by admin | May 9, 2022 | Blogs
Creating an “accessible” home can seem intimidating and in a way, it can be. From creating mindful floor plans, spacious doorways, and chair lifts to many other architectural changes, a carefully designed “accessible” home requires effort, time, and planning. However, if your loved one is needing a wheelchair temporarily or your home receives visits from wheelchair-using loved ones now and then, this blog will be helpful for you.
We have shared some easy-to-implement yet practical tips to make your space more wheelchair-friendly in a hassle-free way.
INSTALL A USED STAIRLIFT
Rather than investing in a new stairlift altogether, a used stairlift might be better if your home has multiple stories. Stairlifts are a great way to ease access to different floors without any worries or putting a strain on your loved one’s knees. A reliable dealer can help you get an excellent stairlift option, carefully refurbished and offering the same value as promised by its manufacturer.
Additionally, it won’t hurt your pocket once you are done using it.
GO FOR ALUMINUM WHEELCHAIR RAMPS FOR SALE
Aluminum wheelchair ramps are easy to install while improving the functionality of wheelchairs across a space tremendously. You can opt for portable options, or the best aluminum wheelchair ramps, depending on the utility and design of your space. Besides, even if you go for permanent installation, ramps prove highly beneficial due to their functionality and use-case. While evaluating your home for ramp access, ask these questions to yourself:
- Is there adequate space available for a ramp?
- Does the ramp need to make turns to improve access?
- Is the lot relatively flat or significantly slopes away from the house if you think of installing it at the front door?
- While improving access from the garage to the house, what’s the position of the door entering the house relative to the parking area?
INSTALL GRAB BARS AND HANDLES
This doesn’t take much time, money, or effort to improve accessibility in your space and maximizes safety against slipping and falls substantially. Grab bars help with stability, especially when getting up or down the toilet seat or coming out of the shower. Be strategic in its installation and mindful of the “reach” and size of the handle.
PLACE YOUR FURNITURE STRATEGICALLY
If your living room, alley, hallway, or other high-traffic area is too congested or occupied with too much decor or furniture for a wheelchair, try to take out a few pieces and rearrange your space. Remove all the heavy and big pieces out of the way of movement to add some width. Also, consider raising the height of the furniture to make the transfer from the wheelchair easy and seamless. Use wooden blocks or furniture coasters for the same.
ARRANGE YOUR KITCHEN AND CLOSET FOR ACCESSIBILITY
Do you have a messy kitchen with storage items lying around? Are the stacks in your closet too high for the wheelchair user? Arrange the appliances at a lower height and everyday objects in the lower cabinets. Lower the closet rods to make reaching for clothes easier.
A little thing to note here is that you might have to customize the list depending on your loved one’s lifestyle and level of accessibility. This is a generic blog that includes all the easy to install hacks to improve the functionality of your home. If you would like expert assistance in deciding on accessibility solutions for your home, browse our website or connect with us.
by admin | May 5, 2022 | Blogs
Just because a senior or person is dealing with mobility issues, it does not mean he/she cannot move up and down the stairs in their own home safely and easily. Thanks to manufacturers who make quality stairlifts, people struggling with mobility issues can comfortably sit on a mechanized chair connected to a railing and travel up and down stairs. Although installing stairlifts is a bit expensive, you can consider going for reconditioned straight stairlift if you cannot afford a brand new one. The best thing about these stairlifts is, you get to enjoy the same convenience that brand new stairlifts offer at an affordable price. Whether you go with refurbished or brand new stairlifts, one thing you need to keep in mind while using them is safety. While they can make your life easier, stairlifts can also prove risky for the user if they are not used correctly. In this blog, we will tell you how you can use your stairlift safely. Let’s get started.
Always Remember To Fold The Seat
The best thing about these stairlifts is, they can be easily folded when you are not using them. If the lift’s seat, arms, and footrest are not folded up, then people using the stairs have less walking space which could cause a fall resulting in injury. Some stairlifts can be equipped with a power folding footrest option so the user does not have to bend over to fold the footrest.
