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Learning About Senior Citizen Scams and Elder Financial Abuse

April 16, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Whether you are a caregiver or a person over the age of 65, it’s important to keep up with the latest senior citizen scams. Unfortunately, new scams crop up every day, and oftentimes seniors are bullied or talked into spending their life savings or retirement money on an idea or product for a return that they’ll never see. Senior citizen financial abuse is a real thing, and it’s a good idea to look for the signs. Unfortunately, financial elder abuse by a family member is even possible.

Outside Elder Financial Abuse

While senior financial abuse can happen by a family member, it is more often the act of someone who doesn’t even know the other person. For example, telemarketing scams are very common and should send out elder financial exploitation red flags. It’s a good reminder that Social Security or the IRS will never call you and ask for money.

There are also charity scams (asking an older person to give to a favorite charity), or a fake call regarding “found” money. In this scam, the caller asks to split a sum of money with you but needs your bank information. To prevent these types of senior scams, the best advice is to never give your credit card information or bank information out to someone you don’t know over the phone.

Internet Senior Citizen Scams and Elder Financial Abuse

Senior citizen fraud happens quite frequently on the Internet as well. More and more seniors are aging in place, and many older generations are not that familiar with computers or the Internet, and cannot detect a phishing email. Just as with the phone, Social Security, the IRS, your credit card company, or any other reputable agency, will never ask for any type of account information via email. If you take part in online shopping, use a site that is secured and verified.

It is possible for someone to “eavesdrop” or “listen” in on an email, should they really wish to. To prevent senior citizen scams and elder financial abuse, never give out personal information.

More Senior Citizen Scams to Avoid

There are even more senior citizen scams to avoid that older people and their caregivers should be aware of. Some of these include:

Investment schemes. This will likely be a real, live, face-to-face person involved in senior citizen scams and elder financial abuse. Don’t use any investors you don’t know or don’t trust.
Fake anti-aging products. There are plenty of products on the market that are supposed to “erase wrinkles” or perform some kind of other miracles, but many of these are financial abuse as well.
Grandchild scam. A person will call claiming to be the granddaughter or grandson of the person, reveal that they are in trouble, and will ask the grandparent to wire money to a certain location. Unfortunately, this isn’t a real grandchild, and the money disappears into thin air.
Sweepstakes and mortgage scams. Just like investments, be wary of someone asking you to be part of a reverse mortgage or second mortgage if you didn’t ask for the information. Also, never enter a sweepstake or lottery that asks for large sums of money upfront, as these are simply senior citizen scams.

When a Family Member Is Responsible

It can be the most heartbreaking of all when a family member is responsible for elder financial abuse. Still, identifying elder financial abuse is important, so all aspects must be discussed. With a family member, this is usually done without the older person’s knowledge; for example, the person has access to accounts and is slowly pilfering money away, or is abusing a trust or some other kind of fund. Alternatively, the family member could be bullying or pressuring the person to give him or her money as a demand.

What to Do if You Suspect Elder Financial Abuse

The Older Americans Act of 1964 was enacted to help protect older people from any type of abuse, including senior citizen scams, so you should know what to do if your elderly parent is being scammed. The best thing to do, first of all, is to contact the local authorities and file a police claim.

Next, if the scam was “through an agency” (for example, a person claiming to be an IRS agent), you must also contact the agency to report the fraud. In many elder financial abuse cases, money is often not recovered, so it’s best to be on the lookout before scams occur rather than after.

For more information on what to do if you suspect senior citizen scams or elder abuse, or to hear about life-changing medical products, such as stair lifts, that can help improve an elderly person’s mobility, contact the Williams Lift Co. today to speak with a member of our professional team.

Finding the Best Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NJ

April 9, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

When you or your loved one is in a wheelchair, finding wheelchair recreation (such as vacations, hiking, and outdoor activities) may be kind of tough, although it shouldn’t be. While many parks and recreational facilities are compliant with ADA standards, that doesn’t necessarily mean that wheelchair accessible trails in NJ are so readily available. Sometimes, ADA compliance can refer to bathroom or picnic facilities, without much adaptation for wheelchair hiking. However, there are quite a few wheelchair accessible trails in NJ and handicap accessible trails for you to enjoy.

