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Are Stairlifts covered by Insurance

Are Stairlifts covered by Insurance?

 

Does Insurance Cover Stair Lift Purchases?

Written by S. Danilina

 

Stair lift chairs provide mobility to the elderly and disabled who might have a hard time climbing up the stairs. A stair lift is a motorized chair that is attached to a rail that placed parallel to a standard staircase. Thus, families with elderly or disabled family members often wonder if their insurance company covers the cost of buying and installing a stair lift chair.

Unfortunately, Medicare, which is insurance that provided by the federal government for elder people, does not cover stair chair lifts. A stair chair lift is classified as a “home modification” by Medicare instead of a “durable medical equipment”. However, the federal government insurance Medicaid compensates for stair lifts, but only through merchants that have the cooperation agreement with Medicaid.

On the bright side, most private medical insurance companies cover at least some cost of buying a stair lift chair and its installation. However, maintenance, repair and associated alteration expenses are not covered by most of the insurance companies. Additionally, if any insured person needs to replace his or her stair lift chair, he or she will need to apply for insurance funding again. Contact your insurance company to make sure that your policy covers the cost of a stair chair lift or at least some portion of its cost.

Furthermore, if a family member who needs a stair chair lift is elderly, it is recommended to contact local agencies for aging programs. These agencies sometimes can use funds from the Older Americans Act to modify homes with stair chair lifts. Moreover, the Department of Housing and Urban Development sometimes offers grants for home modifications.

When an insurance claim for the purchase of a stair lift is submitted, an insured person needs to provide a justification statement from a medical professional. A justification statement needs to certify that the use of a stair lift chair provides certain benefits to a person with a medical condition, such as chronic illness. If a justification statement has not been provided, a submitted claim has a high chance of being rejected.

If the insurance company is not eager to compensate its policy holder for a stair lift chair, it is recommended to discuss this situation directly with the insurance agent. A policy holder and his or her family can advise the agent that a stair lift chair can prevent their insured person from falls and essentially help the insurance company to save money.

 

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Aging in Place Seniors

Published on August 18, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Aging in Place Seniors

OVER THE YEARS, I’ve encouraged people I met with that if they are going to have to move, the sooner they do it the better off they will be. Well, as true as that may be, I could never really appreciate the depths of what it means to move when you are older until I did it myself.

The house I left was my home for nearly 30 years. It is where I raised my daughter. It is also where I grew to manhood and became a mature, responsible adult. There, I faced my demons and grabbed the brass ring of success in business.

Aging in place seniors

But the grand house, which I truly loved, was becoming too much for my wife and me. That wonderful, spacious Victorian wanted a family, and we needed a smaller, less-demanding house. It was time for a more aging-appropriate place to live.

The house Kelly and I have moved to is only 70 years old and much smaller. I have twodozen pictures there isn’t room to hang. It is a more aging appropriate house built for aging in place and the quiet, private setting is very peaceful. It is a more central hub for driving around the state in my business. On top of that, we love the community we have moved to. Barre City is a wonderful place with friendly people, a good hospital and an excellent downtown.

All good stuff, but I miss my daughter so much more here than in the old house. The rooms I watched her grow up in are now filled with another family and are beyond my reach. Somehow, the old house consoled and comforted me. I could walk down the upstairs hall and recall when I put the birch tree up and built walks for the cats. They would perch up in the branches or walks making visiting children squeal when the cats pounced down from above. This new house is a great place, but it doesn’t hold the ghosts of my past. I am lonely here in a way I was never lonely back there.

 

Active seniors Agingin In Place

Do I miss the old place? Yes, of course I do. It is more than just the house, too. In the village everyone knew me and I knew them. In Barre, people are amazingly friendly. Everyone says hello and smiles as they pass by. But before, I knew the people, their children, and even their parents.

Do I wish I were back in the old place? Absolutely not! Moving now was the right thing to do. It was the right time and I have come to the right place for the next part of our lives. The move was physically harder than I imagined. All those boxes to be backed and then unpacked! Postponing that to face later would have been a mistake.

