101 Mobility Chicago Opens to Bring Mobility Solutions to Chicago Doorsteps

Nick and Elizabeth Lopez are proud to announce the opening of 101 Mobility Chicago. Nick and Elizabeth represent 101 Mobility’s 21^st franchisee. The husband and wife team have always dreamed of starting a business that leverages their combined experiences while contributing something more meaningful within the community.

With backgrounds in business and finance, Nick and Elizabeth’s skill-sets are well balanced to start and grow the 101 Mobility business that will service Chicago and surrounding areas. Nick brings twenty years of progressive marketing and sales operations experience to their new venture, gained working in the mobile-telecom industry. Familiar with working in a small start-up environment, he understands the importance and power of true customer service. Elizabeth, with skills in project management and accounting manages the financial operations of 101 Mobility Chicago. Both continue to volunteer and lead in their local community school programs.

The Lopez family makes it a point to stay engaged in their children’s schools and with local community events.

“We’ve always shared with our children the importance of following your dreams, working hard, to love what you do and find ways to give back to your community. So when we found that a 101 Mobility franchise system was available in Illinois it was immediately clear to us that this is a business we wanted to be part of, launch and grow in the broader Chicagoland area.”

Nick and Elizabeth recognize that residents of Chicago and surrounding suburbs are becoming increasingly concerned about the thought of having to leave their home as they age. This means leaving behind familiar faces, comforts and precious memories.

“A certain amount of control is lost when one leaves home and this control provides the underpinning to our feelings of dignity, quality of life and independence. Home provides a strong sense of security. But the incidence of limited mobility in our communities is far more common than most people realize and when a solution is needed to restore personal mobility, 101 Mobility should be the first on the list to contact.”

101 Mobility Chicago is a one-stop shop for accessibility solutions. Nick and Elizabeth Lopez are committed to providing customers with  handshake style customer service paired with a variety of quality mobility products ranging from wheelchair ramps to stair lifts.  The top-notch product offerings are matched with friendly, local authorized service technicians to ensure things are done right the first time. Day by day, the Lopez’ are increasing their reach with a focused marketing campaign and building community alliances with non-profits, state agencies and other organizations concentrated on improving the lives of Chicago’s aging and disabled population. They invite people to call and to ask questions about their mobility or accessibility situation – the 101 Mobility team is there to listen first and offer guidance second.  Nick and Elizabeth further explain,

“We are small family owned business that relies on referrals and we welcome calls from people to ask questions, share stories, their comments and suggestions.”

Call 312.462.0430 or visit http://chicago.101mobility.com/ for assistance or additional information.

Pittsburghers Open 101 Mobility to Improve Mobility Across Western PA

Greg Slepecki, Franchise Owner and his son Brad are proud to announce the opening of 101 Mobility Pittsburgh. These Pittsburgh natives are committed to helping Western Pennsylvania families improve their mobility inside and outside of the home. 101 Mobility Pittsburgh represents 101 Mobility’s 22^nd national franchise opening.

101 Mobility Pittsburgh is a locally owned, family operated business. The Slepeckis were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and understand the unique mobility needs of residents from the rough, hilly Pittsburgh terrain. They explained how most homes in the area are two to three level homes with upstairs bathrooms and downstairs kitchens, making stair lifts a must-have for those who plan to successfully age in place.

This charismatic father and son team have seen first-hand how people with mobility challenges have become an under-served demographic. It is their goal to provide the reliable mobility solutions that every Pittsburgh resident should have at their fingertips. Greg adds,

“The residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are good people, blue-collar families who just want to stay in the home that they raised their children in.”

Greg recalled a personal experience with his late mother to describe how his parents relied on a stair lift to age comfortably in their home,

“My mother was nearly blind to the point of counting steps…she would count each step as she climbed the stairwell. We searched everywhere for something to help and there was no go-to name or business for mobility equipment in Pittsburgh; I think there is a general lack of awareness for what’s available.”

Prior to joining the 101 Mobility family, Greg Slepecki worked in one of Pittsburgh’s oldest companies as the President of Matthew’s International Architectural Group. He ran seven international manufacturing plants from Australia to Canada, California and New York. From constructing the memorial for Elvis Presley’s grave to engraving super bowl trophies, Greg has been a part of it all. Son, Brad Slepecki is experienced in disaster restoration/construction with a talent for exemplary customer care and relationship building. Brad will join the service and sales teams as Greg oversees the operation. The Slepeckis are also happy to have Primio LaLama join their 101 team as the top sales and technical person.  Primio has been providing Pittsburgh families with 101 Mobility products for over three years.

Brad and Greg believe that their broader breadth of mobility products ranging from wheelchair ramps to porch lifts and more, in-depth product knowledge and franchise support system which allows for more ingenuity, will give them an upper hand over any competition. This Pittsburgh duo is working hard to brand themselves as the number one source for accessibility solutions across Western Pennsylvania with the goal of becoming a household name.

Call 412.428.9485 or visit http://pittsburgh.101mobility.com/ for assistance or additional information.

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.

Movin’ right along: driving safety tips & car modifications for seniors

By Michelle Seitzer

Let’s get one thing straight: older drivers are safer drivers.

They clock fewer miles, wear seat belts regularly, stay home in bad weather conditions, and avoid rush hour like the accident-prone plague it is. They’re not often charged with speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence.

Experts at Hartford Auto Insurance say that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. However, risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function do increase the risk of accidents and injuries among older drivers.