Stairlift Can Lift Only One Person At A Time
Anybody in your home can use the stairlift to move up and down the stairs. However, keep in mind that stairlifts are designed in such a way that only one person can use it at a time. So, if you are thinking of taking your grandchild with you on a stairlift, keep in mind that you can injure yourself and the other person with you. Do not travel up and down with multiple passengers. Every stairlift manufacturer clearly identifies the weight limit of the stairlift, we will strongly advise you to never exceed this limit.
Take Stairlift Maintenance Seriously
Your stairlift will continue to perform well as long as you take care of its maintenance requirements. It is essential for you to understand that risk of accidents go up if your stairlift is not properly maintained. That is why it is important you do not ignore signs of wear and tear and malfunction in your stairlift. If you can notice that your stairlift is not working as it normally does, get in touch with a professional who knows how to repair issues in stairlifts. Also, do not try to fix your stairlift on your own. You might injure yourself or unknowingly cause further damage to the stairlift.
Apart from the above-mentioned things, some other things you should do to use stairlifts safely include using the seatbelt every time you use the stairlift and keeping the stairs clear of obstructions. As long as you do these things, you will be able to use your stairlift without any issue. And if you need to purchase new or refurbished stairlifts, you can contact Independent Living Solutions. We specialize in providing top-quality accessibility equipment. We can help you get the right stairlift for your home. We also install and service stairlifts. To know more, feel free to call us at 303-463-8200.
by admin | Apr 11, 2022 | Blogs
Home elevators are retrofitted into the existing homes for several reasons. In Some cases, there is an urgent need to transport an individual with limited mobility, while in other cases, an elevator is installed in the home to offer ease of access or to transport bulky loads from one floor to another.
You can consider installing a modern residential elevator to make your home a feasible place to live for a long time, especially if accessibility assistance is necessary.
When determining if a residential elevator is the right fit for your home, you must consider a few factors. Let’s walk you through them.
Choose the right location for modern residential elevators in your home
During the mid-1990s, many builders included pre-planned elevator passages in new construction. They built areas with features such as stacked closets to enable the installation of a residential elevator sometime later in the future. Some homes also have small offices or pantries to help ease renovation to create the elevator passage. If this passage isn’t preplanned, you will have to add a new room to each serviced floor, including about 25 square feet of inside clear floor space. For that reason, the best course of action is to get in touch with an elevator company when planning the location of your residential elevator.
Power requirements for residential elevators
The power requirements of a residential elevator are similar to an electric range. However, it is crucial to verify that all requirements are properly met to ensure the safe and effective working of the elevator for a long time. You can work with a residential elevator company like us to outline the specific electrical requirements for your residential elevator application.
Insurance implications
When installing a residential elevator, make sure to get in touch with your insurance agent to discuss any potential impact on your homeowner’s policy. Whether you are installing a new elevator or adding to an existing structure, residential elevators can increase the replacement value of your home. The liability coverage of your home may be affected, and you would need to exercise due diligence to guarantee that your home is properly insured.
Marketability of the Home
Installing a residential elevator can also increase the marketability of your home by making it an option for a broader market of potential buyers. When you are installing a residential elevator, whether for your needs or desire, providing easy access to all levels can offer an attractive option for future occupants.
How to get started with residential elevators in Denver?
When choosing the elevator according to your needs and applications, you would want to work with a residential elevator company to ensure you achieve a beautiful, functional addition to your home.
At Independent Living Solutions, we offer two methods of installation: elevators that require the construction of a hoistway and elevators that do not require a hoistway. We will help you find the best solution for residential elevators in Denver based on your needs, requirements, and space. Get in touch with us today!
by admin | Apr 8, 2022 | Blogs
You might be familiar with the saying, “A man’s home is his castle,” but the credibility of this proverb is put to the test during the golden years of one’s life when navigating around your home becomes a struggle. Due to limited mobility and other chronic health diseases, it becomes difficult for older adults to go up and down the stairs.
The problem becomes further complicated if you live in a multi-level home and facilities like the bathroom or the bedroom are on different floors. In this case, you might want to consider other feasible options to increase accessibility and convenience. Both stairlifts and elevators provide secure passage between floors, but how do you choose between the two?