I spent a long time as a drifter. Over my life I’ve left a lot of people and places behind. But only once have I left the place I made a family and raised a child. The taproot there ran deep. The leaving will take long and peel off me like pieces of an onion, one bit at a time. In its own way, that is good too, for as I miss and I remember and revisit so many things, they aren’t rooted in a house but held deeply in my heart.

Aging in Place it doesn’t happen by accident and it doesn’t always happen in one place, either.

 

http://www.thenorthfieldnews.com/news/2014-08-14/Editorials/Aging_in_Place.html

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Tub to Shower Conversion

Published on August 7, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Tub To Shower Conversion

 

Conventional bathtubs are becoming a thing of the past.  Tub to shower conversions are becoming more and more popular in both homes and buildings.  Whether you are getting older and it is becoming difficult to step in and out of your bathtub, or you are younger and probably prefer showering over a regular bath, conventional bathtubs are no longer the trend.  Many people both young and old are opting into a barrier free or low threshold shower, due to its easy of use, ease to clean, and just plain look.  Bathe safe provides solutions to fit everyone’s needs, by custom tiling showers, putting in quick one day installation showers, or if a quick and low cost solution is right for you, we can provide a tub cut.  For those seniors who still want to bathe, we also offer the option of a walk in bathtub.

Barrier free showers can be the best solution for those with limited mobility, and who may end up or are in a wheelchair already.  Barrier free showers usually provide about a 1 inch lip to keep the water in, but still let a wheelchair or shower chair easily roll in.  These showers can come in many different shapes and sizes.

If the job needs to be completed in one day, most of our customers opt for a Bathe Safe Barrier Free Shower Unit, which consists of 3 white shower walls, 1 white barrier free shower base, usually 1 or 2 grab bars, a new handheld shower head to allow for easier washing, built in or folding seat and a shower rod and curtain.

For people who want a nice tile look, we can create a custom shower for you.  We would usually tile 3 walls to the ceiling, create a mudpan and tile it or provide a barrier free shower pan for your shower.  These jobs tend to take 2-3 days due to the installation and drying of products.  When we do these types of showers, we usually replace any greenbaord and concrete board needed to keep the shower area working well.  We will also replace the valves and faucets with ADAcompliant sets.  Our custom showers come out looking better than you had imagined and are all different thanks to our customers personal touches and tile choices.

 

Low Threshold Showers can be the best solution for those who want to be able to easily get in and out of the shower, and are not currently in a wheelchair.  Low threshold showers usually provide about a 4 inch lip to keep the water in, allow for easy entrance and exit, but provide a little more security on holding in the water, for kids and grand kids showering.  These showers can come in many different shapes and sizes.

If the job needs to be completed in one day, most of our customers opt for a Bathe Safe Low Threshold Shower Unit, which consists of 3 white shower walls, 1 white low threshold shower base, usually 1 or 2 grab bars, a new handheld shower head to allow for easier washing, built in or folding seat and a shower rod and curtain.

For people who want a nice tile look, we can create a custom shower for you.  We would usually tile 3 walls to the ceiling, create a mudpan and tile it or provide a bathe safe low threshold shower pan for your shower.  These jobs tend to take 2-3 days due to the installation and drying of products.  When we do these types of showers, we usually replace any greenbaord and concrete board needed to keep the shower area working well.  We will also replace the valves and faucets with ADAcompliant sets.  Our custom showers come out looking better than you had imagined and are all different thanks to our customers personal touches and tile choices.

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Healthy Aging, Happy Aging

Published on August 7, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a slew of medical conditions or poor quality of life.

 

Getting older involves change, both negative and positive, but you can enjoy aging if you understand what’s going on with your body and take steps to maintain your health.

Many different things happen to your body as you age. Your skin, bones, and even brain may start to behave differently. Don’t let the changes that come with old age catch you by surprise.

