Those who fall into the second category generally opt for a stair lift for getting up and down stairs. But there are quite a few benefits to installing a residential glass elevator:

– No transferring from a wheelchair to a stair lift and back again

– Less stressful on the caregiver and person using the stair lift

– Increases the safety and usability of a home

– Cheaper than moving, especially when you add up all the costs associated with a move

– Adds to the value of your home

– Allows you to remain in your own home

– Elevators are a cool, home design centerpiece

We really like the “cool” factor of a home elevator and we’ve been using them for years. But we favor a new line of residential glass elevators that we’re excited to showcase for our clients who want to remain in their own homes.

One of the disadvantages of standard home elevators is that they can be a bit claustrophobic. With glass elevators, you can see out when riding up or down. Glass elevators are great for caregivers because they can also see if somebody is inside.

Probably the best part about the newest models of home elevators is the easy installation. After measurements are taken, the residential glass elevators are custom manufactured at the factory to fit the home specifications. They are transported to the installation location and can be carried through a normal door opening and quickly assembled.

Because of the innovative, pre-designed manufacturing process, they have a small 4-inch pit and fit under a standard ceiling space.

For many people, a stair lift offers the safety and convenience of getting up and down stairs instead of walking, and will be beneficial for years to come. But depending on the disability and need, glass home elevators can offer significant features without incurring much more added cost. It’s important to properly evaluate the needs of the user.

The most important aspect is to find the best solution for remaining at home to age-in-place. If you’re interested, we’d be more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of riding in style at home.

Want to ride one? Call us at 866-902-9800 so that we can arrange a private ride in any of the four beautiful models located at our manufacturer’s West Hollywood Showroom – shown by appointment only.

You can also call us for more information about residential glass elevators or visit our website at:
www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/ramps/residential-glass-elevator.html

Residential Glass Elevators May be the Wave of the Future is a post from:

Related posts:

1. A Telecab Elevator Minimizes Construction Time and Cost Some disabilities progress over time. This means that installing a...
2. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
3. Telecab Elevator The Telecab Elevator maximizes space in the home because it...
4. Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing...
5. Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and...

We received an email the other day that had a funny twist on what these codes mean when used by seniors. Shown below is a list of the more popular senior texting codes and what they mean.

ATD – At the Doctor’s
BFF – Best Friends Funeral
BTW – Bring the Wheelchair
BYOT – Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM – Covered by Medicare
CUATSC – See You at the Senior Center
DWI – Driving While Incontinent
FWBB – Friend with Beta Blockers
FWIW – Forgot Where I Was
FYI – Found Your Insulin
GGPBL – Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA – Got Heartburn Again
HGBM – Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO – Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO – Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL – Living on Lipitor
LWO – Lawrence Welk’s On
OMMR – On My Massage Recliner
OMSG – Oh My! Sorry, Gas
ROFL..CGU – Rolling on the Floor Laughing…Can’t get Up!
TOT – Texting on Toilet
TTYL – Talk to You Louder
WAITT – Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA – Wet the Furniture Again
WTP – Where’re the Prunes
WWNO – Walker Wheels Need Oil
GGLKI – Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in

Senior Texting Codes and Internet Acronyms is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Support a Homebound Senior in Just One Minute Support a Homebound Senior in Just One Minute - This...
2. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...
3. The MIT Age Suit “AGNES” Simulates Life As a 74-Year Old Person The MIT Age Suit, AGNES, mimics what it is like...
4. Benefits of Walking for Seniors The benefits of walking daily include: Boosts endorphins, Reduces stress,...
5. Having Fun in the Retirement Community – LipDub Video This video shatters the belief that living in a senior...

The great thing about walking is it’s Free and it doesn’t take much to reap the rewards. The benefits of walking can be had in just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week. If you go out in your car, park farther away from the door at the mall or store and you’ll be that much closer to reaching your daily goal.

Some of the benefits of walking daily include:

– Boosts endorphins
– Reduces stress
– Limits sickness
– Improves the heart, circulation, and blood pressure
– Helps prevents falls by improving balance
– Builds bone mass
– Burns fat
– Limits or reduces Glaucoma risk, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s risk

These are just a few of the benefits of walking for seniors, and for everybody. The biggest reason is it makes us all feel better.

If you have trouble walking long distances, check with your doctor first, and limit your walking to a comfortable pace and distance. A rollator walker can help make it safer and easier.

Find a friend and walk together. It makes it all that more enjoyable.

This infographic can be found at Love Infographics and more information about the benefits of walking can be found at EveryBody Walk.

Benefits of Walking for Seniors is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
2. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
3. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
4. Long Term Services by State for Seniors, Caregivers, and People With Disabilities The LTSS website not only helps seniors, caregivers and families...
5. Collapsible Shower Dam For Accessible Showers A collapsible shower dam also works well for wheelchair users...

Stair lift manufacturers are continually upgrading their product offerings with better, and safer features. It wasn’t all that long ago that stair lifts provided a better way to go up and stairs without walking, but they were a bit cumbersome and took up a little too much space on, and around the stairway. Not any more.

We recently installed a Bruno Electra-Ride Elite Stair Lift that comes equipped with a power folding rail at the bottom of the stairway to accommodate a narrow hallway or doorway. At the touch of a button the bottom section of the stair lift folds up and out of the way.

This is a great feature for smaller homes, or where a doorway or hallway might be too narrow to safely move around the stair lift rail. It also features a folding footplate and armrests to shrink the size of the footprint on the stairway even more.

Barrier-free should be just that – a way to eliminate barriers in the home for the safety and comfort of all who live there.

While there are many ways to make a home more accessible, homeowners should rely on barrier-free home modification experts to get the best products that specifically fit their needs.

Not every home needs a stair lift with a folding rail. But it’s nice to know there’s a solution available to fit almost every need.

Stair Lift With Folding Rail is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los Angeles With 9-Custom Turns For Aging-In-Place We recently installed a Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los...
2. Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and...
3. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...
4. Go Vertical with a Porch Lift or Platform Lift to Get a Wheelchair Up Stairs in Tight Spaces For really tight spaces a vertical Platform Lift or Porch...
5. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...

Understanding that the patient is not themself because of their disease can help make life easier for everybody.

Cindy Keith of Mind in Memory Care offers five things to avoid when caring for a person with dementia in the video below.

1. Don’t over-stimulate them
2. Avoid telling them “No”
3. Do not insist they do something they don’t want to do
4. Avoid taking comments personally
5. Don’t give them too many choices

While these are just snippets, Cindy gives examples of how to overcome these simple challenges that caregivers may face in the video.

For more videos like this, visit Mind in Memory Care on YouTube.

5 Dementia Tips For Caregivers is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Long Term Services by State for Seniors, Caregivers, and People With Disabilities The LTSS website not only helps seniors, caregivers and families...
2. 7 Patient Transfer Devices That Make Life Easier for Caregivers and Patient Handling Moving patients from one place to another always involves some...
3. Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults...
4. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
5. Be Nice…One Day I’ll Be Changing Your Diapers Aging-in-Place is a great option, but if we're going to...

While it’s a pretty funny shirt, it’s a fact of life that we all grow old one day, and many of us will rely on our children to take care of us.

It’s always been this way, but with people living longer, it will be ever more important in the coming decades.

Some question whether Social Security will carry on, or how long retirement funds will last before they dry up.

If money becomes a serious issue, it will be imperative that many seniors live with their children.

Aging-in-Place is a great option, but if we’re going to be living past 100 years old, at some point we’ll need to find a place to live where somebody is around to take care of us.

The best thing is to start planning early and discuss every option with friends and family. So many people are afraid to discuss aging and how they will live when they’re in their 80s and beyond. This isn’t something that can wait until the last minute. Don’t be afraid to talk about the future. Do it now while you can.

And be nice to your children. Because you never what the future holds.

Be Nice…One Day I’ll Be Changing Your Diapers is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
2. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...
3. When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? If you already live in the home you plan to...
4. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...
5. Making a Kitchen Friendlier For People With Disabilities A good general rule to follow is keep food and...

One trend that is noticeable in new and modified homes is the addition of a walk-in or roll-in accessible shower. These are great for wheelchair users, but even for walking in, they are safer and easier to enter and exit.

Because the main barrier when entering a shower is the side of the tub or threshold enclosure, users must step over it, which can be difficult. Installing a zero-threshold entry removes this barrier.

While one potential problem has been solved, another one may have been created, and that is the problem of water spilling out of the shower and onto the bathroom floor. Without a shower threshold, there’s nothing to keep the water inside the shower.

The easiest way to correct this is by installing a Collapsible Shower Dam and using Weighted Shower Curtains. The shower dam fits over the threshold and the shower curtains hang tight and low against the shower dam. The shower dam is only an inch and a half high but it’s easy to walk over and keeps the water at bay.

A collapsible shower dam also works well for wheelchair users because it collapses when the wheels roll over it and then pops back up in place. This can eliminate the need to perform a transfer into the shower from the wheelchair to a shower bench or chair.

The trend to walk-in accessible showers is here to stay for many new and modified homes. They fit nicely from an aging-in-place perspective as they are attractive and functional, and they are easier to use by people of all ages and abilities. A collapsible shower dam should be standard on most barrier-free shower designs.

You can find information and purchase details here:
www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/bathrooms/25.html

Collapsible Shower Dam For Accessible Showers is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
2. A Shower Dam for a Wheelchair Shower Keeps Water Inside the Shower A Shower Dam can also used for walk-in showers to...
3. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
4. Why Two-Wall Wheelchair Showers Provide Good Accessibility By using a weighted shower curtain that acts as the...
5. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...

For most kids, if they like playing doctor and decide they want to become one when they grow up, they will probably have to go to school for a long time, study biology, chemistry, and math, then add 3 to 8 years of internships and residency. By the time they turn 35 years old, they might become a doctor.

We tend to take doctors for granted. But not every person is cut out to be one. It relies on certain traits and characteristics to fit into the mold.

If the image below is too small to read, click on it to see a larger version. Thanks to RN-to-MSN.org and Obizmedia.com for this infographic.

What Does it Take to Become a Doctor? is a post from:

Related posts:

1. How To Live To Be 100+ How To Live To Be 100+...
2. Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing...
3. When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? If you already live in the home you plan to...
4. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
5. A Telecab Elevator Minimizes Construction Time and Cost Some disabilities progress over time. This means that installing a...

Swimming pools with more than 300 linear feet of wall must provide two means of entry, with the primary means being either a pool lift or sloped entry. The secondary means of entry can be a pool lift, sloped entry, transfer wall, transfer system, or pool stairs.

Swimming pools with less than 300 feet of wall only need to provide one means of entry – either a pool lift or sloped entry.

Of course there are plenty of other requirements and it’s best to check for compliance way in advance to ensure there won’t be any problems with your pool.

Some of the exceptions include wave pools, spas, and wading pools.

The U.S. Department of Justice has more information on their website regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act at: www.ada.gov.

There are a variety of pool lift options available. Some are stationary, while others are mobile and can be wheeled in and out of storage either daily or at the end of the season. And you don’t have to have a public or commercial swimming pool to take advantage of the accessibility features of pool lifts. They work great for family pools too.

We have several examples of pool lifts on our website at: www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/ramps/ada-pool-lifts.html

Give us a call at (866) 902-9800 if you have a public or commercial pool and you need a pool lift for compliance before March 15, 2012.

Pool Lifts and New ADA Pool Accessibility Requirements is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Wheelchair Ramp Safety and ADA Accessibility Guidelines Building or buying a wheelchair ramp isn't difficult but working...
2. Incline Lifts for Wheelchairs and Scooters Incline Lifts for Wheelchairs and Scooters...
3. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
4. Overhead Ceiling Lift An Overhead Ceiling Lift can aid in lifting a patient...
5. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...

Below is the map that shows data by state. To find additional information, ranking data and other downloads, click on the map or visit the website at: www.LongTermScorecard.org

The State Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard allows seniors and people with disabilities a way to discover performance by each state across a variety of indicators including:

1. Affordability and access
2. Choice of setting and provider
3. Quality of life and quality of care
4. Support for family caregivers

The LTSS website not only helps seniors, caregivers and families easily find much needed information, it also helps states and policymakers track efficiencies and needs.

