How Can Seniors Help Improve their Mobility?

Although many of us are living longer and often remaining healthy much later into life, many people develop mobility difficulties as they age. Decreased mobility can lead to less active lifestyles, and vice versa. When you’re used to walking around your entire life unaided, learning to walk with a walker, cane or even using a wheelchair can be a struggle.

There is a lot an older person can do to help improve mobility, and exercise tops the list. Staying active safely is a core component of supporting overall health and quality of life as we age. In addition, working on balance, learning to use the proper walking aid and maintaining a healthy weight can help seniors with their mobility as they age.

Tips to Improve Your Mobility

Start or Maintain an Active Lifestyle: If you’re older and less active, it’s often hard to incorporate daily exercise into your lifestyle. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re not already doing so, the sooner you start getting active, the sooner you’ll engage your muscles and help maintain your weight, flexibility and overall mobility. And remember, for seniors, an exercise or activity plan should emphasize quality over quantity. Exercise doesn’t have to be a 5-mile run or spinning class. It can include a short stroll around the block, a walk down to the mailbox to check the mail or moving around the kitchen to cook a healthy dinner.

Whenever you engage in an activity, make sure you put safety first so that you don’t injure yourself. Injuries for seniors can impede any progress made on mobility and can cause a serious loss of mobility, depending on the severity of the injury. Be sure to check with your physician before starting any new exercise program.

Work on Your Balance: One of the most important things an older person can do to maintain mobility is to work on balance. Why? A lack of proper balance leads to slips and falls which are especially dangerous for an older person.  A fall can set you back months, and if you break bone in the process, your mobility can end up worse than ever before. Proper balance is the key to your mobility, and this balance comes from your core, back and gluteal muscles. NIHSeniorHealth has a list of balance-oriented exercises that are geared towards seniors.

Use the Proper Walking Aid: Of course, walking unassisted is ideal, but if your balance is impaired, it is important that you use a walking aid, such as a cane or a walker, in order to maintain maximum mobility. And be sure to use the right aid for your needs. Using one that offers too much assistance can cause you to rely too heavily on it and avoid working the muscles that you need to keep strong in order to maintain your mobility,

Maintain a Healthy Weight: It is important to maintain a healthy weight to help keep your body functioning properly. Excess weight puts more stress on your joints and can cause difficulty and pain when moving. You need to ensure you’re a healthy weight if you want to maintain optimal mobility.

And of course, if your mobility is impaired, it is important to take care when moving in your home. If you have difficulty walking or regularly use a wheelchair, you might want to consider installing a stairlift, wheelchair lift or even an elevator to help you move safely in your home.  For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

Source: www.umh.org

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Indoor or Outdoor Elevator; Which One is Right for You?

So you’ve decided to install an elevator in your home, and now you’ve got one more big decision to make — where exactly do you want it installed? Your choice will be between an indoor or an outdoor elevator, and your needs, your space availability and your home’s layout will determine your ultimate decision.  Here are a few things to take into consideration when you are making your final decision between the two:

Space Availability:

Installation of an indoor elevator will require more interior space as you’ll have to make a place for it. You’ll have to adjust your layout slightly in order to accommodate your new addition.

If you’re short on space in your home, or simply don’t want to lose any valuable square footage, an outdoor elevator may be a good choice for you as you will not have to allot any interior space to make room for installation.

Aesthetic Preferences and Overall Convenience:

Consumers often choose an indoor elevator because installing it will not change their home’s outside appearance.  Since it is in the interior of the home, there is little indication from outside that it has even been installed.  If you don’t want to change the outside look of your home, an indoor elevator is definitely the right choice for you.

An outdoor elevator is, as the name simply states, installed on the outside of your home.  Installation requires little interior construction, minimizing disturbance during the entire process as there is no need to move plumbing, ductwork or electrical work to accommodate the new elevator. With an outdoor elevator, users can reach a higher level of the home without having to access the traditional entranceway, like the front door or garage door. For example, you could unload your car and travel from your ground floor garage to your second-floor kitchen right up to your third-floor bedroom in a quick trip.

Local Weather:

It is important to consider the weather in your area when you’re deciding between an indoor or outdoor elevator.  While outdoor elevators are built to withstand normal weather fluctuations, an indoor elevator would be a better choice if you live in a climate with harsh or extreme conditions, like long, snowy winters.

