Mobility Q&A: Do I Need a Fully-Converted Handicap Van?

By Michelle Seitzer

Maybe you’ve asked the question for yourself, or maybe you’ve asked it on behalf of someone you’re caring for: “Do I/we need a fully-converted handicap van?”

The simple answer is no.

There’s no need to spend every penny on converting your vehicle, a process which costs anywhere from $10,000 to over $20,000, according to this CarsDirect.com article. The broad range estimate includes a rear entry wheelchair ramp, undercarriage modifications (i.e. more support for the extra weight and stress on the axles, springs, shocks and brakes), driver’s “cockpit” adjustments — like a place to lock in a wheelchair or a swivel captain’s chair — to a side entry lift. Even purchasing a used, already converted model can be a hefty expense.

We’ve got a more affordable option to suggest, and it’s one that you can adjust to meet your or a loved one’s unique mobility needs:

• auto lifts — Got a sedan, SUV, van, or pickup? There are auto lifts to support whatever style of vehicle you take on the road, with a variety of storage and power options.
• turning seats — Whether you need help getting up and into — or exiting — the driver’s or passenger seat, a turning automotive seat may be a better solution than the costly driver’s cockpit adjustments suggested above.

Just about any vehicle can support an auto lift  or turning seat, and all of these modifications are easy to add or remove as needed. Call the 101 Mobility professionals in your area (find the office serving you here) to help you get on the road again!

For additional information on the subject, check out this post: Movin’ Right Along: Driving Safety Tips & Car Modifications for Seniors.

Best Wheelchair Lifts for Your Porch or Deck

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair or experiences difficulty with steps, there are now a variety of mobility solutions to choose from, including ramps, vertical platform lifts, incline platform lifts and even outdoor stair lifts. These products significantly increase outdoor independence; Yet, many people are unaware of the outdoor accessibility options available.

Gordon Raney, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and the owner/operator of 101 Mobility franchises in Tulsa and Dallas, has a few guidelines to help you pick the best product to meet your mobility needs:

Wheelchair Ramps

Best for? Ramping is the most common way to address accessibility issues within the home. They are perfect for individuals using wheelchairs, scooters, or who simply struggle with stairs.  Folding ramps provide a solid threshold over smaller steps or curbs. More substantial modular ramps are suggested for higher landings.

How much ramp will I need? For every inch of vertical rise, a foot of ramp is necessary. The slope of your property will also dictate the amount of ramping needed. If your property is sloped downhill, more ramping will be needed to create a steady incline and vice versa.

How will I maintain it? Aluminum EZ Access Ramps require basically no maintenance; no rust, rot or decay. Aluminum modular ramps can be disassembled, moved, and easily rebuilt should families move or decide to re-sell.

Incline Platform Lifts (aka Wheelchair Lifts)

Best for? An incline lift may be a viable option for those who have difficulty making transfers to and from their chair or scooter.

How do I use the incline platform lift? The lift includes a large platform onto which the individual can drive their wheelchair or scooter. The platform then follows the incline of the stairs by a rail installed into the staircase, not the wall.

Do I have the space for it? Incline platform lifts generally work well with larger staircases as enough space for the platform to stop at top and bottom landings is required. Keep in mind that average platform size is 28” x 36” and they fold up when not in use.

Vertical Platform Lifts (aka Porch Lifts)

Best for? The platforms are large enough for a wheelchair or scooter; similar to the incline lift, vertical platform lifts are great options for people who are unable to independently make transfers from their chair.

How is this different from an incline lift? Vertical Platform Lifts are essentially mini platforms that lift in a vertical fashion as opposed to an incline platform lift which follows the route of the stairs. Vertical platforms lifts are generally used for porches.

When should I choose a vertical platform lift over a wheelchair ramp? Porch lifts take up considerably less space than wheelchair ramps and certain models enable the user to travel up to two stories high. At approximately 30” of vertical rise, a wheelchair ramp would need to be 30 feet long and likely contain 2 landing platforms.  At this point, it becomes more cost effective to opt for a porch lift instead of a modular wheelchair ramp.

Outdoor Stair Lifts

Best for? Outdoor stair lifts are ideal for someone who is able to walk but experiences difficulty with stairs.

How does an outdoor stair lift work? Similar to indoor stair lifts, they safely transport a person from ground to porch by following the route of the stair case.

How do I keep it protected from the elements? Outdoor stair lift models have marine-grade vinyl seats and other standard features to withstand weather conditions. Ordering a cover to keep the lift free of any dirt or debris is recommended, especially if you live in an area where it frequently snows and rains.

Still have questions? No problem, find your nearest 101 Mobility location by clicking here. Learn more from Gordon Raney about accessibility enhancing modifications in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

Medical Equipment & Home Modifications: What Medicare Will (and Won’t) Cover

by Michelle Seitzer

Medicare will cover it, right?

Not always. Far too many people associate Medicare with the payment of any bill or coverage of any expense related to senior care, but that is not the case.

It’s not just because Medicare dollars, like other federally funded programs, are experiencing cuts and reductions, though the increased demand, changing regulations, higher costs and lower reimbursements have certainly had an impact.