To help you make an informed decision, let us take you through the key differences between residential elevators and stairlifts.
What is a Stairlift and Who Can Use One?
As the name suggests, a stairlift is essentially a motorized chair mounted on the railing of your staircase that allows the user to securely sit in the chair and move up and down along the rail. One of the significant advantages of installing a stairlift is that they are the most cost-effective and convenient way of eliminating the problem and facilitating freedom of movement within the home.
As they require little to no modifications and can be installed on practically any type of staircase, they make for an excellent solution for anyone who simply wants to get up their stairs without having to make any significant alterations to their home. Furthermore, they work equally well for someone who finds it difficult to bend their knees and hips, as our stairlifts come with reliable safety features, such as a seat belt, power footrest, power seat swivel, manual and power-folding hinges, and easy-to-use controls.
What is a Residential Elevator, and Who is it For?
While stairlifts offer a plethora of benefits, they might not be an ideal choice for people who find it difficult to get in and out of their wheelchairs without assistance. In such cases, a home elevator is a rather feasible option as it allows them to remain in their chairs and live independently.
You could also consider installing residential elevators in Aurora if you want to experience unmatched convenience and render your home a touch of luxury. What makes these elevators more appealing than stairlifts is that they offer the ability to move across different floors with a touch of a button. Not to mention, they are the safest and most accessible solution for wheelchair users as they have enough room to accommodate the wheelchair without having to get out of it. This saves you hassles of sitting in a stairlift and also reduces the risk of slip and fall.
Apart from the bathroom, a staircase is an area in the home that presents many potential injury risks if someone were to miss a step and fall. This is why it is crucial to pay extra attention to eradicating these risks by making necessary modifications in your home to ensure a safety for your loved ones. If you’re looking for the best residential elevators in Aurora, get in touch with us today!
by admin | Apr 5, 2022 | Blogs
Living an independent life at the age of sixty or seventy seems challenging, particularly when you struggle with health conditions, like mobility issues. But does it mean you have to be dependent on others in your golden years? The short answer is no. With some home modifications, like installing a residential elevator or straight/curved stairlift, and lifestyle changes, you can live with dignity, either alone or with your family. Below you will find some essential tips to improve the quality of your life as you age gracefully at home.
Learn to connect with your family and friends virtually
Many seniors have already prepared themselves for the digital world, but some still find advanced technology a bit difficult to understand and operate. If independent living is your plan, making yourself familiar with these devices, especially smartphones, is imperative to stay connected with your family and friends virtually. Social media applications allow you to stay up to date about everyone or learn what is going on in your community. You can also call your loved ones any time you want with one tap on your smart device.
Modify your house for better mobility
Health conditions, like chronic pain and limited mobility, steal your freedom as you age. You begin to need support when walking or climbing stairs as you enter your sixties. But fall and slip accidents can happen without warnings. Instead of taking your chances, consider home modifications, like installing residential elevators or straight/curved stairlifts, to access every level of your home without calling for assistance. If you are determined to live independently, consider creating a comfortable and safe environment to reduce the risk of accidental falls. Besides installing a private elevator or stairlift, eliminate the clutter around the house and make more room in your living space.
Take care of cleanliness and hygiene needs
Maintaining hygiene is crucial, whether you choose independent or assisted living. It’s best to simplify your hygiene routine if you don’t want someone else to help you with your daily chores. Install safety equipment like grab bars in the shower and by the toilet to prevent slip accidents or injuries. Replace slippery, slick tiles with rubber flooring or grippy mats to reduce fall risks. If you are a wheelchair user, walk-in bathtubs are an incredible way to maintain hygiene without compromising your dignity.
Learn to take care of your meals and medicines
Learning to prepare healthy meals without anyone’s assistance is an excellent way of maintaining your health. Plan ahead of time to avoid making an unhealthy decision due to a lack of food options. If you don’t cook, you can take advantage of meal delivery services that deliver healthy and fresh meals at your doorsteps. In such a scenario, learning how to order using applications on a smart device will come in handy. Similarly, you can get your prescribed medicines delivered to your home.