Here are some of the common ones:

  • Your bones. Bones can become thinner and more brittle in old age, especially in women, sometimes resulting in the fragile bone condition called osteoporosis. Thinning bones and decreasing bone mass can put you at risk for falls that can easily result in broken bones. Be sure to talk with your physician about what you can do to prevent osteoporosis and falls.
  • Your heart. While a healthy diet and regular exercise can keep your heart healthy, it may become slightly enlarged, your heart rate may lower, and the walls of the heart may thicken.
  • Your brain and nervous system. Getting older can cause changes in your reflexes and even your senses. While dementia is not a normal consequence of old age, it is common for people to experience some slight forgetfulness as they get older. Cells in the brain and nerves can be damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, abnormalities that could eventually lead to dementia.
  • Your digestive system. As you age, your digestive tract becomes more firm and rigid, and doesn’t contract as often. This change can lead to problems such as constipation, stomach pain, and feelings of nausea; a better diet can help.
  • Your senses. You may notice that your vision and hearing aren’t quite as sharp as they once were. You may start to lose your sense of taste — flavors may not seem as distinct to you. Your senses of smell and touch may also weaken. Your body is taking longer to react and needs more to stimulate it.
  • Your teeth. The tough enamel that protects your teeth from decay can start to wear away over the years, leaving you susceptible to cavities. Gum disease is also a concern for older adults. Good dental hygiene can protect your teeth and gums. Dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many medications that seniors take, may also be a problem.
  • Your skin. With old age, your skin loses its elasticity and may start to sag and wrinkle. However, the more you protected your skin from sun damage and smoking when you were younger, the better your skin will look as you get older. Start protecting your skin now to prevent further damage, as well as skin cancer.
  • Your sex life. After menopause, when menstruation stops, many women experience physical changes like a loss of vaginal lubrication. Men may experience erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, both problems can be easily treated.

Many bodily changes are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to slow you down. What’s more, there’s a lot you can do to protect your body and keep it as healthy as possible.

Keys to Aging Well

While maintaining your physical health is important to healthy aging, it’s also key to value the experience and maturity you gain with advancing years. Practicing healthy habits throughout your life is ideal, but it’s never too late reap the benefits of taking good care of yourself, even as you get older.

Here are some healthy aging tips that are good advice at any stage of life:

  • Stay physically active with regular exercise.
  • Stay socially active with friends and family and within your community.
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet — dump the junk food in favor of fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-cholesterol eating.
  • Don’t neglect yourself: Regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist, and optometrist are even more important now.
  • Take all medications as directed by your doctor.
  • Limit alcohol consumption and cut out smoking.
  • Get the sleep that your body needs.

 

Finally, taking care of your physical self is vital, but it’s important that you tend to your emotional health as well. Reap the rewards of your long life, and enjoy each and every day. Now is the time to savor good health and happiness.

 

http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/understanding/index.aspx

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Tips for Staying Healthy in Your 70s, 80s, 90s

Published on August 7, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Tips for Staying Healthy in Your 70s, 80s, 90s…

Elderly Couple Happy Image

Aging can be defined as: “progressive changes related to the passing of time.” While physiological changes that occur with age may prevent life in your 70s, 80s and beyond from being what it was in your younger years, there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and longevity and reduce your risk for physical and mental disability as you get older.

Research shows that you’re likely to live an average of about 10 years longer than your parents—and not only that, but you’re likely to live healthier longer too. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 40.4 million Americans (about 13 percent) were 65 years of age or older in 2010 and by the year 2030, almost 20 percent of the total U.S. population will be 65+.

So how do you give yourself the best possible chance for a long, healthy life? Although you aren’t able to control every factor that affects health as you age, many are in your hands. Some keys to living a long, healthy life include:

  • Make healthful lifestyle choices—don’t smoke, eat right, practice good hygiene, and reduce stress in your life
  • Have a positive outlook
  • Stay as active as possible—mentally and physically
  • Take safety precautions
  • See your health care provider regularly and follow his or her recommendations for screening and preventative measures

 

One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy in your golden years is to maintain your sense of purpose by staying connected to people and things that matter to you. However, this isn’t always easy—especially in a society that all-too-often views older people as a burden.