The first state LTSS scorecard was developed by AARP‘s Public Policy Institute, The Commonwealth Fund, and The SCAN Foundation.

Long Term Services by State for Seniors, Caregivers, and People With Disabilities is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Making a Kitchen Friendlier For People With Disabilities A good general rule to follow is keep food and...
2. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
3. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
4. Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and...
5. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...

A Telecab Elevator is a two-stop residential elevator for home use with a 500 lb. weight capacity that is equipped with windows and interior lighting. A Telecab is sometimes called a “vanishing elevator” or “shaftless elevator” because it does not require an elevator shaft for installation. Because there is no shaft, it decreases the time to install and reduces the cost.

Telecab Elevator parked downstairs during installation

The unique design of a Telecab allows it to disappear from sight when it’s on another floor. It can be installed virtually in any room in the home that allows enough space for the cab above and below.

Telecab traveling upstairs into the ceiling and out of the way downstairs

If the unit is parked upstairs, simply choose the down button from the main floor to call it downstairs. When it arrives, walk, or roll in with a wheelchair and take it up to the top floor. It recesses into the ceiling where it is out of sight downstairs.

Telecab Elevator view from the upstairs bathroom recessed into the floor to create more space upstairs while the cab is parked downstairs

If you’re upstairs and need the space, the Telecab can be parked downstairs. Simply call it at the touch of a button when needed to transport you downstairs.

Telecab parked upstairs in the bathroom

Telecab Elevators are a safe and convenient way to live independently in your own home. They eliminate the need for stairs, or stair lifts, and provide comfort for the user and caregiver. By reducing the stress and strain associated with wheelchair transfers to and from a stairlift, it increases the quality of life for the user and caregiver.

Telecabs come with a variety of configuration options including cab and window panel colors, cab interior size, or a second door to enter and exit a different location on another floor.

If you’re considering a home elevator to avoid the hassle of a stairway, a Telecab Elevator might be a convenient and economical way to stay safe in your home.

A Telecab Elevator Minimizes Construction Time and Cost is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Telecab Elevator The Telecab Elevator maximizes space in the home because it...
2. Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing...
3. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
4. Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and...
5. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...

What we didn’t show was that the other side of the house had an even smaller area, making it impossible to install any kind of ramp. No problem. For really tight spaces a vertical Platform Lift or Porch Lift is often better than a wheelchair ramp.

Porch Lift at the bottom position

Vertical Lifts are great because they require minimal effort on the part of the wheelchair user or caregiver. Simply open the gate at the bottom, roll in, close the gate behind you and push the button. The lift rises up to the next level and out you go at the top. They also promote independent living because there is no need for a caregiver to help push up a ramp. The user can do everything at the touch of a button located on the control panel.

Platform Lift at the top position

Platform Lifts are safe and reliable and can be installed both indoors and outside. They have a 750-pound weight capacity and come with a non-skid deck surface. They are recommended for commercial and residential applications and offer an ideal way for companies to come into compliance.

Vertical Lift view from the top landing

If safety is a concern, Platform Lifts can be safer than ramps depending on the physical condition of the user or the caregiver. They require little or no physical strength as the motor does all the work and problems going too fast down a ramp or falling backwards are eliminated.

When you don’t have enough space for a wheelchair ramp, consider going vertical with a Porch Lift or Vertical Platform Lift.

Go Vertical with a Porch Lift or Platform Lift to Get a Wheelchair Up Stairs in Tight Spaces is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...
2. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
3. Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and...
4. Wheelchair Ramp Safety and ADA Accessibility Guidelines Building or buying a wheelchair ramp isn't difficult but working...
5. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...

Medtrade is the largest home medical equipment tradeshow in the US and provides an opportunity to review new products, network with industry manufacturers, and learn about the latest trends and practices that will help you better serve your patients.

One of the highlights of the show is The Medtrade Accessible Home in partnership with Accessible Home Improvement of America and Nationwide Homes. The Accessible Home features the newest, most advanced home healthcare products and showcases them just like patients would use them in their own home.

Tornado Body Dryer

Accessible Construction is proud to be representing the Tornado Shower Body Dryer in this year’s Medtrade Accessible Home. The shower body dryer allows for hands-free drying which is ideal for people with balance problems, arthritis, need privacy from a caregiver or just like to have the latest gadget.

New for 2011 is the Retail Design Center which will display Homecare Products, and Home Modification Ideas, as well as Retail Design Ideas and Opportunities. The Retail Design Center offers solutions for your clients but also retail opportunities for new business.

Shower Dam and Weighted Shower Curtains

We will have a collapsible Shower Dam and Weighted Shower Curtains on display in the Retail Design Center, which provide the ideal solution for keeping water in the shower and off the bathroom floor.

Offset Hinges

We will also have residential and commercial Offset Hinges on display that allow you to widen doorways by up to two inches just by replacing door hinges. What used to take a half-day of construction can now be done easily at a fraction of the cost.

If you’ll be in Atlanta this year for Medtrade, make sure you spend some time at the Medtrade Accessible Home and the Retail Design Center.

Medtrade 2011
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Building B, Halls 1-3
Atlanta, GA 30313
www.Medtrade.com

Medtrade Expo in Atlanta, Georgia – October 25-27, 2011 is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Remodeling Show 2011 in Chicago October 13 – October 15, 2011 We're very excited to be exhibiting at this year's Remodeling...
2. Abilities Expo Los Angeles – April 15 – 17, 2011 – Booth #441 The Abilities Expo returns to Los Angeles this year and...
3. Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to...
4. A Shower Dam for a Wheelchair Shower Keeps Water Inside the Shower A Shower Dam can also used for walk-in showers to...
5. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...

These LED lighting shower and faucet lights just might help save somebody from water burns. While we don’t sell these, we’ve seen them before and think they’re a great idea. You can get these at ThinkGeek and the price is pretty good.

On the left is a lighted shower head and on the right is a lighted sink faucet. The lights are LEDs and change color depending on the temperature of the water. A blue light signifies the water is cold but if the water reaches a temperature of 89 degrees F (32 degrees C) the light changes to red.

Not only do these look great and add a touch of fun to taking a shower or doing the dishes, they’re fully functional and might keep a loved one from getting burned by hot water.

To find out more or purchase an LED lighted showerhead or faucet, visit ThinkGeek.

LED Showerhead Light

LED Sink Faucet Light

If you’re only concerned about water that is too hot and don’t need the colored lights for a visual aid, we have an anti-scald shower valve on our website.

Don’t Get Burned By Hot Water in the Shower or Sink is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Wall Hung Accessible Sink for Wheelchair Users A Wall Hung Accessible Sink is an excellent alternative to...
2. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
3. A Shower Dam for a Wheelchair Shower Keeps Water Inside the Shower A Shower Dam can also used for walk-in showers to...
4. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
5. Ergonomic Shower Chair An Ergonomic Shower Chair provides a safe and comfortable way...

If you’ve never been, the Remodeling Show features the latest products and offers a chance for home builders and remodelers a chance to speak with manufacturers’ technical experts and other remodeling professionals. It is the only national event serving residential remodeling experts.

You can get more information about the show on their website at: www.RemodelingShow.com

We’re very excited to be exhibiting at this year’s Remodeling Show. If you’re in Chicago, visit Accessible Construction in Booth #644.

We will have select accessible bathroom products on hand and discuss how a Collapsible Water Retainer for a shower threshold keeps water in the shower and off the bathroom floor.

We’ll have an example of Weighted Shower Curtains and you can see how they work with a water dam for keeping floors dry.

We’ll also have a Toilevator that raises an existing toilet 3.5 inches instead of buying a whole new toilet. Perfect for remodelers.

One of the most popular modifications for accessible home remodelers is widening doorways to create more entrance space or to accommodate wheelchairs.

An offset hinge is expandable and swings away giving an extra two inches to the width of the doorway.

There is also a commercial heavy-duty expandable hinge for garage doors or the front door of the home. We’ll have both types of expandable hinges on display.

If you’re at the show, stop by and introduce yourself. This is a great show to meet new people where we can all help each other learn about the latest products and ideas for our industry.

Remodeling Show 2011 in Chicago October 13 – October 15, 2011 is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
2. A Shower Dam for a Wheelchair Shower Keeps Water Inside the Shower A Shower Dam can also used for walk-in showers to...
3. Abilities Expo Los Angeles – April 15 – 17, 2011 – Booth #441 The Abilities Expo returns to Los Angeles this year and...
4. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
5. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...

It’s important to use the legs and not the back when lifting and whenever possible, transfer to the patient’s strong side. Proper patient handling is half the battle but using transfer devices that aid in patient transfers can make things safer and better for everyone involved.

With that said, here are 7 Patient Transfer Devices that make life easier for caregivers and patients:

Gait Belt
A transfer belt, or Gait Belt, helps prevent back injuries and offers safe areas to grab on to a patient. They have multiple handles and give the caregiver a supported area to hold instead of grabbing an arm. Gait belts are ideal for transferring to and from wheelchairs or beds.

Advantage Rail
Using a transfer pole support rail such as the Advantage Rail gives the patient a sturdy support to hold when getting up, sitting down, or moving between a wheelchair and other sitting area. It is like adding a four-foot high grab bar that is mounted to the floor, and can be placed in any room or area of the home. Advantage rails work great in the bathroom but can be just as helpful in the bedroom or frequently used living area. Patients that can help lift themselves ultimately lessen the strain on the caregiver.

Super Pole
Similar to the Advantage Rail, the Super Pole is a transfer support rail that extends from the floor to the ceiling and works especially well in the bedroom. It has several available attachment options like the Trapeze Bar and T-Bar support, and makes transferring to and from a bed much easier. Having a sturdy support to hold on to during transfers is important for both patients and caregivers.

Sliding Transfer Board
The old-fashioned wooden wheelchair transfer board has been updated to the Sliding Transfer Board, or Beasy Board. It comes in three shapes and sizes and is ideally suited for transfers to and from a wheelchair. It has a swivel, sliding disc in the center of the board that aids in moving the patient from one seat to the other. It is made of durable plastic and offers none of the friction or splinters of the old style transfer boards.

Portable Patient Lift
For patients who are less ambulatory, transfers can be very difficult and usually require more than one caregiver. A portable Patient Lift is sometimes the only way to transfer a patient from one place to another. It comes with a nylon sling that is placed underneath and electrically lifts the patient up. It can then be wheeled from one spot or room to another and then lowered at the touch of a button. Made from extra strong aircraft aluminum, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. It also folds up for storing in the trunk of a car. The Portable Patient Lift is well-suited for taking on trips by car or plane when a lifting device is needed at your destination.

Ceiling Lift
For patients who remain mostly in one spot in the home, an overhead Ceiling Lift might be a better option than a portable patient lift. They are usually placed in the bedroom or bathroom for raising and lowering in one spot. A ceiling track can also be installed that moves the patient in the sling from the bedroom to the bathroom and back. A ceiling lift greatly reduces the strain on everyone and offers a much better quality of life for non-ambulatory patients.

Transport Chair
The final item is more of a transportation device than a transfer device, but a Transport Chair certainly makes life easier for patients and caregivers. Transport chairs work great for going to the doctor or making small trips. They work like a standard wheelchair but they’re lightweight and fold down for taking in a car. Our favorite model has foldable armrests and footrests that make transfers a breeze. There’s no reason to take a heavy, bulky wheelchair when a transport chair will do the job.

Moving patients from one place to another always involves some risk of injury but by taking advantage of the available patient transfer devices, it reduces the possibility of injury and increases the quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.

7 Patient Transfer Devices That Make Life Easier for Caregivers and Patient Handling is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...
2. Transfer Belt – Gait Belt The Transfer Belt / Gait Belt is a walking belt...
3. Beasy Transfer Board The wheelchair transfer board available. Wheelchair transfers can be difficult,...
4. Overhead Ceiling Lift An Overhead Ceiling Lift can aid in lifting a patient...
5. Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible...

There are two main areas of the bathroom where grab bars are necessary: the toilet area and the shower/bath area.

