Daily Living Blog » Uncategorized http://buyastairlift.com/blog1 Living Unlimited Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Homecare Suppliers Today & Tomorrow! http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2010/02/20/homecare-suppliers-today-tomorrow/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2010/02/20/homecare-suppliers-today-tomorrow/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:28:48 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/?p=345 Homecare Suppliers, Pam BillingsBeing a locally based company in the Kansas City area, I often have the opportunity to meet with customers in our area for a site visit. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nancy*. She is currently recovering from back surgery and has been house bound for the last year. Frequently during her physical therapy sessions, she would inquire about different daily living products to assist her. She repeatedly asked about a product to help with climbing stairs. Unfortunately, neither her home health nurse nor her physical therapists were aware of such a product as a stairlift. After nearly a year, she found us.

Daily, I am astounded by the lack of knowledge and communication from people in the healthcare industry. Homecare Suppliers, LLC is not a standard medical supply company. Yet approximately 30% of our phone calls are for products that we do not carry. We have developed a significant resource guide for local customers to assist them in finding the right product from the right company. Regularly, we post different resources on our blog highlighting where consumers can go for different products.

Below are a few simple resources that are beneficial to keep on hand.
1. Area Agency on Aging – Each state should have an Area Agency on Aging and then it is broken down into regions. Each plans, develops and coordinates a network of services for family caregivers and older persons within their area.
2. Stroke Foundation – We have seen many families faced with the affects of a stroke. Often this results in the need for a stair lift or bath lift or other mobility assistance. It is important to not only understand the affects of a stroke but to know what kinds of resources are available to you in your area.
4. AARP – A membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through information, advocacy and service.
5. H2U – The h2u program creates a strong local connection for its members by being part of a community hospital or health facility. Each location has a director on whom you can depend for information on organized h2u events, health screenings and educational classes, as well as access to physicians and care at your local hospital and some offer discount programs to members.
6. Alzheimer Foundation – The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Local branches can provide support and assistance.
7. Elder Care – The Eldercare Locator is a great step for finding local agencies, in every U.S. community, that can help older persons and their families access home and community-based services like transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services
8. Heart Association – National organization, the America Heart Association, provides information to be heart healthy and live stronger, healthier lives.
9. VA Hospital – We direct people that are veterans to their local VA Hospital. This is especially vital when they need medical mobility products like bath lifts and stair lifts.
10. Local Medical Supply Company – We regularly get calls from all over the United States about medical supplies that we do not carry. We suggest checking local Yellow Pages or phone books under “medical supply”. Also, Yellow Pages has started listing products so check under the actual product that is needed like “stair lifts” or “oxygen”.

Our 10 Resources for Seniors found on Twitter
Their websites as well as their twitter user names are linked in blue.
1. Gilbert GuideGilbert Guide Senior Housing Guide & Resource for Senior Care Information.
2. Homecare AssistanceJMoskovitz – Provider of home-care, in-home living assistance, and eldercare services.
3. Caregiver JourneyBeth Parker-O’Brien – Researcher and Clinical Social Worker focusing on Alzheimer’s and related dementias as well as other older adult issues.
4. AgeWiseLivingAgeWiseLiving Barbara Friesner
– Counseling and training for aging loved ones.
5. Aging In Place TechnologyAgingTech Laurie Orlov – Aging Industry Trends Technology Watch, Research and Analysis
6. Age In PlaceAging_in_place – A place where Baby Boomers and seniors can get information on how to build their own aging in place plane. It is also a place caregivers, families and friends of aging people can come to get news and information about how to better care for their loved ones.
7. Inside Elder CareInsideElderCare Ryan Malone – Comprehensive blog that focuses on “by families, for families” approach to elder care which teaches families how to make elder care a positive experience
8. All About SeniorsAllaboutseniors Missy Johnson – A senior resource directory for South Carolina – the publisher also has one for Charlotte, NC.
9. AFB Senior Site – AFBSite for seniors with eye conditions as well as other helpful information.
10. Baby Boomer Knowledge CenterBoomerBuzzNews – Informative Blog with information that is resourceful, wistful, impactful and engaging for the baby boomer generation.

