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Wheelchair Exercise Equipment

October 11, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that once you are in a wheelchair, you have to give up everything you like, including going to the gym. Wheelchair exercise equipment seems too expensive, too difficult to obtain. There is also a larger question: will the local gym be wheelchair friendly? While it seems like an overwhelming obstacle to get into the gym, with the right wheelchair exercise equipment, you can return to working out.

Wheelchair Exercise Equipment: The Basics

The FES bike is the first thing people think about when they hear the words wheelchair workout equipment.” While many don’t know it under that name, it is recognizable for its place in rehabilitation facilities to maintain leg muscle. It works by placing pads on the legs to stimulate the movement needed to use the bike. It is popular for its therapeutic usages and is becoming more mainstream with gyms across the country.

Wheelchair rollers are another popular wheelchair exercise equipment. A wheelchair roller acts like a treadmill, letting the user roll the chair in place. It boasts the same benefits as the traditional treadmill of cardiovascular and stamina improvement, but wheelchair rollers also allow you to build arm muscle to go longer distances. Users have cited its use as one of the better confidence builders when transitioning to wheelchair life.

Another important basic wheelchair exercise equipment is the therapy resistance band. While it seems like a simple tool, it provides wheelchair users easy access to muscle-building exercises. With different kinds of resistance levels, it can fit every person’s fitness level. The band’s popularity among therapists and bodybuilders makes it one of the best basics for any person looking to strengthen themselves.

Adapting the Gym

So now the question is whether or not you can make wheelchair exercise equipment with what is already available to you at the local gym. Is the space provided ADA-friendly? Will there be a place for you to use the weights without running into anyone?

The answer to some of the questions can be answered with a trip to your local gyms. Looking at how the weight area is configured can give you an idea of what weights you can use. This is also applied to how the resistance machines are set up. The empty classrooms can also be an excellent area to practice wheelchair yoga. When in doubt, you can also call the gym and see if you can speak to the manager for more information on their facilities. Many gyms have successfully adapted regular equipment into wheelchair exercise equipment.

Wheelchair Exercise Equipment: In Conclusion

While daunting at first, there are options out there for people who want to return to their gym-going lifestyles. There are ways to adapt current machines for usage, but there is also wheelchair exercise equipment available to make it possible to regain your independence as well as up your activity levels. Here at Williams Lift, we want to make your life easier when adapting your home for wheelchair usage. Contact us today so we can get you on your way to that next gym session.

Mobility Walking Aids: A Look at the Options

September 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

It seems that part of getting older means that you have to rely on mobility walking aids to get around. With so many options, however, what would be the best for your senior mobility? There’s so many factors to consider ranging from weather patterns to storage space. We are here to take a deeper look at all of the usual walking aids for elderly people to ensure that you make the right decision for you or your loved ones.

Canes

Canes are among the first mobility walking aids that seniors use when getting around. They come in all shapes, sizes and materials to fit each person’s lifestyle. Many have been updated with the ability to collapse down to a smaller size, making it easier to place in a purse or bag if need be. It also improved itself as a mobility walking aid by adding three points of connection on the ground, meaning that it is less likely to slip away from you when walking on wet, uneven or icy terrain. While the three point connection end is not standard to all models of canes on the market, the cane remains a great standard for mobility walking aids.

Walkers

Another of the first mobility walking aids that comes to mind is the roller walker. While it has been thought of as a sign of getting older, today’s models are versatile and easy to use. The standard for today means that they come with basket and a seat, designed for the modern era. If there is a need to have this instead of a cane, the current designs are made to encourage senior mobility and safety while walking. The adjustments are quick and easy to make. While we have talked about the measures needed to ensure safety, elderly walkers with seats remain one of the best senior mobility aids.

Scooters

Motorized scooters have been a great addition to mobility aids when you need to go over long distances while running errands or joining your family on vacation. They are easy to rent in the store or in the theme park, already charged and ready to go for the user with a need for mobility walking aids. They also have a basket for you to place your items in and thus creating less worry when traveling out and about. Purchasing your own can mean changes in the home, including adding a ramp if your home is not already accessible by scooter or wheelchair. Williams Lift is able to create these accommodations necessary without disrupting your home or life.