At Liftavator, we offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor elevator options. Our residential elevators provide up to 50 vertical feet of elevator service, and even small properties with limited space can take advantage of one of our indoor elevator options.  Our outdoor elevator is the most durable, weather resistance vertical platform lift on the market today. Short lead times and an easy installation process means creating access to your multi-story home is a quick, easy process!

About Liftavator

Liftavator, the number-one source for residential, limited use/limited application (LU/LA) in North Carolina, designs, builds, and installs only the highest quality elevators and platform lifts. In addition to the company’s revolutionary designs and ideas, it offers a 90-day guarantee on all labor and materials. Liftavator doesn’t consider a job complete until the customer is 100% satisfied.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, home stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

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The M2 Vertical Platform Lift

Stairs, decks, porches and elevated platforms often pose a barrier to the elderly and people in wheelchairs, and ramps and/or home stair lifts may not be suitable for all applications. Vertical platform lifts (VPL)  are commercial or residential elevators that allow wheelchair users to move from one level of the building to another without leaving their assistive device.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, our M2 VPL makes accessibility convenient and affordable.  With a capacity of 750 lbs, the M2 lift easily accommodates a wheelchair or other mobility equipment. A complete solution, the M2 lift includes a flush solid gate for the top landing for your safety and code compliance.

Durably built with rust-resistant aluminum components, you can count on this lift to perform and look great for years to come – even in cold and coastal climates.

Ideal for home use as a porch or deck lift, the M2 lift installs quickly and is easy to operate. A reliable chain drive system provides smooth, quiet operation. It is available in 3 lifting heights: 40″, 60″ and 75″.

The M2 lift comes with several standard safety features including emergency stop button, under pan sensors to stop the lift operation (if an obstruction is detected in its path), alarm on car, and slack chain safety switch. A battery-operated unit charged through a standard electrical outlet allows the lift to be operated even during power outages.

We invite you to `contact us for more information about the M2 VPL.

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How to Choose Between a Stairlift and a Platform Lift

The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that by 2030, the United States—for the first time ever—will have more 65-and-older residents than children. All boomers and one-fifth of the total population will have reached the traditional retirement age of 65. The agency’s projection marks a milestone for our society, and it reflects the ongoing impact of the giant boomer generation born in just after World War II.

Boomers may be getting older, but they have no intention of being aged out of their homes. Nearly 75% of people hope to stay in their homes as they age, according to a poll of 1,616 people age 45 and older conducted by AARP. And the older people get, the more likely they are to want to stay put.

Caring for a relative with limited mobility can be a challenge, but plenty of solutions are out there. For those unable to climb stairs due to a disability, a progressive illness, or simply due to aging, a stairlift or platform wheelchair lift is often the best solution.

The first thing to do when evaluating the need for a lift is to consider the user’s level of mobility. This way, you’ll feel at ease knowing you’re making the best possible choice for their situation with safety as the top priority. You can also ensure your loved one enjoys their independence for as long as possible.

Since the most popular mobility solutions are platform lifts and stairlifts, let’s take a look at their features and differences.

Stairlifts

Sometimes called chairlifts, stairlifts are great for people still able to walk easily, but may have trouble climbing stairs. It’s also a good choice for those who can easily transfer from a wheelchair to the stairlift seat by themselves.

The stairlift is a simple set up and is easily installed. The track takes the seat up and down the stairs which allows those with mobility issues to move themselves comfortably.

Stairlifts can be installed on either a straight or curved staircase. The equipment is motorized and battery-operated, so it works even during a power outage. There are two main types of stairlifts: Straight rail and custom curved rail. The straight rail variations are perfect for stairs without any turns, curves, or landings and can often be installed in a day or two since they don’t need customization.

Custom curved stairlifts will be needed for nearly any other stair case—whether you have a split-level house, a curved stair case, or a number of other design elements. Due to the uniqueness of curved staircases, this type of stairlift must be custom made. Because the process is more complex, it may take a few weeks for the installation to be complete.

If you have a loved one who is relatively agile for their age, but can still use some help climbing stairs, the stairlift is your best bet. He or she can maintain independence at home but have assistance when needed.

Platform Lifts

A platform lift is what most people think of when they think about a wheelchair lift. Although similar to elevators in terms of accessible design, platform lifts are much easier to add to an existing home because they don’t need remodeling work to be installed—they’re also much cheaper than an elevator. Platform lifts are the best for those who can no longer transfer out of their wheelchair by themselves.