On another note, I have been in prayerful consideration about the direction of Homecare Suppliers, LLC. Today is Ash Wednesday. It is the start of Lent. As a Christian, I am not required to do this. However, I do. Lent was established in the 4th century, and since then, participants will eat sparingly, give up a certain food, favorite activity, etc. The basis for this is the idea of repentance (complete with sackcloth, ashes, and fasting, found in places like Esther 4, Jeremiah 6, Daniel 9, and Mathew 11), for the sake of turning from sin and seeking forgiveness, and to display devotion and focus on Christ. Many people participate for a variety of reasons: tradition, personal gain, pride, for clarification, or just to do it. Homecare Suppliers, LLC is currently participating in Lent as well. The purpose is for self-discovery. Homecare Suppliers, LLC has always been a vehicle for God. I have mistakenly taken the wheel on many occasions. HCS is now at a cross road. The next 40 days will be spent in trying to figure out where to go. I am going to take a back seat. Therefore, no more posts will be made until after Easter.

Best Regards,
Pam Billings
Director of Operations
Homecare Suppliers

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Disaster Preparedness http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2010/01/13/disaster-preparedness/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2010/01/13/disaster-preparedness/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:05:54 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/?p=339 With the recent events in Haiti as a result of the catastrophic earthquake and then the severe winter storms across the United States, I began thinking about Disaster Preparedness especially for Aging adults.

While we live in the central United States, it is still a practical idea to be aware of how any calamity can affect a person’s day-to-day living. Ben Franklin stated “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” I do believe there is much truth in that statement. While we cannot forsee the future, isn’t it important to take notice to what is around us and how best to function if something were to occur that could cause a limitation and/or crisis?

I found a couple of resources that are in essence a plan of action should a disaster strike. While I understand these lists are NOT all encompassing, they are practical in nature and could be utilized in case of a flood, earthquake, tornado or any natural disaster.

FEMA has listed the following points when planning ahead.  I’ve added some additional notations and resources.

  • Get informed – what kinds of natural elements are common in your area?  What can you do to keep your family safe?  Understand how devestating floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, snow storms and the like can be.
  • Plan for emergencies – Understand what plan you need in place before disaster strikes.
    Escape routes & general meeting place in case of emergency 
    Evacuation plans
    Family communications 
    Utility shut-off and safety
    Insurance and vital records
    Special needs
    Care for pets: Information for pet owners
    Care for livestock: Information for livestock owners
    Safety skills
  • Assemble a disaster supplies kit – Click here for ideas.
  • Effectively shelter
    ◦ Prepare a safe room (plan on a common meeting area)
    ◦ Guidelines for managing water supplies
    ◦ Guidelines for managing food supplies
  • Communication Plan - http://www.calamitykit.com/
    Establish a communications plan that each member of your family is aware of and knows how to implement. Establish an out of town contact to check in with in the event of an emergency and make sure everyone in you household knows how to contact them either by phone or email or both. This is very important for your family in the event that you can not find each other.

    One website that I found that was all encompassing on both an individual level as well as a community level was the California Department of Aging.  While their plans are mainly targeted at Earthquakes – it focuses upon how to respond as an individual, as a community and as an agency.  I highly recommend checking out their website.  They even have a tip sheet for seniors based upon possible natural disasters.  These are available in multiple languages including Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Russian.

    As many of the sites and resources stated, it is not only important to be thinking about a plan of action but to actually enact them.  The first step is to print out these lists and write out your own plan.  Often, the first thing affected is electricity and the ability to access the internet (and this article and these websites).

    Together we all can make a difference and strive for limitless living.

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Thank You! http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/11/17/thank-you/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/11/17/thank-you/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/?p=267 HomecareSuppliers ThanksgivingAs a company, we have been making an effort to be more thankful. With the change in season – and Thanksgiving coming up – we have been daily listing why we are thankful. We daily write on Twitter, adding to our list, as well as sharing it on our facebook pages.

With the busyness of life and business – we don’t want to lose sight of why we do what we do. We sell mobility products not just because it is our business – but to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We believe in every product we sell. We believe in every service and organization we promote and recommend. We are dedicated to trying to assist every customer we meet.

So today – we would like to share some of the reasons why we are thankful. We encourage you to do the same.