Mobility Walking Aids: In Conclusion

Mobility walking aids are one of the best ways to maintain independence and safety as a senior. There are many options out there and we have discussed the three most common options for you and your loved ones to look over. With any major mobility change, Williams Lift is there to help adjust your home to the new lifestyle changes, whether they are temporary or permanent. Contact us today.

Independent Living Aids and You

August 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Independent Living Aids

Independent living aids are key to giving seniors safety while in the comfort of their own home. While it seems that employing these devices mean that we are admitting to aging, it is in fact an important part of maintaining life as we know it. As we, or our parents, age we look towards making sure that we can maintain our good health without sacrificing the things we worked hard to achieve. Employing these devices and techniques marries the best of health monitoring and freedom. Here at Williams Lifts, we compiled a list of independent living mobility aids to help you or a loved one maintain the best things in life.

Stair Lifts

Falling as a senior is the number one statistic on why we lose our independence as we get older. One of the first and easiest independent living aids to install in the home is a stair lift, which can be customized for your home without any major changes. They take out the uncertainty and fear of falling, releasing your mind from stress and worry. Stair lifts can be used in the dark and during power outages, allowing you to focus on other things in your life.

Safety Rails

Make the bathroom safe again by adding independent living aids for seniors to bring peace of mind for your family. Adding a safety rail to the bath to assist in the standing and sitting while bathing can decrease risks for falling. Also raising toilet seats by a few inches to ease your joints can decrease chances for injuries.

Independent Living Agencies and Communities

As we wrote before, there are many ways to maintain your lifestyle which can include hiring a independent living agency. There are services dedicated to independent living, especially for seniors with mobility issues. These agencies are there to ensure your dignity and respect your life, just providing the resources needed to continue your independence and assist you in making the best decisions for your life and health. It might mean going to an independent senior community which will also have the right equipment and trained staff to aid in your mobility.

Reorganize

Independent living aids are not always about major home installations. It can be as simple as purchasing pill boxes and filing information to make it easier to understand. Keeping everything clearly labeled allows for quicker access and offers understanding on what the next steps are in your life.

Independent Living Aids: In Summary

In this article, we wrote about the simple steps and tools you can do to achieve an independent life. Even though requiring mobility aids seems like a hard transition, it actually does the best when maintaining an independent lifestyle with less hassle. The aids that are out there today are designed to have the least hassle with the maximum mobility impact to ensure the highest quality for your continuing life. Contact Williams Lift today to see how you can integrate the best mobility aids for your home and family.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Ramp for Stairs

July 31, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

When shopping for a wheelchair ramp for stairs, you’ll quickly realize there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are many options— so many, in fact, that it may be overwhelming for a first-time buyer. This article will help you decide which is the best option for you.

Choosing the Right Size

The first thing to consider when choosing a wheelchair ramp for stairs is the amount of space you have available. The length of the ramp is usually calculated using a 1 inch to 1 foot (1”:1’) ratio. For example, if the entry point is 10 inches above the ground, then the minimum recommended ramp length is 10 feet. If the entry point needed for a wheelchair ramp for stairs is higher than a few feet, using turns will help to conserve space while keeping the incline at a safe and manageable level.

Choosing the Right Material

The two primary choices for wheelchair ramp material are wood and aluminum. Williams Lifts only carries aluminum ramps and you’ll understand why after I describe the differences between the two types.

Wooden wheelchair ramps are arguably the more aesthetically pleasing between the two because they can be designed to match the exterior of a home. That’s where the benefits end, however, and when personal safety is on the line you don’t want to choose form over function.

The problem with wooden ramps is they’re more difficult to build, more difficult to install, and require more frequent maintenance to prevent the wood from rotting. Not to mention the maximum weight capacity is less compared to aluminum.

Aluminum wheelchair ramps, on the other hand, are easier to install and require less maintenance. Unlike wooden ramps, aluminum ramps can be easily modified and adjusted. They’re also easier to remove, if needed, which is helpful if the user eventually plans to move or sell their house.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair Ramp for Stairs Specifications

In order to ensure safety, it’s important that a wheelchair ramp meets these minimum specifications recommended by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.