When it comes to senior issues, the hottest buzz words are undoubtedly independence and dignity. These two qualities are clearly the foundation on which the ideal senior life is built. And nothing demolishes that foundation like losing the ability to drive.

It happens all the time – whether the doctor says “no more” or a spouse, child, or caregiver’s concerns lead them to admonish an older driver to hand over the keys. In some cases though, seniors are asked to give up driving because the physical act of driving itself – or just getting into/out of the vehicle – becomes difficult.

But in the same way that hearing aids and bi-focals can ease the frustrations rendered by age-related losses, car modifications can make driving safer and easier, extending a senior’s time on the road and granting them added years of freedom to come and go when and where they please.

Modifications That Make Driving Easier, Safer

Consider these simple car modifications, recommended by Hartford Auto (note: do not try these at home; consult a trained professional to install any of these recommended devices):

1. Cushions – improve your view of the road and rear-view reflections with an expert-approved cushion (in other words, your bed pillow won’t suffice). Ask an Occupational Therapist (OT) for recommendations on cushions that make the grade and ensure that your seat, belt, and air bags will not be hindered by the extra padding.
2. Pedal Extenders – some of us will lose height as we age, and some are already vertically challenged. As it is 110% crucial that drivers can adequately reach the pedals, look into pedal extenders (if your vehicle does not already have an adjustable pedals option).
3. Spinner Knobs – those who have experienced an amputation or have weakness in one arm could benefit from this device, which allows you to turn the steering wheel with one hand without compromising your safety and overall control of the vehicle. Check with your OT for advice.
4. Hand Controls – sensory changes in your feet (perhaps due to an amputation or other surgeries) can impact your ability to safely operate the essential brake/gas pedals. Look into adaptive hand controls; you’ll need training on exactly how to use them before you make your first hand-control-guided trek.

Challenged by the very act of getting into and out of the car, or getting around when you reach your destination? 101 Mobility offers the following options – along with skilled professionals who can install them:

1. Sedans – Two styles of auto lifts are available; the Bruno model lets you store your scooter/power chair either in the trunk or on the outside of your vehicle. Harmar lifts keep the scooter safely in tow at the car’s back end.
2. SUVs – Again, Bruno and Harmar models allow interior/exterior auto lift storage of your mobility device. And, the power’s in your hands: raise or lower the lift at the touch of a button; as soon as the lift is raised, the power chair/scooter is secured.
3. Vans – If you have a lot of cabin space in your van, you can pack your power chair there (or in the rear), safe from the elements.
4. Trucks – Store the scooter in the cab or bed. Much like the SUV/van lifts, you can raise/lower your mobility device with ease.
5. All cars – Bruno’s Turnout Seat can be installed in any vehicle, easing your entry to and exit from the vehicle. The seat can be lowered to the ground so you don’t have to climb into your vehicle. It also rotates so you don’t have to twist your way into the driver’s seat.

Photos and instructional videos on how these lifts operate are available on the 101 Mobility site; click here, then select “more details” under the lift of interest for videos/photos.

Also, an occupational therapist can be your best friend throughout the process of modifying your car and preparing to hit the road once these new devices are in place. Talk to your physician about working with an OT and getting a referral. Read more about the role of OTs in terms of older drivers – and their caregivers – here.

Tips for Driving Carefully

Keeping that reputation as safer drivers goes beyond the addition of turnout seats and pedal extenders. Check out the CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourself and other drivers:

• Exercise regularly – it increases your flexibility and strength.
• Plan ahead – before you head out, know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. And, choose a safe route (well-lighted, easy parking options, etc.).
• Don’t tailgate (a good rule of thumb for all drivers).
• Ask a friend to join you.
• Don’t drive distracted (i.e. talking on the phone, eating, turning up the radio).
• Have your eyes checked – and have a doctor review your medications to be aware of potentially dangerous side effects.
• Drive in the daytime; if possible, avoid driving in bad weather.

Always remember to buckle up – and, in the words my grandmother unfailingly utters to any of her family members before leaving the house, “Drive carefully.”

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.

Auto Lifts Add to Your Mobility

You’ve got your new scooter and you love the mobility that it has provided you. You can’t believe how much freedom you now have. Suddenly getting out and about isn’t such a challenge. You can run down to the corner market, or put it in the trunk and go for outings with the grandkids. You can’t believe how many things you have added to your calendar now that you are zipping around on that scooter. But you have to admit, after a long day out, disassembling the scooter and loading it into the trunk can be tiring.

Have you thought about adding a lift to the back of your car? Do you have an SUV or van? With an Auto Lift from 101 Mobility, you won’t have to disassemble your scooter.  You can simply push your scooter onto the Auto Lift or use the lift to maneuver it into your vehicle and off you go. Imagine how many more places you can go with an Auto Lift to free you up from having to disassemble your scooter before and after each trip?

We offer a wide variety of Auto Lifts to choose from. For those with traditional sedans, we offer lifts that can raise your scooter and move it into the trunk of your car. We also offer platform lifts that allow you to roll your scooter on to the platform and raise it up for easy transportation. 

If you own an SUV or van, we offer a wide variety of auto lifts that allow you to transport your scooter either inside or outside your vehicle. With a van, you will have the option of loading from the back door or side door.

We even offer several pickup truck solutions that allow you to transport your scooter in the bed of your pickup truck. If you have a wheelchair, you have the option of placing the wheelchair in the backseat of a four door pickup truck.

With so many options to choose from, let the experienced, professional staff from 101 Mobility help you find the right Auto Lift to meet your needs. To find the 101 Mobility location nearest you, click here.

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.