We’re not trying to rush the seasons here — just offering a reminder. Now is the time to plan ahead and prepare for those “dog days,” because as fun as summer can be, there are special risks to consider, issues (like heat stroke, bee stings, and dehydration) that surface regularly in June, July and August. Make this summer safer and more enjoyable with these tips…

Here comes the sun: Extensive and unprotected sun exposure is not good for anyone, but the danger to seniors and children are far greater. Staying out in the heat too long, say the health experts at MedlinePlus, can cause heat stroke (a life-threatening illness), heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rash. Prevent a trip to the ER by drinking plenty of water and fluids that replenish salt and minerals; skip alcoholic or caffeinated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Cut down on the time you spend in the sun, but if you must soak up its warmth, protect your skin with sunblock, an umbrella, hat, or better yet, all three.

Also, many medications don’t mingle well with sun exposure. Read the warning labels carefully and avoid going outside for extended periods of time if the risks are too great. If you have to be outside, be sure to dress appropriately, use sunscreen, and stay fully hydrated. Ask your doctor what he/she recommends in terms of sun exposure (i.e. avoid it entirely or take certain precautions first).

Pet owners: don’t leave your furry friend in the car, even for just a quick errand. Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked car on a sunny (or hazy), warm day can reach the boiling point, causing serious damage or death to your beloved animal. Be sensitive to your pet’s heat tolerance at home too. It’s OK if Fido enjoys catching some rays in the backyard as long as there are shaded areas where he can get relief from the heat. Make sure there is always fresh, cool water for your pet to drink. Take shorter walks in the summertime, or take them earlier or later in the day, before the sun is at its strongest.

Heat is hazardous no matter where you are. Yes, it’s important to stay protected when you’re outside or traveling in the car, but keeping cool inside the house is equally important. This Summer Safety Guide for Seniors (from the New York Chapter of the Red Cross) offers several great tips for beating the heat all summer long. First, limit strenuous physical activity, particularly during the sun’s peak hours (10am to 4pm). If you must be active or need to exercise, get up early, says the article: the coolest part of the day is between 4 and 7am.

If your senior family member lives in an older home and doesn’t have central air or window units — or can’t afford the subsequent electric bills — there are a few cost-effective tricks for staying cool in the summer heat. First, break up the day by heading out to an air-conditioned restaurant, mall, movie theater, library, or local senior center. A cool bath or shower, or a damp cool washcloth (with ice cubes tucked inside) dabbed on the face, wrists and back of the neck may offer a welcome reprieve, says the Red Cross. (Note: the installation of grab bars in the bathroom may be a wise idea if you are concerned about a senior loved one who may take a cool shower during the day when you, the caregiver, is away.)

Another way to beat the heat: close the curtains on windows that get a lot of sunlight and hang out in the coolest part of the house (the basement feels great in the summer, doesn’t it?). Portable, hand-held fans/misters and strategically-placed box and standing fans also help keep the air moving.

Man vs. the machine: In the winter, you’re checking furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces and the like. In the summer, check your fans and cooling systems (whether you have central air or window units). Clean out dusty, dirty filters; examine circuits, plug-ins, and power sources, and if you have AC in your car, check your coolant levels.

Have an auto lift, vertical platform lift, or some other type of outdoor mobility equipment? Take time to check all the moving parts and make sure things are working properly. Check first with the company who installed the lift: they may provide professionals who can visit your home to service the equipment, or their team can offer guidance over the phone regarding how to perform a basic check. You can also call our 101 Mobility team at 1-888-249-3092 for assistance.

Strong summer storms can cause power outages, flash floods, fires, and other dangerous situations, particularly for seniors who live alone and in a rural area, away from neighbors or family. Disaster preparedness is key. 

This document from the CDC offers disaster planning tips for families of older adults. Besides having a basic emergency supply kit, the CDC recommends that seniors have “a personalized emergency plan listing where they can go in an emergency, what they should bring with them (such as medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids and extra batteries, oxygen, or assistive technologies), how they will get there, and who they should call for help.” Should evacuation be necessary, special provisions must be made to transport equipment for those family members who rely on a mobility, communication, or assistive device, such as a power scooter or walker (or a service animal). A list of medications, emergency information, doctors’ and pharmacy contact numbers should also be kept safely in a waterproof bag, says the CDC, along with a backup list of this same information at a friend’s home or other remote location.

Splash!

Nothing signals summer like a refreshing dip in the pool. But if you are disabled or have a mobility issue, getting in and out of the pool is a challenge that might prevent you from enjoying the feel of cool water against your skin on a hot July day.

