101 Mobility Opens Franchise in Austin Market

New Company Fills Niche for Empowering the Disabled and Mobility Challenged in Austin

(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.

101 Mobility Introduces Bruno’s new Chariot (ASL-700)

With the Bruno Chariot (ASL-700), 101 Mobility will help you keep your small, fuel efficient vehicle and still be able to transport a scooter or wheelchair. And, you can easily equip multiple vehicles as long as they have a Class I or II trailer hitch.

Empower  yourself to take your wheelchair, power chair or scooter wherever you travel. The Chariot backs up without effort using 360 degree caster wheels. It has its own suspension and follows the car precisely and there is no extra weight or force on the car. When attached to many cars, It is often no longer than a minivan thus allowing easy parking in most garages.

Put a trailer hitch on multiple vehicles and get the ultimate in flexibility. You decide which car to take when. With a hitch, the Chariot ASL-700 can be part of your travel plans wherever you go.

The new Chariot ASL-700  from Bruno takes transporting a wheelchair or scooter to a whole new level. It gives users the flexibility to go where they want and drive what they want.

A few highlights of the Bruno ASL-700 Chariot include:

• The Bruno ASL-700 Chariot is specially designed to meet the needs of those who wish to transport their scooters or power chairs behind a small or mid-sized car.
• When used in conjunction with a smaller car, together they are shorter than a full-sized pickup truck.
• Together a car and Bruno Chariot will fit in most garages.
• The Bruno ASL-700 Chariot can be used with three and four wheel scooters, mid-wheel drive power chairs, front- and rear-wheel drive power chairs, and manual wheelchairs with seating systems.
• Swivel wheels and independent suspension means you don’t have to worry about ‘jackknifing’. The Chariot goes where you go!
• The easy fold, self-leveling, drive on/off platform is designed for your safety.
• The ASL-700 Chariot’s self-tensioning retractable  belts can easily be connected with just one hand.
• Running/brake lights and turn signals make night driving safe.
• Comes with one button operation with on/off key and manual backup for easy operation.
• All Bruno car lifts are eligible for reimbursement under the terms of the Mobility Programs offered by most major vehicle manufacturers.

101 Mobility is a proud Bruno dealer and looks forward to offering this new, innovative product to clients across the Country.

Where the heart is: how to pay for home modifications

By Michelle Seitzer

Aging in place (AIP) costs considerably less than assisted living care, but it’s not free.

Though funds are dwindling for many senior-related programs (Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have all spent ample time on the chopping block lately), there are still a number of federal, state, local and private organizations that offer financial support to seniors who want to stay where the heart is.

To begin – because first you might need to sell the idea to skeptical family members, or just figure out what modifications are needed before getting the capital to do it – get to know what services and resources are offered in your home state via these helpful sites:

• Search for home repair and modification resources in your region at Eldercare.gov.
• HomeMods.org is a national information clearinghouse on all things related to home modifications. Professionals and consumers alike can peruse an extensive resource directory on the site.
• Not sure if your own home or a senior loved one’s residence is adaptable for AIP? Most are, but the WellCome Home site helps you clearly see the potential and know where to direct your energies and efforts when it’s time to transform the home.
• Download this Home Safety Checklist from Rebuilding Together, Inc. to remove fall hazards and resolve accessibility issues, many of which may be implemented without spending a dime.

Should the need arise for assistive equipment (such as power chairs or stair lifts) or home modifications (like wheelchair ramps or door-opening systems), here are a few ways to ease the burden of purchasing or installing these costly components.

Claim a deduction. Russell Glickman, a DC-based home design and remodeling expert, recommends conferring with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to find out whether you or a loved one is eligible to deduct the cost of home modifications on your federal income tax. You need a written recommendation from your doctor as proof that the modifications are medically necessary. Glickman also states that you can claim a deduction for the costs of operating and maintaining the modifications, whether or not the stair lift, ramp, or other equipment qualified as a medical expense. Home improvements (or capital expenses) that may be deducted per the IRS.gov are as follows:

• Constructing entrance or exit ramps for your home.
• Widening doorways at entrances or exits to your home.
• Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways.
• Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms.
• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment.
• Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures.
• Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).
• Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems.
• Modifying stairways.
• Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere (whether or not in bathrooms).
• Modifying hardware on doors.
• Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways.
• Grading the ground to provide access to the residence.

