Daily Living Blog

Recently, my mom’s house flooded. A deluge of water, over 200 gallons, settled into her finished basement. Many decisions had to be made in a very short amount of time. While she is getting work done to repair damages, the idea of moving has come up. Amidst the chaos, we had a discussion about aging and stairs (her house has 3 sets of stairs).

Should she move? If she decided to stay and live the rest of her life in the home, what would that look like? If she needed stair lifts, how would she feel about 3 of them? Is this a house that she wants to age in? She and my dad purchased the home over 20 years ago. There are many memories tied to the home as well as it is even more special since my dad passed away in 2004.

She is considering and weighing her options. Thankfully she does have options. For her, it is not just about accessibility, but also about memories, comfort and choosing the wisest course for her. We have decided to give her space and time to make these decisions. While she is still only in her 70’s, it is not too early to be looking at things from all perspectives. As a result of Homecare Suppliers and our own professional experiences as well as our memories of caring for our grandmother in her 90’s, we want to be both a sounding board for her and a practical resource as she makes her decisions.

These events have gotten me thinking about other baby boomers and seniors who are facing similar situations. They might not have sound counsel within their family and friends who can direct with love and concern as well as with knowledge and understanding based upon the issues. We aren’t out to make a buck on our mom. As a matter of fact, we aren’t out to make a buck on anyone’s distress. We want to serve a need, be a resource and provide quality products. The products are the only thing for sale – the rest is our heart and passion and is priceless.

Like the saying goes… New bathlift for mom – $645, new stair lift for grandpa – $1799, direction, comfort and peace of mind for the family – PRICELESS!

So I compiled a list of what I would consider important features for my mom to keep in mind should she decide to stay forever in her home or if she decided to move to another home.

1. Stairs – if the home has stairs – to make sure that the width of the stairs is at least 36” to allow for a future stair lift. If she chooses to move, I would encourage her to look at ranch style homes that allow for easy accessibility.
2. Size & Maintenance – My mom’s current home is larger with 3bdrms, 3bath plus a finished basement. There is a lot of space and a lot of maintenance to the home. The basement had some water and mold damage which they are now fixing. It is important to be aware of the structural integrity of the home (whether existing or new home) and look at maintenance aspects for the occupant. Often times, seniors will close off or not use parts of a house. Be sure to check those areas regularly for mold, water damage or other maintenance issues. Additionally, vents to crawl spaces should not be closed off and there is a need for adequate circulation throughout the home. Ensure that the guttering and the downspouts is free and clear of debris and that a maintenance plan is established.
3. Lighting – Ensure that all areas of the home have adequate lighting. Pay close attention to hallways and stairs to ensure that they are properly lit. Exterior lighting should be not only adequate for driving into the driveway but also getting into the home. Motion Sensor Lighting is an affordable way to help with lighting the area and decreasing the maintenance need of replacing light bulbs. My husband changes the more difficult to reach light bulbs for my mom on a regular basis.
4. Railings & Doorways – Make sure that railings outside and inside the home are in good repair, and that steps and sidewalks are not damaged. Add additional railings as needed in the hallways and bathrooms. If purchasing or remodeling, consider carefully the width of the doorways realizing that wheelchairs and walkers really need a minimum width of 36”. Additionally, door handles that are the lever kind are easier to use than a typical round door handle.
5. Exterior Porch & Entry – The approach to the front door should be free of shrubs, cracked sidewalks or objects that can impede safely getting into the home. Stairs can be adjusted for less height or replaced with ramps as needed. If purchasing new, an ideal home would not have any steps to the front door or at most, one small step with little or no incline for the walkway.

There are many great resources available on the internet to assist you in beginning to prepare a home for aging in place. Here are just a few:
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/
http://www.adaptiveaccess.com/home_changes.php
http://www.workingcaregiver.com/articles/seniorsstayathome/agingparentshome

TK Access Summer Sale

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Special Summer Savings Spectacular!

Limited To : Thyssenkrupp Access Stairlifts

• TK Access – This is a unique offer only available by phone 888-252-2205 or via a request for price quote on our website. Our manufacturer limits us from publicizing any additional details of this summer promotion on our Web site.

A stair lift is a large investment. With any large purchase, you want to be as informed as possible. There are many brands and models on the market today. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it is an immediate necessity.

Important things to consider before purchasing a stair lift include your reasons for the stair lift, your stair layout, and of course cost. We usually ask first about the user of the lift. What type of limited mobility do they have? Are they in a wheelchair and will they need a transfer board to get from the lift to the wheelchair? This is important because not all models have movable armrests and some units swivel only at the top and not at the bottom of the stairs. When speaking with a dealer, you will want to make them aware of physical limitations.