8 Reasons to give thanks today:

1. We give thanks for StairLifts. They ease the burden of carrying a loved one down the stairs and gives the user an added sense of independence.
2. We give thanks for BathLifts. It truly aids every caregiver – allowing the loved one to transfer into the tub and then lower into the bath – it decreases the strain on the caregiver’s back and is SAFE for all.
3. We give thanks for Scooters & Wheelchairs. Even though we did not sell them – we are so thankful that these were invented. They truly allow the user to have mobility and independence.
4. We give thanks for Caregivers. Caregivers truly are aids to anyone suffering from mobility difficulties. Anyone who gives their time, energy, strength and finances to aid someone in need is amazing. So we thank YOU for being there!!
5. We give thanks for Safety that comes from all things that aid accessibility and mobility. Every thing we promote through Homecare Suppliers will safely meet a need. One of the greatest concerns, especially with the elderly, is falling. Anything that decreases the likelihood of a fall is spectacular!
6. We give thanks for Daily Living Products. There are so many products that aid in doing the normal daily things. Chair risers, bed rails, and even grabbers are wonderful aids that help make things just a little easier.
7. We give thanks for Connections. Through our time with Homecare Suppliers, we have constantly seen how everything interconnects and supports itself. With caregivers and mobility aids, there is an increase in mobility. With support of services and organizations, more people are assisted. It is with awe that we stare into the faces of those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those with mobility issues. It is with humbleness that we watch lives being changed for the better through connectivity of those dedicated to helping – through the vast plethora of resources, services, organizations and products.
8. We give thanks for Independence. Whether the aid to independence is any of the above items or something else entirely, like assisted living homes, community centers, or faith based organizations – we give thanks. We have learned that we all enjoy our independence. We know that just because someone might be affected by a disability, mobility issue or advance age – they still need to be treated as an individual who is valued, appreciated and allowed to be free to Live Unlimited.

We thank our customers for their willingness to partner with us to provide their mobility products. And we thank those who fill in the rest of the gaps to aid every person that is striving to Live Life Unlimited!

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What Has Helped You On Your Journey? http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/10/12/what-has-helped-you-on-your-journey/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/10/12/what-has-helped-you-on-your-journey/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:01:03 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/10/12/what-has-helped-you-on-your-journey/ We’ve been writing about many who exemplify limitless living.

Daily we come into contact with individuals who are walking difficult paths. They inspire us! They are why we do what we do. They don’t set out to live limitless lives. As a matter of fact, most of the time the “limits” aren’t even on their radar. But one day they find themselves in a place they never imagined. As such, they are then faced with stopping or pressing on in spite of whatever the limitations are. Many reach out in all directions: reading, studying, asking – seeking help for their situation.

They discover a way to LIVE in spite of circumstances. Throught their journey – they become living examples! They personify Living Life Unlimited. And by doing so – they inspire those who may walk down a similar road. Often, they testify to us of God’s power and provision. Through their life, they motivate others. They inspire others to keep living.

So, today, we ask: Who do you know that is Living Unlimited? Share a little bit about their journey. By doing so – we hope that together we will make a difference in the lives of others who might be struggling. (Many of our customers and prospective customers read this blog – many who are just beginning difficult times.)

We will be accepting brief testimonies until November 1, 2009 – in our comments section. We want to share your stories. Our goal is to make a tapestry of HOPE for the hopeless; a collage of stories that encourage and promote LIMITLESS thinking.

Are you a caregiver? Are you a survivor? Are you a witness to a change in circumstances? Did you purchase a product or receive a service that changed someone’s life? Did you see where something or somebody made a way where there seemed to be no way? Please share it with us.

We will then write a post highlighting these amazing stories of Limitless Living. Maybe it will touch someone, maybe it will help someone, maybe it will inspire somebody? Because we know when we hear these stories that our customers share – we are often inspired and often in awe – when they get through the difficulties and are able to see from the other side.

We look forward to seeing HOW lives are changed moment by moment – for LIMITLESS LIVING!

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About Daily Living http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/07/14/about-daily-living/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/07/14/about-daily-living/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:43:04 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/?page_id=194 As you know Homecare Suppliers, LLC is a nationwide provider of daily living products that aid all those who may have mobility and accessibility issues.

Out of our passion to provide quality products and quality customer service came a greater desire to serve. Pam Billings, Director of Operations, kept saying “We are all about living life unlimited – Limitless Living.” We daily see the challenges that face individuals. We hear it in phone calls, read it in emails and see it throughout media outlets. However, what provides hope is seen, heard and read by us as well. We know that Limitless Living is possible.

Whether it is a stair lift that can assist someone with getting down stairs, maybe a bath lift that aids a person in taking a bath and keeps the caregiver from having to lift someone out of the tub, or maybe it is hearing the words of LIFE coming through the phone that inspire us that no matter the difficulty or the limitation – one can live a limitless life.

Pam often has “ah hah” phone calls. The breath of fresh air that reminds her of her greater purpose: to listen, to serve, to inspire hope, to meet a need. Each person that calls Homecare Suppliers is unique, special and wonderfully created. We often see their hurt and their heart. And thankfully we often are a part of solutions being provided to make things a little easier. And then there are those special calls that come in resonating in our hearts that Unlimited Daily Living is possible for all. Those calls when someone shares their heart about how they are truly living unlimited in spite of what is before them – and they inspire us! They fuel us to continue.