Note: You can only itemize these deductions if the main purpose of installation is medical care for you, a spouse or dependent (modifications made for aesthetic, architectural or other personal reasons do not qualify). Permanent improvements that boost your property’s value may be partially included as a deduction; in this case, the cost of the home modification is reduced by the amount of the property value increase (whatever the difference is what your qualified medical expense to deduct will be). If the home modification does not increase your property value, you can deduct the whole cost as a medical expense.

Visit the Area Agency on Aging. Every state offers different incentives, programs, and benefits to their senior residents. The best way to learn about them all, in addition to any tax credits or federal monies available through Medicare, Medicaid (in some states, you may be able to qualify for funding via the Medicaid HCBS – home and community-based services – waiver), HUD, the VA, or the USDA that would be disbursed through the state, is at your local Area Agency on Aging. The AAA is a one-stop-shop neighborhood branch of your state’s department that handles senior care (i.e. Department of Aging, Department of Public Welfare, etc.). Go to Eldercare.gov or N4A.org to find your AAA by zip code, city or county.

Apply for grants or take advantage of state assistive technology projects to make your home wheelchair accessible. According to HomeMods.org, funding is available for this specific modification through the Department of Veteran Affairs (call 800-827-1000 or your local VA for more details) and via the United Cerebral Palsy Association (call 800-872-5827). The IRS also permits those with disabilities to claim some of these expenses as a tax deduction. Check in with the National Council on Independent Living Center (call 703-525-3406) to get local funding information and referral services.

Get a loan to add a room. If Mom is moving in and she has health needs or disabilities, you may be eligible for government funding. FannieMae offers the HomeChoice program, Home Keeper program, and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (get more details at eFanniemae, or visit the local office). In Texas, New Mexico, California and Illinois, residents can apply for a Home Modifications Loan for Homeowners (with fixed interest rates and low minimum loan amounts) via Bank of America, under the “Access Loans” category. For more information, call 800-843-2632 (in CA, IL) or 800-900-9000 (in TX, NM).

Contact local foundations and non-profit organizations. Some may offer financial assistance or services referrals for those providing care for someone with disabilities or diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Easter Seals and Rebuilding Together both offer low- or no-cost community-based home modification and repair programs.

Take out a second/reverse mortgage. If you have the equity, this is a good way to secure a loan for a home modification, which, if done well, should add value to the home as more people will be seeking homes where aging in place is possible. You must be over 62 to secure funding via a reverse mortgage. (Learn more about reverse mortgages here.)

Check your insurance policies. The National Association of Home Builders says that some programs (auto insurance, worker’s compensation, long term care policies, state catastrophic accident insurance plans, and medical trust funds) might cover the costs of a home modification.

Move your parents in. If you have decided it’s best for Mom and Dad to just move in with you so you can provide care more readily, Glickman says you may be able to use proceeds from the sale of their home to make an accessible suite at your residence. He adds that adult children can avail themselves of the space in the future too, as their own care needs change.

Ready to consider a home modification for a family member’s residence, or your own? 101 Mobility has a full line of products (stairlifts, auto lifts, ramps, and more) and a team of highly-trained professional installers standing by to get AIP construction underway. Learn more about our services and find the local office serving you at http://101mobility.com/locator/.

Additional Sources:

• HomeMods.org
• National Association of Home Builders 

101 Mobility Houston Prevents Falls with Vertical Lift Installation

Glen and Deanna Geggatt, of 101 Mobility’s Houston location, may be new to the mobility business, but they are passionate about helping their customers remain safe in their homes. Recently they received a call from a client who had fallen down the three steps that lead from the house to the garage. Thankfully their client sustained no injuries. However, just a few months prior he had fallen down those same stairs and been hospitalized for some fairly significant injuries. Something needed to be done to prevent this from happening again.

When Glen and Deanna arrived that day to discuss mobility options, the homeowner, his wife, and his son were all there to discuss options and share their concerns. The homeowner and his wife both wanted to remain in the home and maintain their independence and mobility. While the son’s main concern was ensuring their safety.

With just three small steps between them and their safety, Glen and Deanna knew a solution was at hand. The problem was the poorly constructed steps had variations in rise. The first step was positioned with a 10” rise, the second with a 7” rise, and the third at an 8” rise. The variations in rise were making it incredibly easy for the homeowners to misjudge their footing, causing them to fall.