1. Whenever possible, position a grab bar within reach of the strongest side of the body. If the grab bar user has limited mobility in the left arm, a grab bar within reach of the right arm is preferred.

2. The grab bar installation height is important. The user should be comfortable with the position of the grab bar next to the toilet and in the shower. In the first photo, the toilet uses a Toilevator raised toilet base that adds 3.5 inches to the height of the toilet. If the grab bar is installed before raising the toilet, the grab bar height won’t be appropriate. Raise the toilet first and THEN install the grab bars.

The same is true for the grab bars in the shower. The second photo shows a shower bench that will be used for sitting in the shower. If at all possible, place the shower bench in the shower first and THEN position the grab bars to the best height for standing up and sitting down on the bench. This applies to any shower seats.

3. If the wall is too far away from the toilet, consider using Fold Down Grab Bars that attach to the wall behind the toilet. These come in various lengths and fold up and out of the way when not needed, such as performing wheelchair transfers. They fold down and into place when needed.

4. Vertical Grab Bars provide support directly outside the shower. In the second photo the threshold has a collapsible shower water dam to keep water in the shower. A wheelchair user rolling over this could use the vertical grab bar to pull into the shower and over the shower dam. It also gives walking users something to hold onto while getting in and out of the shower. Wet surfaces are slippery so the safe transition from dry to wet floors is important.

5. Almost all grab bars meet ADA grab Bar specifications, meaning they are already the correct diameter and provide the proper distance from the wall when installed. But it’s important to ensure the wall they are attached to is strong enough to hold the user. The grab bar is strong enough but the installation of it into the wall might not be. Often, the wall needs to be reinforced before installation. Don’t just attach a grab bar and expect it to hold. Rely on experienced installers to do the job right.

6. Mixing horizontal, diagonal, and vertical grab bars provides the best safety measure and the most surface area for grabbing onto something sturdy.

7. A Portable Grab Bar, like a travel or suction cup grab bar, is a great way to test out the best position for your requirements. They attach temporarily with a suction cup and can be used to try out different heights and positions. This can save the time and expense of reinstalling grab bars that were positioned incorrectly.

Grab bars can be a great safety feature for the bathroom but a little pre-planning before the grab bar installation will ensure that they work as well as they should.

7 Grab Bar Installation Tips is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
2. Invisia Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo Invisia Collection Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo...
3. Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination – Invisia Collection Invisia Collection Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination...
4. Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers...
5. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...

The client for this project lives in a mobile home in the desert, and while there was plenty of space in front of the home, there wasn’t enough space directly in front to install a ramp that ran straight up to the entrance door. Remember, for every 1-foot in height, the ramp needs to be a minimum of 12-feet in length. The solution was a modular ramp that took advantage of the full length of the home.

As you can see in the photos, the ramp runs back and forth in front of the home in a switchback configuration. The options were to build a concrete or wooden ramp, or a modular aluminum ramp. We chose a modular ramp because they are quick to build and easy to assemble, saving time and money.

The bottom entrance to the modular ramp was positioned directly in front of the doorway. With a gentle upward slope, it runs the full length of the house where it attaches to a level platform landing at the top. From there, the ramp turns and connects with a level landing that runs the full length back to the entrance door.

The ramp comes with raised edges running the entire length, but for added safety we decided to install the optional handrails. These eliminate the possibility of rolling or falling off the edge at every stage of the ramp. Handrails are also easier and safer for caregivers.

Modular ramps of all-aluminum construction work great for home and commercial use. While they can be setup as a permanent ramp system, they are not as permanent as concrete or wooden ramps. If needed, they can be disassembled and moved if the homeowner or business ever needs to relocate. They are weather-resistant and sturdy, providing a load capacity of 100 lbs per square foot.

Modular ramps can be used with wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters making them a favorite solution for businesses that need to be ADA compliant. They are also a great option for people who live in rental units or mobile homes and RVs. They offer an endless range of configurations for companies and individual homeowners. We frequently use a switchback configuration when space is too tight for the recommended slope angle.

For more information about installing a modular ramp in southern California, call us at (310) 215-3332.

Modular Access Ramp Designs – Switchback Ramp Configuration is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
2. Wheelchair Ramp Safety and ADA Accessibility Guidelines Building or buying a wheelchair ramp isn't difficult but working...
3. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
4. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
5. Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible...

The Accessibility Guidelines should always be followed, which is why it’s so important to only use contractors that know and abide by the ADA guidelines. The guidelines are in place for the safety of the wheelchair user. Many people try to get around the ADA specifications to save costs, while others simply don’t know about them or understand why they are so important.

Safety is the number one consideration for wheelchair ramps, followed by ease of use. A ramp that is too steep is probably too difficult to use by most people, or will be as the user ages and declines in strength. Steep ramps can also cause the user to tip over backwards when going up or gain too much speed when going down.

The ADA Accessibility Guidelines state that for every 1 foot (12 inches) in height, the ramp must be at least 12 feet long. This gives an incline ratio of 1:12. While this is the maximum incline allowed, many times it is better to double that number to 1 foot of height for 24 feet of length. This number works better for elderly or weaker users.

This sounds fairly simple to follow until you see just how fast the ramp length can add up. If you need to clear an outside set of stairs that are only two feet high, you need at least 24 feet of ramp length. What if you don’t have 24 feet of space directly in front of the stairs? In many cases you won’t have that much room so it’s time to get creative. Modular ramps are one solution where the ramp travels back and forth from side to side. Another option is to use a Vertical Platform Lift or Incline Lift.

Another consideration often overlooked for wheelchair ramps is the weight capacity. Will the user need a caregiver to push up and down the ramp? If so, it’s important to assess the weight of the chair with the user in it as well as the weight of the caregiver. The same goes for motorized scooters.

Don’t ignore the landings at the top and bottom of the ramp when thinking about building or buying a wheelchair ramp. Landings should be flat and level and provide a rail or wall at the top so the user doesn’t go off the side.

Wheelchair ramp landings at the bottom should be free from anything that could injure the user if they lose control on the way down or build up too much speed. Again the ramp incline is important to prevent accidents and injuries. If it is too steep at the bottom where it meets the landing, the front wheels could get caught and tipping over would cause serious injury.

Raised edges are always necessary for whelchair ramps, and handrails along the entire length of the wheelchair ramp provide the most safety for the user and caregiver.

When installing permanent or semi-permanent ramps, note the conditions where the ramp will be used. Outside ramps in areas that get a lot of rain or snow should provide good traction and be weather resistant which is why so many are made of aluminum. It is lightweight, durable, and holds up well in inclement weather. Make sure it provides good traction though, and if it doesn’t already have it, ask about applying a traction material.

Wooden wheelchair ramps can be custom installed to match the home or area where they will be installed. These are very attractive but the same considerations apply for weight, traction and durability.

While it can be challenging to meet the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, it is imperative for the safety and ease of use for the user to be ADA compliant. There’s always a solution to be found even in a limited space. An experienced wheelchair ramp company or builder will help you find a way to make it work safely. Always ask for examples of previous work just to be sure you’ll get exactly what you need and want.

Wheelchair Ramp Safety and ADA Accessibility Guidelines is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
2. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
3. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
4. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
5. Why Two-Wall Wheelchair Showers Provide Good Accessibility By using a weighted shower curtain that acts as the...

90-foot driveway leading up to the home

Our client was an 80-year old couple with a private summer home. As the picture shows, the driveway leading up to the house was very long and narrow making it difficult to back all the way out of the driveway, so they rarely used it to drive the full distance to the house.

With the mailbox at the entrance to the driveway 90 feet away from the house, it made it difficult to walk the length of the driveway to get the mail. It was also difficult to walk all the way to the home from the curb where the car was parked.

We contacted Bruno Independent Living Aids with the dimensions and they custom fabricated the 76-foot track for us. A Bruno Outdoor Stair Lift 2010E was attached to the track. It was the longest outdoor stair lift for them and for us. The track begins at the front of the driveway and travels all the way down the driveway to within fifteen feet of the house.

Stairway and landing pad during construction

Near the house, there was a dramatic change of slope where the stair lift track ended. A custom stairway, landing, and cement pad was fabricated so the landing was level with the sidewalk leading from the stair lift to the front door of the house.

View of the landing pad and sidewalk leading to the house during construction

The stair lift can now be used for getting mail and traveling back and forth to the car. Not only does this make it safer than walking the long driveway but it’s easier and safer to use the car because it doesn’t need to be backed up the 90-foot length of the driveway.

Many Thanks to Bruno for providing us with the custom track for another big stair lift installation. We recently worked with them on a curved stair lift in Los Angeles with 9-custom turns.

Bruno Independent Living Outdoor Stair Lift 76 Feet Long is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los Angeles With 9-Custom Turns For Aging-In-Place We recently installed a Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los...
2. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
3. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
4. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
5. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...

It’s also important to note that other people not in a wheelchair will probably use the shower but they may have some sort of handicap that can take advantage of many of the same products.

Beginning near the top of the photo is a Hand-Held Shower, which is easier to use from a seated position in a chair than a static showerhead that doesn’t move.

A Horizontal Grab Bar inside the shower provides support for pulling the wheelchair in and out of the shower and for turning around. It also provides support for a caregiver that may be helping.

Another Vertical Grab Bar is positioned outside the shower for the same reasons. Using both horizontal and vertical grab bars together is always a good idea whenever possible.

While the floor slopes inward to the drain from all sides, there is a chance that some of the water will spill out of the shower onto the bathroom floor. Water outside the shower can make tile floors slippery or carpeted floors wet and soggy.

To keep water inside the shower, a Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam at the shower threshold keeps water inside the shower. It collapses down when rolled over by a wheelchair then pops back up into place. This is an important component of a wheelchair shower. A Shower Dam can also used for walk-in showers to keep water in the shower, but some of them have a raised threshold that needs to be stepped over and is difficult to roll over in a wheelchair.

While the Shower Dam works great for keeping floor water in the shower, Weighted Shower Curtains make them complete by keeping water spray in the shower. These curtains have heavy weights in the bottom and they form a better seal against the Shower Dam. They are easier to use than a shower door for entering and exiting the shower in a wheelchair and better accommodate a caregiver.

A lot of wheelchair showers have a shower pan that is flush with the bathroom floor. In this case, the shower floor is an inch or two higher than the bathroom floor making it difficult to roll in. Lego Ramps were used to make the roll into the shower much easier. Lego Ramps are very lightweight and come in small sections that can be cut to fit or stacked on top of each other. They are very durable and have holes to help with water drainage.

A close-up shot from the front better shows how the Shower Dam, Weighted Shower Curtains, and Lego Ramps work together.

As we stated, there are many products and combinations that can be used for making a shower wheelchair accessible. It’s important to assess the bathroom layout and the needs of the user(s). Knowing that so many products are available has made it easier and safer than it once was merely a decade ago.

A Shower Dam for a Wheelchair Shower Keeps Water Inside the Shower is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
2. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
3. Why Two-Wall Wheelchair Showers Provide Good Accessibility By using a weighted shower curtain that acts as the...
4. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
5. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...

Bruno said it was one of the largest custom curved jobs they had manufactured. We know it was definitely the largest curved stairlift installation in Los Angeles we have performed. With seven levels in the home, some only several steps while others covering entire flights of stairs, one of the toughest parts of the job was providing accurate measurements.

Curved stairlifts allow people to remain independent in their own homes. Most people only have one flight of stairs to negotiate, sometimes outside, and many times they only need straight stair lifts to go up and down a single stairway.

Curved stair lifts can be installed on circular stairways or with multiple levels and turns. Adding a single curve at the top or bottom of a straight staircase allows the chair to be moved around the corner and out of the way of the stairway. This keeps the stairway free for foot traffic when the stairlift isn’t in use.

For this installation, the stairlift had to cover a lot of area and many turns. Bruno does an excellent job of working with difficult situations and providing the customization to make it happen.

Most of the time a stairlift is installed AFTER a disability warrants a need for a stairlift. The interesting part of this installation is that the client didn’t have a known disability. They are preparing their home now to age-in-place. They currently do a lot of traveling and will use the stairlift for moving luggage up and down the various flights of stairs. If there is a need in the future for a stairlift to move people up and down the stairs, everything will already be in place and they can remain in their own home.