Once, you are sure that your loved-one can use the lift; you will want to consider the layout of the stairs. If the staircase is curved, you will need a specially made curved unit. There are several quality providers for curved units. These units run from $9000 to $20,000 and up in price. They are so expensive because the measurements and manufacturing of the units are very precise, and they are 100% customized to that individual staircase.

If you have a straight set of stairs or stairs separated by a landing, a standard stair lift will mostly likely work. These stair lifts generally start at about $1500 unit price for an uninstalled unit, but price depends upon model/brand. Some dealers will sell the unit with free shipping, however, in many cases they charge for shipping as an add-on. Additionally, price may or may not include the cost of shipping.

* Width of your staircase: Most stair lifts require at least 30″ on width of staircase.
* Angle of staircase: Based upon the rise and tread of the stairs there may be restrictions based upon the model. For example, on certain models the angle can be no less than 30 degrees and not greater than 45 degrees.
* Length of your staircase: Some models have length restrictions. Most stair lifts will travel up to 20 feet. To understand more fully how to measure your stairs – here is an instructional video.
* Obstruction: Do you have an obstruction anywhere along the stairs? This includes doors, door jambs or various other protrusions. It is important to site these obstructions when you are discussing the lift with a professional.
* Mounting: Most stair lifts mount to the stairs, not the wall. Additionally, it is important what kind of stairs you have; whether your stairs are wood, concrete or another material and whether they are inside or outside.

Understanding key features is also important.

* Electric versus battery. There are very few manufacturers that sell an electric stair lift. However, most manufacturers sell battery run units. To clarify – battery units are not a battery back-up unit but a battery-run unit. Simply stated, a battery run unit is a unit that utilizes a battery to run and gets its recharge from an electrical outlet. These units are plugged into an outlet so that the unit is constantly receiving a trickle of electricity which keeps the battery charged. When the unit is in use, it is drawing its current from the battery, not the outlet. Should a power outage occur the unit can be used for duration of 24 – 78 hours depending upon the brand of unit purchased.
* Worm-Drive versus Gear Driven versus Cable Driven. Each has their benefits. However one is not necessarily better than the other. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype about one over the other, which is mostly manufacturer driven and has nothing to do with functionality or durability. They are all pretty comparable when technically compared for function, safety and durability.
* Aesthetics – Bells and Whistles. Price is often defined by the bells and whistles of the unit. Beauty, leather and upgraded features affect the price of the unit. Understand your price parameter and work from there to ensure that you are getting the best product for your particular situation.
* Warranty. Warranties are pretty consistent in the industry with slight variables. Most units have 5 year warranty on the motor and between 1-3 years on parts and components. This is pretty standard. However, something to note is that most manufacturers do not offer a labor warranty. As a result, most dealers do not offer a labor warranty for the stair lift. To equate this to an everyday situation – if the heating element were to go out in your oven – even if it is under warranty – you still have to pay for someone to come out and diagnose the problem and do the work. The manufacturer will provide the new part, but the labor to do the repair is paid by the homeowner.
* Self-Installation. Some manufacturers will not sell their unit uninstalled while others have designed a unit that is less complicated and can be installed by a handy individual. These manufacturers typically provide technical support via telephone to assist with trouble-shooting. A consumer can request installation manuals prior to purchase in order to ensure that they are capable of completing the installation. It is very important to find out what support is available to the consumer regarding self-installation and trouble-shooting, prior to purchasing. Further, it is important to take into consideration that some of these calls are not toll-free or within the United States.
* Installation – Local Dealers – To find a local dealer that can both provide installation as well as sales, it is best to look in your local yellow pages book under medical supply or stair lifts. Although, purchasing local may not be the most competitive price, you often get a free consultation prior to purchase as well as a 90 day installation warranty if they install the unit for you.
* Installation – Internet Dealers – Many internet dealers can provide the unit as well as assist with installation, however, the installation is a separate cost and may be coordinated through another company.
* Financial Assistance – Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurances do not reimburse for stair lifts. A stair lift is a non-reimbursable item and is not even coded by the insurance industry. Beware of dealers who state that they can get you reimbursed. Contact directly your insurance provider for verification.

Whether you purchase through an internet dealer or locally, it is important to make a list of essential features that you will require with your stair lift. Make sure the brand you pick meets your individual needs and is a match for your particular staircase.

6 Step Measuring Instructions

Follow our easy six step process outlined below to easily measure your stairs for a conventional straight stair lift. It should only take about 10 – 15 minutes to measure your stairs.

Measuring for a Stair Lift in 6 Easy Steps

Measurement #1 – Nose to Floor:
Since most stair lifts are custom cut to your stair’s specifications; this measurement is the most important. The lift’s rail will be cut to this specification.

What to do:

* Stand at the top of your stairs, extend your tape measure until it lays across all stair treads, and the tip of the tape-measure touches the landing at the bottom of the steps.