Gone are the days when living was a big concern for an aging person and their family, friends, and caregivers. If you want to make your living space accessible, connect with experienced professionals of Independent Living Solutions to install accessibility products, including straight or curved stairlifts and residential elevators in Boulder.
by admin | Mar 10, 2022 | Blogs
If you have senior folks in your family, tending to their comfort and convenience should be of prime importance. Mobility concerns and balance issues are common tenants of old age and can impede the daily routine of your folks. This problem can be further exacerbated if you live in a multi-level home and facilities like bathroom and bedroom are on different floors. In such cases, stairlifts come to the rescue.
When it comes to installing stairlifts in your home, choosing the right stairlift is the key! Stairlifts fall into two primary categories: straight and curved. Choosing the ideal stairlift for your home can be a little overwhelming and even stressful, so to help you make an informed decision, let us take you through the key differences between straight and curved stairlifts.
Straight Stairlifts
These stairlifts are the common choice among homeowners with traditional staircases. For stairs that have no curves, bends, or landings, straight stairlifts offer a straight path from one level in the home to another and have a track that can be customized to fit the length of the stairs in your home. Since these lifts do not require any major modifications, they can save associated costs. The underside of the rail has brackets secured to the stairs, and the footrest and seat are mounted on the chassis, which connects to the track
What Do Straight Stairlifts Offer?
If you are planning to install straight stairlifts for your loved ones, the best place to start with is a consultation. During the consultation, the professional will walk you through the options that are best suited for your home and the patient’s requirements. Some of the primary features of straight stairlifts include
- Continuous battery back that facilitate operation even during power outages
- A seat that folds up and out of the way when the stairlift is not in use
- Convenient installation of the stairlift with no construction as the lift attaches directly to the stair treads, not your walls.
Curved Stairlifts
If the staircase of your home is curved with transitional landings, straight stairlifts might not suffice in this case. A curved stairlift travels along a track that is designed specifically for the curve in your home’s staircase and customized for your needs. These stairlifts are custom built and unique to your home, which makes them slightly more expensive than the standard straight stairlifts. Although curved lifts are more complex, the installation can typically be completed in a full day. However, the installation time is dependent on the complexity of your configuration.
What Do Curved Stairlifts Offer?
In addition to offering versatility in the domain of mobility and convenience, these stairlifts offer advanced safety features with safety features and a no-construction installation process. If you’re looking for a seamless installation of curved stairlifts in Aurora, our professionals will guide you through everything about using and maintaining these lifts. The additional features of these lifts include:
- Rails customized to seamlessly fit your home, allowing you to park your chair away from the entrance to the top and bottom of your staircase.
- Customized rails to match the aesthetic of your home
- Padded armrest, cushioned seats, and reliable footrest for a smooth and stable experience.
At Independent Living, we strive to provide you with safe and cost-effective solutions to navigate mobility concerns for your loved ones. If you are interested in learning more about stairlifts and residential elevators in Aurora, get in touch with us for a consultation.
by admin | Mar 7, 2022 | Blogs
Ceiling lifts can make things easier for both patients and caregivers by offering extra support when transferring an individual to or from an indoor location such as the bathroom or bed. Even though handicap ceiling lifts for homes may look complicated, they are easy to learn and operate. This makes them an ideal solution for using at home.
What are the types of ceiling lifts?
Ceiling lifts usually fall into two categories as mentioned below:
Fixed ceiling lifts: These lifts are installed on a track mounted on the ceiling and can be driven by the user to various locations throughout the home.
Portable ceiling lifts: These lifts are most commonly used when a caregiver is required. Portable ceiling lifts can also be freestanding and do not need any modifications to your home.
Before purchasing handicap ceiling lifts for home, it is necessary to understand how you will be using the ceiling lift. If you need it only as a temporary solution or you want to use it in different rooms, a portable ceiling lift may be right for you. Furthermore, a fixed lift would be better for a patient who can use the lift independently.
How to install ceiling lifts in your home?
In the case of fixed ceiling lifts, the technician will examine the structure in your ceiling to determine if it will support the weight of the lift and user. If required, they will open the ceiling to add additional reinforcement to the existing structure. The track is then attached to the ceiling, with most of the hardware above the ceiling, typically in an attic. Then, the lift will be attached to the track and will be tested by the technician. After the installation process, the technician will explain how to operate your new lift.