You may not have a need for a stairlift yet, but for many people, the benefits of a stairlift allow them the remain independent in their own homes.

For more information about this custom curved stairlift in Los Angeles or how you can get started to age-in-place in your own home call us at (310) 215-3332.

Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los Angeles With 9-Custom Turns For Aging-In-Place is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
2. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
3. Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible...
4. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...
5. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...

The MIT AgeLab created the AGNES Age Suit (Age Gain Now Empathy System) that can be worn by a person so that they can “experience” what life would be like as a 74-year old person.

The Age Suit mimics what it is like to go shopping and cook in a kitchen with limited mobility, hearing and eyesight, much like what a senior in their 70s experiences on a daily basis.

The MIT AgeLab hopes to gain insight and an understanding of the aging experience to create new ideas and technologies to support the growing population of aging adults around the world.

What is included on AGNES?

– Earplugs to reduce hearing

– Yellow Goggles mimic aging eyes

- Neck Collar, Bungee Cords/Elastic Bands, Knee Braces, and Wrist Guards reduce mobility and flexibility

- Gloves reduce sensation in the hands and restrict hand movement

- Foam-padded Shoes inhibit Balance

Maybe AGNES should be included in Certified Aging-in-Place training for home builders. It would certainly give some perspective on what it is like to live in a home with daily mobility difficulties.

The MIT Age Suit “AGNES” Simulates Life As a 74-Year Old Person is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
2. Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to...
3. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
4. Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults...
5. When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? If you already live in the home you plan to...

As you can see in the photo, this bathroom has limited space and a three-wall shower would make it difficult to enter. By using a weighted shower curtain that acts as the third wall, the corner can be used as an entrance.

The shower uses a collapsible water retainer for the threshold. Collapsible shower dams, as they’re sometimes called, provide for a no-threshold entrance and keeps water inside the shower instead of spilling out onto the bathroom floor.

This shower has a horizontal grab bar on the far wall and a folding grab bar at the entrance. This folds up and out of the way when entering or exiting the shower and folds down when needed inside the shower.

A hand-held shower head is mounted on the wall within easy reach for wheelchair users.

The overhead photo shows how the water retainer and shower curtain work together. The curtain is weighted and bumps up against the shower dam to keep water inside the shower. By replacing the third wall with the shower curtain it makes this shower usable with a wheelchair. Without this combination the toilet would be in the way and wouldn’t allow the wheelchair to pass.

When space is limited in the bathroom but wheelchair access is needed, consider a two-wall wheelchair shower. It creates space that you didn’t know you had and provides the accessibility needed for independent living.

Why Two-Wall Wheelchair Showers Provide Good Accessibility is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
2. Wall Hung Accessible Sink for Wheelchair Users A Wall Hung Accessible Sink is an excellent alternative to...
3. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
4. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...
5. Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to...

Who says seniors don’t have fun?

This video was shot at the Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the Grand Valley State University Film & Video Production students, alumni, and professors.

The single-shot video features the song, “Feeling Good,” by Michael Bublé.

This video shatters the belief that living in a senior living facility can be boring. We all know days aren’t normally THIS fun, but tell that to this group of seniors and they might not agree.

Having Fun in the Retirement Community – LipDub Video is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Symptoms of a Stroke Video Symptoms of a Stroke Video...
2. How To Live To Be 100+ How To Live To Be 100+...
3. Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson's Disease...
4. When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? If you already live in the home you plan to...
5. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...

An accessible bedroom is important because many accidents also happen there for a variety of reasons. When getting up from a sound sleep in the middle of the night to get out of bed, chances are good the lights are off and its difficult to see. Keep a touch light next to the bed that is easy to reach and find in the dark.

Speaking of walking in the dark, always have a clear pathway for walking around the bedroom. It’s easy to see area rugs and carpets during the day but at night they’re a tripping accident waiting to happen. Keep them out of the bedroom if at all possible.

Even for people with few mobility issues, getting out of bed from a sleep or rest can cause blood pressure spikes or dips and can be accompanied by dizziness. Always take a moment to sit up for a minute before standing.

There are plenty of ways to make a bedroom barrier-free. If you’re planning to live in your own home for years to come, here are 8 Aging-in-Place Products For the Bedroom:

1. Bed Cane Bed Rail (above)
There are plenty of products that can be used near the bed to aid in standing or sitting. One of our favorites is a combination Bed Cane Bed Rail. It serves as a bed rail when sleeping to keep from falling out of bed. It also swivels out to act as a bed cane to help with standing.

2. Designer Hospital Bed Rails (above)
Designer Hospital Bed Rails serve the same purpose – to keep you in bed. People get used to staying in bed when they have a hospital visit and the beds are all equipped with bed rails. Most people don’t think about it but you can have the same protection at home.

3. Designer Hi-Low Hospital Bed (above)
On the subject of hospital beds, we’ve been offering Designer Hi-Low Hospital Bed to our customers for years. They function just the same as what you use in an actual hospital but the quality is top notch. There’s a reason hospitals use this type of bed and it will serve you well at home too.

4. Bed Caddie Bed Pull-up Strap (above)
If you don’t have a hospital bed or lifting mechanism but have trouble sitting up, the Bed Caddie Bed Pull-up Strap aids in sitting up in bed or even simply rolling over. Some even use it for light exercise. It’s very inexpensive, easy to install, and provides something to grab when trying to sit up in bed.

5. Super Pole – Floor to Ceiling Support Pole
The Super Pole can actually be used in any room in the home but we see it used in the bedroom more than any other room. It works great for getting in and out of bed but can be outfitted with a bedside tray or trapeze bar for added functionality. It won the Supplier’s Choice Award at Medtrade in Atlanta in 1996 and 1997.

6. Bedroom Overhead Ceiling Lift (above)
For those who need quite a bit of help getting out of bed, a Bedroom Overhead Ceiling Lift is a lifting mechanism that supports an entire person. While some use it to aid themselves, it can be used by a caregiver for moving a person in and out of bed completely. We’ve done installations that can lift a person out of bed and move them to a bathroom for bathing and then back to bed again. The entire system runs on an overhead ceiling track.

7. Pull Down Closet Rack (above)
Do you have trouble reaching clothes in the bedroom closet? A Pull Down Closet Rack brings the clothes down to your level for easy reach. When finished just move the clothes back up to their original position. This can be used for a closet in any room and is popular with people confined to wheelchairs.

8. Offset Door Hinges
This is an item that can be installed on any doorway in the home to widen it an extra two inches just by changing door hinges. Widening every doorway probably isn’t necessary but if a wheelchair or scooter is needed to move in and out of the bedroom, you will probably need to widen the doorway. It’s usually easy to see by checking the door or doorway for scrapes where the wheels or handrests fit through. Offset Door Hinges are a cheap and easy alternative to tearing out the doorway.

There are so many products available to making a bedroom safer and more acccessible. These are some of our favorites and many can be installed without expert help. Take a look around at your own bedroom or the bedroom of your parents to see where things could be improved.

8 Aging-in-Place Products For the Bedroom is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home Many of our clients suffer from a fall or stroke...
2. Designer Hospital Bed Rails For Home When you were a child, your parents had a fear...
3. When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? If you already live in the home you plan to...
4. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
5. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...

But if you already live in the home you plan to stay in after retirement, it’s never too late to start the process of modifying your home to make it safer and more accessible. Even if you are in perfect health now, later in life everybody slows down and feels the effects of aging.

As we age, we lose bone density, our joints become stiffer, our hearing and eyesight fades, and balance and mobility suffers. Don’t fret, it happens to all of us. Some people succumb to illness that further impedes our once youthful agility.

There’s no better time to begin preparing for the inevitable than when you are still in good health and have the finances to make adjustments to your home that you will need later in life. By starting out earlier rather than later, you can offload some of the expense a little at a time instead of in one lump sum when it may be inconvenient.

Almost everyone plans for the future with a focus on finances. Retirement planning is all about saving and investing money to live life in the golden years by traveling or simply relaxing and entertaining friends. Very few people plan for the physical slowdown that will occur. This usually entails preparing your home so it is safe, accessible, and livable for the rest of your life.

Begin by doing the most obvious things like installing grab bars, non-slip shower strips, raised toilets, and proper lighting throughout the house. These are fairly simple and don’t cost too much.

If you have the time and money, you may want to consider a main floor bathroom or bedroom if you don’t already have them. This could mean building an addition onto your home or converting a downstairs room. Planning for this now will prepare you for an unseen accident or illness such as a fall or stroke. A stairlift or home elevator might be an option, but there again, planning for this now will only help later when you need it most.

The best advice is to speak to a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) early on to find out how you should begin. They can assess your home and offer guidance on possible options, they best place to start, and, if needed, actually do the work. You could use a standard contractor but a CAPS specialist is trained in this specialized area of work.

When Should I Start Thinking About Aging-In-Place? is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
2. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...
3. Promote Circulation For Diabetes – Start With Your Feet Promote Circulation For Diabetes - Start With Your Feet -...
4. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
5. Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to...

Buying the right refrigerator can make a big impact. Look for a water and ice dispenser on the outside. Doors should open all the way to 180 degrees so it’s easy to get to food inside and side-by-side doors are the best for people in wheelchairs because it’s impossible to reach a freezer that is on top. Also look for shelves that can be adjusted by turning a knob.

Customized extension drawers that pull out or a Lazy Susan make things easier to find and reach. Lazy Susan turntables can be bought at most home improvement stores and pull-out extensions drawers are fairly simple to install.

A Step Stool with a long handle is a safe way to reach items from cupboards. Look for a single step stool with a wide base to prevent falling ar tipping over. A sturdy handle gives something to hold on to for additional stability.

If you want to get a little creative, install electric kitchen cabinets that raise and lower at the touch of a button. When you need something from the cabinet, push the button and they lower to counter-top level. Push the button again and they raise up to their normal position. While ideal for wheelchair users, electric cabinets can be used by anyone in the family, even children.

An adjustable-height electric sink works in the same manner. Push a button and the sink lowers for convenient washing of dishes. Push the button again and it returns to counter level. Again, ideal for wheelchair users and children.

A good general rule to follow is keep food and frequently used kitchen items within reach. Heavy things should always be placed in lower cabinets and never up high.

Not everybody is going to add electric sinks and cabinets to their kitchen but it’s nice to know there are kitchen modifications available for those that truly need them. Consult with a barrier-free home modification specialist for ways to make your kitchen safer and more accessible.

Making a Kitchen Friendlier For People With Disabilities is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Handicap Electric Cabinets Handicap Electric Cabinets - Height Adjustable Kitchen Cabinets raise and...
2. Visitability – Making the Home Better for Visitors and Residents Visitability (visit-ability) is similar to Universal Design with fewer requirements,...
3. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
4. Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson's Disease...
5. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...

Visitability (visit-ability) is similar to Universal Design with fewer requirements, but the intent is the same. A home should be accessible for everyone – easy to enter, easy to move around in, and have a bathroom on the main floor.

To be more specific, a home is visitable if it meets the following requirements:

1. A zero-step entrance accessible from the sidewalk or driveway

2. Doors inside the home have 32-inches of clearance space for passage

3. At least one bathroom on the main floor of the home

The intent of these requirements is to make it possible for the homeowner or visitors to the home to easily enter and move around the home in a wheelchair.

Many new homes are being built with these requirements in mind, and they should be. Nobody knows how long he or she will live in their home or who will live there if they move out. By designing new homes to these specifications it ensures homes will be livable and visitable for everyone.

What’s more important is to realize how our population is aging. Baby Boomers are retiring and their numbers are enormous. People are living longer than ever before, well into their 80s and 90s. Making homes accessible to an older population is necessary.

If you aren’t old enough to need visitability requirements in your own home yet, you may have parents, grandparents, or friends who need the extra accessibility features that a visitable home provides. And if you plan to live in your home for the rest of your life, at some point you will need these features and certainly your friends who visit will need them too.

Adding a bathroom to a main floor where one doesn’t already exist is the most expensive and time-consuming visitability requirement to add. So if you’re shopping around for a new home for yourself or an elderly loved-one, look for a main floor bathroom.