The most common kind of platform lift is the vertical lift. It carries a person while on a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid on a platform, directly from one floor to another. A platform lift won’t take up as much real estate as an elevator, but it may require adjustments in layout and design.

Now that you know the differences between a stairlift and a platform lift it should be much easier to come to a decision as to what’s best for your loved one. Not only can the staff at Liftavator recommend the best stairlift for your situation and home, but we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have as you start using your new lift.

When you’re ready, a member of our team will visit your home to determine which stairlift or platform lift meets your specific needs. When a final decision is made, we’ll book a day for installation.

We’re proud to offer a five-year warranty on all our products. If service is ever needed, our technicians will ensure it’s in perfect working order—giving you the peace of mind your lift will never leave you stranded. We recommend a bi-annual service for all our products where we check all operational functions. The process usually takes about an hour.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: Liftavator; AARP; U.S. Census Bureau; Disabled Living Foundation; Consumers Advocate Organization; and Retirement Living, LLC.)

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Mobility Help Available to Disabled Veterans

As a disabled veteran, remodeling for better accessibility can keep you in a home you love; but, the process can be beyond budgetary resources for many disabled service members and their families. If you desperately need a chair lift or wheelchair lift, what can you do?

Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has grants available to assist with renovation or to even buy a new home to accommodate disability. These grants supplement other funding options available to the general public, and the money can be used to make major modifications to improve independence or just add small aids such as grab bars, wider doorways, or a handicap ramp.

If you’re a disabled Service member or Veteran, find out if you can get a grant to help meet your housing needs.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The SAH provides up to $67,555 to veterans injured in service so they can create a home that is fully accessible. The money is available to veterans who were disabled permanently and totally as a result of activities during wartime service (100% service-related disability). The majority of veterans who qualify are confined to a wheelchair and require modifications to existing house plans for wheelchair access.

This grant may be used for new home construction or for substantial housing modifications that help eligible veterans function independently in their own homes.

You may be able eligible if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time), and you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You own or will own the home and you have one of these service-connected disabilities (disabilities related to your service):

  • The loss or loss of use of both legs, both arms, or an arm and a leg;
  • The loss or loss of use of a lower leg along with the residuals (lasting effects) of an organic (natural) disease or injury;
  • Blindness in both eyes having only light perception along with the loss or loss of use of one leg;
  • Certain severe burns; and/or
  • The loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities (feet or legs) after September 11, 2001, that makes it so you can’t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

This grant can be used for any home improvement that will help those with service-connected disabilities (100% service-related disability) increase mobility throughout their existing homes. Maximum grants are currently $13,511 and are available to veterans with permanent and total disability (blindness or loss of limbs) as a result of military service. The majority of those who qualify are confined to a wheelchair and require modifications to existing house plans for wheelchair access.

You may be eligible for the SHA grant if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time) and you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You or a family member own or will own the home and you have one of these service-connected disabilities (disabilities related to your service):

  • Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less);
  • The loss or loss of use of both hands;
  • Certain severe burns; and/or
  • Certain respiratory or breathing injuries.

For FY 2018, you may be able to get up to three grants—for a total of up to $16,217—through the SHA grant program.

Home Improvements and Structural Assistance (HISA) Grant

The HISA program offers home improvement and modification grants of $2,000 to $6,800 for veterans with service-related and non-service-related disabilities, respectively. This program is open to a wider range of veterans and includes those who are disabled as a result of non-service-related conditions. The money may be used for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for the veteran’s disability access to the home and to essential sanitary facilities.

To receive this grant, the Veteran must have a prescription from a VA facility or from a physician providing covered care to VA patients outside VA facilities. Some of the provisions that HISA will pay for include:

  • Lowering electrical outlets and switches;
  • Allowing entrance and exit from the Veteran’s home;
  • Improving access to sanitary facilities;
  • Improving walkways and driveways; and
  • Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters.

The HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability. The HISA program does not cover major modifications that are generally covered by the SAH grant program. For instance, handrails installed in showers are covered under HISA, while widening a bathroom doorway is not.

A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a SHA grant or a SAH grant.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

If you need money to make changes to a family member’s you’re living in for a short period of time, you may be able to get a TRA grant if you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You qualify for an SAH or SHA grant and you’re living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs changes to meet your needs.