A 5 by 5 foot landing at the top and bottom of the ramp.
A maximum run of 30 feet before a turn or platform.
A minimum width of 36 inches.
Handrails that are at least 34 inches high.

Williams Lifts offers a wide variety of wheelchair ramps for indoor stairs and outdoor stairs, as well as wheelchair ramp installation services. We also offer a portable wheelchair ramp for stairs which require no installation at all.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re making the right choice is to take advantage of our wheelchair ramp for stairs rental service. For an affordable monthly fee and no commitments, you can get a wheelchair ramp in your home today. We rent the same wheelchair ramp models we sell, so if you are satisfied with your selection you can purchase the same model for long-term use.

For more information about wheelchair ramp rentals, please contact us with any questions you may have.

What You Need to Know About Independent Assisted Living Communities

July 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

There are various senior housing options available as one ages. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the best one for your elderly parents or loved ones.

Independent assisted living communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own. They also provide the security and conveniences of community living. These communities are also called by other names, such as retirement communities, active 55+ communities, congregate living, and senior apartments.

Why Choose Independent Assisted Living Communities?

The decision to leave a primary home for one of these facilities is usually based on a number of factors. These include needing a smaller space, not wanting to deal with outside maintenance, or seeking the security of being in a gated community.

Others may choose independent assisted living communities because they enjoy being around their peers who share similar interests. Some also foresee the day when they might need additional assistance, and seek to live in a community that provides a broad range of health and medical services they can access if needed.

Typically, retirement and independent assisted living communities are for the “younger” seniors. In other words— those who are in good health and are still active. Independent assisted living communities come in all forms and tend to be oriented toward recreation. Some offer accelerated services depending on changing needs. For instance, they could offer in-home care services as extensive as skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care.

Depending on the services and amenities offered, prices can range from low cost to moderate and high cost. Here are some questions seniors should ask themselves before they move into independent assisted living communities:

Does the community meet your recreation, entertainment, and social needs?
Is the staff welcoming?
Are the residents people with whom I would feel comfortable living around?
How easy or difficult would it be for friends and loved ones to come and visit me?
What restrictions are there on young children being present?
Is there a gated entrance and/or security guards?
Is there an organization for residents to voice their views to management?
How close are the nearest medical facilities?
Is there convenient parking available?
Is there public transportation?
Are there a lot of stairs to climb, if any?
Will my unit be equipped with grab bars in the bathrooms, or have similar independent living aids?

When your elderly parent or loved one has answered those questions and found an independent assisted living community that’s right for them, the next step is to familiarize yourself with community association life and its fees. For example, you should always inquire about possible additional charges for the following:

Maintenance and repair
Gardening services
Fire and theft insurance
Snow plowing
Trash collection
Water & other utilities
Health club fees
Cable/satellite TV
Internet

Getting all the information you can upfront will help ensure there are no surprises after moving in.

Advantages of Independent and Assisted Living Communities

When it comes to advantages, one of the biggest benefits of independent senior living communities is that they promote aging in place. Beyond independence, other benefits include security, prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, and planned activities. Not to mention all the socializing that will come as a result of a senior being surrounded by their peers.

For other options to help keep your senior living in his or her own home, please see our pages on senior safety products for home, including stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and power recliners.

How Caregivers for Seniors Can Also Take Care of Themselves

June 30, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

As caregivers for seniors know, this type of job is not a one-time thing. It can often go on for months or years at a time.

Caregivers for seniors, especially caregivers for elderly parents and caregivers for seniors with dementia, can quickly find themselves drained mentally and emotionally. It’s stressful work, to be sure, and usually, there’s no one to look after the caregiver except the caregiver themselves.

It’s important to look after your own well-being so you can continue providing care for others to the best of your ability. In this article, I will go over some advice that caregivers for seniors can use to take care of their mental and emotional well-being.