To add clearance for widening doorways, a set of Offset Door Hinges are inexpensive and easy to install.

Adding accessibility to the entrance of a home with steps may not be as difficult as you think. Building a custom wooden wheelchair ramp is one option.

But if your home only has one or two small steps to clear, a suitcase ramp works well only when you need it. It’s portable and removable and can be transported in the trunk of a car.

Another option is a Pathway Ramp which can also be removed and stored when not in use.

The latter two solutions aren’t permanent but they will work when needed.

Visitability is something that most people don’t think about until they need it. And by that time it’s usually too late to do anything about it. If you may need to add visitability features to your home or the home of someone you know, it’s good to plan in advance so you’re ready when the time comes.

Visitability – Making the Home Better for Visitors and Residents is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
2. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
3. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
4. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
5. Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing...

The Telecab Elevator maximizes space in the home because it does not have a shaft. It is sometimes referred to as a “shaftless or vanishing elevator” because when it is in the “up” position sitting on the top floor, there is no evidence of it on the downstairs floor. The same is true when it is parked downstairs. The upstairs floor space isn’t eaten up by the shaft of a regular elevator.

A Telecab is convenient because you can send it to a different floor when it isn’t needed and then call it back when you do. The entire unit recesses into the floor or ceiling. They have many safety features as well as conveniences such as an in-elevator phone if needed for emergencies.

Many new homes are being built using Universal Design techniques. One such technique is to put a closet on the upstairs floor directly above a closet on the floor below. This creates space to add an elevator shaft at some point in the future. Many Universal Designed homes just put the elevator in when the house is built because they are so convenient to have in the home. But some people don’t need one yet so they prepare for the possibility of adding one when they get older and need it.

For those who live in older homes before Universal techniques were created, it can be a bit more work to add an elevator, especially if there isn’t space for the shaft. A Telecab Elevator might be an option for those who have the need but can’t sacrifice the space.

Give us a call if you’d like more information about a Telecab Elevator in southern California at (310) 215-3332.

Telecab Elevator is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
2. Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing...
3. Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to...
4. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
5. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...

The Abilities Expo returns to Los Angeles this year and runs from Friday, April 15 thru Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Accessible Design & Consulting will be available all three days in Booth #441 so stop by and say Hi.

If you’ve never been to the Abilites Expo and have a disability or know somebody who does, you should really check it out for at least part of a day.

Manufacturers, vendors, and service companies are available to show off the latest equipment and gadgets for people with disabilities. This is your chance to see what can help you be more independent, try out products you’ve heard about and ask questions about products and home modifications.

We will have our most popular items on hand to see how they actually work up close (Toilevator, Collapsible Water Retainer, Transport / Companion Chair). We will also be available to answer questions about home modifications or schedule appointments.

We hope to see you there!

Abilities Expo Los Angeles
www.AbilitiesExpo.com/losangeles/

Abilities Expo Los Angeles – April 15 – 17, 2011 – Booth #441 is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
2. Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible...
3. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
4. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
5. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...

There are many factors that dictate the decision of choosing between a home elevator or a stairlift for independent living. Many people naturally assume that cost is the biggest factor, and sometimes it is an issue, but other times the cost can be pretty similar when you examine all the variables.

A curved stairlift for the home

Our experience shows that it depends on the nature of the disability and how it will change in the future.

Some disabilities change very slowly and may not progress much in the next few years. Some actually get better through rehab.

Others, like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), will change dramatically over time. A stairlift may help initially when symptoms are minor, but as the symptoms change and a wheelchair is needed full-time, the stairlift becomes more of a hassle than it is useful.

Sure, installing a home elevator is more expensive than installing a home stairlift. But the extra expense of the elevator is worth it when you factor in things like wear on the user and caregiver, efficiency, and comfort.

If the user can walk and only needs some help getting up and down the stairs, a stairlift is a very good solution. But if a wheelchair is needed full-time for getting around, an elevator will start to look more appealing.

Building the shaft of the home elevator

Consider the full-time wheelchair user. You roll up to the stairway at the bottom of the stairs, do a transfer to the stairlift, go up and transfer to another wheelchair upstairs. This means two wheelchairs are needed (one for each floor), possibly two transfer boards, and maybe a caregiver to help with both transfers. This can be time consuming and hard on the user and caregiver.

With a home elevator, only one wheelchair is needed, no transfers or transfer boards, and no wear and tear on the user or caregiver. Just roll into the elevator on one floor and roll out when you reach the other floor. Safe, simple, and convenient.

Considering the expense of two wheelchairs and transfer boards, the cost of a home elevator looks better. If the stairway has turns and a curved stairlift will be needed, depending on the number of turns, the home elevator may be fairly close to being the same cost as the stairlift.

Because every disability and home layout is unique, it’s important to consider all of the factors before deciding on which will work best. Whether you need a home elevator or a stairlift, it’s important to find the best solution for your needs, not only now but in the years to come.

If you’re considering a home elevator or a home stairlift, give us a call Toll-Free at (866) 902-9800.

Home Elevator or Stairlift For Getting Upstairs – Which is Best? is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
2. Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible...
3. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
4. Beasy Transfer Board The wheelchair transfer board available. Wheelchair transfers can be difficult,...
5. Transfer Belt – Gait Belt The Transfer Belt / Gait Belt is a walking belt...

It only takes a minute to make a senior feel happy.

Support a Homebound Senior in Just One Minute is a post from:

Related posts:

1. 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays...
2. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
3. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...
4. Handybar and Car Caddie- Car Standing Support The Handybar is a Car Standing Support Lever that makes...
5. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...

Installing an anti-scald device in the shower provides peace of mind for seniors that may have dementia problems as well as anybody with some form of paralysis that has lost feeling in any part of the body.

We prefer this lever-style model because of its attractive design and there are no knobs to turn.

We often install these for bathroom remodels that we perform but they can be installed at any time.

Order on our website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms

Anti-Scald Shower Valve is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...
2. Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat...
3. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...
4. Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo Two of the most popular products for roll-in wheelchairs showers...
5. Ergonomic Shower Chair An Ergonomic Shower Chair provides a safe and comfortable way...

With her mother confined to a wheelchair after suffering a urinary tract infection that nearly claimed her life, Sabrina Wurf knew the time had come to ask for help.

Her 76-year-old mom, Angie’s List member Barbara Wurf of Los Angeles, suffers from myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare bone marrow disease that causes her to be prone to infection. In early 2010, she landed in a hospital’s intensive care unit with the urinary infection. Instead of going home upon her discharge, the hospital sent her to a nursing home because her two-bedroom bungalow needed revamping to make it handicapped accessible.

That’s when Sabrina contacted Angie’s List for help. “She needed a safe environment,” Sabrina says. “The project was overwhelming.”

Photo courtesy of Tracy McCubbin | Sabrina Wurf (left) says her mother is now able to use a walker, and the new ramp gives her more freedom.

The Angie’s List Wishmakers program enlisted the help of Frank Najafi, owner of highly rated AARDVARK Property Hazard Analysis in Los Angeles. Najafi tested the Wurfs’ 1940s home for lead paint on the walls and asbestos in the linoleum flooring. Once everything checked out, Najafi cleared the way for other service providers.

Since Barbara could no longer climb the steep stairs to her old bedroom, Tracy McCubbin, the owner of highly rated dClutterfly in Los Angeles, turned a chaotic den into a relaxing first-floor bedroom. “The job took three full days,” McCubbin says. She purged the den of more than a thousand books, moved in new furniture and also helped reorganize the Wurfs’ garage. “It was about more than getting organized – it was about making the home safe and comfortable.”

To add finishing touches to the bedroom, Joe Rivero of highly rated J R Construction in Los Angeles donated his handyman services, and helped move bookshelves and hang pictures.

Because Barbara’s illness requires her to go to UCLA each week for blood transfusions, Adam Fine, the owner of highly rated Accessible Design & Consulting in Santa Monica, discounted and installed a modular ramp system. “The ramp allows Barbara to be as independent as possible,” Fine says. “I think it also helps reduce stress for Sabrina, since she’s given up her life to care for her mom.”

Angie Hicks, the founder of Angie’s List, says more seniors are aging-in-place these days, which adds another element to their grown children’s care-taking tasks. “Through the Wishmakers program, we were able to give the Wurfs the help they needed as well as peace of mind, knowing they were receiving help from highly rated companies in the Los Angeles area,” Hicks says.

Barbara couldn’t agree more and is flourishing in her updated surroundings. “Sabrina couldn’t have done it all herself,” she says, adding she enjoys her new bedroom and is glad to be back in her home of 45 years. “I’m grateful to Angie’s List, the service providers and the equipment they provided. It will continue to make my life much better than it would have been otherwise.”

View original article at Angie’s List Magazine
http://magazine.angieslist.com/assisted-living/articles/l-a–companies-donate-services-home-accessible.aspx

For more information about making your home safer and more accessible contact:

Adam Fine
Accessible Design & Consulting
866-902-9800 Phone

Adam@AccessibleConstruction.com E-mail

www.AccessibleConstruction.com Web Site

Companies Donate Services to Make a Los Angeles Home Accessible is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
2. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
3. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
4. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
5. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...

We have installed Ceiling Lifts in homes that can lift a patient out of bed, transport them to the bathroom and lower them into the tub. After bathing and drying, they are transferred back to the bedroom and lowered into bed.

The ceiling lift can be stationary above a bed or bathtub or attached to an overhead ceiling track that moves between rooms.

If you’d like to know more about installing an overhead ceiling lift in your home or at your company, call us toll-free at (866) 902-9800.

www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Overhead Ceiling Lift is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...
2. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...
3. Bath Lift – Electric An Electric Bath Lift makes it easy to get in...
4. Bed Pull-Up Strap A Bed Pull-Up Strap makes it easier to pull yourself...
5. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...

The Power Toilet Aid can lift the user up 13-inches above the toilet reducing stress on the knees and hips.

www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/power-toilet-aid.html

Battery Operated Toilet Seat – Power Toilet Aid is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
2. Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination – Invisia Collection Invisia Collection Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination...
3. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...
4. Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat...
5. Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults...

We fully believe in massage therapy to promote circulation and we’ve found a Vibrating Foot Massager that we really like.

With 12 vibration levels and 5 warmer levels, it really gets the feet tingling.

If you need to get the blood flowing to your feet but don’t always have time for proper exercise, try a foot massage. It not only feels good but it’s good for you.

If you or somebody you know could use a good foot massage, we have more details here: www.accessibleconstruction.com

Promote Circulation For Diabetes – Start With Your Feet is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home Many of our clients suffer from a fall or stroke...
2. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
3. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
4. Laser Cane for Parkinson Disease Laser Cane for Parkinson Disease helps prevent gait freezing episodes...
5. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...

Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space
by Adam Fine

One of the biggest challenges to designing for aging-in-place is the use of space – or rather, lack of it.

This is especially true with the bathroom. Many older homes have very tiny bathrooms which makes it difficult to use a wheelchair or walker to get in and out of the bathroom.

“We often see bathrooms that have doors which open right against the toilet making it impossible to use a walker in the bathroom,” says Adam Fine of Accessible Design & Consulting.

A great solution is to replace the door and adjacent wall with a “pocket door” which slides in and out of the wall. The entire wall becomes a sliding door and creates a larger opening to the bathroom allowing plenty of space for going in and out.

This larger opening aids caregivers and users, especially those that require a wheelchair or walker for getting around their home. The pocket door creates space where there wasn’t any before.

If there isn’t enough wall space to create a pocket door, the next best alternative to creating space is to reverse the door so that it opens to the outside instead of the inside of the bathroom. Swing-Away Door Hinges are another great way to add space. They are very inexpensive and can add up to 2-inches to the doorway opening.

Adam Fine is the founder and president of Accessible Design & Consulting, Inc. specializing in residential & commercial accessibility assessment, ADA consulting, and Accessible project management.

Read it Online at AIP Home

Age in Place Design Challenge: Adding a Pocket Door to Create Space is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
2. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
3. Offset Door Hinges One of our favorite products for modifying barrier-free homes is...
4. Wall Hung Accessible Sink for Wheelchair Users A Wall Hung Accessible Sink is an excellent alternative to...
5. Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices Accessible Design and Consulting presented at Aging in Place: Transitions...