Federal Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NJ

Federal parks are maintained and run by the federal government, while state and local parks are maintained by the state or municipality. Federal parks are more likely to be ADA compliant, however, that’s not a guarantee. There are several federally owned wheelchair accessible trails in NJ:

Dingmans Creek Trail. This is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is located on the Pennsylvania border, and much of the park is in PA. This particular trail is a 0.4-mile boardwalk, which takes you past two lovely waterfalls (Dingmans and Silverthread Falls).
McDade Recreational Trail. This trail is also part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and is said to have handicap accessible trails. However, not all trails may be accessible trails, so it’s best to call the park at 570-426-2452 before making the trip.

State Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NJ

In addition to federal locations, there are several state parks that have wheelchair accessible trails in NJ. However, park websites may not always have the most up-to-date information, so if in doubt, it’s always best to call before making plans to ensure there are wheelchair accessible hiking trails. Some state areas include:

The Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. This forest is located in New Lisbon, NJ, which is also reasonably close to Connecticut and Pennsylvania. There is a 1.1-mile loop trail that is paved. Reportedly, there are other trails within the park that are easy to manage but may be a long journey.
Cape May Point State Park. This state park is located in the southernmost tip of New Jersey in Cape May and offers a 0.5-mile wheelchair accessible trail. It may be one of the most scenic paved walking trails in NJ, as it offers views of a lighthouse and large pond on both sides, with glimpses of area wildlife, such as osprey.
The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. This trail is 34 miles in length, but the trail at mile marker 31.5 is ADA accessible. This state park is located near Princeton, which is central.

Making Non-Accessible Trails Work for You

If you are an avid hiker, you may wish to consider the possibility of adaptive wheelchairs for hiking. There are several different types of all-terrain wheelchairs (and add-ons) that you can use to make non-paved, yet simple, trails, more accessible to you. While wheelchair accessible trails in NJ are likely the best option, these off-road “power chairs” give you the mobility to access much more. There are both manual and motorized choices, and additional options, such as off-road walkers or crutch tips, depending on your depth of mobility. For one-time hiking trips, all-terrain wheelchair rental is also a cost-effective idea.

For more information on ADA-compliant recreation, or to learn about products that can help give you more mobility and freedom, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want to help you live your best life.

Fast Facts About Tax Deductions for Elderly Parent Care

April 2, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

There are many, many aspects of being a caregiver. Whether you’re aware of it or not, come tax time, you can take caregiver tax deductions when you’re filing, whether you’re filing as single, married, head of household, or otherwise. While it’s always best to consult a tax professional for legal tax advice, these days many filers do their taxes themselves, online. When it comes to tax deductions for elderly parent care, there are some tips and tricks you should be aware of.

Simplest Tax Deductions for Elderly Parent Care

Depending on how straightforward your taxes are, there are some simple things to consider first, such as claiming a parent as a dependent. If you are filing with income less than $384,000 (single) and you provided more than half of the financial support for your parents over the last year, this is one of the easiest tax deductions for elderly parent care to take. Another exemption to consider is a tax credit for taking care of an elderly parent. This is usually involved when you are paying someone else to take care of your parent while you work (or look for work), however, there are other types of an elderly dependent care tax credit, such as claiming them through your employer’s dependent benefits (similarly to claiming child care). Some of these credits and exemptions can get a bit tricky, but the right tax professional can easily walk you through the steps for itemizing your deductions.

Medical Tax Deductions for Elderly Parent Care

Regardless of how much time you spend taking care of your elderly, ill, or disabled parent, there are also tax deductions for elderly parent care for medical expenses alone. If you’ve paid out of pocket for medical procedures, hospital stays, medications, or other medical expenses not covered by insurance, you likely can deduct these on your taxes and claim them. When it comes to these types of tax deductions for elderly parent care, it’s best to keep sterling records so that everything is in place come tax time.

Other Credits and Tax Deductions for Elderly Parent Care

There are also two separate, distinct credits you may want to research via the IRS or talk to a tax professional about. One is called the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the other is the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. Different tax situations apply to different households, but both of these tax deductions for elderly parent care are worth looking into, if you pay someone to take care of your parent, you take care of your parent, or you yourself are age 65 or older.