The solution was for 101 Mobility to remove the old steps and install a deck or platform at the same height as the garage door leading from the house. The next step was to install a new set of stairs with a uniform rise height making it easier to climb the stairs to the platform. Additionally, a vertical platform lift was installed so that the homeowners did not need to use the stairs at all if they did not want to.

This solution provided two easily accessible ways for the homeowner to enter the home from the garage. With these solutions in place the homeowner is now able to maintain their independence and mobility and continue to “age in place.”

The final result of this solution from 101 Mobility Houston was a very happy homeowner and a son who was “ecstatic” that his parents could now enter and exit their home safely.

Rent Ramps, Chairlifts and Vertical Lifts from 101 Mobility

At 101 Mobility, we understand that sometimes you have a temporary need for mobility equipment. There may be a time when a wheelchair bound loved one or friend is coming to stay and you need a ramp to provide them easy access to your home. Or possibly you or a family member is having surgery and will require a chairlift for several weeks during rehabilitation. Whatever the reason you require temporary mobility equipment, 101 Mobility is here to meet all your needs.

We offer a wide range of affordable rental mobility equipment. Our rental programs include:

• Ramps. For your short term ramp needs, our modular ramps provide the solution you have been searching for. The rental package for ramps includes set up, removal and any cleanup needed during these two events.  We can install ramps in both residential and commercial settings. With our modular ramp rentals there is no permanent impact to the property. These ramps are ideal for your short term rental needs.
• Chairlifts. If you have someone in your home that needs assistance with temporary access to the second floor, a chairlift rental will meet your needs. Chairlifts can be installed in both residential and commercial settings. All chairlifts are installed by our trained, certified installers ensuring that your stairlift is safe for use. If your need ends up being long term, ask us how your rental can be turned into a purchase.
• Vertical Lifts. If you need to provide access to decks, porches or stairways, our vertical lift rental program is ideal for your short term need. Our vertical lift rental program offers the safe, easy and affordable access you need. Our vertical lifts provide access for wheelchairs, scooters and powerchairs. They can be installed in both residential and commercial locations and in both exterior and interior settings. All vertical lift rentals are installed by our trained, professional installers.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our rental programs, please contact your local 101 Mobility location.

Did You Know 101 Mobility Installs Modular Wheelchair Ramps?

When you need more than a portable ramp for your home, the best solution is a modular wheelchair ramp. The modular wheelchair ramp offers the durability and strength of a wooden structure without the lengthy construction time and maintenance hassles. The modular wheelchair ramps from 101 Mobility can be installed as a permanent or semi-permanent structure at your home and offer you the design flexibility and easy installation you want in a ramp.

With a modular ramp from 101 Mobility, you get a ramp that requires less hardware and no preassembly. Our modular wheelchair ramps are made from aluminum and are designed for durability and to withstand the elements. The sides are flush and finished so you don’t have to worry about any sharp edges protruding into the usable ramp space. They are completely safe for everyone to use. Our expert staff will design the ramp to work with the entrance to your home so that the configuration is easy to use and maneuver with your wheelchair or scooter.

Our certified trained installers can have your wheelchair ramp installed in just a couple of hours. Installation is quick and easy because the ramps, handrails, and platforms all come preassembled. We don’t need to anchor our modular wheelchair ramps into concrete footings or pads. They come with integrated independently adjustable supports making installation on any surface simple and straight forward. Our professional installers are adept at ensuring your ramp will be secure and safe for all who use it.

Need to have your ramp removed or relocated to another entrance? No problem. We can do that too. That is one of the real benefits of modular wheelchair ramps; they can be easily removed, reassembled, and used again without any trouble at all.

The modular wheelchair ramp you purchase from 101 Mobility will come with an extruded skid resistant surface for safety and will be 36” wide. Our ramps have an 850 pound weight capacity. Their low maintenance design can even be custom colored to complement the exterior of your home.

To learn more about our selection of modular wheelchair ramps, please contact the 101 Mobility location nearest you.