How to Get Help

You can apply in one of four ways:

If you have any other questions, please call (800) 827-1000.

The knowledgeable staff at Liftavator is also on hand to answer any questions you have as you look at mobility improvements. If you’d like, a member of our team is available to visit your home to determine which of the solutions we offer can meet your specific needs.

When a final decision is made, we’ll book a day for installation and you’ll be able to use your new installations the same day!

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs; Military.com; USA.gov; and Julian Gray Associates.)

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The Great Debate Solved: Electric Tops Hydraulic

The in-home elevator has become quite a popular accessory thanks to its numerous benefits. Baby boomers looking to “age in place” are installing them to ease the burden of bad knees and bad backs. So are families juggling children, pets, and groceries—both groups can greatly benefit. Builders say lifts are increasingly showing up in home renovations, custom-build homes, and high-end speculative properties.

When it comes to home elevators there are two broad categories: Electric and hydraulic. Both have advantages and disadvantages and a homeowner should be well aware of these before deciding which type to put in the home. Which is best? Which needs more maintenance? Which is most cost effective? Let’s take a look.

Up First: Hydraulic Home Elevators

Hydraulic elevators have a basic design of a car attached to a lifting system. The car, inside the hoistway, is attached to guide rails or a rope. Motion for the car comes from the hydraulic ram, a fluid-driven piston mounted inside a cylinder underneath.

The cylinder is connected to a system of a tank, pump, and valve that pumps hydraulic oil. The pump moves hydraulic oil from a tank to a pipe connected to the cylinder, where the valve is. When the valve opens, the fluid goes back into the tank. When the valve is closed, the fluid goes into the cylinder, where it builds up and pushes the piston, and the elevator car, up. Once the car is approaching a floor, the elevator system sends a signal to the pump. When the car goes down, this process reverses.

Hydraulic elevators need more than hoistways and cars, however. A full system will need to be built into your home—including a pit and machine room. Before the elevator is installed, contractors must survey your home and put together drawings for each of these features. Installation may take a few days, as the hoistway and entrances need to be constructed and power wired to the controller.

A hydraulic elevator is reliable, but a big drawback of this design is that it requires a large “machine room.” You’ll need a 20-gallon reservoir filled with petroleum-based hydraulic oil in a separate room in your home, which takes up valuable floor space. And, in case you weren’t aware, hydraulic oil does not have a pleasant smell. A rubber hose connected to the hydraulic cylinder must be changed every six years. Unfortunately, this hose can leak fluid (leaks may also appear in fittings, seals, or even the oil reservoir) and these leaks are usually not discovered until you smell the pool of fluid that’s collected in your home.

A few more drawbacks should be noted:

• Hydraulic elevators bounce and relevel upon entry.
• The elevator also relevels when pressure is lost which can cause the motor to run at all hours.
• Features more complex components which can lead to maintenance issues.
• Hydraulic elevators use outdated technology.

According to an article written by Henry Gifford for Home Energy Magazine, a hydraulic model uses 30 times more electricity than a traction elevator. As you can see, these units are less energy efficient which means you’ll spend more on electricity—maybe several times more.

Up Next: Electric Home Elevators

Electric or cable-driven elevators use a pulley, counterweight, electric motor, and track to move the car up and down the shaft. The electric motor turns the pulley and moves the cables to raise and lower the elevator car. The counterweight helps the elevator use less energy, and the track ensures the counterweight and car don’t sway.

These types of elevators are more popular than hydraulic elevator systems because they don’t use hydraulic fluid (no leaking oil!), making them more environmentally friendly and the required maintenance needed less frequently. They also don’t demand a pit and “machine room” which cuts down labor costs during installation. Instead, all drive equipment is mounted at the top of the elevator shaft where it’s out of the way and safe from any possible flooding.

An electric elevator installs quickly and seamlessly and provides a smooth, stable ride by incorporating a variable speed drive: It starts out slow and gradually increases speed until the desired floor is reached. The system also features a programable controller with on-board diagnostics. And, if you add another floor to your home in the future, the elevator’s rail length can be extended.
The Eclipse residential elevator offered by Liftavator is a smooth-riding elevator that takes up less square footage and usually takes less time to install than hydraulic elevators. It’s the perfect choice for homes with limited space. Construction requirements for the Eclipse are simpler than most other home elevators—making it easier to install into an existing home.