If you have a pool or spa, now is the time to prepare it for the fast-approaching swimming season.

The ADA requires that pools open to the public (hotels, fitness centers, schools, etc.) have handicapped-accessible entrances. However, if you have your own pool, modifications and additions may be necessary. Even if you plan to swim at a public pool, you may still need a mobility accessory to help you get into the water.

101 Mobility offers a number of pool and spa lifts from trusted manufacturers like Aqua Creek, Harmar and Sterling (check them out here). All are ADA compliant and include such features as dual flip-up arm rests, a removable and adjustable footrest, a 360-degree power rotation, and high weight capacity. Some function on a rechargeable batter; others are manually operated. The spa lift in particular boasts a submersible remote control for safe and smooth movement in the hot tub or jacuzzi.

Always keep safety in mind, especially in regards to younger swimmers. For example, the grandchildren may think your pool lift is a novel way to make an entrance into the water, but they need to understand that it is a special type of mobility equipment and not a toy. Get other pool safety tips at PoolSafely.gov.

(Austin, TX)—Husband and wife team Bruce and Debra Dowden of Cedar Park are the owners/operators of 101 Mobility’s latest Texas Franchise serving Austin and surrounding areas, from South Austin to Waco. 101 Mobility Austin will join the Houston and San Antonio franchises in a recent string of 101 Mobility openings across the Lone Star State. As lifelong Texans, the Dowdens bring over three decades of management, purchasing, and finance experience to the organization. The Dowdens are active members in their community, and look forward to serving their neighbors with quality of life products that positively address personal mobility issues; allowing people to stay in their homes or “age-in-place”, despite facing everyday challenges such as stairways, raised porches, and other obstacles.

The Dowdens share a particular interest in helping the senior community, and felt that 101 Mobility offered a well-rounded model for assessing and supplying the mobility and accessibility needs of the seniors and mobility-challenged in their market. “Our goal is to be able to look back at the end of the day and see that we have helped people”, says Debra Dowden. “Through that, we hope to add value, not only to our lives, but to the community as a whole.”

101 Mobility Austin will focus on helping clients age-in-place by selling, installing, and servicing ramps, stair lifts, automobile lifts, patient lifts, vertical lifts, barrier-free baths and offering complete home modifications to incorporate total accessibility solutions. 101 Mobility is one of the nation’s largest sellers and installers of personal mobility products from well-known brands such as Bruno, Harmar, Liko, and many more.

101 Mobility is also a leader in providing services to our United States Veterans through the U.S. Veteran’s Administration. The Dowdens are especially excited to have the opportunity to give back to our Military Veterans. “Having  Veterans in our family, including a daughter and son-in-law that are currently serving on active duty, has made this opportunity to work with Veterans very special to us”, says Bruce Dowden.  “We consider it an honor to help those that have served and are proud to do so.”

101 Mobility is the franchising world’s first full-service sales, service, and installation provider of a complete line of mobility and accessibility products and equipment, including stair lifts, auto lifts, ramps, porch lifts, patient lifts, power wheelchairs, scooters and more. Short and long-term rentals are also available for home, office, and institution. By working with patients to identify which home health care devices best suit each individual’s needs, 101 Mobility provides an alternative to group homes and rehabilitation centers by allowing patients to live self-sufficiently in their homes.

For more information, visit www.101mobility.com or call 512.650.0354.

Life-long resident Matt Riordan is the owner/operator of 101 Mobility’s new 101 Mobility Franchise serving the D.C. Metro market and Northern Virginia. Riordan brings over a decade in franchise development experience having worked on both sides of the business (franchisor and franchisee). Riordan grew up in Alexandria and has a long history of working and living in this fast-paced market. When asked why he chose the 101 Mobility brand, he said, “I evaluated over 100 franchises over the past five years and wanted something that serviced the growing senior demographic and allowed me to use my business and marketing experience and entrepreneur passion. I felt like I hit a “home run” when I learned more about the 101 business model and brand.”

The 101 brand is one of the nation’s fastest growing and leading mobility solutions providers. It is “solution driven” and offers a “one-stop-shop” approach to anyone with accessibility or mobility needs. Riordan and his team will work closely to serve the needs of America’s Veterans, people seeking to age-in-place and/or increase their ability to move freely inside and outside their homes. He will also work closely with caregivers, churches, non-profit organizations and commercial businesses. “That is the rewarding part. I can help people live fuller lives by staying in their own homes and increasing the quality of their lives,” Riordan stressed.