Other Supports for Caregivers

“Caregiver burnout” is a real phenomenon, and caregivers should look for means of support and other ways to achieve help or aid, other than itemizing tax deductions for elderly parent care come tax time. Finding a local support group with other caregivers that may be going through the same things as you is a great idea. Also, if you are looking for outside services for yourself or for your parent. The National Family Caregiver Support Program can help caregivers (and their families) of persons age 70 and over. Getting in touch with a support program like this can not only help at tax time, it can point you in the right direction when it comes to other needs and services.

To learn more about support when it comes to being a caregiver, or to learn about products that can help achieve mobility for someone in a wheelchair, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want to help you live your best life.

Aging in Place Statistics and the Pros and Cons of Aging at Home

March 26, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Aging in place is another way to say aging at home, and more and more seniors are opting to age comfortably in their own space, rather than deciding on a nursing home or assisted living. Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to look over some aging in place statistics so you (or your caregiver) can make an informed choice about the process. Some facilities and assisted living establishments can have waiting lists, so it’s best to come to a conclusion in advance of aging.

Aging in Place Statistics: What Does Research Say?

There are quite a few numbers when it comes to aging in place statistics, as both surveys and formal research have been conducted. It’s estimated that almost 80 percent of seniors want to age in place at their home; however, this may not always be possible as physical and medical needs change over time. Aging in place statistics also reveal that living under one’s own rules is one of the main reasons for staying in place, and most seniors would not want to leave their home unless degenerating health was a factor. Aging in place research also indicates that seniors are smart and planning ahead when it comes to staying in place, as 75 percent surveyed said they would make modifications to their bathroom for safety issues, while 30 percent plan to make modifications to other rooms or areas of the house, such as grab bars in the bathroom or an outdoor wheelchair ramp. Only about 14 percent of retirees believe that their health will be so frail that assisted living is the best option.

Aging in Place Statistics: The Benefits

There are quite a few benefits of aging in place, with cost being perhaps the most important reason. Aging in place statistics also shows that the cost of an assisted facility per year is $43,000 per year, while a nursing home can cost seniors upward of $82,000 per year. In contrast, a home health aide has a typical salary of $20.50 an hour, while a partial live-in homemaker charges roughly $28,000 per year. There is also the possibility of a family member or friend providing care at little or no cost. The aging in place statistics, when it comes to cost alone, is enough to convince many seniors that being home is the best option. Other benefits include:

Increased comfort. It’s simply more comfortable to be in your own space, especially when you’ve called it home for many years.
Less cognitive decline. Aging in place statistics notes the fact that seniors who aged in place – and stayed social and kept a strong social network – saw 70 percent less cognitive decline.
Self-preservation. Staying at home and being more independent helps keeps seniors’ confidence levels up, which does combat against lethargy and cognitive decline.

Aging in Place Statistics: Challenges of Aging at Home

There are some potential drawbacks when it comes to aging in place. One of the main aging in place challenges seniors fear is being able to get around town, or even around their own home. Personal care, handling the bills, what to do if there’s a medical emergency – aging in place statistics reveal these are worries on seniors’ minds. However, many of these potential drawbacks are easily resolved with the right live-in caregiver or home health aide. Plus, for many seniors, the cost of hiring an aide versus being in a nursing home is a huge benefit.

For more information on aging in place statistics, or to learn about mobility products and devices that can help increase your mobility and allow you to live independently, contact Williams Lift Co. today. Products such as stair lifts and wheelchair ramps can increase your mobility as well as your self-confidence.

The Most Helpful Tips for Dementia Caregivers

March 19, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Caring for someone with dementia is not an easy job. You must have nerves of steel, a heart of gold, and the ability to laugh even when things are at their worst. If you’re providing care to a loved one with dementia, they will likely never be able to express their gratitude to you for doing such an important job. Help for caregivers of dementia patients is not always readily available, and this is where you may need to rely on some helpful tips for dementia caregivers in order to maintain your own health and still feel your best, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

The Most Important and Helpful Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Most likely, you’re not a professional caregiver and this is your first time caring for a parent with dementia at home (or another loved one). Even professional dementia caregivers struggle and have bad days, but the most important of all helpful tips for dementia caregivers is to:

Keep a positive mood. Just as you would care for a child with special needs, everything from your tone to your body language must be light and positive. Be pleasant and peaceful in all interactions, even if your patient is having a bad day.