Thus the purpose of our blog. We want to highlight anything and everything that will aid each person no matter age or disability with living life unlimited. We realize that Homecare Suppliers cannot be everything to everyone since we specialize in larger mobility products like Stair Lifts and Bath Lifts. But we know we can be another resource that points you to others who can meet your need. A spring board if you will. Thus, with this blog, we feature articles about not only our products, but other great aids to living unlimited. We also list great resources and organizations that might be of help or interest.

Additionally, we are highlighting people, organizations and businesses that are dedicated to meeting needs. Our customer base is broad: Seniors as well as those suffering from various disabilities. Many of our products are available for use from children to elderly clients. We know that mobility limitations can affect any person for multiple reasons. As a result, we want to continuously promote all that aids every person in living their daily life unlimited. And we want to highlight those that step in and help others in Daily Living.

Circumstances don’t always dictate outcomes!

We welcome you to our Daily Living Blog. If you have a need or a specific question – please feel free to contact us. Our contact information is available here: http://www.buyastairlift.com/stair_lifts/contact_us.htm.

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N-95 Respiratory Masks & Resource Information http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/04/28/n-95-respiratory-masks-resource-information/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/04/28/n-95-respiratory-masks-resource-information/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:38:49 +0000 Administrator http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/?page_id=59 We are aware that there is a lot of information in the press regarding the H1N1 (Swine Flu). As always, we want to direct people to the most up-to-date information available from reliable sources. Below we are providing several links for your information.

Center for Disease Control
H1N1/Swine Flu Mapwith updated occurrences throughout the globe
How Does H1N1 Spread?
CDC Recommendations for Facemasks

Further, we began receiving numerous calls at the start of this regarding N-95 Respiratory Masks. As you know, we try to assist our customers in directing them to where they can get the best products at the most affordable rates. We did direct several customers to area medical supply companies that carry these types of supplies. Unfortunately, they then notified us that many of these local medical supply companies were out of respiratory masks. (Update: We realized that most of these companies have now had time to order sufficient supply – we again encourage you to check with them and possibly purchase a back-up supply should you need them).

Upon doing a search on the internet, we saw that nationwide many companies were out of stock on respiratory masks or that the products were on back-order. Further, we did see some price hiking occurring on these supplies. When a local customer called to inquire if we could obtain these supplies for her, we got to work on seeing what we could find out.

We located a reputable manufacturer that makes and distributes the N-95 masks. We inquired about their production schedule and if they expected to run out of their supply or be behind on production. They assured us that they’d had enough experience through the years as well as with SARS and they are prepared.

We are now a dealer for this company and have some N-95 Respiratory Masks in stock. Should you have inquiries please feel free to contact us.

The masks come in a box of 35 and are not prepackaged, if you are outside the Kansas City area, we do want to let you know that there will an additional cost for shipping to your area. So we strongly urge you to locate a local medical supply store.

The PFL® N-95 Particulate Respirator mask meets WHO and CDC recommended protection levels. Additionally, there is a disclaimer on the product that states that “this product does not eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection. Change immediately if the respirator comes in contact with blood or fluids, including body fluids. OSHA has not set a permissible exposure level for airborne biohazards.” The CDC and WHO have both encouraged use of respiratory masks, however, they are not endorsing them as resolving the risk of the H1N1 disease or virus.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC hopes to be informative for you – in all situations. If we can be of any help to you, please call us at 888-252-2205.

*We do not warrant any information on the links provided. We have attempted to connect you with reputable resources for educational purposes.

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Introducing Us to the Blog World http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/02/21/hello-world/ http://buyastairlift.com/blog1/2009/02/21/hello-world/#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:45:34 +0000 Administrator Welcome World. We are in the process of finding our blogging voice. Our goal with our blog is not only to support our customers at Homecare Suppliers – www.buyastairlift.com with useful information to assist in their mobility needs but also to raise awareness and information about seniors and disabilities that affect mobility.

We are excited about 2009 and our awareness campaign. As we take to the world wide web in new platforms and ways, we hope that you will be active with us in ensuring that we meet all your needs. Let us know how we can be of help or what we can discuss to keep you informed.

We thank you for your support and we thank those of you who are just finding us. We look forward to all that this year brings. Happy 2009!!

We appreciate the search engines that are hosting us in their directories. Thanks. As soon as we can figure out how to add you to our blogroll – we’ll do that!

alt="Blogio.net blog directory" />

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