Standard wheelchairs are bulky and heavy and difficult to put in the car. Caregivers have found that a lightweight Transport Chair is much easier to use when there isn’t a long day of sitting.

Transport Chairs provide freedom to go more places and do more things.

We’ve tried many Transport Chairs on the market and this one is our hands-down favorite.

Find out more at:
www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/scooters/transport-chair.html

Transport Chair / Companion Chair is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
2. Ergonomic Shower Chair An Ergonomic Shower Chair provides a safe and comfortable way...
3. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
4. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...
5. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...

Many seniors get light-headed from standing too long and an Ergonomic Shower Chair allows you to sit while taking a shower. It provides plenty of support and fits in a standard-sized bathtub.

This is a great shower chair if bathing help is needed from a caregiver as it can be moved around for the best position instead of a wall-mounted chair that has to remain in one place.

For more info:
www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/shower-chair.html

Ergonomic Shower Chair is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
2. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
3. Fold Down Padded Shower Bench Fold Down Padded Shower Bench...
4. Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat...
5. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...

On Wednesday, February 2, 2011, we presented at Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices, held by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation Senior Congress.

About 300 people attended the event sponsored by the foundation, which focuses on issues to improve and maintain the quality of life in the Conejo Valley.

We try to attend and speak to as many groups as possible because it gives us a chance to learn more about challenges and solutions that other seniors have faced.

We have a national consulting service and speak regularly to senior and caregiver groups and provide in-service engagements throughout southern California.

Give us a call at toll-free at (866) 902-9800 for more information.

We’d like to thank the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation for inviting us to their Senior Congress.

Aging in Place: Transitions and Choices is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
2. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
3. AT Network’s New Website The AT Network recently redesigned their website to make it...
4. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
5. Funny Prayer About Getting Old This Funny Prayer about Getting Old was given at the...

The Collapsible Water Retainer (shower water dam) collapses when a wheelchair rolls over it into the shower. It pops back up creating a barrier to keep water in the shower and off the shower floor.

Weighted Shower Curtains have weights that keep them low and in place and they bump up against the water retainer that creates a better seal than conventional shower curtains at keeping water in the shower.

Because these two items work so well together, we offer them as a combo at a reduced price versus purchasing them separately.

Details here:

www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/product-bundles/bathroom-bundle-2.html

Collapsible Water Retainer & Weighted Shower Curtains Combo is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
2. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...
3. Invisia Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo Invisia Collection Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo...
4. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
5. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...

The Shower Bench can be mounted to the wall for more stability and folds up and out of the way when not needed.

Call us toll-free for customization options like sizing or powder coating at (866) 902-9800 or get more details on our website:
www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/shower-bench.html

Fold Down Padded Shower Bench is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat...
2. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
3. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
4. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
5. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...

There are many who prey on seniors and people with disabilities and take advantage of their situation. This is true in the real world but it’s also true online.

Make sure your information is safe and secure. Use good passwords, safe passwords, not just something simple and easy for YOU to remember.

If it’s easy for you, it’s probably easy for somebody else to guess. Don’t use your dog’s name or your birthday. Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters and numbers. Make sure you keep a record of all your passwords in a safe place.

Facebook has a new feature called “Instant Personalization” and it shares your data with non-Facebook websites. It automatically shares this information and it’s up to you to turn it off.

To update your Facebook settings Go to:

Account > Privacy Settings > Apps & Websites > Instant Personalization > edit settings and uncheck “Enable.”

If your friends don’t do this, they will be sharing info about you as well on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, Pandora, and others, so make sure you let them know about updating their settings too.

It’s always better to spend a little extra time making sure you’re safe online, even if it is a bit of a hassle.

Be Safe Online is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Eldercare For Dummies One of our most important goals is to perform home...
2. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
3. 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays...
4. Bath Lift – Electric An Electric Bath Lift makes it easy to get in...
5. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...

But for beginning stages of Parkinson, a walker may not be necessary yet and a great alternative is a Laser Cane for Parkinson Disease.

The laser creates an easy to see line on the ground that signifies to the brain to move the feet forward to cross the line.

For more info or to order, visit: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/walkers/parkinson-laser-cane.html

Laser Cane for Parkinson Disease is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson's Disease...
2. Parkinson Disease Resources Parkinson Disease (Parkinson’s) is a brain disorder that occurs when...
3. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...
4. ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease Resources ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease Resources...
5. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...

How To Live To Be 100+ is a post from:

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
2. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...
3. Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults...
4. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
5. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...

Regular exercise programs greatly reduce the chances of a fall. It promotes balance, a healthy body, bone and muscle strength and most importantly, brain fitness.

Periodic reviews of medications and eye exams also help to decrease the incidence of falls by reducing dizziness and maximizing vision.

Don’t forget calcium and vitamin D for your diet. Ten minutes a day of sunlight is a great way to boost bone strength.

Our business is making sure the home is safe and there is so much that can be done to promote safety in the home.

1. Make sure rugs and appliance cords are tacked down and out of the way of pathways.

2. Clear walkways of tools and other items that may cause a fall.

3. Repair loose steps inside and out and install iron railings near stairways.

4. Add grab bars inside the shower and near the entrance to the shower, next to the toilet, and even near the door leading into the home from the garage. Grab bars are inexpensive yet provide so much safety.

5. Use a cane or walker/rollator.

6. A Handybar or Car Caddie Strap make it easier to get in and out of cars.

7. Raised Toilets reduce stress on arthritic knees and joints.

8. A Super Pole can be used in any room in the house and aids in getting in and out of bed.

9. Stairlifts are a great way to make stairways safer and they can be installed both inside and outside of the home.

10. A couch cane can be used in the living room as well as lift chairs.

A complete home assessment is the best way to find out how YOUR home can be improved. If you’re in the southern California area, give us a call Toll Free at (866) 902-9800 for more information or visit our website at: www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
2. Iron Railings For Fall Prevention It’s quite common for falls to happen on steps or...
3. 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit...
4. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
5. Designer Hospital Bed Rails For Home When you were a child, your parents had a fear...

In a recent post on their website they offer 10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit. Most of these are no-brainers that we already know but often-times forget to follow. So we thought they should be mentioned again.

1. Quit smoking

2. Keep active

3. Eat well

4. Maintain a healthy weight

5. Prevent falls

6. Stay up-to-date on immunizations and other health screenings

7. Prevent skin cancer

8. Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups

9. Manage stress

10. Fan the flame — sexual intimacy and aging

Read the Full Article

10 Tips For Keeping Seniors and Boomers Healthy and Fit is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
2. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
3. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
4. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
5. Designer Hospital Bed Rails For Home When you were a child, your parents had a fear...

The Parkinson Walker is unique among walkers and is ideal for anybody that needs a very stable walker.

Most walkers have brakes that can be applied when need but the Parkinson Walker begins in the locked or brake position and the brakes are released by pushing down on a bar or by squeezing the brake handles.

This walker has so many features that it’s best to watch the video. For more details or to order, visit our website at: www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/walkers/parkinson-walker.html

Parkinson Walker with Laser for People with Parkinson’s Disease is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Parkinson Disease Resources Parkinson Disease (Parkinson’s) is a brain disorder that occurs when...
2. Walker Glide Skis Walker Glide Skis replace tennis balls on your walker...
3. ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease Resources ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease Resources...
4. About Accessible Construction Blog Welcome to the blog for Accessible Design & Construction. Accessible...
5. Transfer Belt – Gait Belt The Transfer Belt / Gait Belt is a walking belt...

For less than $20, this single home improvement is one of the most effective ways to make the bathtub and shower safer.

Non-Slip Shower Strips are simple to install and come with an adhesive strip that makes easy to place them where you need them most.

For ordering information visit: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/non-slip-shower-strips.html

Non-Slip Shower Strips for Bathroom Safety is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Non-Slip Shower Strips Non-Slip Shower Strips are an easy and economical way to...
2. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
3. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...
4. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...
5. Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat...

It is designed to make life easier for getting in and out of bed but we have many customers that also use it for exercise.

It is an inexpensive solution for the mobility challenged that easily attaches to the bed frame.

To order visit: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/bed-caddie.html

Bed Pull-Up Strap is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Pull Down Closet Rod The Pull Down Closet Rod makes it easy for wheelchair...
2. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
3. Designer Hospital Bed Rails For Home When you were a child, your parents had a fear...
4. Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home Many of our clients suffer from a fall or stroke...
5. Swivel Car Seat The Swivel Car Seat acts like a Lazy Susan for...

See why so many people enjoy Portable Bidets:

• Two independent arms for washing
• Water temperature control
• Hot air dryer
• Heated seat
• Fits easily on existing toilet

If you’re looking for something more permanent we also have a Deluxe Bidet with Wall Mount Remote.

Both models are available on our website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/portable-bidet.html

Portable Bidet is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Portable Grab Bars Portable Grab Bars are great for traveling or whenever you...
2. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...
3. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
4. Wall Hung Accessible Sink for Wheelchair Users A Wall Hung Accessible Sink is an excellent alternative to...
5. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...

This is another stylish bathroom product that’s part of the Invisia Collection.

For ordering information visit: www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Invisia Fold Down Shower Seat is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination – Invisia Collection Invisia Collection Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination...
2. Invisia Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo Invisia Collection Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo...
3. Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers...
4. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...
5. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...

This Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo has an ADA compliant rail diameter and wall clearance and is a beautiful, yet functional addition to any barrier-free bathroom.

Ordering information and details are available here: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/towel-bar-grab-bar.html

Invisia Towel Bar and Grab Bar Combo is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination – Invisia Collection Invisia Collection Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination...
2. Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers...
3. When Soap Dish Meets Grab Bar This Invisia Collection Soap Dish Grab Bar is ideal for...
4. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
5. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...

Available in chrome or white, the best part of the Invisia Collection Toilet Paper Roll Holder and Grab Bar Combo is its attractive look in a very functional product.

Details and ordering information our on our main website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/toilet-roll-grab-bar.html

Toilet Paper Holder and Grab Bar Combination – Invisia Collection is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers...
2. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...
3. When Soap Dish Meets Grab Bar This Invisia Collection Soap Dish Grab Bar is ideal for...
4. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
5. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...

Available in chrome or white, this is an attractive way to add safety and functionality to any shower or bathtub.

To place an order or get more information visit our main website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/soap-dish-grab-bar.html

When Soap Dish Meets Grab Bar is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers...
2. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
3. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...
4. Portable Grab Bars Portable Grab Bars are great for traveling or whenever you...
5. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...

The Invisia Collection Corner Shelf Grab Bar is one of our newer products and it fits nicely with or goal to elegantly modify homes for safety. Bathroom grab bars are one of the best safety additions to any shower or bathtub and this one looks great.

Details and ordering information our on our main website here: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/corner-shelf-grab-bar

Corner Shelf Grab Bar for Bathrooms and Showers is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product Accent Ring Grab Bar adds safety and a touch of...
2. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
3. Portable Grab Bars Portable Grab Bars are great for traveling or whenever you...
4. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...
5. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...

This unique grab bar doesn’t look like a grab bar but offers the safety and functionality of a grab bar around the shower fixtures.

Ordering details are on our main website: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/accent-ring-grab-bar

Accent Ring Grab Bar – New Product is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
2. Accessible Product Bundles We provide a full-line of Barrier-Free Products for the Accessible...
3. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...
4. Portable Grab Bars Portable Grab Bars are great for traveling or whenever you...
5. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...

For seniors and people with mobility challenges, taking a bath can be difficult. An electric bath lift makes it safe and easy to take a bath.

For more information or to place an order, visit our website at: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/6.html

Health blogs

Bath Lift – Electric is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Handicap Electric Cabinets Handicap Electric Cabinets - Height Adjustable Kitchen Cabinets raise and...
2. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...
3. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...
4. 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays 15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays...
5. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...

We know money can be tight for seniors and people with disabilities and we also know how important it is to have a safe home.

