Senior Safety Tips

Mobility Aids for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Mobility aids for seniors can help restore the freedom and independence of moving about on one’s own. They are typically required on a temporary basis if the individual is recovering from an injury, or on a more long-term basis if the individual has permanent mobility challenges.

There’s a variety of mobility aids for seniors on the market, each of which is designed to serve a unique purpose. Some mobility aids for the elderly are designed to improve balance and stability. Others are designed to help an individual walk straight and maintain an upright posture. There are also mobility aids designed to reduce muscle and joint pain by redistributing weight carried by the legs.

One thing every mobility aid has in common is the positive effect they have on seniors’ self-confidence. Knowing you can move about freely without the assistance of others is like opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

This article will discuss the types of mobility aids for seniors that are available. Some of which are available at Williams Lifts, while others will have to be sought out from another vendor. The main point of this article is to educate you on what you may need for a given situation, whether it’s from us or not.

Types of Mobility Aids for Seniors

Stair Lifts
Stair Lifts assist individuals who cannot get up and down stairs on their own. They are powered chairs which are installed on a track opposite the railing. You simply sit in the chair while it safely and securely moves you from one floor to another.

Ramps
Ramps assist individuals with limited mobility when they need help getting from one level to another. Ramps could be as simple as a threshold ramp for getting over door frames, or large modular ramps that wheelchair users can have installed outside their homes.

Power Recliners
If getting in and out of your favorite chair has become more taxing than relaxing, a power recliner may be able to help you. They are ultra comfortable reclining chairs that do all of the work for you. They can get you from a standing position to a seated position, and vice versa, all while exerting little of your own energy.

Canes
Canes are designed for individuals who have difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. They’re available either as walking sticks (one point at the bottom), tripod canes (three points), or quad canes (four points). Which one is right for you will depend on how much added assistance you need while walking.

Walkers
Walkers are designed for individuals who have exceptional difficulty maintaining their balance when standing upright. They distribute more of a person’s weight throughout the frame than any cane is capable of. Walkers are available in models with 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or no wheels at all.

Crutches
Of all the mobility aids for seniors we’ve gone through so far, crutches are unique in that they require the recommendation of a medical professional in order to use them. Crutches are used in pairs and are typically designed for recovering from short term injuries. They require good coordination in order to use them properly, so they’re not recommended for people with poor balance.

Conclusion

At Williams Lifts we’re happy to offer a selection of stair Lifts, ramps, and power Recliners. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, you’re welcome to contact us or visit our showroom for an in-person demonstration.

Cerebral Palsy and Mobility: How Assistive Devices Can Enhance the Lives of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

June 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that is caused by injury or malformation to a child’s brain while it is still under development. Cerebral palsy and mobility are closely linked because it is a disorder which affects muscle coordination and body movement.

Cerebral palsy is a motor disability. It can restrict a person’s mobility in a number of ways with how it affects coordination, reflexes, posture, and sense of balance. In fact, it is the most common motor disability in children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

An individual with cerebral palsy may also have problems with hearing and vision, or intellectual disabilities. For the purpose of this article we’re just going to focus on cerebral palsy and mobility. In addition to providing information on how the disease affects mobility, we’ll go over the types of cerebral palsy assistive devices available.

Cerebral Palsy and Mobility

Individuals with cerebral palsy will almost always show signs of a physical disability, but not everyone will exhibit the same limitations. A person’s movement dysfunction could vary by location of the body, number of limbs affected, and extent of disability.

Cerebral palsy is unique to each individual, but it typically affects a person’s ability to control their own muscles. This could involve:

Muscles contracting too much
Muscles contracting too little
All muscles contracting at once
Stiff limbs
Involuntary movements
Trembling
Difficulty with balance, posture, and coordination

The extent to which one is afflicted by cerebral palsy will also vary from one individual to another. While some may experience slight movement tremors, others might have issues with completely paralyzed limbs.

