installed within the existing footprint or by adding a tower to the house. They are fully enclosed – which means there are walls as well as a roof encompassing the elevator. Several homes in Aurora are designed with stacked closets by architects with the intent of home modifications like an elevator in the future. An elevator can be installed in your home, looking as if it was a part of the original home design. Make sure to meet the professional to determine the choice of materials and create a proper plan. The installation of residential elevators may take a few weeks to a month.

When deciding between a vertical platform lift and a residential elevator, cost can be a significant factor. Generally, vertical platform lifts are less expensive than residential elevators. The cost of a vertical platform lift varies depending on the model and the height it needs to cover. In contrast, residential elevators are more expensive due to the additional construction required for installation, such as building a shaft, adding a machine room, and installing a roof and walls. However, the cost of the elevator depends on the size, features, and materials used. It’s important to consider the long-term expenses as well, such as maintenance, repairs, and energy consumption, when making a decision. A professional contractor can help you compare the costs and benefits of each option to determine which is the best fit for your needs and budget.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between a vertical platform lift and a residential elevator, there are several factors to consider, such as mobility needs, home design, and budget. Both options provide safe and reliable access to multiple floors, allowing individuals with limited mobility to remain in their homes and maintain their independence. Consulting with a professional installer and evaluating your specific needs can help you make an informed decision on which option is best for you. Regardless of the choice you make, the installation of either a vertical platform lift or a residential elevator can significantly improve the quality of life for those with limited mobility.

Depending on the expected use, space available, timeline, and budget, you can determine whether a vertical platform lift or residential elevator is the best option for you or your loved one. Both options offer accessibility solutions to your home in Aurora.

At Independent Living Solutions, we provide the best stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, and elevators at budget-friendly prices.

Common Misconceptions People Have About Stairlifts

While you may not experience any pain or discomfort when you move up and down the floors in your house, ask your aging loved one struggling with mobility issues or anyone in general who has mobility issues how difficult it is for them to move about in their own house.

Understanding the plight of seniors and those who have mobility issues, Independent Living Solutions, Inc. developed both curved and straight stairlifts. These stairlifts have allowed people to move up and down the floors in their own house without seeking anyone’s help. Seniors feel independent and confident with the help of these stairlifts. In spite of such a huge success of these stairlifts, there are a certain group of people who refrain from having these stairlifts installed in their house.

These are people who believe in the myths associated with the usage of stairlifts on the Internet and online forums. In this blog, we’ll uncover these ludicrous myths and tell you why you should have the best straight Stairlifts in Arvada installed in your house. Let’s get started.

  • The first misconception many people have about stairlifts is that these lifts are only meant to be used by extremely old people. This is obviously not true. Haven’t you seen people injured in road accidents not being able to walk properly even after many years? Aren’t there sports players who injured themselves in such a way that they have trouble walking about? Don’t these people need assistance moving up and down the stairs? They obviously do! Stairlifts are for everyone struggling with mobility issues regardless of what age group they belong to
  • The second misconception is stairlifts can only be installed on certain types of stairs. Again, this is absolutely untrue. There is a stairlift for every type of stairs. There are curved stairlifts and straight stairlifts. Depending on what kind of stairs are there in your house, either of the stairlift types can be selected
  • The third misconception Is the installation of a stairlift will pose problems. You’ll be surprised to know that a straight stairlift can be installed within 2 hours. The machine is put on the stairs, not on the wall, so it is rather easy for the professionals to do the installation. Yes, a curved stairlift can be quite tricky to install but it wouldn’t take more than a day to install it in the majority of the cases

So there you have it. These are the myths people used to believe in but as you can see, these myths have no basis whatsoever. So, whether you need straight or curved stairlifts in Arvada, feel free to get in touch with Independent Living Solutions, Inc. to know more about these lifts and how they can help you or a loved one with their mobility issues.

3 Signs Your Parents Need Stairlift At Home

Watching our parents, grandparents, or loved ones growing old is no less than a challenge. It’s tough to see how they suddenly become dependent upon us for little things – like climbing the stairs. As they get older, their bodies lose strength and sense of balance, increasing the risk of accidental falls. The easiest way to help them move freely around the house is to install a stair chair lift.

If you’re not sure whether stair chair lift installation is a smart decision or not, read below that warning signs that indicate your parents or other loved ones are facing mobility issues.

Fall accidents while climbing up or coming down the stairs

Falling is the most visible sign, which indicates that your parents need assistance while climbing stairs. When they are not steady on their feet, they find it difficult to navigate the stairs. While a fall accident can happen to anyone, more than one incident implies mobility difficulty.

Parents don’t want to leave the house or their room anymore

When you notice that your parents are not as active as they were before, it means something is troubling them. The reason could be a lack of confidence when navigating in-house steps or outside stairs. To help them remain active and independent, without any fear of falling, consider the installation of stair chair lifts at home.