Visit your local senior center. Spend time with at least one person—a family member, friend or neighbor—every day. Volunteer in your community, attend a local event, join a club or take up a new hobby.

Stress and Aging

Stress can have an enormous impact on your health and your quality of life at any age—and even more so as you get older. In fact, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, depression and anxiety are linked to physical decline in seniors. Concerns like: “Will there enough money now that I’m retired?” and “What will happen if I get a serious illness or become disabled?” are common in older adults.

Elderly Woman Stress Image

As you age, you’re also more likely to experience emotional trauma associated with loss—the deaths of people close to you (friends, family members, spouse), your own health, and/or your independence. For many seniors, dealing with the loneliness caused by multiple losses can lead to a diminished investment in life—especially when combined with other issues, like financial concerns.

Try these tips to help deal with difficult changes:

  • Focus on being thankful. Appreciate and enjoy your life and don’t take people or things for granted.
  • Acknowledge your feelings and express them. Talk to a friend, family member or health care professional, write in a journal or join a support group.
  • Embrace your spirituality.
  • Accept that some things are out of your control.
  • Try to keep your sense of humor.

 

Seniors are at increased risk for depression. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or unable to cope or deal with stress, it’s important to reach out to family, friends, caregivers and health care providers. To locate services for older adults (and family members) in your area, visit the Eldercare Locator provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging or call 1.800.677.1116.

Health Concerns in Your 70s and Older

The risk for certain medical conditions—including heart attack, stroke, dementia, diabetes, lung disease, chronic pain, some types of cancer and other health concerns increases with age. However, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk for many of these issues. Helpful tip: Put “ICE” (in case of emergency in your cell phone contact list in front of the name(s) of family member(s)/friend(s) to call if something happens to you so bystanders or first responders will know who to get in touch with.

Here are some other common problems that can develop, even in relatively-healthy seniors:

Elderly Man Image

Balance Disorders—Many older people experience problems with balance and dizziness (vertigo). There are many different causes for balance disorders, so contact your health care provider if you feel unsteady or dizzy. Falls and fall-related injuries (including hip fractures) are serious concerns that can have a significant impact on your life and your ability to live independently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults 65 years of age and older fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in seniors.

Memory Problems—It’s important to know: While some degree of forgetfulness is normal with age, significant memory loss or cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of normal aging. If you experience mental lapses that interfere with daily life, contact your health care provider. Serious memory problems or a decrease in cognitive function may be caused by a treatable, underlying condition—such as dehydration, malnutrition or sleep deprivation—or a medical problem like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Inadequate Nutrition—As you get older, it’s more important than ever to eat right to stay healthy and maintain energy levels. However, good nutrition is a challenge for many seniors. Changes in your senses of taste and smell can affect your appetite. Slower digestion and metabolism can change how your body processes food. You may have difficulty shopping for, purchasing or preparing nutritious foods and meals.

If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy diet, talk to a family member or your health care provider. Many communities have programs that provide healthy meals to seniors.

Changes in digestion also increase choking and food-borne illness risk in older adults. As you age, your body produces less saliva and stomach acid and your digestion slows down. These changes make it easier to choke on foods and make it harder to get rid of harmful bacteria in your system. Also, changes in smell and taste may impair your ability to know when a food is spoiled.

Slower digestion also can cause constipation. Make sure to get enough fiber—found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—in your diet.

Lack of Exercise—Exercise is an important part of a good health at every age; however, many older adults don’t get the recommended amounts of physical activity. Staying active can boost vitality, help maintain strength and flexibility, improve mental function, reduce your risk for health problems, and even help relieve chronic pain. Be sure to talk to your health care provider before beginning an exercise program.