Issues with cerebral palsy and mobility will not go away over time, but they can be made more manageable with the right equipment. In the next section we’ll go over a variety of cerebral palsy assistive devices which can help make life easier.

Cerebral Palsy Assistive Devices

An individual with cerebral palsy will typically rely on assistive devices to get around throughout the day. Below are some of the types of cerebral palsy assistive devices available:

Wheelchairs: These are helpful for people with extreme difficulty walking. Depending on the nature of the person’s disability, a powered wheelchair may be required due to movement limitations preventing the use of a manual wheelchair.
Grab rails: These are helpful for people who struggle with balance and/or strength. Install in areas that are prone to slips and falls, like a shower for example.
Stairlifts: Products such as those offered by Acorn lifts are helpful for people who find it difficult to climb staircases. Stairlifts offer secure and effortless movement from one floor to another, and can be easily installed to fit any staircase.
Ceiling lifts: These are helpful for people who need extra assistance transferring themselves from bed to a wheelchair. The devices are mechanical, so they can lift the person without them having to use their own strength.
Walkers: These are helpful for people who have difficulty walking, but do not require the assistance of a full wheelchair. They are designed to keep a person walking upright while supporting their balance and stability. Here’s more information about different types of walkers.

About Acorn Lifts

For those in need of cerebral palsy assistive devices, we always recommend looking at those offered by Acorn Lifts. Not only do they provide some of the best assistive devices, but they are a company that is truly dedicated to assisting those with cerebral palsy. Here is a story about how Acorn Lifts provided life-changing assistance to a young child with cerebral palsy.

For more information about cerebral palsy assistive devices or Acorn lifts, we invite you to contact us directly.

ADA Handrail Specifications

March 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for ADA handrail specifications for wheelchair ramps, please see this post. The following article discusses ADA specifications for handrails used inside the home — specifically in the bathtub and near the toilet.

ADA handrail specifications are a set of guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which installers are encouraged to follow when adding handicap handrails inside a residential dwelling or commercial establishment.

In this post we will clearly outline the specifications recommended by the ADA for installing handrails in and around the bathroom.

ADA Handrail Specifications: In and Around the Bathroom

Handrails Near the Toilet
When installing handicap handrails near the toilet, it is recommended to have one on the side wall as well as the rear wall. The handrail on the side wall should be a minimum length of 42 inches, and placed 12 inches from the rear wall. The distance from the rear wall to the end of the side rail should be 54 inches minimum. The handrail on the rear wall behind the toilet should be a minimum of 36 inches long, with a minimum distance of 12 inches from the water closet.

Roll-in Type Shower Compartments
Roll-in shower compartments are specially modified showers where the individual can roll-in and comfortably transfer themselves to a seated position within the shower. These types of shower compartments should be a minimum 36 inches by 36 inches inside, with a 36 inch opening. Handrails are required on the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Handrails are not required to be installed above the seat. The space between the wall and the handrail should be 1.5 inches. The space between the handrail and projecting objects below and at the ends should also be a minimum of 1.5 inches. The space between the handrail and projecting objects above should be a minimum of 12 inches.

Bathtubs With Permanent Seats
Handrails are required on both the back wall and control end wall within a bathtub with permanent seats. Two handrails should be installed horizontally on the back wall. The first handrail should be 33 inches minimum and 36 inches maximum above the floor, while the other should be installed 8 inches minimum and 10 inches maximum above the rim of the bathtub. On the control end wall, the handrail should be a minimum 24 inches in length at the front end of the bathtub (the side with the faucets).

Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats
A bathtub without permanent seats requires handrails on the back wall, control end wall, and head end wall. The ADA handrail specifications for the back wall are identical to the back wall specifications for bathtubs with permanent seats. Specifications are also identical for the handrail installed on the control end wall. On the head end wall the handrail should be a minimum 12 inches in length and installed at the front edge of the bathtub.

Conclusion

Adhering to ADA handrail specifications is necessary to ensure the safety of individuals not only in the bathroom, but anywhere handrails need to be installed. For more information about ADA specifications, you can see the organization’s official documentation here.