Measurement #2 – Nose to Nose:
Measure the nose of the top stair to the nose of the first step.

What to do:

* Stand at the top of the stairs, extend your tape-measure until it lies across all stair treads and rests on the top edge of the first stair.

Measurement #3 – Obstruction:
To ensure that the lift will not hit an obstruction such as a door or wall, you will need to measure the distance from the bottom and top stair to the obstruction.

What to do:

* Measure the bottom rise to any obstructions (wall, door, frame, permanent piece of furniture, etc…)

* Measure the nose of the top stair to any obstructions (wall, door, frame, permanent piece of furniture, etc…)

Measurement #4 – Tread:
This measurement assists in determining the angle of the track and lift. The tread is the flat horizontal section of the stair. The area that you step on when going up the stairs.

What to do:

* Measure the depth of the flat horizontal section of the stair.

Measurement #5 – Rise:
This measurement also assists in determining the angle of the track and lift. The rise is the flat vertical section of the stair. This is the height of your stairs.

What to do:

* Measure the height of the flat vertical section of the stair.

Measurement #6 – Stairs Layout:
It is important for both you and the stair lift dealer to understand the layout of your stairs. Certain brands and models of stair lifts have restrictive use based upon the staircase. Thus this is a two-fold measurement process.

What to do:

* Measure the width of your stairs. You want to make sure to measure at the most narrow part of your stair case, not the widest.
* Count how many stairs you have, noting if any one stair has a variation in height or depth (tread or rise). It is important to share this information with the dealer, especially if you are purchasing the lift online.

With your measurements completed, you are now ready to talk with a stair lift dealer. There are many qualified dealers with quality products on the market. Take your time and review all the models and brands to find the lift that works best for you.

If you have a curved unit, you will need to have a licensed dealer do a site visit to measure your staircase. These units are markedly more in price and take precise measuring and manufacturing to custom build a curved lift for your stairs.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC is a licensed dealer for many quality stair lift manufacturers. They have detailed this measuring guide online at . Additionally, there is an online video that allows you to view an installer measuring a stair case.

In the fall of 1995, Clementine Geymonat Crainer fell as she was going up the stairs to her apartment building. She was my very feisty 96 year old grandmother. The fall resulted in devastating life changes that robbed her of her independence. As a result of the fall, she began to experience loss of memory and decreased cognitive abilities. Subsequently, she went to live with my parents and became dependent upon them. Within a year and a half, she died at age 96. If you’d met “Tinney”, you’d have known what a strong and independent woman she was and you’d also have known that this unfortunate turn of events probably could have been prevented if we’d had a better understanding of caring for our aging family and ensuring home safety.

According to a July 2006 study from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, falls are the leading cause of injury death among older adults and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions. In 2003, 1.8 million Americans age 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. That same year 13,000 people age 65 and older died from fall-related injuries. Two thirds of these falls occurred in and around the home(1).

Colorado State University (CSU) Extension has published an article which specifically details risk factors that can cause a fall. “Although no single risk factor causes all falls, the greater the number of risk factors to which an individual is exposed, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall with threaten the person’s independence.”(2) Most of these falls are preventable if you decrease the number of risk factors. The most prevalent of these risk factors is Environment Hazards. The good news is that environment hazards are PREVENTABLE.

By combining CSU’s list of environment hazards with our own experience in the field, we have compiled a list of safety issues in and around the home as well as viable remedies to the problems. The first step to decreasing risk factors is to conduct a walk-through. Whether it is your own home or that of a friend or family member walk through looking for anything that could potentially cause a safety issue, particularly for someone with a mobility issue.

Outdoors (Front walk, driveways, back and side yards)
• Install handrails on both sides of stairs and steps, whether one stair or an entire flight. Extend them one foot beyond the last step for added support and position the top of the railing at elbow height of homeowner – Handrails are available at most home supply stores and can be cut to your specifications.
• Ensure that existing handrails are fastened correctly and sturdy.
• Repair stairs or walkways that have cracks or abrupt edges (including uneven tile stairs or landings).
• Keep walk areas clean and free of debris, rocks, roots, and overgrown plants and shrubs.
• Address the issues of high doorway thresholds by either adjusting them or adding threshold ramps – Prairie View Industries Threshold Ramps are ideal.
• Ensure that there is adequate lighting by doorways and walkways. Statistics show that the elderly need 2-3 times the light people need in their 20s and 30s. Consider installing motion sensor lighting. – Available at most home supply stores.