For a short time in December we’re offering an additional 15% Off all mobility products when ordering from our website.
www.accessibleconstruction.com

When you checkout, enter Promo Code HOLIDAY and you will receive 15% Off your entire order (not including taxes and shipping).

We’d also like to extend an end-of-year Thank You to all of our valuable customers.

Happy Holidays and a Safe and Happy New Year!

15% Off Mobility Products For The Holidays is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
2. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
3. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
4. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
5. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...

This Telescoping Reacher doesn’t require squeezing like most reachers because it uses a magnet or sticky surface to pick up items.

Details and ordering information are available on our main website at:
www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Telescoping Reacher is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
2. Super Pole System The Super Pole System is a floor to ceiling support...
3. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
4. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...
5. Pull Down Closet Rod The Pull Down Closet Rod makes it easy for wheelchair...

Portable Grab Bars can also be used by renters that can’t make permanent changes to the shower. Use them for visitors that need support, or if you want to try out different positions before installing permanent grab bars.

Visit our website for more information or to order immediately: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/portable-grab-bar.html

Portable Grab Bars is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
2. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...
3. Portable Patient Lift This Light Weight Electric Portable Patient Lift is made of...
4. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
5. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...

Common symptoms of a stroke include:

• Numb or Weak Limbs, usually on one side of the body
• Dizziness or Loss of Balance
• Trouble Speaking or Understanding
• Confusion
• Difficulty Seeing
• Severe Headache

If you suspect a stroke, act F-A-S-T.

Face – ask the person to smile and check for a droopy face

Arms – ask the person to raise both arms to see if one drifts down

Speech – ask the person to repeat a sentence to see if speech is slurred

Time – if the person has any of these symptoms, get them to a hospital quickly

If medical attention is administered quickly, damage from the stroke could be averted.

Symptoms of a Stroke Video is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Parkinson Disease Resources Parkinson Disease (Parkinson’s) is a brain disorder that occurs when...
2. Funny Prayer About Getting Old This Funny Prayer about Getting Old was given at the...
3. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
4. Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home Many of our clients suffer from a fall or stroke...
5. Eldercare For Dummies One of our most important goals is to perform home...

Now, the tables are turned and YOU probably worry about your aging parents falling out of bed while they sleep. Designer Hospital Bed Rails for the Home could be just what you’re looking for.

Bed Rails are standard issue in hospitals but when patients leave the hospital they get home to their own bed but without the protection they had during their stay.

We offer these Hospital Bed Rails for Home so you can rest assured your loved ones are sleeping safely at home. For more details or to order, visit our website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/

Designer Hospital Bed Rails For Home is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home Many of our clients suffer from a fall or stroke...
2. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
3. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
4. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
5. Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place...

Adding non slip shower strips to a shower or bathtub is probably the fastest, easiest, and most economical way to help make a bathroom safer.

All orders come in packages of 2 for a total of 24 strips to make your bathroom safe for adults and children.

To place an order visit: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/non-slip-shower-strips.html

Non-Slip Shower Strips is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Hand-Held Shower and Holder A Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for washing your...
2. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
3. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
4. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
5. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...

A Wall Hung Accessible Sink is an excellent alternative to a bathroom vanity for wheelchair users because there is plenty of space under the sink for rolling in and getting closer to the sink and faucet.

It’s important to remember that many wheelchairs users don’t have feeling in their legs and can get burned from rubbing against hot pipes under the sink. Always choose a wall accessible hung sink with a P-Trap Cover so that exposed pipes are covered. This is not only a safety measure but it makes for a more attractive bathroom.

We can provide installation of wall accessible hung sinks with P-Trap covers in southern California and we also sell them on our website for people that want to use their preferred contractor.

Visit our website for ordering information at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/wall-hung-sink.html

Wall Hung Accessible Sink for Wheelchair Users is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...
2. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
3. Accessible Product Bundles We provide a full-line of Barrier-Free Products for the Accessible...
4. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
5. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...

Available in Tan or Grey, the swivel car seat makes getting in and out of the car easier, especially for people with mobility difficulties.

Order from our website at: www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Swivel Car Seat is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Handybar and Car Caddie- Car Standing Support The Handybar is a Car Standing Support Lever that makes...
2. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...
3. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
4. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
5. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...

According to a survey by AARP, more than 90 percent of persons over the age of 65 prefer to stay in their current home for as long as possible.

Nursing home costs can be more than $50,000 a year. It’s worth the cost and time to modify a home to make it accessible. Studies have shown that people who remain in their own homes as they age tend to live longer, and spend more time with their families than those that transition to nursing homes.

Creating barrier-free, accessible homes can be cheaper and easier than most people perceive. Replacing door knobs with lever handles, raised toilets, adding expandable offset door hinges that widen doorways for walkers and wheelchairs, and grab bars in bathrooms are common examples. These simple changes, among others, can allow people to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for lobger than expected.

Modify Your Home For Accessibility to Age In Place is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
2. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
3. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
4. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
5. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...

Made of aircraft aluminum, it is extremely strong and durable, raises and lowers electrically, and folds up for taking in a car or on an airplane.

A Portable Patient Lift can be used in homes, hospitals, care facilities, or anywhere there is a need for safely lifting or lowering patients.

For more details and ordering info visit our website: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/11.html

Portable Patient Lift is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
2. Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) What do you do when there isn’t enough space to...
3. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...
4. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
5. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...

As you can see in the above photo, the stairs are too short and steep for a ramp.

The solution was to install a Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) behind the stairs so that a wheelchair could be lifted up to the landing at the top of the stairs.

This is a great solution to a common problem because no wheelchair transfers are required.

Most people only consider home modifications that they have seen or heard about. But if you have trouble navigating your own home, call an accessibility expert for guidance. Sometimes a solution is already available, and if not one can be created.

Accessible Design and Construction
(866) 902-9800 – Toll Free
(310) 215-3332 – Local
www.AccessibleConstruction.com

Vertical Porch Lift (Platform Lift) is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
2. Stairlift or Home Elevator? Stairlift or Home Elevator? What is better for me?...
3. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
4. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
5. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...

For some people, installing a Home Elevator is an obvious choice. But for others, a Stairlift seems to make more sense until you weigh all the options.

If you have a condition that will change over time and mobility will steadily decrease, sometimes it’s best to install an elevator and forego the stairlift if it will outdate itself.

If you have a natural area in the home that will act as an elevator shaft, such as closets on top of each between floors, the install is perfect. Many universal designed homes are built with closets above and below each other for just this reason.

Elevators are more expensive than stairlifts but you have to consider everything involved. With a stairlift, you may need a wheelchair at the top and bottom of the stairs which would involve two transfers. This is more strenuous for the patient and/or caregiver and costs double for wheelchairs. If a long stairlift track is involved this could also increase the cost.

An elevator would be more efficient and convenient (think luggage and groceries) and would allow for the person to remain safely in their own home for a longer period of time – the ultimate goal of aging in place.

To see what a typical Home Elevator installation looks like, we have one our website at:
www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/construction/elevator1.html

Accessible Design & Consulting, Inc.
(866) 902-9800 – Toll Free
(310) 215-3332

Stairlift or Home Elevator? is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
2. Los Angeles Stairlifts Los Angeles Stairlifts provide safety and comfort for seniors and...
3. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
4. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
5. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...

We take a holistic approach and assess the disease from start to finish with an understanding of the progression of ALS. Having worked with so many ALS families, we are well-versed in the best products and solutions available.

We’ve compiled a list of ALS Resources that includes contact info and websites for The ALS Association (ALSA) as well as typical products and designs we utilize.

http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/resources/als-lou-gehrigs-disease.html

ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease Resources is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Parkinson Disease Resources Parkinson Disease (Parkinson’s) is a brain disorder that occurs when...
2. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
3. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
4. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
5. Accessible Product Bundles We provide a full-line of Barrier-Free Products for the Accessible...

But when you need to move a wheelchair or scooter up or down in an area where a ramp just won’t work, Incline Lifts for Wheelchairs and Scooters are a great option.

Incline Lifts are custom items. We have installed them in both homes and commercial buildings with great success. If you’re in need of a custom installation, call us Toll-Free at (866) 902-9800.

Incline Lifts for Wheelchairs and Scooters is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
2. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
3. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
4. Handicap Electric Cabinets Handicap Electric Cabinets - Height Adjustable Kitchen Cabinets raise and...
5. Beasy Transfer Board The wheelchair transfer board available. Wheelchair transfers can be difficult,...

The Hand-Held Shower and Holder is ideal for a caregiver to wash a patient’s hair in the bathtub.

Ordering information is available on our website at: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/hand-held-shower.html

Hand-Held Shower and Holder is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
2. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
3. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
4. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...
5. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...

Sometimes they need a special bed and other times they just WANT a bed like they had in the hospital with hi-low adjustments. We work with select manufacturers to provide our clients with custom, designer Hi-Low Hospital Beds.

These aren’t standard hospital beds, though. These are high-quality custom beds with a variety of features such as a standard single massage with timer, floor illuminating night light, and gentle call buzzer.

If you or a loved-one need a hospital bed for your home, give us a call toll-free at (866) 902-9800 and tell us what you need. We’ll set you up with a perfect fit.

Hi-Low Hospital Bed for Home is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
2. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
3. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...
4. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
5. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...

Our core business is making a home safer and more accessible. And one of the most popular home modifications we provide is installing Stairlifts in Los Angeles and Southern California.

We work with a variety of stairlift manufacturers and install a variety of stairlifts including straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts, as well as stairlifts for inside and outside the home. We recently installed a Bruno Curved Stair Lift in Los Angeles With 9-Custom Turns for a home with 7 levels.

If you’re looking for a stairlift installation in Los Angeles or Southern California, give us a call toll free at (866) 902-9800 or locally at (310) 215-3332.

You can also read an article about stairlifts that Special Living Magazine featured us in titled, “Gain Independence With a Stairlift.”

Los Angeles Stairlifts is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
2. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
3. Iron Railings For Fall Prevention It’s quite common for falls to happen on steps or...
4. AT Network’s New Website The AT Network recently redesigned their website to make it...
5. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....

But we also rely on other experts such as caregivers and occupational and physical therapists to help with aging and disabilities.

Whether it’s for us or our parents, there are many things that are unfamiliar as we age and we need to rely on expert resources to help guide us through the unfamiliar territory and prepare us for what’s to come.

One of our favorite books to help make the aging process more familiar is Eldercare for Dummies by Dr. Rachelle Zukerman.

In clear, easy to understand language, Eldercare For Dummies discusses topics such as Caregiving, Chronic Medical Conditions and Diseases, Nursing Homes, and all the other things we wonder about.

It’s available at bookstores or online at Amazon.com.

Eldercare For Dummies is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
2. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
3. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...
4. Handybar and Car Caddie- Car Standing Support The Handybar is a Car Standing Support Lever that makes...
5. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...

The AT Network was created by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), under a contract with the California AT System, a branch of the California Department of Rehabilitation, to meet the assistive technology (AT) needs of Californians.

For more information about assistive technology in California or the AT Network, visit their website at: www.atnet.org

AT Network’s New Website is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Outdoor Stairlifts In California and other warm climate areas of the country,...
2. Super Pole System The Super Pole System is a floor to ceiling support...
3. Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp Roll A Ramp is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp (or scooter...
4. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
5. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...

The Super Pole comes with a number of attachments and makes it easier to stand or sit or get in and out of bed.

More details and ordering information can be found on our website at: http://www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/bathrooms/super-pole.html

Super Pole System is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...
2. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...
3. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
4. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
5. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...

Wheelchair ramps are great when you have one available but most of the time you only have one or two at your home and they’re stationary – you can’t take them with you.

Roll A Ramp solves the problem of needing a ramp when you leave your home. It easily rolls up and can be taken in a trunk or van. When you arrive at your destination you have a safe and sturdy wheelchair ramp. This is great when visiting friends or relatives. No more staying at home because you can’t get up the stairs.

Find out more about Roll A Ramp on our website: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/roll-a-ramp.html

Roll A Ramp – Portable Wheelchair Ramp is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
2. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
3. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
4. Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom...
5. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...

This is true for seniors that are looking to make the bathroom safer and more convenient and for people with disabilities that need a wheelchair accessible bathroom.