If your loved one is indeed having a bad day, there are some more helpful tips for dementia caregivers to remember:

Redirect and distract. This may be similar to a young child who is throwing a tantrum. Redirection is key—try to get the person’s mind away from the thing they are focusing on, and replace this fixation with something else.
There is a reason for all behavior. Every form of behavior from every human being on earth, regardless of medical condition, is a form of communication. If what the person is trying to say with their actions isn’t clear to you, do your best to try to figure it out. When in doubt, you can always confer with their doctor. The patient may be on a new medication or may be in pain from a different medical problem.
Find different strategies. One of the most helpful tips for dementia caregivers is finding different solutions to the same problem. Dementia is hard to predict—something that works well for your patient today may fail tomorrow. Come up with multiple strategies to help get through the tough spots.

More Important and Helpful Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Part of how you will deal with dementia affecting your loved one is to understand their world. Acceptance of the situation is the first way to relieve dementia caregiver stress. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer dementia, and the most important thing (which is your job as a dementia caregiver) is to make the person’s quality of life more comfortable. This can be difficult when the patient is experiencing an alternate reality. With that in mind, some more helpful tips for dementia caregivers include:

Don’t argue. Don’t try to win an argument or convince the other person that you’re correct about something.
Validate their reality. If the patient has “gone back in time” and is now a little girl waiting for the school bus, talk about the school bus. Engage in conversation as if what they are describing is real.
Try cognitive-based games or exercising. Even in a patient with dementia, it is still possible to get them to exercise their brain and engage in physical activity. Urge them to do both, if possible.
Slow down and be communicative. Talk as slowly as possible, especially if you’re trying to explain something difficult. Also, if one method of communication doesn’t work, try another, like nonverbal communication.

Take Care of Yourself

The effects of dementia on caregivers can be brutal. You may be tired, lonely, and angry. You may feel frustrated and sad. In addition to helpful tips for dementia caregivers when it comes to interaction with the patient, you should also follow helpful tips for dementia caregivers when it comes to taking care of you. Some of these include:

Take a day off if possible and do something nice for yourself. Buy yourself something you really like, treat yourself to a spa day, or go for a mini-road trip. If a full day isn’t possible, then take your time off in increments. Even a 20-minute break from caregiving can give you a fresh start.
Talk to others. Some days, you may find you are only talking to the dementia patient and their other health staff. Get out and be social with other people. This can definitely include a dementia caregivers support group, so you can touch base with other people who understand.
Pick your battles and choose your priorities. A big part of being peaceful as you perform this job is not to sweat the small stuff. If you’re having racing thoughts or are having trouble prioritizing tasks, write them down and organize them.

It is important to remember that quality of life is still possible for the dementia patient, for you, and for the other members of your family during this time, especially if these helpful tips for dementia caregivers are followed. For more helpful tips on being in a caregiver role, or to learn about mobility products that may even further a patient’s quality of life, contact Williams Lift Co. today.

The Importance of Kitchen Safety for Seniors

March 12, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, as it’s long been known as a gathering spot, a place of celebration, and a place to get together with family and friends. However, the kitchen can also be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Kitchen safety for seniors is of the utmost importance if you are a caregiver. Unlike a toddler, who is just learning to crawl and explore, many seniors are well-established cooks that have made countless meals for their families over the years.

While you never want to take away a hobby or something someone loves, cognitive decline is an unfortunate reality, and kitchen modifications for the elderly and an elderly-friendly kitchen makes sure that everyone is safe and happy. Beyond modifications, there are also food and preparation tips that can also promote kitchen safety for seniors.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Stove Safety Devices and Modifications

When it comes to safety hazards in the home for the elderly, the stove is one of the most dangerous. It is estimated by FEMA that the elderly have a 2.5 time greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire when compared to the general population. Because of this, stove safety, especially gas stove safety for the elderly, is of the utmost importance. Before you install a stove alarm or modify the appliances, look around the kitchen first. Many times the dangers lie not in the stove itself, but factors that could potentially cause a fire.