Handicap Aids for the Home

February 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

There are numerous handicap aids for the home which can make it easier to get around and regain that feeling of independence. We’re confident you can find the right tool to assist you in this list of handicap aids we have put together.

Handicap Aids: Around The House

These handicap aids are designed to assist you in your daily home life. Whether it’s getting around or performing tasks, these tools can help you accomplish more with less effort.

Stairlifts

If stairs have become and obstacle, you can overcome them with a stairlift. Stairlifts help you travel up and down stairs on a mechanical track in a seated position. This eliminates the effort involved with walking up and down the stairs, and greatly reduces the risk of injuries that can be sustained from falling down stairs. Stairlifts can be installed to fit just about any stairwell with minimal modifications. For more information, please inquire here.

Ramps

For wheelchair bound individuals, wheelchair ramps are one of the most essential handicap aids available. Modular wheelchair ramps can help you get in and out of your home with ease, while threshold ramps can help you get through doors and other raised ledges.

Reclining Lift Chairs

When leisure time is no longer as relaxing as it once was, it may be time to look into a reclining lift chair. Even the best La-Z-Boy on the market is a struggle to get in and out of if it’s not powered. With reclining lift chairs being electronically powered, you can use a remote control to raise the seat height to a comfortable level. Then gently ease yourself into the chair, and use the remote to lower it again. This helps take pressure off the muscles and joints when sitting and standing.

Reaching Aids

You’ve just settled into your favorite power recliner and are ready to relax for the evening. Hold on a minute, the remote is just out of arm’s reach. Not to worry, with a reaching aid by your side you won’t have to get up! Reaching aids can help you reach, lift, and move things closer to you while exerting minimal effort. They’re also great for grabbing items from tall shelves.

Bedroom Aids

We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping. Our beds should be as comfortable, safe, and secure as possible. In other words, a place where you can look forward to laying down at the end of a long day. A simple over-the-bed table is a versatile tool that can be used however you need it. Anything you need to have accessible from your bed can be placed on the table and rolled away when you’re done. Bedside rails are also recommended for those with limited mobility who may be at risk of injury.

Pill Organizers

Pill organizers help to reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with taking your medication. Modern day pill organizers can not only separate your medication by date and time, they can sound an alarm when it’s time to take your next dose. In order for medication to be effective it has to be taken as prescribed, and you can help ensure that happens by having a tool for keeping it all organized.

Handicap Aids: In the Bathroom

A list of handicap aids for the home would not be complete without taking into consideration something as crucial as the bathroom. The potential for slips, falls, and injuries in the bathroom are greater than perhaps any other room in the house. Tools, like handicap toilet aids and others, will help reduce those risks.

Safety Bars

Safety grab bars are one of the most essential bathroom aids. They can be installed anywhere there’s a potential for for someone to fall, or wherever an individual needs extra assistance with getting up and down. These places tend to include the inside of a shower, the side of a bathtub, or on the wall beside a toilet. Safety bars provide people with limited mobility something grab onto if they slip, or assistance if they just need help getting out of the tub after a warm bath.

Bath and Shower Chairs

These bathroom aids almost go hand in hand with safety bars, because if you need one there’s a probability you’ll also need the other. Safety bars can help you get into the bathtub or shower, they provide something to hold onto in the event of a slip and fall, but shower chairs can help prevent falls altogether. These are especially recommended if the individual has difficulty standing for long periods of time. Instead, they can sit comfortably as they freshen up in the morning.

Long Handle Bath/Shower Brushes

Long handle brushes provide assistance to those with limited mobility by giving them the ability to wash difficult-to-reach parts of the body without overexerting themselves. Places like the back of the neck, lower back, legs, and feet can be a challenge to wash if you can’t reach them on your own. Long handle brushes help ensure that a person can bathe independently and stay clean from head to toe.