Portable lifts can be assembled in any room you want. The technician will attach the track to the mount and the lift to the track. After testing the lift, the technician will explain to you how to use it.
Handicap ceiling lifts for a home for safe patient transfers
Ceiling lifts or motorized ceiling tracks for disabled are an excellent solution for both patients and caregivers as they help reduce the likelihood of transfer-related injuries. Whether you are a caregiver or a family member caring for a loved one, a ceiling lift can be a great choice for your loved one and offer great confidence and comfort. These lifts can offer the added stability that your handicapped loved ones need to continue living independently. By taking charge of their transfer, they can safely reach the bathroom, use the shower or move anywhere without anyone’s help.
At independent living solutions, our lifts are built to the highest quality standards and come with the manufacturer’s warranty. Get in touch with us to request a quote today and find the right lift for your unique needs.
by admin | Mar 4, 2022 | Blogs
Modern residential elevators are an excellent investment for every home seeking to improve accessibility and mobility. Whether your home has a senior loved one or someone who uses a wheelchair or any other mobility issue, elevators offer loads of convenience to ascend and descend multiple floors of a home.
However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a decision that requires careful planning.
Several aspects go into deciding the cost of lifts. If you are currently looking for residential elevators in Colorado, here’s what you need to know:
ASPECTS THAT INFLUENCE THE COST OF AN ELEVATOR
Residential elevators aren’t an out-of-the-box item like a washing machine or an air conditioner. Each unit is customized to fit the dimensions of your space. Before you can even get started with the budget part, you must decide on the installation location. If your house is currently under construction, you need to design a shaft as per your requirements. For homes already in place, consider a spot close to an external wall.
Additionally, it can also be constructed in a garage or storage area to conserve carpet space.
A minimum of 5 ft by 5ft space is necessary for the hoistway to occupy. Based on the level of usage, the kinds of items you may carry apart from the user, and other needs and requirements, it will determine the configuration and dimensions of your lift.
The list includes:
- Material cost
- Type of system
- Complexity of installation
- Features coming with the elevator unit
The in-built and add-on features will further differentiate the cost factor. For instance, some people might require a bell, telephone, among others. While deciding on such add-ons, you need to ask yourself whether that feature fulfills the safety and comfort of the user or is done just to look “nice”.
In addition to this, the number of stops and height of your lift will also come into play.
THE DIFFERENCE OF MODERN RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS
Conventional elevators like the ones you see in high-rise buildings usually comprise hydraulic and pneumatic systems that require substantial construction modifications. Such changes are not only expensive but also extend the project completion across weeks. Thankfully, with the technological advent, we have access to smarter systems that are easy to install and don’t compromise on safety.
Old-fashioned systems also come with heavy-duty circuit breakers that require costly rewiring. Modern residential elevators don’t require such cumbersome installation. Besides increasing home value and accessibility, an elevator also acts as a great showpiece. With growing popularity and dependency of seniors on elevators, it is no more a luxury but a necessity to every home.
In conclusion, your budget will totally depend on the requirements and safety priority of your space. If you would like to learn more about residential elevators in Colorado and decide on an appropriate estimate, our experts can assist you with the same. Connect with us today for more information.
by admin | Mar 1, 2022 | Blogs
Walk-in tubs are rapidly getting popular among families with seniors or people with disabilities. Just like handicap showers for mobile homes, these are hot products in the mobility row that claim to make life easy for individuals with special needs. But do they really do it? Are they worth your money? Or just another part of a popular trend?
In this blog, you will read about how walk-in bathtubs make things better for people with special needs. Based on that, you can decide whether they are a worthwhile investment or just another gimmick.
Hydrotherapy benefits
The first thing you get when you choose to invest in a walk-in tub is hydrotherapy benefits. Didn’t you always want to get the benefits of heat, buoyancy, and massage to ease aches and pains caused by constant chair use? Soaking your joints in warm water offers quick relief from pain, and it is something you can enjoy daily.