Tips for stove kitchen safety for seniors include:

Remove all potentially flammable items from the vicinity of the stove—this includes paper towels, pot holders, dish towels, and any similar items
Ensure that your loved one does not wear loose fitting clothing while they are cooking—this has a better chance of igniting
Turn all pot handles inward (and remind your loved one to do so also) to prevent scalds, burns, and other accidents
Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen
Make sure plastic cooking utensils are stored well away from the stove
If the kitchen is equipped with any type of ventilation system, make sure it is properly cleaned
Install bright lighting over the stove so it is easier to see
Have a qualified electrician check the kitchen wiring to ensure its safety

When it comes to safe cooking appliances for the elderly, and stovetop modifications, one of the best things to promote kitchen safety for seniors is to install a shut-off switch (or even several). This includes a shut-off switch on the stove and finding other small appliances that are already equipped with one (such as a tea kettle). The safest cooktop for the elderly is one that has a motion sensor pre-installed. This way, if no one has been near the stove within a specified amount of time, the appliance shuts off.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Microwave and Small Appliance Safety

When using small appliances, it’s important to keep these tips for kitchen safety for seniors in mind:

Make sure the microwave has minimal buttons and easy to use. A small microwave with a dial/timer is a great idea.
Find a refrigerator that has a large-print digital temperature display so the temperature is easily set. If the patient is in a wheelchair, a refrigerator that is side-by-side makes it much easier for them to open the freezer. Note: for food safety, the refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose irons (many people have a tendency to iron in the kitchen), coffee pots, and other small appliances with the shut-off switch. If they are not included, consider installing a shut-off outlet.

Preventing Falls and Other General Tips for Kitchen Safety for Elderly People

There is much more than fire when it comes to potential hazards in the kitchen. Tips for kitchen safety for elderly people also must include information about fall prevention. Make sure your loved one always wears non-slip slippers or shoes in the kitchen. Also, tile flooring can be the most hazardous. If recovering or replacing tile is not possible, consider placing non-skid rugs throughout the kitchen, especially in front of the sink where water can splash to the floor creating a slippery surface. Food safety is also a concern. Other tips for kitchen safety for seniors to keep in mind:

Install motion-sensor activated night lights so your loved one can see when they enter the kitchen
Replace glass items with plastic ones (such as cups and mugs)
Ensure heavier objects are at waist level and not on a higher shelf
Use one cutting board for meat and one for vegetables
Store meat and perishable in tightly sealed and labeled containers (with written-on dates)
Use pots and pans that are equipped with two handles

This may seem like a lot of work, but it is so vitally important to keep your loved one safe. You can’t keep an eye on them all of the time, even if it is your intent, so ensuring that their kitchen is a completely safe area is an important job.

To hear more tips on kitchen safety for seniors, to learn about other safety needs such as bathroom aids, or to get information regarding medical devices that can help improve mobility for your loved one, contact Williams Lift Co. today to learn about wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and other mobility products to improve your loved one’s quality of life.

Finding the Best Brain Games & Exercises for Seniors

March 5, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

You may often hear that the brain is a muscle. While this statement is incorrect, the brain behaves like a muscle, and because of this, you should exercise your brain just as if you were exercising your body. Brain games & exercises for seniors are great ways to keep the brain active and occupied. Just like an actual muscle that could fall asleep or become atrophied, the brain can also fall out of practice if you don’t use it enough. There are many free brain games & exercises for seniors, as well as subscriptions and books, that can help train the brain and keep it active.