Handicap Toilet Aids

Raised toilet seats are common handicap toilet aids. They increase the height of a toilet seat, making it easier for a person to sit or stand. The standard height of a toilet seat is around 14 inches, handicap toilet aids increase the height to about 18 inches. This height is more optimal for the average adult, and will reduce stress on the knees when sitting and standing. Other handicap toilet aids we recommend are the previously mentioned safety bars, which provide something to hold onto as the person is in the process of sitting or standing.

Conclusion

With assistance in common areas of the home, as well as private areas like the bedroom and bathroom, handicap aids can help a person stay independent all throughout their day.

Holiday Tips for Caregivers

December 15, 2016 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Holiday tips for caregivers can never be too plentiful this time of year. Additional stress and demands are placed on caregivers during the holidays, not only from clients but from the caregivers themselves.

As a caregiver, there’s a tendency to feel as though you need to keep doing more, which could lead to you pushing yourself to a point where it starts to become detrimental to your own health.

We have put together a list of holiday tips for caregivers that are intended to help you de-stress and even enjoy what the season has to offer.

Top Holiday Tips for Caregivers

Avoid Burnout With Time Management
This may be difficult with the many holiday parties and social gatherings going on, but try not to schedule too many events one day after another. Give yourself time to rest when you feel like you need it. This may mean having to miss some events, but in the long run you’ll be doing what’s best for yourself.

It’s also important to be mindful of the one you’re caring for and their stress levels. Watch for and take note of any changes in personality or behavior. Unusual irritability and fatigue are key signs of holiday burnout. Keep their schedule light during the holidays, and don’t feel guilty about having to turn down the occasional invite from a friend or family member.

Don’t Let Shopping Create Stress
Shopping is an unavoidable expectation of the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Simplify the process by buying online from the comfort of your own home whenever possible. If you have multiple friends and family members to buy for, but are not sure what to get them, there’s no rule against getting them all the same thing. Find a great gift basket that anyone would enjoy, and buy one for multiple people on your list instead of stressing about what to buy for each individual person.

Don’t Try to Do Everything / Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
In past years you may have worked yourself to the bone preparing Christmas dinner for the one you’re caring for and up to 20 or so guests. Try to start a new tradition by getting others involved in the process, or perhaps having guests bring their own dishes potluck-style. At the very least, do not be afraid to ask for help when you genuinely need it. You’re only capable of so much, and friends and family members are usually more than happy to lend a hand during the holiday season.

Do Something Good For Yourself
Whether you realize it or not, as a caregiver you’re so busy meeting others’ needs that you end up neglecting your own. Enjoy a completely self-indulgent treat this season to reward yourself for the hard work you’ve been putting in not only during the holidays, but all year long. Think about what you’ve been longing for — maybe it’s a day at the spa, or laying in bed all day binge watching Netflix. Whatever it is, do “you” for a full day because you deserve it.

Conclusion

Effective time management can avoid stress and holiday burnout. Streamlining the shopping experience can lead to a much more pleasant season. Ask for help when necessary, and top off the season by doing something good for yourself. If you have additional holiday tips for caregivers, please share them in the comment box below.

Type of Walkers: Which One is Right For You?

July 6, 2016 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

human-874979_640 There are many types of walkers available to assist those with limited mobility, but which one is best for you? How do you even know what to start looking for?

In this post we’re going to put together a checklist of questions you should ask yourself before choosing a walker, and then we’ll go over the various types of walkers available. From there you can make a decision about which one is right for you.

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Fall Statistics in Seniors and Elderly: Cost & Damage Caused

March 21, 2016 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Fall statistics indicate that 1 in 3 elderly people (aged 65 and older) will incur a fall this year. Moreover, falling once doubles one’s chances of falling again. This may not sound as serious as it really is until you put into perspective the cost and damage caused by falls. Here are some of the latest fall statistics which show exactly why falls are such a concern.