Taking Care of Caregivers for Seniors

Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean staying physically healthy, it means staying mentally healthy as well. It’s easy to prioritize the former over the latter, or not even consider mental health a priority at all. Well, the truth is, when mental health suffers then it affects your ability to function in other areas of life.

One of the best things you can do to maintain good mental health is to be present — that means focusing on the here and now. Caregivers for seniors can often find themselves thinking about too many things at any given time.

What has to be done today?
What has to be done tomorrow?
What has to be done next week? Next month?
What am I doing well?
What am I not doing well enough?
Am I doing all I can possibly do for this person?

There are so many things to think about that it can make your head spin. All of it is important, certainly, but let’s try narrowing it down a bit. Just as your body has a finite amount of physical energy for a single day, it has a finite amount of mental and emotional energy as well. Worrying about things too far down the road will drain the amount of mental energy you have to focus on what needs to be done today.

With that said, caregivers for seniors can do themselves a favor by directing their mental energy toward solving today’s problems. Try worrying less about what needs to be done in the future or conjuring up “what if” scenarios. The person you’re caring for is counting on you to be there for them in the moment, which starts by putting your head in the right place.

Caregivers for seniors should also get in the habit of giving themselves more credit. It’s okay to pat yourself on the back from time to time and recognize when you’ve done a good job. In fact, I encourage it. Not everything is going to go exactly right all the time, but for every little thing that goes wrong, I’m sure there are at least 50 big things you’ve done right.

Again, this goes back to being in the moment. Don’t beat yourself up about something that went wrong yesterday, stay focused on doing the best you can today. Changing your way of thinking can go a long way, and these are just a few things that can help strengthen your mental and emotional well-being.

While you’re here, please also see our guide to home modifications for seniors, which discusses resources such as stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and power recliners.

Improving Senior Safety in the Home Room-by-Room

June 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Today we’re going to talk about senior safety in the home, and some simple things you can do to help seniors remain in the comfort of their own homes.

The advancements in modern medicine are enabling all of us to live longer and more independently. It’s a wonderful gift for seniors to be able to stay in the same home where they raised their families. The majority of seniors will tell you they want to stay in their own home.

Living in one’s own home provides a sense of continued independence, and frees an individual from feeling like they might be a burden on family and loved ones. Despite an individual’s sense of freedom, having an elderly person living alone can be a source of worry for their adult children and loved ones.

“What if” scenarios can often overwhelm the mind when it comes to senior safety in the home.

What if they fall down?
What if the smoke detector goes off and they don’t hear it?
What if they forget something on the stove?
What if they don’t tell anyone that it’s becoming harder to get around?

If you’ve had these kinds of thoughts before, you’re not alone. As our parents age, it’s only natural to become concerned about their ability to live independently. These are legitimate concerns, as there are many factors to consider.

Accidents happen closest to home, as the old adage goes, and there is a ring of truth to that. In particular, falls pose the greatest risk for seniors. Injuries incurred from falls can limit independent living.

Knowing about the dangers gives you and your loved ones the power to take steps to prevent accidents before they happen. Here are some senior home safety tips you can practice to improve senior safety at home.

Simple Steps to Improve Senior Safety in the Home

It’s important to start out with a complete home safety check to assess what your senior needs to make their home as safe as possible. It’s recommended that you conduct a room-by-room check at least once a year to ensure the home remains safe as your senior’s needs change. These are some of the most common modifications that are made to improve senior safety in the home.

Bathroom

A walk-in shower can significantly reduce the risk of falls, and make it much easier for seniors to access the shower without assistance. We also recommend installing grab bars in the shower and around the toilet.

Stairwell

At the very least, make sure stairwells have a secure handrail that runs the length of the stairs. Also, ensure this area is well lit. Keep the stairwell clutter-free to avoid tripping. If budget permits, a stair lift is the ultimate way to improve a senior’s safety when going up and down stairs.

Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, the most important consideration is keeping regularly used items on lower shelves. You want to avoid having your senior reach above their heads to get something down, which could lead to strain and/or loss of balance. This is one of the easiest modifications to make, as it simply involves some rearranging.