The demand for mobility and accessibility products and services is growing rapidly as the population across the Country and in key states like Virginia see significant growth in people age 65 and up.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Virginia is one of the fastest growing markets for older demographics. The 2010 census reported a 40% increase in the population age 85 or greater and a 23% increase in the population age 65 and over from 2000 to 2012. For perspective, the overall population grew 13% during that same time period. The D.C. metro area also saw growth in some of those areas.

Clients come to101 Mobility for all their mobility needs; from ramps to stair lifts to patient lifts, to auto lifts and more. Not only does the company sell, service and install products, they also offer a number of product lines such as stair lifts and ramps for rental. In ad

Though everyone has moments of loneliness — whether they live alone or in a house full of people — seniors who are aging in place alone may experience it more frequently than others.

Granted for some seniors there are legitimate challenges to leaving home: loss of a driver’s license, problems with incontinence, anxiety, grief, doctor’s orders and more. As many would rather not burden their family or friends with transport requests, they opt to stay put.

Isolation doesn’t happen overnight, but simple choices (i.e. the mail can wait until tomorrow, I’m too tired to go to the hairdresser, etc.) add up quickly. Before long, the less time a person spends “out and about,” the more difficult it becomes to get out.

The Risks of Solitary Living

It’s important for seniors who live alone to regularly invite friends, neighbors or family members to join them for a meal (or go to a local restaurant, if possible, for the opportunity to engage socially). Eating alone too often may increase the risk of malnutrition, illness, infections, loss of appetite or even mental confusion, says this article from A Place for Mom.

Hoarding is another issue that, like isolation, can sneak up on a person gradually. It doesn’t take long before a few days of unopened, unsorted mail transforms into a heap of paper, or a few days of unwashed dishes or unemptied trash begins to smell, collect mold, or attract bugs. Again, the longer things are left undone, the harder it is to DO them, no matter how urgent the need.

The presence of mobility issues increases the risk of falling or sustaining an injury while trying to navigate through the house. Lifeline systems and medical alert bracelets are lifesaving tools that should be utilized by all seniors who live alone (regardless of mobility concerns).

Tips for Preventing Injuries

If you or someone you know is currently (or soon to be) aging in place alone, help them do so successfully. Consider these suggestions for creating a safe environment:

Make sure your home is barrier-free. Stay ahead of the hoarding curve by removing clutter throughout the home: in closets, in drawers, in cabinets, on tabletops, and in frequently used rooms. Then, clear paths for smoother, safer travels (whether by walking or power scooter); move/rearrange bulky furniture and remove trip hazards, like lamp cords and high-pile rugs.

Can you get in and out of the house with ease? If the answer is no, ramps or vertical lifts may be a worthwhile investment. 101 Mobility offers a number of options; check them out here.

If you travel outside the home, plan ahead. If you use a cane or walker, don’t leave it behind. Auto ramps and car lifts are practical solutions for seniors who want to leave the house on a regular basis. Check out our article on driving safety tips and car modifications to ease your travel woes and worries.

Is the bathroom safe? A majority of injuries and falls among home-bound seniors take place in the bathroom. Integrating non-slip surfaces and barrier-free baths, tubs, showers and other safety bath equipment, such as grab bars, make the bathroom less of a hazard.

Modify the home to better support aging in place. Widen hallways to accommodate a power scooter or power chair. Install countertops with rounded edges. Put lever-style handles on all doors. There are a number of things you can do to make the home mobility-friendly. Learn more here.

(NOTE: Many of these modifications can be expensive. Read our post, “Where the Heart Is: How to Pay for Home Modifications” for grants, loans and other available payment options.

Tips for Preventing Social Isolation

Be proactive against isolation or loneliness with these practical tips:

Set a routine; establish boundaries. Keep up with regularly scheduled appointments as much as possible. If getting together with friends or family happened sporadically before, make an effort to be more consistent about meeting now. You can say no to a dinner invite or a neighbor’s offer to drive you to the store on occasion, but don’t make it a habit.

Go outside. Unless you are physically limited to staying inside the home, try to get out — even just for a brief walk or to read a magazine on the porch — at least once a week.

Know your community resources. Visit or call your local AAA (Area Agency on Aging) office to find out about public transportation options, Meals on Wheels programs, nearby senior centers (most serve hot meals and provide daily activities), and other community-based support services.

Have people over. Can’t leave home but want company? Invite friends, family or neighbors for lunch, or to watch a favorite TV program together.

Stay connected. Skype, online forums, Facebook, email, and the good old-fashioned phone or letter: there are plenty of options for staying in touch from right where you are (you can even have stamps delivered directly to your mailbox).

