Livewell Mobility, a locally-owned company, helps seniors and their family members get comfortable and secure at home. Their turnkey solutions include ramps for wheelchairs, stairlifts, and home elevators.
When it became impossible for Jerry Dobbs to climb the stairs of his two-story home, he turned to Katy-based LiveWell Mobility and Modifications. But the solution they came up with was not without a hitch.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a defiant disease that impacts the central nervous system. It affects different parts of the body in varying ways, which means that symptoms may be invisible to others and change from time to time. Some people are symptom free all the time, whereas others suffer from severe fatigue, pain, and incoordination, spasticity visual impairments and cognitive issues.
In the beginning stages of MS the symptoms could be visible to others. These include difficulty walking, or changes in the way you walk or movements that are not controlled and muscle stiffness, weakness, issues with coordination and balance, numbness, or pins-and-needles, and sensitivity to cold and heat. It is essential to monitor these symptoms and notify your healthcare professional or doctor if they change.
As the condition gets worse, symptoms may become more severe, leading to muscle spasticity and weakness which can cause muscles to become uncontrollable, especially while sitting or standing. The person may also suffer from mood swings or fatigue that can affect their ability to work and enjoy social activities. Certain people are affected by a type of the disease called secondary progressive MS (SPMS) which is more severe than primary relapse-remitting MS and can result in gradually worsening muscle weakness and paralysis as time passes.
It is not known what can be done to prevent or cure MS. However it is essential to take action and reduce the chance of injury. Follow the guidelines in our safety guide. It's also important to keep regular appointments with your MS nurse or GP and to notify any new symptoms promptly.
Stairlifts
Stair lifts greatly enhance the ability of an individual to navigate their home and remain in their place. They can be used on straight or curved staircases and work by mounting a track to the top and the bottom of the stairs. When the stairlift is activated, it is pulled up onto the tracks and is then driven up and down the stairs by motors that are attached to the track. The user simply folds down the seat and footrest, fastens a safety belt and presses the button to begin the stairlift moving.
When the stairlift has been put into use it can be referred from or returned to the point where the user is located at the top of the stairs with an electronic remote control. Read Significantly more is especially beneficial for those who are the only one at the top of the stairs and can stop them from falling down the stairs or going into a dangerous position where they cannot climb up.
Some stairlifts have seats that face the front instead of the side, which can be more comfortable for people with narrow staircases or knees that are stiff. These models are also more suitable for those with limited mobility and who are unable to sit down in the seat.
A staircase lift can help someone who suffers from Parkinson's disease maintain their mobility throughout their home and allow them to access their kitchen, laundry room and other areas that might otherwise be restricted. A stairlift can also provide peace of mind, being confident that they will be able to navigate through their home, even if their symptoms get worse. A stairlift can enhance your quality-of-life, so consult a mobility equipment dealer about your options.
Vertical Platform Lifts
If a member of your household uses a wheelchair the stairs can be a challenge or even impossible. A staircase lift or home elevator could allow secure access to floors while raising property values.
For more advanced mobility needs for more advanced mobility, a vertical platform lift can be installed on the ground for easy transfers between floors. These lifts are usually found on porches and decks, but they can also be used inside. Through-floor lifts are cheaper and more attractive than elevators, which require a pit or shaft.
The severity of Cerebral palsy is different, and certain patients may not be able to walk at all and may require assistance getting into and out of bed. LiveWell can assist with a variety of home accessibility products including bathroom lifts, Hoyer Lifts, and stairs lifts. We can also provide lifts with a vertical platform, also known as porch lifts, which are perfect for transferring between the house and a patio, deck, or garage. They have an open platform that a person can use to roll up or descend. They also require less space than ramps.
Wheelchair Ramps
A ramp for wheelchairs is an accessibility device that allows wheelchair users to effortlessly enter and exit vehicles or homes as well as buildings. They can be permanent or semi-permanent and can be constructed from concrete, aluminum, or wood. They are built according to ADA standards, and are frequently equipped to accommodate other types of mobility aids, such as walkers and scooters. Wheelchair ramps are available from a number of medical and disability stores or online. Finding ramps can also be made simpler by reaching out to local disability organizations. These organizations may have networks and partnerships with reliable vendors who can provide quality ramps at competitive costs.
Threshold Ramps are designed to be flush against the curb or threshold of doors, and assist individuals with wheelchairs and scooters in traversing these obstacles. These ramps are usually made of aluminum and are available in tri-fold or bi-fold versions. They are not considered fully ADA-compliant, and do not have railings, but they are perfect for residential use.
Home wheelchair ramps are built from wood or concrete and are usually permanent fixtures that require a building permit in order to build. They can be constructed according to ADA standards, or based on the particular needs of an individual. They are a great option for those who don't want to buy a van equipped with a ramp.
Portable wheelchair ramps are available in a range of materials, such as aluminum, foam, rubber and pressure-treated wood that is natural or natural. Some portable wheelchair ramps are compact, lightweight and are the size of a suitcase. They are easy to transport and transport. They can be used at home, or to improve access when travelling to homes of friends, vacation rentals, and other locations.
Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom can be one of the most challenging rooms for seniors or disabled people to navigate. Many mobility solutions companies offer a range of bathroom modifications that make the room more accessible and secure. 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 often suggest bathroom modifications that reduce risk and increase the comfort of individuals who have disabilities. Installing a higher seat on the toilet can ease stress and allow people to remain standing for longer. By repositioning the levers on the faucet to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists when washing or putting on clothes.
Shower and tub modifications can include anything from a simple stepless shower base installation to replace the bathtub's entry threshold to complete remodeling of a bathroom with an accessible shower that eliminates obstacles for people who use wheelchairs or walker. These kinds of modifications could drastically reduce the risk of falls that could be dangerous and offer an increased level of independence for those with disabilities.
Another way to ensure that bathrooms are safe is by installing a bath transfer bench, which can be used for sitting while bathing or showering. The addition of non-slip floor tiles to the shower or tub and lowering the height of the sink can help avoid accidents in this dangerous area. Making sure that the pathway to the bathroom free of obstruction and well-lit is another method to reduce the chance of accidents and ensure everyone can safely use the bathroom.