Safety is the top priority with the Eclipse elevator. Its features include:

• Battery-operated emergency lowering and lighting;
• Hand crank manual lowering;
• Motorized braking;
• Lockable control panel;
• Elevator door interlocks;
• Emergency stop switch in car;
• In-use indicator lights on hall stations; and
• Slack chain brake system.

Liftavator can also show you the many ways you can make the Eclipse the perfect complement to your home with a variety of finishes and fixtures to suit virtually any décor. You can even add Savaria automatic slim doors for superior convenience and a modern appearance.

It’s pretty clear which option we think is best for in-home use. Give us a call and let us help you make your home more accessible.

About Liftavator

Liftavator, the number-one source for residential, limited use/limited application (LU/LA) in North Carolina, designs, builds, and installs only the highest quality elevators and platform lifts. In addition to the company’s revolutionary designs and ideas, it offers a 90-day guarantee on all labor and materials. Liftavator doesn’t consider a job complete until the customer is 100% satisfied.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

 

(Sources: Savaria; Seniors and Boomers Services Alliance; HomeAdvisor, Inc.; InfoSpace Holdings LLC; Contractor Culture; House Design Coffee; How Stuff Works; Household Decoration; and WegoWise, Inc.)

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What to Consider When Selecting the Right Stairlift for Your Home

Choosing the right stairlift for your home may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of the Liftavator team, you can ensure your new stairlift matches your lifestyle, current and future mobility requirements, and the needs of your entire family.

With several options, we thought the following questions will be helpful when selecting the stairlift that’s right for you. These considerations are important to review if you wish to remain in the home you love without the worry of limited mobility. If you have any questions at all, the staff at Liftavator is ready with answers.

Which stairlift best fits my staircase?

Let’s start with practicality: If a stairlift doesn’t fit your staircase, it’s definitely not the one for you! Stairlifts are meant to make life easier for you and your family, so if it becomes an obstacle to free, and most importantly safe, movement up and down the stairs or just doesn’t meet your needs as you thought it would, there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

Liftavator has installed stairlifts all across eastern North Carolina and we can recommend and place the stairlift that fits each one of your mobility and lifestyle needs.

Is it easy to operate a stairlift?

Think about who’ll be using the stairlift, why it’s needed, and how easy specific stairlifts will be for that person to operate. If you or a loved one has a problem with manual dexterity due to arthritis for example, you’ll need to take that into consideration by looking for a model with light touch controls or a remote-control function that lets other members of your family help.

What safety features do I need?

Installing a stairlift in your home or the home of a loved one is a long-term investment that must satisfy your needs today, tomorrow, and the years to come. Whatever your mobility issues may be, it’s key to ensure your stairlift includes features that will keep you safe, secure, and independent.

Several features should be considered when it comes to the safety of the stairlift. Folding foot rests and seats make the lift more compact and less noticeable. Seat belts are a must, and should be worn any time the lift is in use. Swivel seats make it easier to get on and off the chair. If there’s more than one user, a call-send feature is a must—you’ll be able to retrieve the chair if it’s at the opposite end of the stairs. Every stair lift should also have an emergency stop switch.

Is there a warranty or after sales service?

Not only can we recommend the best stairlift for you and your home, but we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have as you start using your new stairlift. We’re proud to offer a five-year warranty on our stairlifts.

If service is ever needed, our technicians will ensure it’s in perfect working order—giving you the peace of mind your stairlift will never leave you stranded. We recommend a bi-annual service for all our products where we check all operational functions. The process usually takes about an hour.

How long will I have to wait?

A member of our team will visit your home to determine which stairlift meets your specific needs. When a final decision is made, we’ll book a day for installation and you’ll be able to use your new stairlift the same day!

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: Disabled Living Foundation; Consumer Affairs; SFGATE; San Francisco Chronicle; HomeAdvisor; and Huffington Post.)

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Don’t Let a Fear of Falling Drive You from Your Home

Every second of every day in the United States an elderly person falls—making falls the number one cause of injuries (and deaths from injury) among older Americans. It’s estimated that falls cause the death of approximately 27,000 seniors each year.

Twenty-nine million falls were reported in 2014 causing seven million injuries and costing an estimated $31 billion in annual Medicare costs, according to a new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Older adult falls are increasing and, sadly, often herald the end of independence,” says CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “Healthcare providers can make fall prevention a routine part of care in their practice, and older adults can take steps to protect themselves.”