Hire a companion. Most home care agencies offer companion services. Companions can help with errands and housework, assist with bill paying and letter writing, provide transportation to appointments, or simply come to visit and chat.

Hire a housekeeper. Maybe your Mom doesn’t need company, but she’s overwhelmed by housework. Bring in a cleaning service once a month, once a week — however often the services would be helpful — and prevent the home from becoming unsanitary or unsafe due to clutter.

Consider a roommate or pet. Use your best judgment here, but sometimes there is just no replacement for human companionship. Though a pet may be more work than help, a roommate (perhaps a friend who recently lost her spouse, or a grandchild who just moved back home after college) might be a desirable solution — and one that often benefits both parties.

- Michelle Seitzer

Male caregivers face some of the same challenges as women caregivers. They also face some unique challenges. Much like women, male caregivers are facing time constraints and obligations that are competing for their time and attention. Men are often still working while caring for a loved one and must juggle the demands of a work schedule and the uncertainty of what it will mean for their positions in the workplace if they need to take time off to care for a spouse or parent.

Like women, men are likely to get lost in the day to day responsibilities of care giving and lose site of the importance of taking time for themselves. As with any caregiver, we need to encourage men to take time out of their day to exercise, read a book, meditate or do something else they enjoy that brings them some sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. It is essential to their ability to care for themselves and their loved ones.

Also like women, men often times have difficulty asking for help. Because men tend to have a desire to “fix it”, they can not know when or how to ask for assistance. If you have a male caregiver in your family or network of friends, it is best to help with specific solutions or offers. ‘Can I bring dinner on Tuesday?’ ‘I am going to the store, give me your list and I will do your shopping.’ An open ended, ‘Let me know what I can do’ is often going to be left unanswered.

One obstacle men seem to continue to face in the world of caregiving is the perception that the caregiving role is a female one. Some male caregivers report being overshadowed by female counterparts or not being taken seriously by employers, medical professionals or support organizations. As the number of male caregivers increase, this is sure to change. Until then it is important to acknowledge the important work they are doing.

Male caregivers also frequently report feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the tasks at hand. For many male caregivers the need to multitask and meet the demands of caregiving while also learning new skills can cause a great deal of anxiety. Men also face the obstacle of being unfamiliar with social service agencies which can be a source of support and assistance during these difficult times.

Thankfully, as the number of male caregivers has been increasing, so have the number of support groups specifically targeting men. And because men tend to rely on technology as a caregiving resource, they have had a fairly easy time finding these local support groups. These local and online support groups can be extremely helpful to men as they navigate the often difficult tasks associated with caregiving.

If you are a caregiver who needs assistance or support, information on local caregiver support groups can be found through your local area Agencies on Aging, the various disease associations, and by searching online.

We applaud all the caregivers out there who so selflessly give of themselves to their loved ones. Please remember to take care of yourself and to ask for help when needed.

For the elderly, there are many reasons why dehydration is a major concern. Many retired adults move to warmer clients. Those who live in warmer climates are prone to increased sweating and should take in additional fluids. Older adults are more frequently on high fiber diets. When on a high fiber diet, it is also recommended that you take in additional fluids. Elderly patients also tend to be on medications that can increase fluid loss. For those losing their sense of balance, there is the additional concern about falling and they may avoid extra tips to the kitchen for that essential glass of water. All of these reasons contribute to the risk of dehydration for our older population.

Without enough fluid intake, the elderly face a long list of possible side effects. If you are caring for a loved one or are worried about your own health, there are many symptoms of dehydration that you should be aware of. They can include, but are not limited to:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Labored speech
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken eyeballs
• Urinary tract infections
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Inability to sweat or produce tears
• Rapid heart rate
• Decrease in urine output

The long term effects of dehydration are severe. Lack of water can cause a wide variety of problems including chronic pain, weight gain, loss of muscle tone, arthritis, hypertension, and constipation.

To avoid problems with dehydration, it is essential to drink even if you don’t feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle next to your chair or bed to sip on during the day. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, be sure to ask if they have a hydration program in place. Vary your beverage selection throughout the day and be sure to not just drink during meals, but throughout the day. Consume lots of high water content foods to increase water intake. Soups, jell-o, yogurt, fruits and vegetables are great ways to increase your fluid intake.

With consistent hydration, you will feel better. Water is essential for carrying nutrients throughout the body and cushioning the joints. Imagine how great you will feel when you are consuming enough water each and every day!

Please consult your doctor for more information on the importance of staying hydrated and how it corresponds to your personal health situation.