Senior Man Woman Tennis Image

Find an activity you enjoy and begin slowly. Try to incorporate endurance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching and balancing exercises into your exercise program. Good choices include walking, swimming, biking, gardening, tai chi and exercise classes designed for seniors.

Trouble Sleeping—Many older adults do not get enough sleep. Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and excessive daytime sleepiness are common problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate), which affects as many as 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s, can cause frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep.

If you’re having problems sleeping, talk to your health care provider. These good sleep hygiene tips might be helpful:

  • Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet and that it’s not too warm.
  • Adjust your bedtimes. Go to bed when you feel tired and get up at the same time each day.
  • Turn off the TV at least one hour before going to bed.
  • Wind down before bed by taking a bath or listening to soft music.

 

Other Concerns in Your 70s and Older

Safety is a serious issue for many seniors—especially those who are living alone and experiencing varying degrees of physical and/or mental decline. In addition to falls and choking hazards, concerns include the following:

  • Driving safety (Giving up driving means giving up a measure of independence. Seniors may be unwilling to stop driving, even though continuing to drive can pose a safety risk for themselves and for others.)
  • Fire/smoke safety (Memory lapses, which are more common in older adults, increase the risk for household fires caused by cooking, candles or smoking. It’s important to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.)
  • Extremely hot or cold weather. (Seniors are at increased risk for health problems caused by hot or cold temperatures, especially when the cooling or heating systems in their homes aren’t functioning properly.)

 

Older adults are at increased risk for certain types of crime, including burglary and fraud—identity theft, fake check and wire transfer scams, investment and credit card fraud and fake online charity solicitations.

Unfortunately, many also are at risk for another type of crime that takes place in their home, in the home of a family member, or in a living facility or nursing home and is committed by people responsible for their care. Called elder abuse, this type of crime can take many forms. Elder abuse can be physical, emotional (psychological) or sexual. It may involve neglect, abandonment or financial exploitation. Physical elder abuse is the non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that causes injury or pain. It includes hitting, shoving and kicking, as well as misusing drugs, restraints or confinements on a person who is elderly.

  • Emotional or psychological elder abuse can be verbal or non-verbal. It includes intimidation (e.g., through yelling or threatening), humiliation and ridicule, as well as ignoring, terrorizing or isolating the elder from family and friends.
  • Sexual elder abuse involves sexual contact with a senior without his or her consent, as well as forcing the elder to view pornographic material, watch sexual acts or undress.
  • Neglect and abandonment are the most common type of elder abuse. They involve failing to fulfill care-taking obligations—either intentionally or unintentionally.
  • Financial exploitation elder abuse involves the unauthorized use of the elder’s assets—funds or property. It also includes health care fraud and abuse, which is carried out by unethical health care providers and involves charging for health care services not provided, overcharging for services, over- or under-medicating, and insurance fraud.

 

Health Care Recommendations in Your 70s and Older

Senior Couple Healthy Image

The risk for a number of medical conditions increases with age. In fact, some studies show that the average person 75 years of age has three chronic medical problems—ranging from minor to serious. If you have concerns or questions about your health, talk to your health care provider. You may find it helpful to have a trusted family member or friend accompany you to your medical appointments.

One of the most important ways to stay healthy in your 70s and beyond is to seek the care of a geriatric physician, also called a geriatrician. Geriatric physicians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and disability in older adults. They are specially-trained in the aging process and provide comprehensive health care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicators that can be used to help assess health in older adults have been identified. These indicators are related to health status, health behaviors and compliance with preventative care recommendations and include the following:

  • Number of physically unhealthy days reported per month (due to illness or injury)
  • Frequent mental distress (depression, stress, anxiety or emotional problems reported on 14 or more days per month)
  • Complete loss of natural teeth
  • Current smoking status (smoker or non-smoker)
  • Lack of leisure time/physical activity
  • Regularly eating fewer than 5 fruits and vegetables per day
  • Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or greater)
  • Reported disability (physical, mental or emotional) that limits activity or requires special equipment (cane, walker, wheelchair, hearing-impaired telephone)
  • Hip fracture
  • Receiving a yearly flu vaccine
  • Following routine health care / screening procedure recommendations (cancer, high cholesterol)