101 Mobility Carries a Wide Variety of Bruno Auto Lifts

Making it easier to get around is one of the ways that we help our customers improve their lifestyle each and every day. At 101 Mobility, we believe that maintaining your independence is one of the best ways to stay young at heart. When you rely on the assistance of a scooter or wheelchair to get around, it can sometimes be challenging to get out and enjoy everyday activities. With the assistance of a Bruno auto lift, it is easy to get out and get moving again.

Bruno auto lifts offer those who use a scooter or wheelchair the ability to easily transport their mobility device inside or outside their car, truck or van. The wide selection of Bruno auto lifts available at 101 Mobility means that you should have an easy time finding an auto lift that meets your needs and budget. Our selection includes auto lifts that are mounted on the rear of your vehicle and that transport your scooter or wheelchair on a platform. We also have auto lifts that lift and move your scooter or wheelchair into your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space for transport away from the elements. Whichever type of auto lift you prefer, our professional staff can help you sort through the details to help you find the model that meets your needs.

Many of the auto lifts available from Bruno come with custom mounting packages that do not require you to make any additional modifications to your vehicle. This helps to maximize the resale value of your car. All Bruno auto lifts are also eligible for reimbursement under the terms of the Mobility Programs offered by most major auto manufacturers.

When you find it difficult to disassemble your scooter after each use, or if you find it hard to lift a wheelchair in and out of your vehicle, it is time to investigate the advantages of a Bruno auto lift. The professionals at your local 101 Mobility location can help you to find the auto lift that will meet your needs.

Bathroom Safety Should be a Top Priority

When a loved one is disabled or aging, and wishes to maintain their independence by staying in their home, bathroom safety needs to become a top priority.  At 101 Mobility, we understand the importance of bathroom safety and have worked with hundreds of homeowners to make their bathrooms a safe place.

We offer a complete line of bath safety products to meet all of your needs.  Because most falls in the bathroom happen as people enter or exit the bathtub, we offer the Safety-Step Bath Door. This product lowers the threshold of entry into the bathtub to 9” making it easier to get into and out of the tub.  It includes a water-tight seal.  The Safety-Step Bath Door can even be installed on your existing tub for your convenience, eliminating the need for a lengthy and expensive bathroom remodel.

Grab bars are another important bath safety modification item.  Grab bars around the tub can help ease the transition in and out of the tub. It is important to note that no one should ever use towel bars to ease the transition in and out of the tub. Towel bars simply cannot support you if you slip or fall.  101 Mobility can position and install grab bars to help you get around your bathroom with ease.

Many of our clients also require transfer benches or toilet safety frames to ensure their safety in the bathroom. 101 Mobility has a wide range of products in this area to help you feel comfortable and safe in the bathroom. There is no need to worry about your safety when the team from 101 Mobility is around. We have the experience to answer your questions and provide the top quality products that will ensure your safety in the bathroom.

For more information about 101 Mobility’s complete line of bathroom safety products, please contact your local 101 Mobility location.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) and 101 Mobility

101 Mobility is proud to help America’s Veterans. Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA), Veterans may receive “home improvements necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.” We work with Veterans each and every day to help them improve mobility in their homes.

With 101 Mobility and the HISA, Veterans can:

• Replace all bathroom tubs with shower stalls complete with molded or pull-down seats
• Install non-skid strips or slip-resistant tiles in the shower
• Install grab bars in the shower stalls and toilet area
• Install hand-held showerhead
• Install raised toilet seats
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs for better support
• Replace carpeting and tile flooring with non-slip/skid type flooring
• Install non-skid rubber strips on the edge of stairs to help prevent falls
• Convert kitchen cabinets into drawers to hold pots and pans for easier access
• Replace door knobs with lever handles
• Install lever-handle faucets in kitchen and bathrooms
• Consider increasing door opening sizes to as much as 36 to 42 inches
• Install a permanent or portable wheelchair ramp
• Install a stairlift or chairlift

Your local 101 Mobility location is ready to help you with need HISA improvements and alterations. All of our 101 Mobility locations are GSA Contract Holders, and have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve a completely functional and accessible home, customized for your needs.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact your local 101 Mobility location.

Things to Consider Before Investing in a Mobility Solution

As baby boomers age and are forced to make important decisions regarding their long-term care, many choose to stay at home and “age in place,” rather than be moved to a nursing home or assisted living facility when faced with disabilities. Choosing to remain in their own home gives people a sense of comfort and security of familiar surroundings and allows them to maintain personal relationships and connections to their community, friends and family. These benefits are crucial for aging gracefully and independently, but the right measures need to be taken in order to ensure comfort and safety at home.

