Traveling with Transfer Equipment

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Does a person who uses equipment for personal transfers at home need to do without their equipment when they travel? I know some people who do.  They are able to use less convenient methods or rely on more help from their caregivers as they vacation or spend time away from home for business. Other people with different abilities have told me that they restrict, or no longer travel because the effort to transfer is too great. Neither option, working harder than you do at home while traveling or simply giving up the ability to travel, seems great to me.

One solution for people who transfer well at home with transfer equipment is to combine a lift from SureHands Lift and Care Systems with an Ability Equipped  RV from Winnebago Industries.   One person who did this told me, “I’m taking my access with me.  I’m tired of relying on hit and miss with accessible hotel (rooms)”.

I caution you, you can’t just hang any lift in any RV. Typically  RVs aren’t built for accessibility or capable of supporting  ceiling based transfer systems.  Winnebago Industries offers so many accessibility options in their Ability Equipped RVs such as wheelchair lifts, conveniently located controls, roll in showers, and grab bars that allow people of all abilities to enjoy the RV experience. It’s only natural that they also offer  one of the most  reliable and versatile motorized personal transfer systems available as well.  The staff in the Specialty Vehicles division and I work together with the new RV owner to select the SureHands lift system.  I combine my experience as an Occupational Therapist with my training as a SureHands lift and Care Systems dealer to properly match the traveler’s needs and abilities with the Surehands motor, sling, or body support that will work best for them within the context of the vehicle’s specifications.  The professionals at Winnebago Industries tailor a structural system to incorporate the customer’s SureHands motor and track layout in the RV.  The end result is a motorized accessible home. This sounds like a better option for the vacation or business traveler than to make do with a difficult or unsafe transfer or give up traveling altogether. For more information visit www.winnebagoind.com and search for ability equipment vehicles, and visit www.Surehands.com. I will be glad to tell you more too! The road is calling!

Celebrate Personal Independence

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The Fourth of July is approaching.  This is the day that we citizens in the United States of America celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which the 13 American Colonies declared themselves to be independent of the British Empire.  The premise was that the people had the right to pursue relief from Tyrannical rule.  My how the successful pursuit of that quest for independence changed the World!

The “World” I work in is a little smaller, but no less important to the people I work with.  I believe that inaccessible environments, especially in our homes, are a disabling tyrannical force facing millions of people.   Simply modifying these environments with equipment or modifications will allow people the opportunity to function safely and independently.

This month’s video shows the effect replacing a tub with a life time shower system by Best Bath, Inc. had on one family.  It returned showering to a private and safe daily activity.  Bathing no longer has to be a scheduled activity that the family works around, and frequent falls in the bathroom that required calls to the Fire Department for help were eliminated.  I strive for these results with every family we work with, but listening to this family as they graciously recorded this testimonial brought me to tears.  This, for me, is what personal independence is all about.

This was a bathroom remodel that did not increase the space of the bathroom because that would have decreased space in an adjacent bedroom.  We replaced the tub with an attractive, but low maintenance unit from Best Bath Systems, Inc.  We used a temporary threshold which can be removed if a roll in shower is needed in a few years.  We ordered a custom sized flip down seat to provide the depth and width to assist with sitting balance.  The grab bars have a non slip surface and are located to use the client’s strengths for independent transfers at the shower and toilet.  We suggested a seat type Bidet which rivals the new shower for “Best Feature” in this bathroom.  If you want to know more about the specific products we used or why we designed the placement of supports where we did, just give us a call.

So while you celebrate the Independence of this wonderful country, keep the value of our individual and personal independence in mind as well!  Home modifications help people who have disabilities from accidents, medical issues, or aging declare independence from the Tyranny of barriers in their homes and allows them the opportunity to live in their own homes safely.

What Makes Your Life Good?

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When you think about it, it’s never the big things that matter, it’s usually the little things that make our lives worthwhile.  And unless we can’t do those everyday things we tend to forget how significant they really are.  At Home Access Solutions, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our clients and we do it through three key services designed to make homes a sanctuary.  Watch my video to learn more about how we work to better lives!