 

General health care recommendations in your 70s and older include the following:

  • Blood pressure screening—every 2 years or as recommended
  • Bone mineral density test—as recommended to screen for osteoporosis (bone loss)
  • Cholesterol screening—every 5 years or as recommended
  • Colorectal cancer screening—as recommended
  • Dental exam—every 6 months or as recommended
  • Diabetes screening—every 3 years or as recommended
  • Eye exam—every 1 – 2 years or as recommended by an ophthalmologist
  • Hearing test—yearly or as recommended
  • Immunizations—yearly flu vaccine, herpes zoster vaccine (to prevent shingles; if not previously vaccinated), pneumonia vaccine (as recommended, if not previously vaccinated), tetanus (every 10 years)
  • Mammogram (women)—as recommended by your health care provider
  • Pelvic exam (women)—yearly or as recommended
  • Pap test (women)—as recommended by your health care provider (Most women over the age of 65 usually do not need this test.)
  • Prostate cancer screening (men)—as recommended by your health care provider
  • Thyroid test (TSH)—as recommended by your health care provider

http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-aging/healthy-living-tips-70s-older-elderly.shtml

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Stairlifts

Published on August 6, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Stairlifts Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Straight rail stairlifts

These are the most common type of stairlifts used in private dwellings with straight stairs and have a straight rail (track) which is fixed to the steps of the staircase. Straight stairlifts have a shorter installation and manufacturing time because they require fewer customizations. This generally means that they are also cheaper than other types, since the only variable among different installations is the actual length of the track.

Curved rail stairlifts

These are normally much more unusual and costly than those with straight rails because they have to be manufactured to suit the individual staircase (curved stairs). This sometimes involves careful measurement, design and manufacturing. The installation process usually takes longer than for a straight domestic stairlift. Some of them follow stairs´ standards.

Curved rails have advanced by the creating of a rail system that fits together as a track system. It works by the installer carrying a number of different sections of rail. These are then built at the customers premises following the curve of the stairs. This new system removes the need for a custom rail to be made of the customer premises.

Wheelchair platform stairlifts

These come under the general definition of stairlift and are usually of much heavier construction than a domestic stairlift.

Most platform stairlifts are used in public access buildings or outside private homes.

The platform is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and its user, and may have folding edge flaps which drop down and act as ramps to allow for variations in floor levels. These flaps also prevent the wheelchair from going over the edge of the platform.

The rails are, necessarily, of heavy construction to support the load and the drive system is usually accommodated within a tubular section rail or aluminium extrusion. Some models have steel cables inside the tube, others have chains; yet others may use a rack and pinion system.

Many wheelchair platform stairlifts are designed and built to order. Others may comprise a standard platform and carriage, with the only special requirement being the length of rails or tracks.

Some stairlift chairs can also be moved and used as indoor wheelchairs.

Outdoor stairlifts

Outdoor Stairlifts come with seats, perches, footplates or platforms and are sold worldwide. They are similar to indoor stairlifts but with improved weatherproofing.

Pre-owned stairlifts

There is a second-user market for some types of stairlift. This is most common with straight rail domestic types. The rails can be cut to length if too long, or extended with a “joining kit”. Most models allow the carriage to be “re-handed” so it can be used on the left or right side of the staircase.

During the early days of curved rail stairlifts there was no second user market because of the difficulty of matching rails to a different layout. Even staircases built to the same design specification in neighbouring houses have variations, but in most attempted “transplants” there are too many differences to make it practicable. Many owners have had to pay to have unwanted curved stairlifts removed.

More recently, some curved rails have been produced to a modular design so components can be unbolted and used elsewhere, subject to design and safety considerations. In some cases, tubular section rails which are welded during manufacture, are produced by specialist rail companies so they can be used with a pre-owned carriage, controls, and other components. This is, perhaps, like putting an old locomotive on new railway lines. It provides a lower cost solution than buying a totally new system.