With falls being the number one cause of home fatalities among the senior population, this is one of the most important issues that should be addressed when assessing an elderly loved one’s safety at home. If you find that your senior’s well-being is compromised due to declining health or disabilities, it may be time to consider investing in a mobility solution. Everyday activities such as climbing stairs or navigating from one room to another can become a hazard, but are easily preventable and manageable with the right equipment. In addition to the more commonly used scooters and walkers, mobility and accessibility equipment can also include auto lifts, stair lifts, turning seats, modular ramps, platform lifts, hospital beds and so much more. When helping your senior decide what mobility solution to invest in, it’s important to consider what options are best suited for his or her needs depending on the ailment, structure of the home, budget and financing tools.

The process of finding the right solution for your elderly loved one can be overwhelming at first glance—with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pinpoint what will be the most helpful. The first step is to evaluate your elder’s needs based on his or her current state of health and living conditions. Survey the order and appearance of the senior’s home and take note of the overall state of the house. Is there an unusual amount of clutter piling up? Are items in disarray or put in the wrong place? If so, these may be signs that the elder is having difficulty walking from room to room and could benefit from a walker or wheelchair to help him or her maneuver safely and efficiently. Is he or she reluctant to climb or descend stairs? A motorized stair lift can be installed on the staircase to eliminate the risk of slipping or falling.

Besides installing ramps or lifts, there are many small changes that can be made around the home that are often overlooked but aid immensely in maintaining mobility throughout a house. Sharp corners in the kitchen, for example, can be dangerous if a senior should happen to fall. Make sure counters and tabletops have “bullnose” or rounded corners to prevent more serious injuries. Lower the shelving in cabinets so seniors don’t have to rely on step stools or stooping down to grab necessary items. In the bathroom, grab bars installed in the tub or shower add extra support, in addition to a shower chair and removable shower nozzle. For more ease in the living room, consider extending the legs of furniture by a few inches so a senior doesn’t have to rock to get up. If he or she still has trouble rising, a lift chair, which pushes the entire chair up from its base, can be helpful in moving to a standing position. The important thing for a mobile senior is to keep moving. Canes and walkers are great tools to encourage activity.

After evaluating your elderly loved one’s needs, it’s important to research mobility solutions thoroughly, in order to determine costs and financing options. Even with good health insurance, mobility equipment can be tight on the budget for many seniors, but is very affordable with the right plan. Many mobility equipment providers offer financing in the form of monthly payments to qualified customers. This is a good option for those who need the equipment but have to pay small amounts over time. When financing your purchase through credit, be sure to read the fine print to find out if a down payment is required, what the application fees and interest rates are and exactly what your monthly payment will be. This ensures there are no unwelcome surprises down the road. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover a large portion of a new wheelchair or other powered device with a qualified medical professional’s statement that it’s medically necessary.

For those who do not have insurance or don’t qualify for government assistance, there are numerous places to look for free or inexpensive mobility equipment. Local churches and senior centers may have used equipment that has been donated by the public or hospitals and nursing homes often keep their older model wheelchairs to sell or rent out after they update to new models. Also, look for deals on the bulletin boards at nursing homes, assisted living or veteran facilities. When purchasing second-hand wheelchairs or any other equipment, have it examined by a professional to make sure it’s safe to use.

There’s a lot to consider before investing in a mobility solution but choosing the right product will aid immensely in helping a senior maintain independence and mobility in their cherished home. If you or a loved one is unsure of where to begin the process, contact your local mobility solution provider for more information.

Dave Pazgan is the CEO of Wilmington, NC-based 101 Mobility, a franchised provider and installer of a broad range of high-quality, affordable brands of mobility and accessibility equipment. 101 Mobility consultants and service personnel professionally install and service auto lifts, stair lifts, turning seats, modular ramps, platform lifts and more for seniors and individuals of all ages with limited mobility caused by injuries or disabilities. 101 Mobility also provides power wheelchairs and scooters and medical equipment including walkers, canes, hospital beds, therapeutic pumps and more. 101 Mobility expects to have more than 150 franchises in operation within five years. Prime franchise territories are available nationwide. For more information, visit www.101mobility.com or call 910.350.2755.