* Source: Health Care Financing Administration

With the new Elan SRE-3000 stair lift, you will once again be able to safely use the stairs in your home. Enjoy quality features including:

• Safety sensors that stop the stairlift whenever an obstruction is encountered
• Continuous charge strips along the rail ensure safe use even during power outages
• Height adjustable, offset swivel seat for safe exit at the top of the stairs
• Can be installed to within 5” of the wall
• Can be installed on either side of the stairway
• Fold up armrests, seat, and footrests - Takes up only 12” of space when all are in the fold-up position
• Comes with 2 wireless call/send controls

The Elan stair lift has been specially designed for those homes that have a narrow hallway or entry way area at the bottom of the stairs. The “Flip-Up” folding rail option on the Bruno Elan stairlift enables you to release the bottom portion of the rail and fold it up and out of the way. The locking lever can be released with the push of your foot or walking cane and the light weight rail easily folds up with the assistance of a gas spring leaving the walkway at the bottom of the stairs clear.

At 101 Mobility, we are proud to carry the finest mobility products available today. The Bruno Elan stairlift is sure to become one of our most popular offerings as it allows homeowners the ability to age in place and live independently in the homes they love.

For more information on the Bruno Elan stairlift, please contact the 101 Mobility location nearest you.

Made by Bruno, the Turning Automotive Seat is a unique solution that helps you to easily enter or exit your vehicle.  Most Bruno Turning Automotive Seats come with custom mounting kits that fit into your car without requiring any additional modifications. Some of the turning seat models are even versatile enough to be installed on the drivers or passenger’s side of your vehicle. Bruno turning seats can accommodate a maximum weight capacity ranging from 220 to 330 pounds depending on the style of seat chosen. Bruno turning seats are specially designed to meet or exceed Federal safety standards. Most Bruno turning seats qualify for reimbursement under the terms of the Mobility Programs offered by most major auto manufacturers.

At 101 Mobility, we offer a wide variety of Turning Automotive Seat models for you to choose from. The team at your local 101 Mobility can help you find just the right Turning Automotive Seat to meet your needs. For more information on the available Bruno Turning Automotive Seat models, please contact your local 101 Mobility office today.

(Rochester, NY)—Life-long Rochester resident Miguel Millan is the owner/operator of 101 Mobility’s new Rochester franchise serving Rochester and surrounding areas. Millan brings over 10 years of experience in the medical field to the organization. He is a life-long resident of upstate New York where he dedicated himself to serving as a NY State Medic. He has also worked over eight years with a local, well-known physician and with Lincare, a supplier of respiratory services.

Millan said he has always been an advocate for patients by helping them navigate insurance issues and overcome language barriers.  He noted, “I feel strongly about doing the right thing. I want to help clients and make sure they get the best deal and the best products and services for their individual needs.”  Millan noted a desire to focus on the durable medical equipment (DME) industry due to the growing need and the opportunity to be a “one-stop-shop” for aging-in-place and all home modification needs. He will be working with aging and disabled patients to identify which home health care devices best suit their needs and provide them the freedom to live self-sufficiently in their own homes. 101 Mobility also offers mobility products for commercial use at businesses, schools, hospitals, rehab clinics, government complexes and anywhere that has public access.

Millan commented, “My team and I are committed and passionate about helping Rochester’s older population “age-in-place” while they continue to enjoy the freedom and independence they deserve. Upstate New York is such a beautiful place to live. We want clients to enjoy it for their entire lives.  They’ve worked hard and deserve the type of quality-of-life living at home in Rochester offers. And, as a leading provider of auto lifts offering such well-known brands as Bruno and Harmar,  we can help clients with wheelchairs, power chairs and scooters have total mobility outside the home.”

Bringing 101 Mobility to Upstate New York offers residents the perfect solution for any mobility need such as ramps, auto lifts, stair lifts, patient lifts, vertical platform lifts, barrier free baths and so much more. We have the expertise, the local presence and the strength of a national leader like 101 Mobility,” added Millan.  In addition, all installations are done by an experienced, trained installer and short term rentals as well as long-term rentals are available for many products.

101 Mobility is the franchising world’s first full-service sales, service and installation provider of a complete line of mobility and accessibility products and equipment, including stair lifts, auto lifts, ramps, porch lifts, patient lifts, power wheelchairs, scooters and more. By working with patients to identify which home health care devices best suit each individual’s needs, 101 Mobility provides an alternative to group homes and rehabilitation centers by allowing patients to live self-sufficiently in their homes. For more information, visit www.101mobility.com or call 585-270-5689