Some insurance companies have offered breakdown policies for stairlifts. Manufacturers and installers have offered an extended warranty, rather like those available for domestic white goods and brown goods.

Goods stairlifts

Some manufacturers produce stairlifts with trays instead of seats for moving goods between different levels, usually in commercial or industrial buildings. Some businesses have purchased normal domestic stairlifts purely as goods transporters and put items such as boxes of stationery on the seat.

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Aging in Place Rennovations

Published on August 6, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Most of us experience a situation when temporary adjustments are necessary to accommodate the needs of a house guest. Every home can be made safer and more accessible by keeping hallways and pathways clear of clutter. Sometimes that includes removing or stabilizing throw rugs and door mats.

It is also helpful to increase lighting to better illuminate pathways and functional spaces. In addition, it would be thoughtful to provide some seating for those who have difficulty getting in and out of seats that are too soft and low to the ground. It’s always a good idea to incorporate a couple of chairs into your décor with high, firm seating and stable armrests.

At one time or another, many of us may need to provide care for a loved one or aging parent with limited mobility in our home. If this is going to require a long-term commitment, the key to success might be finding the right home with ideal features.

The National Association of Home Builders (nahb.org) is just one source of great information on aging in place and universal design. In short, a new home search might focus on a level entry into the home, at least two bedrooms on the main level, wider doorways and hallways, and bathrooms large enough to allow for walkers and wheelchairs.

Sooner or later, we need to consider the possibility that our own mobility may become limited. Thinking ahead and building or buying a home that can change with you as your needs change could be a good idea.

The phrase “aging in place” has become more common in housing circles today. According to AARP, aging in place means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

The ideal home can be modified as you mature to increase access and safety. They can range from simple modifications to major renovations, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, modifying counter heights or even adding a first-floor bathroom or an elevator.

Universal design is a related term that maximizes the use of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The home design has already taken into account future needs thus requiring less modification later. For example, a home constructed to universal design standards would include a no-step entry, one-story living, wide doorways and hallways, non-slip surfaces in bathrooms and tubs, thresholds flush with the floor and even lever door handles and rocker light switches.

Give some thought to how your current or future home needs should be adapted to accommodate changes in life before you need them. A little education now, can lead to better housing choices in the short and long run.

http://archive.dnj.com/article/20140713/LIFESTYLE/307130010/-Aging-place-may-mean-making-home-more-accessible

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Aging in Place

Published on August 6, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Aging in Place is a growing trend that is driven by the fact that older Americans want – and sometimes need to remain in their homes as long as possible. This trend is quickly becoming mainstream and has implications for several industries from housing to technology, health services, and financial services.

Of course, Boomers are driving the aging in place movement. One of the factors contributing to this trend is that today’s Boomers are dealing with multiple generations of life stages – aging parents, their own health and career challenges and possibly caring for adult children and grandchildren. Clearly, Boomers are juggling quite a bit and the option of remaining in the family home is very attractive. Previous generations of retirees fled for the warm climes and controlled environments of the classic retirement communities of Florida and Arizona.

Boomers have a lot going on in their lives and don’t see themselves as the type of people to hit he shuffleboard court. They want to remain independent, are looking for products and services that will help them maintain their quality of life and maximize their retirement next egg.

Here is a short list of industries that could be capitalizing on this trend by providing the right solutions to Boomers to enable their goal of Aging in Place.

New Housing – New housing options are cropping up around the U.S. that look nothing like the cookie-cutter developments of the ’70s and ’80s. Their main feature is that they enable retirees or downsizers to stay in their community where they have family, friends and other emotional connections. This allows people to remain part of their community as volunteers and also be on the receiving end of care when they need it.

