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 Dayton Opens December 15, 2011

101 Mobility’s proudly welcomed its newest location serving Dayton, Ohio on December 15. The new franchise will serve Dayton, Cincinnati and all surrounding areas. It is owned by Ed Goschinski.  Ed is a long-time resident of the Dayton and Cincinnati markets and has years of applicable experience that should grow the franchise quickly in these markets.  The Dayton location will be the local resource for those who are disabled and those who wish to maintain their independence by improving their mobility. Whether the mobility issue is long or short term, the team at 101 will be available to offer their assistance.

101 Mobility Dayton offers a full range of mobility products including:

• Stair lifts/Chairlifts
• Auto lifts
• Ramps, both for purchase and for rent
• Vertical lifts
• Commercial and residential mobility products including lifts, patient lifts and commercial grade stair lifts.
• Bath, pool and spa lifts
• Bath safety products
• Power chairs
• Power scooters
• Automatic door opening systems

The local 101 Mobility team is also available to help Veterans through the Home Improvement & Structural Alterations grant program.

Ed  is very excited to be opening this new 101 Mobility location. “We are looking forward to being able to help people stay in their homes and maintain their independence,” he says.  “Our goal at 101 Mobility Dayton is to provide our customers with the highest quality mobility products available while also providing them with superior customer service.  We look forward to building relationships with our neighbors and helping them to maintain their independence.”

The Dayton office of 101 Mobility is located in the Carrollton area. The office will be open from 8:30 am to 5:30pm. For more information on how Ed and his team can help you with all of your mobility needs, please call 937-789-5911

101 Mobility Cincinnati Opens December 15, 2011

Proudly serving the Cincinnati, Dayton and surrounding areas, 101 Mobility’s newest location is owned by Ed Goschinski.  The Cincinnati  location’s grand opening was on December 15.  The Cincinnati  location will be the local resource for those who are disabled and those who wish to maintain their independence by improving their mobility. Whether the mobility issue is long or short term, the team at 101 will be available to offer their assistance.

101 Mobility Cincinnati offers a full range of mobility products including:

• Stair lifts/Chairlifts
• Auto lifts
• Ramps, both for purchase and for rent
• Vertical lifts
• Commercial and residential mobility products including lifts, patient lifts and commercial grade stair lifts.
• Bath, pool and spa lifts
• Bath safety products
• Power chairs
• Power scooters
• Automatic door opening systems

The local 101 Mobility team is also available to help Veterans through the Home Improvement & Structural Alterations grant program.

Ed  is very excited to be opening this new 101 Mobility location. “We are looking forward to being able to help people stay in their homes and maintain their independence,” he says.  “Our goal at 101 Mobility Cincinnati is to provide our customers with the highest quality mobility products available while also providing them with superior customer service.  We look forward to building relationships with our neighbors and helping them to maintain their independence.”

The Cincinnati office of 101 Mobility is located in the Carrollton area. The office will be open from 8:30 am to 5:30pm. For more information on how Ed and his team can help you with all of your mobility needs, please call 937-789-5911

Get Long-term and Emergency Ramping Solutions from 101 Mobility Today!

When disaster strikes, you need a company to respond quickly to address your commercial or retail accessibility needs.  Our aluminum modular ramp systems are the perfect modular ramp system for almost any site.

101 Mobility is here to make sure you do not have to compromise on the quality. We use only high quality, safe, low maintenance aluminum with all of our ramp installations. Our ramps are specially designed for easy installation and most all ramp configurations can be installed in less than 30 minutes.

Whether your needs are long or short term, your local 101 Mobility location can meet your needs. We offer a comprehensive ramp rental program for short term rental needs that will help you to get up and running after a disaster. Ramp rentals can be as short as one day or as long as you need. Ramp rentals include:

• Setup
• Take down
• Clean up of the installation area after setup and take down
• No permanent impact to the property because our ramps do not generally require concrete footings or pads.

All of our ramps feature a permanent, non-skid surface for the safety of all who use the ramp. Our ramps also feature finished and flush sides that do not have any nuts or bolts protruding into the usable ramp area. These ramps are designed for maximum flexibility and can be expanded, moved or reconfigured as needed. All 101 Mobility ramps are made in the USA and can be recycled after use.

Call your local 101 Mobility for a quality, economical and quick ramp solution today!

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 Raleigh Opens June 22, 2011

Proudly serving the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill areas, 101 Mobility’s newest location is owned by Lisa and Melissa Fosbury.  The Raleigh location’s grand opening is on June 22, 2011. The Raleigh location will be the local resource for those who are disabled and those who wish to maintain their independence by improving their mobility. Whether the mobility issue is long or short term, the team at 101 will be available to offer their assistance.

101 Mobility Raleigh offers a full range of mobility products including:

• Stairlifts/Chairlifts
• Auto lifts
• Ramps, both for purchase and for rent
• Vertical lifts
• Commercial and residential mobility products including lifts, patient lifts and commercial grade stairlifts.
• Bath, pool and spa lifts
• Bath safety products
• Power chairs
• Power scooters
• Automatic door opening systems

The local 101 Mobility team is also available to help Veterans through the Home Improvement & Structural Alterations grant program.

Lisa is very excited to be opening this new 101 Mobility location. “We are looking forward to being able to help people stay in their homes and maintain their independence,” she says.  “Our goal at 101 Mobility Raleigh is to provide our customers with the highest quality mobility products available while also providing them with superior customer service.  We look forward to building relationships with our neighbors and helping them to maintain their independence.”

The Raleigh office of 101 Mobility is located in the Triangle area. The office will be open from 8:30 am to 5:30pm. For more information on how Lisa and her team can help you with all of your mobility needs, please call (888) 258-0652.

The Many Advantages of Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps

If you or someone you love is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter, a ramp is a necessity. Finding and installing the right wheelchair ramp is essential. The best wheelchair ramp is determined not just based on the initial purchase and installation cost. When deciding on the best wheelchair ramp, you must also take into account the maintenance, permanence of the structure, and the ability to adjust the ramp as needed. All of these factors play an equally important role in choosing the best wheelchair ramp for your home.

When choosing the best wheelchair ramp, experience has shown that aluminum ramps offer the most options, versatility and lowest maintenance. Let’s examine some of the many advantages of aluminum wheelchair ramps.

• Versatility. Aluminum wheelchair ramps can be configured to access any entrance you have. Because they are easy to install, they can also easily be re-configured if you move or need to move the ramp to another entrance to your home.
• Durability and Strength.  Aluminum wheelchair ramps are lightweight and yet stronger and more durable than a wood ramp. They do not succumb to the elements like wood ramps and have virtually no upkeep or maintenance like wood ramps.
• Installation is Easy. Installing an aluminum wheelchair ramp is easy and your 101 Mobility professional installer can configure even the most complex ramp in less than a day, as compared to wood ramps which can take 2 or more days to install. Because aluminum wheelchair ramps are generally considered temporary structures, you may not even need a building permit.*
• Variety. 101 Mobility sells a wide variety of aluminum wheelchair ramps to meet your needs. From modular wheelchair ramps which can be painted to match your home’s exterior to folding wheelchair ramps and light weight wheelchair ramps, we are certain to have the type of wheelchair ramp that will meet your needs and budget. We even offer wheelchair ramp rentals for those who have only a temporary ramp need.

There are many more advantages to aluminum wheelchair ramps, to learn more please contact your local 101 Mobility representative.

*Consult your local municipality prior to installation.

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.