Reduced risks of slips and falls
With seniors at home, everyone may be living with a constant fear of them slipping or falling in the bathing area. Whether it is you or a family member managing a disability, it is wise to invest in products that reduce such risks and ensure peace of mind for everyone in the house. Walk-in tubs are designed for safety, almost eliminating the chances of slips or falls.
Versatile at their best…
Walk-in bathtubs offer enormous versatility. You have your choice of a soaker tub or upgrade with jets offers a circulatory massage and turn them into therapeutic tubs — up to you! As these products are relatively new in the market, they will only get better with time. With so many excellent benefits, the prices of walk-in bathtubs for seniors shouldn’t bother you anymore.
Aging in place
Most Americans prefer to stay at home for as long as they can. With the sky high cost of assisted living facilities, investing in mobility products and home modifications that support aging in place and allow people to do their daily chores independently is a great solution.
Physical and mental hygiene
Being able to bathe independently promotes physical and mental hygiene among people with disabilities. While it reduces stress, it also helps them stay more physically active.
The bottom line
The prices of walk-in bathtubs for seniors may seem expensive at first. But considering their advantages and safety features, they are a worthwhile investment. So, spending a bit extra is alright if the product ends the worries of slips and falls in the shower for a loved one, ensuring safety and peace of mind for everyone in the family. The key to success is to purchase a walk-in tub from a trusted supplier.
At Independent Living Solutions, Inc, we offer quality walk-in bathtubs for a safe and relaxing bathing experience for people with disabilities. Our tubs can be upgraded with jets for a circulatory massage. So, if you’re looking to purchase walk-in bathtubs, reach out to us today at (303) 463-8200!
by admin | Jan 12, 2022 | Blogs
For a person with restricted mobility, each day is a new challenge. Among the most common difficulties are elevated entrances that wheelchair users typically find hard to access. Thankfully, there are wheelchair ramps available for them to use and navigate elevated surfaces with ease. People with a low budget can look for used aluminum handicap ramps for sale and move around without overburdening themselves.
Safe access to vehicles
Wheelchair users don’t enjoy getting in and out of their cars. While they are somehow used to moving in their chair all day long, they suffer every time they want to travel to a new place in their vehicle. Ramps can make it easier for them to visit places they wish to be at without raising concern over their safety.
Wheelchair ramps are designed to support people with a disability with a safe means of access to any elevated surface beyond their reach. While some vans may incorporate built-in lifting mechanisms, it is considerably expensive to install and maintain such a system. And why suffer that burden if a ramp can do the job more efficiently and conveniently?
Steps and gaps, no more obstacles
The same nearby grocery store with two steps or a gap at its entrance won’t give you a headache anymore. With a ramp, gaps and stairs are no longer obstacles. They make accessing elevated surfaces a cakewalk, are easy to carry while traveling, and can be used almost everywhere.
Sense of independence
We, as humans, love our ability to be independent. And if, because of an accident or other reasons, this ability is taken away from a person, they may feel vulnerable all the time. It won’t make a positive impact on their mental outlook and will also negatively impact their physical fitness. That’s why it is crucial to look for solutions that promote independence.
Wheelchair ramps are a worthy addition. A person with limited mobility will feel better instantly if they know there’s something they can use and help themselves every time they want to visit a place with no permanent ramp.
They don’t break the bank, either…
If you think buying a ramp is going to steal your peace of mind by putting an unbearable financial burden on you, you may be mistaken. While quality ramps are expensive, you always have the option to search for used aluminum handicap ramps for sale online, order a ramp, and get it delivered to your doorstep.
Bottom line
With technological advancements, things are getting better to make things easier and more convenient for wheelchair users, but they may feel stuck at times. Wheelchair ramps can help them access elevated entrances and gaps without a hassle. The only way to ensure a stress-free experience is to reach out to a reliable supplier for a quality ramp.
Independent Living Solutions, Inc. provides best-in-class aluminum wheelchair ramps for sale for wheelchair and mobility scooter users to help them safely move in and around their homes, no matter what lies in their way.
If interested in buying one, call us now at (303) 463-8200!
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