Remodeling – This business could boom thanks to a few factors: housing prices and the stock market are up, providing the financing. And, the trend of multiple generations living together is driving expansion and retrofitting existing homes to accommodate either an aging parent or returning child. There is also a big business to be had making the house more accessible to seniors with health and mobility issues. Everything from walk-in tubs, barrier-free showers, pull-out shelf systems, installation of assistive equipment and technology and ramps can be done to an existing home to make it easier for a physically challenged senior.

Financial Services – There will be a need for specific banking and investment advice to help seniors remain at home. This can range from educational services and coaching to assistance and advocacy to help people pay their bills and get the most from their investments

Health and Social Services – This is a wide array of services from special fitness programs and classes in gyms to home healthcare services and everything in between. There is an enormous opportunity to provide services to help Boomers aging in place to optimize their mental and physical well being. Preventive services around fitness and nutrition could be customized for this audience. Additionally, bringing healthcare and wellness/rehab to the home is critical for seniors to stay independent in their home as they age and develop health issues. There is also an opportunity to provide transportation services for people who give up their licenses or decide to no longer have their own car.

Technology – This is a big opportunity with the advances and ubiquity of mobile devices and wifi. Technology not only enhances quality of life, but it can also enable the ability to stay independent, especially for people who have health issues that need monitoring. The mobile healthcare market is about to explode and is a big initiative for Apple with their upcoming release iPhone 6 and HealthKit, a suite of new tools for developers that will enable them to integrate your health data into new apps (including one from Apple called Health) in iOS 8. These types of technologies can help monitor health and relay that information to Doctors or other caregivers. This can also extend to the Internet of Things where everything from thermostats to security cameras can be connected to the web and be controlled by others.

Boomers will once again change the game as they being to “Age in Place”, and this movement will result in new businesses and services being created to fill the needs of these new age retirees.

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Walk In Tubs are For Everyone

Published on June 17, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Walk In Tubs are for Everyone!

What You Need to Know About Walk-in Tubs

Walk-in bathtubs, or the so-called safety tubs, allow users to get inside the tub without having to step over a side rail of the tub, usually between 15-24″ , this gets reduced to about 3-6″ making it a lot safer for anyone to use a Walk In Tub rather than a conventional bathtub . Walk in Tubs come with a built-in door that allows you to take a low step right into the Walk-In Tub. The doors on a walk in bathtub come with a seal, that when closed becomes watertight, along with the water pressure pushing against it, this seal is guaranteed for life.   Just like the standard bathtubs, Bathe Safe walk-in Tubs come with hand-held shower nozzles. You can also purchase these walk-in tubs with therapeutic air jets or whirlpool water jets to get out all those aches and pains, and even improve circulation.

Not just for the Elderly and Disabled Population

Walk-in Tubs were designed mainly for the elderly or the handicapped but have grown more popular among the general population. Anyone looking for a whirlpool tub, who doesn’t want that 20″ lip to step over is in the market for a walk in bathtub, not just the disabled, elderly or handicapped.  Walk-in bathtubs are most helpful to those who actually have an infirm or elderly person in the house and make for a great option when having an additional bathroom.

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Walk In Bathtub Reviews

Published on June 17, 2014, by in Uncategorized.

Walk In Bathtub Reviews Sites

 

We urge you not to trust the walk in bathtub review sites, as there are many of these sites out there now.  Most of these sites are owned and operated by one of the walk in bathtub companies that are reviewed on it.  These companies claim to be non biased walk in bathtub review sites, but they actual are biased towards their company and other companies in which they sell to.  If you really want walk in tub reviews, you should contact the company in which you are buying from, and ask them to put you in touch with a few of the customers.  If a Walk in Tub Company will not put you in touch with some of their customers, usually they are hiding something.  You should also check out other review sites, such as Angie’s list, who requires that you prove you have bought a walk in tub from the company before you can leave a review.

 

Remember that there is nothing like talking to a real customer of a walk in bathtub company rather than reading a walk in bathtub review site that anyone can write on and can and does contain a lot of fake reviews.  Any site that does not have a phone number on it is probably hiding something!