With more than 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, the number of fall-related injuries and deaths is expected to surge—unless preventive measures are taken.

It Can Happen to You

While many people assume falling down the stairs will never happen to them, statistics say otherwise. Most falls occur at home on the stairs and seniors who suffer a fall are likely to fall into one of these statistics:

  • Of seniors who sustain a fall-related injury, 50% are discharged to a nursing home rather than returning to their home.
  • Of those who fall down the stairs, 25% fracture a hip which may require lifelong nursing care.

Falls, with or without injury, can have a direct impact on quality of life. A growing number of folks fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This unfortunate decision can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness. This need not be the case as a few practical lifestyle and home adjustments can dramatically lower the risk of a fall.

Take Preventative Steps

Reduce tripping hazards in the home by replacing or removing furnishings that can result in falls, including rugs, small tables such as magazine racks, standing coat racks, or unstable furniture.

Increase the home’s lighting by choosing brighter light bulbs to increase visibility and use night lights when possible in the rooms in which you spend the most time. The AARP suggests leaving a light on in the bathroom so you reduce the risk of a fall on those middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet. Adding grab bars to showers, tubs, and alongside the toilet can greatly reduce bathroom-related falls.

When it comes to the greatest risk in your home—the stairs—nobody likes to admit they need help moving around their own home. It’s hard to own up to the fact that you can’t get around like you used to, but you can’t simply stop using the second story of your home!

Consider a Stairlift

Poor balance, arthritis, stiffening joints, and many other medical conditions can make using the stairs a tricky proposition—you risk serious injury if you continue to go up and down the stairs unassisted. The right time to fit a stairlift really depends on your current and future needs. If your staircase has started to cause you or a loved one problems, and you find that you can no longer move around your home like you used to, it would be a good idea to take a look at the options open to you.

Most modern stairlifts can easily and quickly be installed to a straight staircase—usually completed in just a few hours. And, the price is quite reasonable…especially when the alternative is selling your home or being forced to move into an assisted living facility.

Consider just a few of the benefits to installing a stair lift in your home:

Freedom: With a stairlift, you can forgo a move and once again enjoy the freedom to use your entire house, obstacle-free.

Safety: Most stairlifts have built-in safety features that will prevent operation if the device faces an obstruction on the stairs, or if the seat, footrest, or armrests are not in their proper positions. You can also use the lock switch to prevent anyone else from using the chair, especially children.

Comfort: The seat and armrests are padded and adjustable, which allows for optimal comfort. The footrest can also be easily adapted to your desired height.

Accessibility: Because of their slim profiles, most stairlifts don’t block access to the rest of the staircase. The chair and footrest will usually fold away so it will not be a hindrance for other people who will need to access the stairs.

Ease of Use: Today’s stairlifts are easily controlled by a toggle located on the armrest. Many are also manufactured with a remote-control handset so you can call the stair lift from the top or bottom of the stairs. The stairlift also charges when it’s in the park position, so it’s ready to use whenever you need it. And, in case power loss, each stair lift has a built-in battery backup system.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: National Council on Aging; AARP; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization; Modern Senior; CaringForAgingParents.com; and SeniorAdvisor.com.)

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Will Your Senior Loved Ones Feel Safe in Your Home this Holiday Season?

The holidays are a time of fun and celebration, but some elements of the season may be hazardous to elderly family members.

This is the time of year when families and friends come together to reconnect, to enjoy each other’s company, and to celebrate traditions. These holiday events often include beloved elderly family members and friends. Whether these senior guests will be staying overnight with you, or just attending a gathering for a few hours, it’s important to make your home as safe as possible for their visit.

Before your senior guests arrive, ask about specific preparations you can make to ensure their safety. It’s better to inquire in advance, not only so you can be prepared, but to also avoid putting your guest on the spot during the gathering.

Safety Issues to Consider

If you’re anticipating elderly relatives to visit for the holidays, do all you can to set your home up with them in mind. Remember: What might not be a hazard for you may be a big one for them! Make sure your home is safe enough for them to move around freely without risk of falling.