Benefits of Brain Games & Exercises for Seniors

There are many reasons to keep the brain occupied. For instance, memory exercises for seniors aid in cognition. As we age, we may actually lose interest in or no longer care for activities we once enjoyed. Finding new and fun things to do, such as brain games for seniors, helps to keep us happy. There are also specific reasons to take part in certain activities:

To keep fingers nimble, try crafting, sewing, or other simple art
Word puzzles are an excellent type of cognitive activities for seniors
For both fun and cognition, bingo is a popular choice
Fine motor skills are strengthened by putting jigsaw puzzles together
Logic puzzles exercise the mind
Playing trivia games helps with both cognition and memory
Video games are great for motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognition

It is also a great idea to have brain games & exercises for seniors in a group, such as in adult day care. Many seniors struggle with loneliness and depression, and being involved in a group dynamic helps fight off the blues, as well as improve cognition.

Specific Ideas for Brain Games & Exercises for Seniors

When it comes to offering brain games & exercises to seniors, you may need a few ideas. If you’re a caregiver and are trying to help boost someone’s cognition skills or get them interested in a new task, it might take a few tries before you find the right brain exercises for seniors. Some specific fun brain games for seniors (that don’t require a paid subscription or the Internet) include:

Retell the Tale: Have a friend read a short work of fiction, and retell the tale in their own words.
Shopping List Game (this is a game for a group): The first person in the group says, “I went to the supermarket and bought [something that begins with the letter A].” Then, the next person repeats what the first person says, but adds a grocery item that begins with B. The game continues until the items can no longer be repeated.
Identify Plants: This is a fun game to play outdoors. Take a friend outside (along with some botanical knowledge) and see how many different flowers and plants you can name. This is great when it comes to cognitive exercises for dementia patients, as these patients may be able to recall some of their plant knowledge.

Some suggestions for cognitive games for seniors focus solely on cognition and memory. These types of cognitive brain games & exercises for seniors include:

Say the months of the year in alphabetical order.
Using your name, name two objects in the room for every letter. For instance, CATHY could start out with candy or cat, followed by address book and apple, and so on.
Look around and try to group by colors. Try to find five red things in the room, followed by five blue things, and continue with colors.

Paid, Subscription, and Online Brain Games & Exercises for Seniors

If you do a quick Google search, there are many sites that offer brain games & exercises for seniors and brain games for seniors with dementia. But it’s always best to look for an authoritative site. There are books for sale as well that contain brain games you can do over and over, and AARP provides links to several cognition games. However, many sites offer free brain exercises for seniors, and these are also worth a try. If you have a Wii or PlayStation console, many games help with hand-eye coordination as well. Wii Sports and racing games are always good suggestions when it comes to brain games & exercises for seniors.

For more ideas on brain games & exercises for seniors, or to help increase mobility and make getting around easier, contact Williams Lift Co. today to hear about our line of products. We have been in business for over 71 years, offering mobility products and services, and are dedicated to helping you live your best life.

Celebrating International Wheelchair Day in 2019

February 26, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

The first of March is International Wheelchair Day every year, and the ‘international’ part is quite truthful. There are celebrations all around the world, such as in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, among other countries. If you’ve never heard of this celebration, it’s a great time to get involved and promote disability awareness. Further, it is a good reason to celebrate with friends and family. Those who wish to celebrate should look for local events in their area as there may be a local wheelchair-accessible International Wheelchair Day.

What Are the Aims of International Wheelchair Day?

There are a few aims of International Wheelchair Day other than simply the promotion of disability awareness. This day allows those who use wheelchairs to share how wheelchairs have helped them with mobility and taking control of their lives again. There are many positive aspects that a wheelchair can bring to the user, and International Wheelchair Day is a great time to share stories with others. Also, this day is for caregivers, manufacturers, providers, salespeople, and anyone involved with the design, manufacture, and sale of wheelchairs. Their hard work has truly made the world a better place, and they are honored on this day in addition to those who use wheelchairs.

Beyond just disability awareness, International Wheelchair Day also wants to shed light on the fact that many people around the world could use a wheelchair or other medical products to help improve their quality of life, but because of financial or insurance reasons, they are unable to access one. International Wheelchair Day wants to see a world where every person who needs a wheelchair is given access to one.

Quick Facts About Wheelchairs and International Wheelchair Day

International Wheelchair Day was founded in 2008 by a British blogger coined “wheelchair Steve,” with the aims and purposes mentioned previously. In the United States alone, three million people use a wheelchair each day. This number doesn’t include the vast number of children and adults who need a wheelchair but cannot afford one.