Fall Statistics in Seniors and Elderly

Fall Statistics: Cost and Damage

Serious injuries, such as broken bones, are caused by every 1 in 5 falls.
Emergency departments treat over 2.5 million elderly people each year for injuries caused by falls.
The most common injuries are either a head injury or hip fracture.
Fall injuries cause over 700,000 patients to be hospitalized each year.
Hip fractures account for at least 250,000 of those hospitalizations.
Falling is the number one cause of hip fractures, accounting for over 95% of all hip fracture injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are most commonly caused by falls.
Fall injuries account for roughly $34 billion annually in medical costs. Two-thirds of the costs are spent on hospital care.

Physical Damage
Thankfully, the majority of falls do not cause injuries, but when injuries happen they can be devastating. In addition to hip fractures, falls are liable to cause broken wrists, arms, and ankle. Severe damage may be caused to any part of the body that absorbs the brunt of the fall. Broken bones can be immediately felt and identified. What may not be as noticeable are head injuries. If an elderly person falls and hits their head they should be brought to the hospital right away to be properly assessed for any signs of brain injury.

Psychological Damage
Another type of damage, which is not often highlighted in fall statistics, is psychological damage. Even if a fall doesn’t cause physical damage, those who fall may find themselves develop a fear of falling. The fear may become so pronounced that it starts to impact the person’s everyday life; making them less active and thus weaker if another fall were to occur. Staying active helps keep your body in the best condition it can be in to prevent falls.

Stay Safe With a Checklist
In addition to keeping your body active, we recommend keeping your home properly maintained as well. There are several ways you can prime your home to turn it into a safe and fall-free environment. It’s a good idea to have a fall-prevention checklist on hand to keep not only your body safe, but your mind sound.

A checklist, broken down by each room in the house, is an excellent way of achieving the peace of mind, especially if you’re suffering from any of the psychological trauma mentioned above. With a checklist you’ll know you’ve done everything you can to stay safe and independent in your own home. Not sure where to start? We have put together a sample checklist that you can follow and modify according to the arrangement of your home.

Fall Prevention Checklist

August 20, 2015 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Most falls are predictable and are preventable with a complete fall prevention checklist.

A problem for many is the number of falls that occur in and around one’s home, which could lead to a fear of injury and a loss of one’s sense of independence.

Having a fall prevention checklist on hand can help restore that feeling of independence by giving you the confidence you need to know you can move around your home safely.

A complete fall prevention checklist considers the potential hazards in each room of your home that can affect your risk of falling.

Each fall prevention checklist will be different because every home is different. It helps to have a friend or family member go over the list with you to make sure no fall risks in your home were overlooked.

In this post I’ll give you an example of what should be looked at in a fall prevention checklist, which you can then customize according to what’s relevant to your home.

Fall Prevention Checklist Guidelines

Preventing Falls on the Stairs

Keep your stairs in good shape with regular maintenance.
Equip your stairs with a secured, non-slip surface with clearly defined edges.
Make sure there are handrails on both sides of the stairs that extend to the top and bottom.
Ensure there are light switches at the top and bottom of each flight of stairs.

When using the stairs be careful to avoid carrying large or heavy items. Always keep one hand free to grasp the handrail, and ensure stairs are always well-lit — install a night light if necessary.

Preventing Falls on the Floor

Fasten all area rugs and runners to the floor.
Maintain the condition of your floor and ensure all vents are secure.
Ensure floor surfaces are non-slip, especially in areas where the floors may be wet such as bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, front entrance, and so on.
Use non-skid wax and floor cleaners.

Be careful when waxing floors, as this can lead to a slippery surface that can increase the risk of falls. Do your best to keep floors dry, especially those that will likely be exposed to water. Rugs are always a hazard — ensure they are attached to the floor with double-sided carpet tape.

Preventing Falls in the Kitchen

Make sure all frequently used items are within reach.
Have a step stool with a safety rail on hand for reaching items in high places.
Store heavy items in lower cupboards and lighter items in the higher cupboards.
Ensure electrical outlets are easy to reach.