They have mobility concerns or health issues

Knee pain, joint pain, and excessive stiffness are some common reasons that keep seniors from accessing the stairs. Besides, other health problems like back pain and breathing difficulties discourage them from using stairs frequently. To help and support them, you must address their concerns and issues, and seek solutions like installing a stair chair lift.

If you notice any of these signs, wait no more to get stair chair lifts installed in your home. At Independent Living Solutions, we offer the best stair chair lifts in Denver at affordable prices. Get in touch with us today.

Three Tips to Keep Your Home Elevator in Tip-Top Condition

Installing a residential elevator in the home is an excellent investment. It can enable people with mobility challenges to reach multiple floors of a home. Just like any other equipment, it also requires routine maintenance to keep running smoothly. Over time, it’s likely to go through wear and tear, which can shorten its life. But with regular maintenance, not only will you extend its lifetime, but you will also save on repair costs.

Here is how you can keep your best used residential elevators for sale in good condition:

Schedule inspection

To ensure that your elevator works safely and smoothly, an annual inspection by professionals, preferably from whom you bought the best residential elevators for sale, is crucial. These professionals have an eye for issues and skills to take care of them in little to no time. From performing safety testing to ensuing smooth operation, they keep everything in check during the inspection. Make sure you schedule an inspection once a year for your safety.

Don’t overlook common problems

When you buy the best used residential elevators for sale and use it day in and out to access different floors of the home, certain problems are bound to happen. Some of the common issues are bumps during travel, increased noise due to lack of lubrication, and issues with locking mechanisms. While they are not serious, they should not be overlooked at any cost. Over time, they can snowball into serious problems, which may require expensive repair or you may need to buy the best residential elevators for sale. As soon as you notice such issues, no matter how insignificant, call your elevator supplier immediately.

DIY Troubleshooting

Repairing your elevator system yourself is not recommended since some things should be left to the professionals. For example, tinkering with its control panel or electrical wiring may not only void the manufacturer’s warranty but may also be dangerous if you don’t know about how its components work. However, here are a few things you can troubleshoot while professionals arrive at your home to fix them:

  • Check the circuit breaker in your main electrical panel if your elevator has lost power
  • Make sure all swing doors and cab gates are fully closed
  • Reset the elevator using a disconnect switch, usually located near the main control panel

Final Note

Keeping your residential elevator in good condition for years to come doesn’t have to be hard as long as you know what you need to do.

If you need help with the installation and repair of new or the best used residential elevators for sale, get in touch with us today.

3 Wonderful Benefits of Installing a Stair Lift at Home

Sometimes with age, mobility becomes a little restricted and the older members of our family are unable to move around the home freely. In case, the house has an upstairs, climbing up the staircase becomes an everyday hassle causing discomfort and pain. With stairs becoming a challenge, some start considering limiting themselves to the ground floor itself while others may even give a thought to shifting to a retirement facility. If you just get a stairlift installed in your home all these problems could be taken care of! With a stairlift, your loved ones will be able to navigate freely within the house. This cost-effective solution goes a long way in saving a lot of trouble for the older members of your family. A friendly heads up to anyone looking for the best stairlifts in Denver, Colorado, you have come to the right place.

Installing a stairlift not only helps in enhancing mobility but also comes with a few other benefits, 3 of which are listed here:

  1. With a stairlift in place at your home, you no longer have to worry about the safety of your parents and grandparents each time they climb up the staircase. Stairs are among the most accident-prone areas within a house. Getting injured because of falling down the stairs is a nightmare that is easy to prevent. Install a stairlift and each time you need to access the other floor of the house it’s as simple assitting in a chair and riding to the next floor!
  2. Not being able to access some areas, like the upper floor or basement, of your living space may get annoying after a time. After all, home is the one place where nobody should worry about restricted mobility. At times you may have to leave a family member who requires assistance to move up and down the stairs alone because of work and other commitments. The stairlift comes to the rescue as it provides an easy and safe way to access different floors of the home.
  3. Many people start giving serious thought to moving to an assisted living facility or selling their two story house and buying a single story house. If you just get a stairlift installed you will address the concerns of traversing stairs without breaking the bank. With this cost-effective option, you get to stay put in your home sweet home! If you want to buy stairlifts in Denver then please do get in touch with us.

Here at Independent Living Solutions, we provide the best stairlifts in Denver, Colorado at affordable pricing. If you are looking to buy stairlifts in Denver then visit our website today.

Bringing Your Aged Parent Home? You May Need Our Ramps And Lifts!

Many adults are bringing their old parents home as they want them to be among loved ones amid the coronavirus outbreak. Others too, are concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and are wantinggetting their parents home as soon as possible.

Since older people are more susceptible to developing severe complications after getting infected, it’s very normal to want your elderly parents near you where you can keep them safe. But, it is also important to acknowledge that your parents, especially if they use a wheelchair, might face issues with accessibility and mobility in your home. You will have to help them navigate the porch stairs if they want to get to the lawn as well as assist them up to the second floor of the house as they might be too weak to navigate across such spaces on their own.

