Livewell Mobility, a locally-owned company, assists seniors and their family members navigate living comfortably and securely at home. Their turnkey solutions include ramps for wheelchairs, stairlifts, and home elevators.
When it became difficult for Jerry Dobbs to climb the staircase of his two-story house, he turned to LiveWell Mobility and Modifications based in Katy. However, their solution didn't come without a problem.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that impacts the central nervous system. It affects various parts of the body in different ways, and the symptoms can be unnoticed by other people and can change from time to time. Some people have no symptoms all the time, while others suffer from severe fatigue, pain and aches.
In the initial phase of MS, the symptoms are likely be noticeable to others. They could include difficulty walking or a change in their walking style (gait) or muscles that are stiff or uncontrolled or weakness, balance or coordination issues, numbness or pins and needles as well as the sensitivity to cold and heat. It is important to monitor these symptoms and report any changes in your physician or health medical professional so that they can assist you in managing the symptoms better.
As the condition worsens the symptoms can become more severe and could lead to spasticity and muscle weakness that result in a person losing control of their muscles, especially when sitting or standing. They may also be afflicted with fatigue and mood swings which may hinder their ability to work or engage in social activities. Some people develop a form of the disease known as secondary progressive MS (SPMS) that is more severe than primary relapse-remitting MS and can cause gradually worsening muscle weakness and paralysis over time.
It's not known how to prevent or treat MS. However it is essential to take action and reduce the risk of injury. Follow the guidelines in our safety guidelines. It is also essential to make regular appointments with your MS nurse or GP and to notify any new symptoms promptly.
Stairlifts
Stair lifts can significantly improve the ability of a person to navigate their home and remain in place. They can be installed on staircases that are straight or curving and work by mounting tracks at the top and the bottom of the stairs. The stairlift is pushed onto the tracks and powered up or down by motors that are attached to the track. The user folds down the seat and footrest and fastens a safety harness and presses the button to begin the stairlift moving.
Once the stairlift is in use it can be referred from or returned to the point where the user is located at the top of the stairs using the remote control device. This feature is especially useful for people who may be on their own at the top of the stairs. It will prevent them from falling and getting into a dangerous situation where they are unable to get up.
Some stairlifts have seats that face the front instead of facing the side, which is more comfortable for those with narrow staircases or knees that are stiff. These models can also be more appropriate for people who aren't able to bend down to sit on the seat while seated because of their limited mobility.
such a good point can help someone who suffers from Parkinson's disease maintain their mobility throughout their entire home which allows them to use their kitchen, laundry room, and other spaces that would normally be restricted. Additionally the stairlift can provide the peace of mind knowing they can safely navigate their home when their symptoms get more severe. The addition of a stairlift your home can greatly enhance your living conditions So don't be afraid to discuss your options with a knowledgeable mobility equipment dealer.
Vertical Platform Lifts
It can be difficult to walk stairs if someone in the household uses wheelchairs. A stairlift can provide the safety of different floors and increase the value of your home.
A vertical platform lift set on the floor can be utilized for more advanced mobility. This makes it easier to transfer between floors. These kinds of lifts are often found on decks and porches however, they can be used indoors as well. Through-floor lifts are less expensive and more attractive than elevators, which require a pit or shaft.
Cerebral palsy can vary in severity. Certain patients may be incapable of walking and require assistance getting in and out of bed. LiveWell can help with a wide range of home accessibility items including bathroom lifts as well as Hoyer Lifts. We also offer vertical platform lifts, or porch lifts, which are perfect to transfer between the house and a deck, patio, or garage. They have an open platform on which a person can roll over to ascend or descend. They also require less space than ramps.
Wheelchair ramps
A wheelchair ramp is an accessibility device that allows people with disabilities to easily access and exit vehicles or homes as well as buildings. They can be semi-permanent or permanent and constructed of aluminum, concrete, or wood. They are built according to ADA standards, and are frequently capable of accommodating other kinds of mobility aids like scooters and walkers. Wheelchair ramps can be bought from many medical equipment and disability stores, or via the internet. Finding ramps can also be made easier by reaching out to local disability organizations. These organizations might have alliances and connections with vendors who can supply ramps of high-quality and affordable price.
Threshold Ramps are designed to be flush against the curb or threshold of a door, and assist individuals with wheelchairs and scooters in getting around these obstacles. These ramps come in bi-fold and tri-fold models. They are generally made of aluminum. These ramps aren't fully ADA compliant and do not have railings. However they are ideal for residential use.
Home wheelchair ramps are constructed from concrete or wood and are usually permanent structures that require a building permit in order to construct. They can be built to ADA standards, or based on the specific requirements of a person. They can be an ideal option for those who don't want to purchase a van that has a ramp.
Portable wheelchair ramps are made in a range of materials, such as aluminum, foam, rubber and natural or pressure-treated wood. Some are light and fold down to the size of an ordinary suitcase making them easy to carry and transport. They can be used at home or to facilitate access when traveling to the homes of friends or vacation rentals, as well as other places.
Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom is one of the most difficult rooms for those who are elderly or suffer from disabilities. Many mobility solutions companies offer a variety of bathroom modifications that make the bathroom more accessible and safer. These modifications can range from simple, inexpensive options like removing throw rugs to prevent slips and falls to more permanent fixtures such as installing wheelchair-accessible ramps or grab bars in the bath for stability.
Occupational therapists recommend bathroom modifications that help reduce risk and increase comfort. Installing a higher seat on the toilet can reduce stress and allow people to stay standing for longer periods. Moving the position of faucet levers can reduce the strain on wrists and hands when washing or changing clothes.
Modifications to showers and tubs can vary from a simple base installation to alter the threshold of a bathtub to a complete bathroom remodel with a walk-in, barrier-free shower for people using wheelchairs or walker. These kinds of modifications could significantly reduce the risk of falls that could be dangerous and offer an increased level of independence for those who have disabilities.
Installing a bath transfer seat, which can be used to sit on while showering or bathing is another method to ensure the safety of bathrooms. Addition of non-slip tiles to the tub, shower or sink could help avoid accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents, make sure you keep the route leading to the bathroom well-lit and clear.