Preventing Falls in the Bedroom & Bathroom

Ensure bathtubs and showers are fitted with either a non-slip mat or non-slip surface.
Make sure there’s adequate lighting, especially a night light.
Install a grab bar with textured hand surface in your bathtubs and showers.
Maintain a clear path from the bathroom to the bedroom.
Have telephones and light switches located close to the bed.

Fall Prevention Checklist: Conclusion

That’s an example of a fall prevention checklist you can create for your home. Remember, falls are preventable, so take proper precaution.

If you’re concerned that falls on the stairs are likely to occur in your home, please look into our selection of electric chair lifts for stairs.

Lifts for stairs should be included on any fall prevention checklist, as they’re the surest way to prevent falls when going up and down stairs. Regain the freedom to move around your home without a fear of falls or injuries.

Safety Tips for Using a Stair Lift

May 4, 2014 By Susan Hackett

Compact, comfortable, efficient, and easy-to-use, stair lifts make ascending and descending stairs safer for the elderly and physically disabled. While stair lifts are safe so long as they are well-maintained and used with care, there are several proper handling techniques and safety measures with which you should be familiar to make using your stair lift as safe as it can possibly be.

Choose a Stairlift with State-of-the-Art Safety Features
To an extent, stair lift safety is dependent on the lift you choose. Install a stairlift that meets all safety standards, is equipped with state-of-the-art safety assistance technology, and is equipped with a swivel chair seat to ensure your safety and that of others who use the lift.

Keep Unattended Children Away
Ensure that unsupervised children do not have access to your stair lift through child-proofing or other means. If you deem it necessary, you may even want to consider a key-activated stair lift.

Invest In a Power Generator
A power outage does not always stop you from having to go downstairs. In order to ensure that you have access to all levels of your home even when the power is out, install a power generator on your property.

Mount and Dismount with Care
Use caution whenever you are sitting on and getting up from your stair lift’s seat. Always wear your seatbelt, and follow all the directions that are outlined in your owner’s manual.

Would you like to have a warranty-backed state-of-the-art stair lift installed in your home? To speak with a representative from a stairway and wheelchair lift manufacturer with more than 60 years’ experience, call Williams Lift Company today at (908) 322-7070. If quality and value are important to you, then we have the perfect stairway lift for you. To learn more about our products, visit us on the Web.

A Look at Wheelchair Safety

September 7, 2013 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Wheelchairs give their owners great independence and mobility freedom. For the most part, wheelchairs are safe and reliable devices that make it easier to move from point A to point B in a home, office, shopping center, hotel, or pretty much anywhere. Wheelchairs can even help people participate in many sports that traditionally require full mobility of both legs. There are, however, a few safety rules that all wheelchair users should commit to memory

Lock Wheels When Getting into Wheelchair
For smoother chair entry, lock your wheels before sitting down. This will keep your chair from moving underneath you as you try to settle into it.

Use Seat Belts and Footrests
Not only do seat belts help keep you in your chair when you encounter unexpected bumps—they also promote a healthy and balanced posture while you ride. Footrests are designed to keep riders’ feet out of harm’s way, and using them can further improve rider comfort.

Moving Vehicle Transport Safety
To keep your wheelchair from sliding, it is essential that your chair is securely strapped to the floor whenever you are in a moving vehicle. Vehicle occupant restraints should also be used to prevent ejection in the case of impact.

Power Off When Not Moving
If you have a power wheelchair, turn it off whenever you are not moving. Even if you are just stopping to say “hi” to a friend you passed on the sidewalk, you could inadvertently bump the control panel and set your chair in motion if the power is still on.

Regardless of whether your mobility is impaired temporarily or permanently, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of wheelchair safety before you start using your chair. If you wish to make your home or office easy to maneuver with the installation of wheelchair lifts or ramps, Williams Lift Company can help. Call (908) 322-7070 to speak with a supplier of wheelchair lifts and handicap ramps today.