Living Room

In the living room, and throughout the house, make sure there is adequate lighting. Remove clutter, and make sure cables and extension cords are flush against the walls. It’s also recommended that you remove all throw rugs, even if they are secured with an adhesive. The slightest rise in elevation can take a senior by surprise and be a fall risk.

For more information about how you can improve senior safety in the home, please see our pages on senior safety products for home, including stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and power recliners.

Chair Stair Lift Prices: What Goes Into the Cost of a Stair Lift

May 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Chair stair lift prices largely depend on the type of stair lift you need for your home. Generally speaking, there are two categories of stair lifts. There are stair lifts that come as-is, right out of the box, which are cut-to-length and set up as a straight stair lift. Then there are custom curved lifts, which involve creating a stair lift just for your set of stairs after an immense amount of measuring.

Chair stair lift prices will range according to which category of stair lift is required for your particular home. A custom curved lift can sometimes cost more than twice the price of a straight stair lift. Chair stair lift prices also depend on how many optional features you decide to add.

The two brands we deal with at Williams Lifts are Bruno and Acorn. They both build a great product, honor their warranties, and offer excellent customer support. As both brands offer top quality products you can expect to see similar pricing across the board. Reasons for choosing one over the other would depend on which brand offers the best features to suit your individual needs. That’s something that would be determined during the initial consultation.

When it comes to an important purchase, especially one which your quality of life will depend on, we do not recommend going with the cheapest option by default. There are important questions you need to ask in addition to comparing chair stair lift prices, and the model you end up buying should be thoroughly researched beforehand. You wouldn’t go to a car dealership and automatically go for the lowest price without considering all options, would you? The same applies here.

It’s not just the upfront chair stair lift cost that you have to consider either. There’s also the stair chair lift installation cost. Most importantly, you have to consider the entire cost of ownership after the sale. With that said, here are some questions you should ask during a consultation.

What does the warranty cover?

Across the board, with all stair lifts, you will typically see a 5-year warranty on the motor, a 2-3 year warranty on parts, and a 6-month warranty covering the cost of labor.

How much are service calls?

If your stair lift needs repairs or maintenance, you need to know how much it’s going to cost to get a technician out to your house. You should also ask whether or not the cost of parts are covered. If not, ask how much it would cost for the parts that people would most commonly need to buy on their own.

How fast do you respond to service calls?

Going with the cheapest price is no bargain if it takes the dealer a week to send someone to your house to fix your stair lift. The best dealers will either get to you the same day or the next day at the latest.

Chair Stair Lift Prices: In Summary

While it may be tempting to compare prices and go with the lowest option, you may be doing yourself a disservice in the long run — especially when it comes to something as important as a stair lift. For the best price on a stair lift, please inquire about our used stair lifts for sale.

Mobility Assistance Devices for Seniors

April 30, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Mobility assistance devices help individuals who have difficulty moving about and otherwise enjoying the freedom and independence they once did. Senior mobility aids are used by individuals with disabilities and injuries like cerebral palsy, who may be at increased risk of falling without using an assistive device. Other benefits provided by mobility assistance devices include reduced pain, increased self-confidence, and overall peace of mind.

A wide range of mobility assistance devices are available to meet a variety of needs. In this article, we will go over different types of mobility assistive devices for the elderly and explain the benefits they provide.

Type of Mobility Assistance Devices for the Elderly

Canes

Canes are used by people who have trouble maintaining balance and are at risk of falling. Studies show that 1 in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. Different types of canes are available depending on the level of assistance needed— ranging from canes with one foot for minimal stability, to canes with four feet for maximum stability. While canes help transmit body weight from the legs to the upper body, it’s important to keep in mind that they place added pressure on the hands and wrists.

Crutches

Like canes, crutches also transfer body weight from the legs to the upper body. However, crutches are mobility assistance devices that are typically used as a short-term solution for people recovering from injuries, while canes are more of a long-term solution. Crutches are placed against the rib cage under the armpits, keeping the user upright as they hold onto a hand grip.