The first known wheelchair was constructed by the ancient Greeks, and it was built in approximately 525 AD. One of the first “famous” people to use a wheelchair was King Philip II of Spain. However, these early wheelchairs were not very mobile and he required an assistant to push his chair. The first motorized wheelchairs came about in the 1950s to help disabled World War II veterans. As of 2018, there are many unique wheelchair designs that allow patients to be much more mobile than before.

Disability Awareness and More About Wheelchair Accessories

International Wheelchair Day 2019 celebrates all that there is about wheelchairs and disabilities. Some patients require more than just the wheelchair itself in order to have the best quality of life.

Ramps – Installing ramps in the home is a wonderful way for those in a wheelchair to be independent when it comes to leaving and arriving at their own home.
Eye gaze and AAC devices – Some patients, especially children, who use a wheelchair are nonverbal. Having an augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) device helps the person communicate with the world. Eye gaze devices are also available for those who do not have use of their extremities, allowing them to talk and communicate as well as operate the wheelchair.

One of the many aims of International Wheelchair Day is to bring attention to these other helpful devices as well as the wheelchair itself.

To learn more about how wheelchair accessories and mobility products, such as stair lifts and accessibility ramps, can help improve your quality of life, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We can offer a free estimate for over five different types of ramps, to help you regain control of your independence.

The Basics of Wheelchair Maintenance and Cleaning

February 19, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Just like any type of vehicle or object on wheels, wheelchair maintenance and cleaning is important for several reasons. Most importantly, regular wheelchair cleaning keeps the chair in top condition. A regular wheelchair inspection of all the moving parts ensures its functionality and usability. Similarly, as to when you wear a uniform to work or dress a certain way for the office, a wheelchair can certainly be part of your attire, so while the wheelchair’s functionality is a priority, you also want to look your best. This can be a tough chore, especially if you travel with your wheelchair or don’t have the ability to clean it yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding wheelchair maintenance and cleaning that can keep your chair in great shape for years to come.

Wheelchair Maintenance and Cleaning: How to Clean a Wheelchair

Depending on the extent of your disability, you may need a family member, friend, or nurse to perform a regular wheelchair cleaning procedure. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a regular wheelchair cleaning schedule to ensure your chair looks its best and is functioning properly at all times.

As wheelchairs see a lot of use, it’s a good idea to wipe down the back and wheelchair cushion covers once a day with a damp, soapy cloth. Deeper cleaning should be performed at least once per month. All components of the chair are easily cleaned with household cleaners, such as Fantastik or 409. You can also use Armor-All on the metal of the chair to keep it shiny.

During this once-per-month wheelchair cleaning, the chair should also be inspected for visible signs of wear that could be dangerous to the patient. This includes cracks, deep scratches, and dents. If there is damage or parts like fasteners are loose, it should be immediately taken to a reputable wheelchair repair shop.

Important Aspects of Wheelchair Tires and Wheelchair Tire Pressure

Cleaning wheelchair tires and checking wheelchair tire pressure should be done often—in fact, tire pressure should be checked once per week. There are several kinds of tires on wheelchairs, including air-filled and foam-filled. While air-filled tires often give a more comfortable ride, the pressure must be exactly right. Tires with too little air pressure can actually cause damage to the wheel.

Your wheelchair may or may not have spokes on the wheels; if it does have spokes, you can use the same can of Armor All to polish them as you did on the casters above.

Quick-release chairs also have a tendency to get “gunk” (oil, grease, and dirt) embedded in the axles. For optimal performance of your chair and its wheels clean this once per month. You can look for a specialized wheelchair tire cleaner to do the job, or opt for a lightly oiled rag if you need to clean on the spot.

Casters can also pick up much debris from the floor and ground, such as hair and carpet fibers. Once these are embedded in the casters, it may be hard to get them out. The best way to remove hair and fibers is to do so with a pair of tweezers. However, this involves taking off the casters, placing them on a wheelchair wheel cleaning mat, cleaning the axles with wheelchair tire cleaner, using the tweezers, and then replacing the casters. If you have a caregiver or friend to help, this procedure should be performed at least biweekly to keep your wheelchair running as it should.