Entry, Stairs and Hallways
• Reduce clutter and heavy furnishings for easier accessibility.
• Secure rugs with nonskid tape – Tape is available at most home supply stores or larger supermart.
• Make sure carpeting is secured and get rid of throw rugs that cannot be secured to the floor
• Provide adequate lighting and if necessary place light switches at each end of stairs or hallways – Contact a qualified, licensed handyman or electrician for any home repairs.
• Install nightlights in the hallways particularly from the bedroom to the bathrooms.
• Stairs – install handrails that are tightly fastened the entire length of the steps along both walls.
• Consider purchasing a stairlift if this is a long-term mobility issue. If this is a short-term situation, contact a local homecare supply company like Homecare Suppliers, LLC to see about renting a unit. You can install most of the units yourself, or you can use a licensed installer. Summit Stairlifts are very cost-effective and safe models.

Bathrooms (Full and half baths)
• Install grab-bars on walls around the tub/shower and beside the toilet, strong enough to hold your weight – Curve Grab Bar by Standers are very secure.
• Install nightlights in bathrooms.
• Add nonskid mats or appliqués to bathtub and shower floor surfaces – Available at most home supply stores or larger supermart.
• Use nonskid carpets or mats around the tub and sink to ensure that the floor does not get wet and slippery.
• Install a raised toilet seat if needed. There are multiple toilet seats that assist with mobility and safety issues, including Uplift or Lift Seat 3000.
• Mount liquid soap and shampoo dispensers on the bathtub/shower walls.
• Install a portable, hand-held shower head – Available at most home supply stores or larger supermarts.
• Consider purchasing a shower platform if you have to step down into the shower. This will raise the shower up to avoid tripping getting in or out of the shower. – PVI Shower Platforms
• Purchase a bath or shower seat. – Available through Homecare Suppliers or your home supply store.
• Purchase a bath lift for the tub. These are usually portable and can travel with anyone who has difficulty getting in and out of the tub whether at home or visiting family. – Homecare Suppliers carries several different bath lifts.
• Consider installing a walk-in bath tub. Your standard tub can be swapped out to place a walk-in tub for ease and safety in bathing. These provide a door and seat for safety and comfort. – Presidential Series and SafeHands Walk-In Tubs provide both safety and comfort.

Living, Dining and Family Rooms
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
• Arrange furniture for ease of movement and accessibility. Pay close attention to smaller furniture, such as coffee tables or decorative objects, which could cause someone to stumble or fall.
• Make sure that furniture in the home is easy to get in and out of.
• Consider purchasing furniture risers that increase the height of the furniture to aid in sitting or standing. – Furniture Risers or Stand Easy Chair Lift by Standers are ideal.
• Install grab-bar or furniture canes to assist in rising from furniture – Standers has several products including the CouchCane and the Security Pole & Curve Grab Bar.
• Remove casters wheels from furniture for more stability.
• Consider replacing shag or thicker carpeting that could impede walkers or wheelchairs in the home.
• Modify or remove small changes in elevation/levels, especially single steps in common areas(3). ¬– Prairie View Industries has various ramps that could be used and are less costly than construction.

Bedrooms
• Provide adequate lighting including a bedside light with a switch for ease in turning on and off.
• Have a nightlight.
• Relocate telephone near the bed or purchase a cordless phone.
• Adjust height of bed to make it easy to get in and out – Standers Furniture Risers can increase the height of your bed 3 to 4 inches.
• Purchase a bed rail for stability in getting in and out of bed but also to ensure that falls do not occur while sleeping – Standers Easy Adjust Bed Rail or Drive Medical’s Bed Assist Handle.
• Have a firm chair, with arms, to sit and dress.

As you can see, there are many things to consider in making your home safer. Many products, including the ones highlighted here, are available to ease mobility and to reduce home environmental hazards. Homecare Suppliers, LLC has a catalog of products that meet many of the accessibility and safety issues facing the elderly or those with mobility issues. Whether it is a permanent ramp, a vehicle ramp, grab-bars for use throughout your home, or stairlifts and elevators, we represent some of the best products on the market.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC., members of the Better Business Bureau, is a privately-held company specializing in home medical equipment. We pride ourselves on only offering top-of-the-line medical equipment. Our goal is to provide our customers with a simple one-stop solution for all their home medical equipment needs.

References
1. July 2006 “Injury Prevention Fact Sheet” Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. www.astho.org/pubs/ElderlyFactSheet.pdf
2. May 1996/December 2005 “Preventing Falls in the Elderly” K.R. Tremblay Jr. and C.E. Barber. Colorado State University Extension. www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/consumer/10242.html
3. September 2000 “Designs on Building Safe Homes for the Elderly” Gina Rollins. National Safety Council. www.nsc.org/rexources/issues/articles/fallfalls.aspx

Additional Resources
Senior Approved: www.qualityeldercare.com/certified.html
Aging Network Services: www.agingnets.com
Administration on Aging: www.aoa.dhhs.gov
National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
Center for Disease Control –Fall Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm
National Safety Council: www.nsc.org
Occupational Health & Safety – www.ohsonline.com