Walkers

While canes and crutches are usually made out of wood, walkers are made up of a solid metal framework. A three-sided metal frame surrounds the user, with four legs on the ground to provide stability and support. The user lifts the walker, places it in front of them, and steps forward. This process is repeated for every step. Some walkers have wheels on each leg for continuous movement.

Wheelchairs

A wheelchair is used when the individual either unable to walk or absolutely cannot put any weight on their lower body. Wheelchairs are either manually propelled by the user pushing the wheels or controlled electrically.

Scooters

A step above a wheelchair is a scooter, which has a seat on top of a platform with as many as 4 or 5 wheels. Scooters are electrically powered with steering wheels to control direction.

Ramps

Individuals with any of the above-listed mobility assistance devices may also benefit from an access ramp. They’re easier to maneuver than steps, and can also help with overcoming thresholds.

Handrails

Individuals with limited mobility can benefit from installing handrails in their home. Handrails are particularly useful in areas a person may have to briefly put down their canes, or move in and out of their wheelchairs— such as bathrooms and the front entrance.

Stair Lifts

Stair lifts provide the ultimate freedom of mobility within one’s own home. They often make the difference between individuals being able to stay in their home versus moving to another residence with one floor. Stair lifts are electrically powered that effortlessly move an individual up and down a flight of stairs while seated.

Stair lifts can make a world of difference to anyone who regularly uses any of the mobility assistance devices included in this list. For more information, please contact us or visit our stair lifts page.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps

April 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

For the ultimate on-the-go mobility solution, pair a wheelchair with one of our portable wheelchair access ramps. A portable ramp will help ensure you have the equipment needed to overcome thresholds while on the go.

Unfortunately, wheelchair accessibility is not a given everywhere we go. You don’t want to be unprepared in those situations. Arm yourself with one of the best portable wheelchair ramps and reclaim your independence.

Portable wheelchair ramps for homes are an ideal solution for those who have friends or family with accessibility needs. Having a portable ramp on hand means wheelchair accessibility will be available when it’s needed.

Portable wheelchair ramps for steps help an individual to easily navigate thresholds, curbs, and difficult entrances. They’re easy to store, easy to transport, and require absolutely no installation. Portable wheelchair threshold ramps fold up after use and have built-in handles for carrying from one place to another. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, built with safety and traction in mind.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps: EZ-Access Suitcase Signature Series

At Williams Lifts we are proud to offer one of the top portable wheelchair access ramps on the market. The Suitcase Signature Series from EZ-Access has several innovative design enhancements, including:

No-pinch, non-protruding, full-length live hinge
Ergonomically designed handles
Extruded tread for superior traction
Aluminum body
800lb weight capacity
Designed for wheelchairs and scooters
Available in 2’-8’ lengths

In addition, you can get a Suitcase Signature portable wheelchair ramp with a platform. These ramps have a self-adjusting bottom transition plate, which allows users to easily move from the ramp onto any surface. On top of these standard features, portable wheelchair access ramps can be outfitted with optional extensions depending on your individual needs. For example, a top lip extension can be added to a suitcase ramp which extends the top lip from 3” to 9”. This allows the ramp to clear the bumper of most SUVs and vans. Please inquire about other optional features if you have a need for something that is not listed here. Unfortunately, we do not carry portable wheelchair ramps with handrails.

With a lifetime warranty and made-in-USA craftsmanship, portable wheelchair ramps from EZ-Access are an investment you only need to make once. However, if you believe you’ll only need a ramp temporarily, we offer plenty of low-cost used portable ramps as well.

Suitcase Signature portable wheelchair ramps from EZ-Access come in three different styles:

Singlefold: A single unit that can be folded over once when not in use.
Singlefold AS: A single unit that can also be separated into two sections. Can be folded over once when not in use.
Trifold AS: Features longer ramp lengths and a unique, three-fold design for greater portability. Can be used as one or two units.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps: In Summary

You can depend on Williams Lifts for all your mobility needs. Please inquire about our portable wheelchair ramps. Keep in mind we offer several flexible options for getting you a ramp today, include buying new, buying used, or renting a ramp on a temporary basis. Get the equipment you need to reclaim your independence.