Occasionally, casters need to be replaced, as they can become loose or rusted, especially in areas that have frequent inclement weather. Two ideas to help combat this problem include wheelchair snow tires and wheelchair tire covers. It solely depends on which is more convenient for you.

Wheelchair Safety

Ideally, when it comes to your wheelchair maintenance, its safety is much more important than aesthetics, so it’s important that you or a friend inspect your wheelchair on a routine basis to make sure everything is safe. A good idea is to have a wheelchair maintenance checklist so you don’t miss any of the important inspection points.

You should also visually inspect your wheelchair before using it for the day, and before disembarking, you should always ensure that brakes are locked.

To learn more about wheelchair maintenance and cleaning, or to learn about products that can help increase your mobility, contact Williams Lift Co. today. With everything from stair lifts to wheelchair ramps, we can help make your life easier.

Why Food Safety for Seniors Is Important

February 15, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults (those 65 and over) are 10 times more likely to suffer from a foodborne illness than younger generations. When it comes to preparing food or cooking for the elderly, great care must be undertaken to ensure that food has been handled properly, and that the food itself is safe. Here are several food safety tips for seniors who live independently and their caregivers to help prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Risks Associated with Food Safety for Seniors

It’s important to understand why food safety for seniors is so important. As we age, our body changes, including our gastrointestinal tract. In those over age 65, food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time, allowing bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria isn’t always harmful—but the length of time it stays in the GI tract causes an increased risk of food poisoning in the elderly. Also, the stomach of an older person may not produce enough bile (acid), which allows bacteria to grow and multiply. Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes and cancer are at increased risk.

Safe food handling for seniors is a must because each additional risk will multiply the already existing risks of simply getting older. Whether you’re an older person preparing your own food, or you’re a caregiver in a home or a certified nursing home, food safety for the elderly is a priority.

Cooking Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

It’s something we’ve been told from toddlerhood—wash your hands. Even in modern times, the best advice when it comes to food safety for seniors is to wash hands consistently, especially after handling raw meat.

Another great tip is to separate raw meats and poultry from ready-to-eat foods. People may wonder how so many units of romaine lettuce were recalled due to disease—this is because this “tip” was not followed correctly. Use separate cutting boards for meat, poultry, and vegetables/fruits, and prepare them on different surfaces.

When cooking for the elderly, be absolutely sure that meats are cooked to their proper temperature. Chicken should always have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above, while red meat should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisories for pork state an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is best.

Food safety for the elderly also includes proper refrigeration. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly within two hours of cooking time. Also, it’s advised that older adults keep their refrigerator temperatures at 40 degrees to keep food cold and fresh. This also applies to refrigerators in nursing homes or care facilities.

Perhaps the best tip of all for food safety for seniors: “when in doubt, throw it out!”

Food Safety for Seniors – Known Pathogens

While the best method of preventing food poisoning in seniors is prevention, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the risks that are out there. Some of these pathogens include:

Listeria: This pathogen often grows on deli-style meats and hot dogs, improperly cooked or stored in the refrigerator. It can also affect raw vegetables. While in many it causes fever, malaise, and GI upset, if untreated in seniors, it could be deadly.
Escherichia coli: Commonly known as E. coli, this is highly correlated with uncooked ground beef. It can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact (e.g., unwashed hands).
Salmonella: This affects food safety for seniors, as it is very much associated with chicken. Salmonella can also be present in milk, seafood, and other poultry. It can cause stomach pain and diarrhea, and is a very serious condition for the elderly.
Clostridium: This pathogen is most associated with food left out on the counter, which is part of why safe food handling for seniors is so vital. While it rarely causes death, it can cause serious GI upset and cramps.

Remembering every last piece of advice can be tough for anyone. However, when it comes to food safety for seniors, the most important things to do are to wash your hands, separate meats and poultry, throw suspicious food away, and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

Helping make life easier for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers is what the Williams Lift Co. has been doing for over 70 years. For a free estimate for wheelchair or stair ramp costs, or to hear about our other mobility products, contact us today to speak with a member of our professional staff.