The issue of porch stairs can be easily dealt with by buying used portable wheelchair ramps. The other more pressing problem—getting them to the second floor—can be solved by having all their necessities on the first floor itself, so that they don’t have to climb the stairs. But in many homes, climbing stairs might be unavoidable. In such cases, the installation of avertical platform liftor incline platform lift works wonders.

Installing Accessibility Equipment At Home

Making your home senior-friendly doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. Used wheelchair ramps, platform lifts, walk-in bathtubs, and ceiling lift systems that are available at Independent Living Solutions will not only make your elderly parent’s stay at your home more comfortable, but it will also help the caregiver to offer better, more holistic care. It will be easier for you as well as the caregiver to manage the day-to-day workload while caring for your parents.

Moreover, this has a direct impact on your parent’s mental and physical well-being as it helps them to maintain a degree of independence. They are likely to be more proactive since they don’t have to expend too much energy to move around.

The most important benefit that comes with buying recycled lifts and used aluminum wheelchair ramps for sale is that it can help prevent nasty falls and slips. During such difficult times, trips to the ER can prove to be extremely risky. Because of this, taking precautions by installing accessibility equipment should be your priority.

Want to make your home senior-friendly by installing accessibility and mobility solutions? Then get in touch with us for options that can be put in place to prepare your home for your elderly parent today.

3 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Wheelchair Accessible

While a wheelchair is meant to improve the mobility of the user, it has its limitations. For instance, you may not access elevated platforms or stairs without aid while using a wheelchair. Even if you try, the risk of injuries is significantly high. Because of these limitations, many wheelchair users find moving in and around their home freely and safely challenging. However, you can make your home more accessible for wheelchair users and enable them to enjoy complete freedom.

If you or your loved one uses a wheelchair, here’s a quick guide to help you make your home wheelchair accessible:

Install wheelchair ramps
Almost all homes have at least small threshold obstacles or a step or two either at the front door or inside the home. Accessing them in a wheelchair is often difficult and comes with the risk of accidents. This is where a wheelchair ramp comes into the picture and enables you to easily access steps, elevated platforms, doorways, sliding glass doors and other obstacles. Installing a ramp doesn’t require any renovation and can be used anywhere in the home to suit your specific needs. You can also buy portable wheelchair ramps in Denver for ease of storage.

Flooring
Most wheelchair accidents occur because of bad flooring, primarily those with carpets. This is why it’s good to look at your flooring and replace it if it causes trouble for wheelchair users to get around. Hardwood type flooring is a good option as it helps improve the mobility of wheelchair users and reduces the risk of trips and falls. You may also want to declutter and rearrange items in your home to make way for wheelchair users to easily move around.

Stairlift
If you or your loved one needs to get upstairs, installing a stairlift can be an excellent move. A stairlift enables you to access different floors in the home safely while minimizing the risk of injuries occurring from trips and falls. You can easily find a quality stairlift in Denver fit to your home requirements from an online store and get it installed by professionals.

If you are looking for new ramps for sale in Denver or stair lift to improve mobility, you can pick the one as per your requirements from our store. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.

Walk-In Tub Maintenance for Enhanced Longevity

Your walk-in tub will remain safe and functional as long as it’s periodically maintained. Laxities in routine maintenance will not only reduce its lifespan but also raise safety concerns.

Cleaning and maintaining a walk-in tub is not rocket science. By carefully following a few maintenance tips, you can ensure both a safe and functional tub for years to come. Here are a few tips to keep it in good condition:

Rinse your walk-in tub after each bath

Each time you use your tub, consider taking the removable showering wand and rinsing out the entire tub with lukewarm water. This will eliminate soap scum, limescale, and other types of buildup while they are fresh. This can save you time and hassles of scrubbing them later on. Lukewarm water helps melt residues from the tub’s surface and drain them to where they belong.

Follow a weekly maintenance wash

Once a week, you would want to give to your walk-in tub in Denver a real wash down. Thoroughly wash its entire surface and fixture using a mild acrylic-friendly cleanser. It’s crucial to avoid using any wire brush or steel wool to scrub your tub as it can damage the tub’s surface. If you rinse your tub after each bathing session, weekly maintenance should be quite easy.

A monthly deep clean

Your monthly walk-in tub washing should focus on deep cleaning every element of the tub, from the surface to fixture to every system. To do this, you need to fill it with warm water to around the first jet; make sure the jets are off. Once done, add a cup of bleach and turn on the jets and let them run for 15 minutes. After a few minutes, turn them off and drain your tub. After you have drained it, repeat the steps with warm water without bleach and let it completely remove dirt, grime, and bleach out of the system.

Bottom Line

With routine maintenance, you can have a walk-in tub in the bathroom that gives you a safe and relaxing bathing experience. Cleaning it is simple yet effective in enhancing its lifespan.

If you are looking for walk-in tubs for sale, we can help you provide with top-of-the-line tubs that can be upgraded with jets for a circulatory massage. Our every tub ensures a safe and relaxing experience and requires minimum maintenance. Feel to get in touch with us today.

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