Seniors need things like a Toilevator (ADA Toilet Spacer) or a Fold Down Grab Bar.

Wheelchair users can take advantage of things like a Collapsible Water Retainer paired with Weighted Shower Curtains.

Whatever your individual needs, this article should give you some ideas for making your bathroom more accessible: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/articles/special-living2.html

Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
2. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...
3. Accessible Product Bundles We provide a full-line of Barrier-Free Products for the Accessible...
4. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
5. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...

Handicap Electric Cabinets are Height Adjustable Kitchen Cabinets that raise and lower at the touch of a button.

This is a great accessible kitchen installation for seniors, people in wheelchairs, and even children because it makes it easy and convenient to reach items in kitchen cabinets without straining to reach up high.

This is a custom installation that we can perform and we also sell the motor by itself for contractors that want to perform this installation for their clients.

For more information, call us toll-free at (866) 902-9800 or visit our website to order the motor.
www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/bathrooms/handicap-electric-cabinets.html

RQAR7CYRUABR

Handicap Electric Cabinets is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
2. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
3. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
4. Threshold Ramp in New Colors Our best selling Threshold Ramp now comes in new colors....
5. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...

Adding iron handrails is a custom application that is available in a variety of of styles and colors. If you live in the southern California area and would like to discuss making your home safer by installing iron railings give us a call toll-free at (866) 902-9800.

Iron Railings For Fall Prevention is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults - Some ideas...
2. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
3. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
4. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
5. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...

Walker Glide Skis are durable and long-lasting enables the walker to effortlessly glide on carpets and other surfaces.

Ordering information is available on our website at: http://www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/walkers/8c.html

Walker Glide Skis is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Parkinson Disease Resources Parkinson Disease (Parkinson’s) is a brain disorder that occurs when...
2. Transfer Belt – Gait Belt The Transfer Belt / Gait Belt is a walking belt...
3. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...
4. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
5. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...

When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson disease appear.

The primary symptoms of Parkinson disease include:

• Tremors (shaking)
• Slowness of movement
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Difficulty with balance
• Small, cramped handwriting
• Stiff facial expression
• Shuffling walk
• Muffled speech

Two of our favorite Parkinson products include the Parkinson Walker with Laser and Parkinson Laser Cane. Both of these are avialable on our website along with other Parkinson Disease Resources such as local Parkinson Foundation chapters in southern California.

Parkinson Disease Resources is a post from:

Related posts:

1. About Accessible Construction Blog Welcome to the blog for Accessible Design & Construction. Accessible...
2. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
3. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
4. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
5. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...

There are four simple, yet important things to do to prevent or at least minimize the risk of falling.

1. Have a Regular Exercise Program

Regular exercise imporoves balance and mobility, improves bone and muscle strength, and generally makes you feel better. It shouldn’t be anything too strenuous – things like walking or Tai Chi are low-impact and are some of the best exercises.

2. Have Your Vision Checked Once a Year

If you don’t wear glasses you may need them. And if you already have glasses the prescription may need to be updated. The eyes change as we age and ensuring you can see well will decrease your chances of falling.

3. Review Your Medications

Have your doctor or healthcare provider review your prescription and non-prescription medicines regularly to make sure everything is working properly. Over time, new medications may be added or removed from your regimen and this can effect how they all work together. The wrong medication combinations can cause dizziness or drowsiness which increases your risk of falling.

4. Make Sure Your Home is Safe

We perform hundreds of home safety evaluations each year and many times we find simple things that can be changed to make the home safer.

• Ensure proper lighting throughout the house both inside and outside
• Clear unnecessary clutter from any walking areas inside and outside the home
• Use non-slip shower strips in the tub and shower
• Install a fold-down grab bar next to the toilet
• Add grab bars in or next to the shower
• A padded shower bench can give you a place to sit if you feel dizzy while in the shower
• Use a step stool with a handle to reach in cabinets
• Keep frequently used items in a drawer or easy to reach area so you don’t need to reach up high to retrieve them
• Install a Toilevator to raise your toilet
• A Super Pole can be used in the bedroom for getting in and out of bed safely
• Remove loose carpet or rugs that can cause you to trip
• Install handrails at stairways or an Advantage Rail – make sure current handrails aren’t loose or broken
• Use a Couch Cane near sofas or chairs to make standing and sitting safer and easier
• Furniture Risers can increase the height of chairs and sofas and also make sitting and standing easier and safer
• Riser Recliner Chairs make it easier to to stand and sit
• A Handybar makes it safer and easier to get in and out of a car
• Place a Bed Cane Bed Rail near the bed so you have something sturdy as you rise out of bed
• Have a telephone in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom in case you do fall so you can call for help

Fall Prevention For Seniors and Older Adults is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
2. Home Safety Guide For Seniors Most accidents happen in the home, especially the bathroom and...
3. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...
4. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
5. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...

With seven handles and a 6-inch high back, this Transfer Belt/Gait Belt is great for transferring patients.

We’re currently running a special on our website: http://www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/walkers/transfer-belt-gait-belt.html

Transfer Belt – Gait Belt is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Beasy Transfer Board The wheelchair transfer board available. Wheelchair transfers can be difficult,...
2. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
3. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
4. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
5. Uplift Seat Assist Need a Lift? The Uplift Seat Assist turns any chair...

Also known as a pull-down closet rack, this provides a convenient, barrier-free solution to your home.

For more photos and ordering information, visit our website at: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/pull-down-closet-rod.html

Pull Down Closet Rod is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Couch Cane ADA Stander The Couch Cane is an ADA Stander that makes it...
2. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...
3. Shower Body Dryer We always strive to find safe and functional products for...
4. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...
5. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...

The Couch Cane ADA Stander installs easily underneath a sofa or recliner and has an adjustable height handle which provides plenty of support.

It comes with a saddlebag pouch for storing TV remotes, keys, or anything you need to store and keep handy.

For more details and ordering information visit or main website: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/couch-cane.html

Couch Cane ADA Stander is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...
2. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...
3. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
4. ADA Disability Products – Closeouts Our business is based on two things – 1) modifying...
5. Advantage Rail – 4′ Adjustable Support Pole The Advantage Rail is a 4′ Adjustable Support Pole ADA...

Mary Maxwell is the speaker that gave this invocation. It is a hilarious speech that touches on getting older.

Funny Prayer About Getting Old is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
2. Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts provide a safe and comfortable way to go up...
3. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
4. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
5. Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification We focus on making barrier-free home modifications and occasionally we...

Our favorite Rubber Threshold Ramp is an easy and attractive solution for wheelchair users to get over the hump of a doorway threshold, whether it’s at the front door of the house or the sliding door going from the kitchen to the backyard.

This is a very sturdy and durable rubber threshold ramp that we’ve had great success with over the years. It can be taken in the car when needed at a friend or family member’s house if you’re going for a stay and is available in a variety of sizes.

Now, this threshold ramp comes in a variety of colors as well. The Rubber Threshold Ramp in Stonecap Colors comes in two new colors to match the look of your house.

More information is available here: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/stonecap-threshold-ramps.html

Threshold Ramp in New Colors is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
2. Offset Door Hinges One of our favorite products for modifying barrier-free homes is...
3. Independent Living Home Safety Checklist Here is a quick Independent Living Home Safety Checklist to...
4. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
5. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...

The Challenge was to make the entrance and bedroom stairway safer and wheelchair accessible.

As you can imagine, there isn’t a lot of space in a motorhome or mobile home. The end result had to be safe and convenient for the owner.

As with most of our accessible construction projects, we always try to enable the owner to live in their home, or in this case, motorhome, for as long as possible so they can age-in-place.

We have a full description of this wheelchair accessible motorhome modification along with photos inside and out on our main website at:
http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/articles/special-living3.html

Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome Modification is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Accessible Product Bundles We provide a full-line of Barrier-Free Products for the Accessible...
2. Accessible Design & Construction Many people are faced with an unexpected disability that alters...
3. Furniture Risers Furniture Risers (also called Sofa Risers, Couch Risers, Table Risers,...
4. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
5. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...

Shown above is a Bathroom Bundle that includes a Toilevator toilet spacer, 18-inch Grab Bar, and Offset Door Hinges.

More Product Bundles can be found at: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/product-bundles/index.html

Accessible Product Bundles is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Offset Door Hinges One of our favorite products for modifying barrier-free homes is...
2. Fold-Down Grab Bar Got Grab Bars? One of the first items every bathroom...
3. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
4. Bathroom Grab Bar Special For August 2010, we have two models of bathroom grab...
5. About Accessible Construction Blog Welcome to the blog for Accessible Design & Construction. Accessible...

Sometimes called “swing-away” or “expandable hinges,” Offset Door Hinges are much cheaper and easier than widening a doorway the conventional way.

You can add offset hinges to any door in the house where it needs to be made wider to accommodate a wheelchair, scooter or walker.

When we do a home assessment we can usually tell which doorways need to be widened because they have scuff marks on the door where a wheelchair or walker scrapes along the door.

Installation is easy and can usually be completed in under 30 minutes. Details are available here: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/offset-door-hinges.html

Offset Door Hinges is a post from:

Related posts:

1. About Accessible Construction Blog Welcome to the blog for Accessible Design & Construction. Accessible...
2. Beasy Transfer Board The wheelchair transfer board available. Wheelchair transfers can be difficult,...
3. Suitcase Ramp For the ultimate in wheelchair convenience, a portable http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/portable-suitcase-ramp.html Suitcase...
4. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? The...
5. Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam A Collapsible Water Retainer Shower Dam is a great wheelchair...

When used on a table or desk, Furniture Risers lift it a few inches to make it easier to get a wheelchair underneath.

Furniture risers are an expensive and easy way to make a home safer and more accessible.

For more details visit our main website at: www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/sofa-risers.html

Furniture Risers is a post from:

Related posts:

1. Riser Recliner Chair What’s not to love about recliners? They’re about as comfortable...
2. Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer Do you want a raised toilet without buying a brand...
3. About Accessible Construction Blog Welcome to the blog for Accessible Design & Construction. Accessible...
4. Solutions For Mobility Challenges To make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities,...
5. Bed Cane Bed Rail For seniors and people with disabilities, getting in and out...

The Handybar can be used for getting in and out of car easily while adding extra support for safety. It stores in the door pocket or can be carried in a briefcase or purse.

Another useful item for getting in and out of a car is the Car Caddie. Instead of pushing down it is used for pulling up and out of the car.

Find details and buying information here: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/ramps/handybar.html

Handybar and Car Caddie- Car Standing Support is a post from:

No related posts.

For seniors and people with disabilities that need to safe-proof their homes, it’s best to work with a certified consultant that can assess both the disability AND the living environment. But many people are hesitant for fear of cost, inconvenience, or for some, the embarrassment of letting on that they have a challenge.

So we put together a simple Home Safety Guide For Seniors that outlines the basic questions to ask and steps to take around the home.

A complete Home Safety Guide would require volumes to complete and isn’t necessary. It’s best to get a basic understanding of what is needed and use it as a guide to understanding the bigger picture. This lets people know what to look for so they are better prepared when the time comes for a complete assessment.

Our basic Home Safety Guide For Seniors is available here:
http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/resources/home-safety-guide.html

Home Safety Guide For Seniors is a post from:

No related posts.

The Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer fits underneath your existing low toilet and raises it 3.5 inches from the bottom.

The Toilevator Toilet Spacer is one of our favorite bathroom safety and convenience products because it raises your existing toilet 3.5 inches without the expense of purchasing a new ADA toilet.

Using a raised toilet makes it easier to get on or off the toilet. Because it uses your existing toilet and seat it is more stable and hygienic than using a “sit on top” of the seat plastic toilet raiser.

More information is available on our main website along with buying information here: http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/bathrooms/2.html

Toilevator ADA Toilet Spacer is a post from:

No related posts.

The Mobility Solutions “Cheat Sheet” is available on our website with links directly to each of the products for more information.

The web page is updated periodically to make room for new products and is available here:
http://www.AccessibleConstruction.com/top26/index.html

Solutions For Mobility Challenges is a post from:

No related posts.