Tripping hazards should be a top concern. Look at your rugs or carpets: Would it be easy for an older person to trip on the edges or to slip and lose traction? Ensure your elderly loved ones can get around in your home with ease by removing or rearranging furniture as needed. Is there enough room for her walker or wheelchair? If they are staying overnight, it’s best to offer a guest room on the first floor so that use of stairs is taken out of the equation.

Holiday lights are festive and candles are romantic, but neither provide adequate light for people with decreased night vision. Overnight guests unfamiliar with your home will appreciate night lights to illuminate the path from the bedroom, down the hallway to the bathroom. Night lights in the kitchen area may also be helpful for those in need of a late-night beverage or snack. (If you choose festive holiday nightlights, be sure they are adequately bright.)

Here are a few more easy, thoughtful preparations to make:

Remove obstacles and clutter that could cause a fall. Falls are a serious issue for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of all people aged 65 or older will fall each year, and many of these seniors are seriously injured. Try and remove clutter quickly—have other family members help pick up wrapping paper, boxes, and bows and make sure new toys for the little ones are not left out as a tripping hazard.

Deck the halls—safely! Position the Christmas tree or other decorations out of the main footpath of the home. And remember, wrapping greenery or strands of holiday lights around bannisters and handrails creates a hazard for guests who might need extra support and stability on the stairs.

Be aware of winter weather hazards. Clear snow and ice from the driveway, walkways, stairs, and sidewalks. If walks are slippery or outdoor lighting is inadequate, accompany senior guests from the car and into the home.

Remember mealtime safety. If you will be serving a meal or refreshments, learn ahead of time whether your guest has dietary concerns or problems with eating, chewing, or swallowing so you can offer foods that your guest can easily and safely eat.

Even for a short visit, consider simple home modifications. Ask your elderly guest or a family caregiver if you should purchase or rent further modifications, such as a raised toilet seat or grab bars for the shower.

Making a Safety Assessment

Maybe your elderly parents or guests are not coming to your home for the holidays. If you’re heading home for Christmas it’s a great opportunity to observe your parents’ physical and mental health to determine if they’re thriving or require greater assistance.

“You’re looking for any obvious signs of change,” says Roger Baumgart, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care. For example, it’s clearly a red flag if your typically well-groomed mother has stains on her dress and disheveled hair, and she’s not self-conscious about this. Watching your parent cross the room can be revealing as well, says Baumgart. “Are they as mobile? Are they struggling more to get out of a chair? Can they still climb the stairs?”

Look around your loved ones’ house or apartment to see if it still meets their needs as they age. Sometimes simple fixes can make homes more age friendly, like changing out door and cabinet hardware to levers, installing grab bars in bathrooms, or even a ramp and railing at the front entrance.

Old age or certain medical conditions, such as diabetic nerve pain, arthritis, degradation of joints and ligaments, or loss of bone or muscle mass, can cause aches and pains in the lower extremities. No matter the cause, this kind of pain can make going up and down stairs a near-impossible process. If your loved one is experiencing discomfort or simple balance issues when climbing stairs to the point it’s limiting their independence, it may be time to consider a chairlift. No one should suffer to move around their home.

When Modifications are Needed

As our parents and grandparents age, it’s natural for them to find it a bit harder to get around on their own. Often, they find that getting from point A to point B can become challenging as each year passes. But less mobility does not automatically mean less independence. Many seniors maintain a safe and independent lifestyle with various home health aids for many years.

A popular and practical aid for many seniors is a chairlift, a collapsible chair attached to a mechanical device that lifts a person up and down a set of stairs. Some are worried that installing a chairlift will block the landing, or take up too much room, or prevent other family members or guests from using the stairs. But, in truth, installation is quite discreet—with no damage or changes to the structure of the home—and systems are designed with folding seats and foot rests to ensure a minimal amount of space is used.

For seniors who can no longer live alone, children or other family often open their own homes as a better living situation. For many, it only takes a few easy modifications to drastically improve safety. A chairlift is one of the quickest and easiest solutions for an elderly loved one’s mobility and can provide peace of mind for everyone—no more worry about leaving Mom or Dad home alone!

The holidays are here, and it’s going to be a festive and busy time until the end of the year. The season may already be demanding enough as it is, but we must look out for our senior loved ones even more during this time. Let’s make sure to make life as safe as possible, whether in their home or ours.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: AARP; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Care.com; Advance Ohio; Avila Home Care; North Star Senior Advisors; Home Hero, Inc.; and Right at Home, Inc.)

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