Even in its early days, Medicare didn’t cover everything, but there weren’t as many senior care options then either. Also, in defense of the average American, the ins and outs of Medicare can be quite complex; few people truly understand its scope and most won’t even learn about it until there is a need.

Joseph L. Matthews, an attorney, author and senior editor at Caring.com, writes about Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Administration (VA) coverage of home equipment (power scooters, hospital beds, walkers, etc.) or modifications (widening hallways, installing grab bars, etc.) in this recent article, posted at Caring.com. According to the piece, Medicare and Medicaid will cover some medical equipment but will not cover any home modifications. Here are a few other highlights from the article:

• Medicare Part B covers a portion of the purchase or lease of certain approved types of DME (durable medical equipment). You cannot use Part B to cover things like stairlifts, wheelchair ramps or walk-in tubs, as these would be permanently installed in the consumer’s home.

• Some people have elected to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C); if so, you may be eligible for comparable (or greater) coverage on DME. For more specifics on where to rent or purchase the equipment (a list “participating suppliers”), how much is covered and what comes out of pocket, and other details of the benefit, check out the Medicare website: Medicare.gov, or download and review this official PDF, Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment and Other Devices.

• The coverage of DME is similar to that of Medicare; again, home modifications (like wider hallways) are not covered. However, several states have special Medicaid pilot programs that will cover some home modifications for eligible consumers. Check with your local Medicaid office to find out if such a program is available in your community.

• Again, benefits and coverage of DME via the Veterans Administration are much like Medicare’s and Medicaid’s, but there are three grants for eligible service members to make necessary home modifications and adaptations (for example, making a home wheelchair-accessible): the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) grant, and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. Find out who’s eligible and for how much in the Caring.com article (click here).

These programs and benefits are critical for those who opt to age in place rather than transition to assisted living or other types of residential care, a number that is growing each day. Aging in place may be a more cost-effective option in the long run, but it may also require a greater up-front investment, which definitely discourages many from choosing that path. Don’t give up so quickly though: besides the coverages we’ve summarized above, check out this extensive resource guide we compiled, titled, Where the Heart Is: How to Pay for Home Modifications. The article offers information about and links to more information on a number of grants, loans, tax incentives, and other means of financial assistance for various types of home modifications. Read it here.

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

101 Mobility Opens First Franchise in Texas

New Company Fills Niche for Home Health Care Mobility Devices in seven (7) Counties, Serving a Population of five (5) Million

Houston resident Deanna Geggatt, a registered nurse and home health care administrator with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, has taken her compassion for helping the disabled to another level by introducing 101 Mobility to the Houston area. As the first location in the state, 101 Mobility is a franchise provider and installer of affordable brands of mobility and accessibility equipment for the elderly and disabled.

While working as a home health care administrator, Geggatt discovered a void in the home mobility device market.  She found that many patients in need of home mobility devices—such as grab bars, stair lifts, modular ramps, etc.—needed a simple way to choose the right equipment and have it installed quickly and easily.  After researching the options available in the greater Houston-area, she found that consumers in need could either go to small, independent “mom and pop-type” local businesses who at times lacked practical knowledge in mobility-related equipment (because it isn’t their core focus), or they could go to large online distributors who often fail to offer installation or face-to-face-support.

“When the elderly or disabled and their families invest in expensive mobility equipment, they prefer to have local experts install and service as well as provide face-to-face support for ongoing service and repair issues,” Geggatt said.

On August 31, Geggatt, along with her husband Glen, will introduce 101 Mobility to the Houston area, serving a population of more than five million people in seven counties, including Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery and Waller.

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, 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.

The combination of Geggatt’s experience in the home health care industry and Glen’s professional experience working as a contractor serves as the perfect combination for a successful full-service home mobility device business. Glen is also certified as an “Aging-In-Place-Specialist” through the National Association of Homebuilders.

“I think there’s good synergy between Glen and I where I can identify the patients at risk and recommend the right products to them; Glen then brings the technical aspect to the table by handling all the installations,” Geggatt said.

With her background, Geggatt lends her expertise in all things related to home health care mobility to the disabled and senior population throughout the Houston area.

“Our goal is to become a solution that people didn’t have before,” Geggatt said. “There’s not much awareness of what home mobility devices are available to encourage independence and serve as a practical, real alternative to moving to an assisted living facility.”

She continued, “Since we’re part of a larger franchise, we are able to offer better pricing than the small local shops, plus extra support for our customers by tapping into our franchise support network. We hope to develop a strong local business relationship with the community.”

101 Mobility plans for further expansion throughout the state of Texas and is growing rapidly across the Country as well. For more information, visit www.101mobility.com

Storm Preparedness Tips from 101 Mobility

In the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast, the fall is storm and hurricane season. Are you prepared for the upcoming storm season?

Use these few tips from 101 Mobility to ensure you are prepared for any upcoming storms.

• Check and charge the batteries on your powerchair and scooter.
• Bring your wheelchair or scooter inside and keep it secure, covered and away from windows during heavy storms.
• Don’t forget to have the basics on hand including water, canned goods, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, radios, blankets, and pillows.
• Be sure to refill any prescriptions.
• If your vertical lift doesn’t have battery backup, have an alternate plan for exiting your home in case you lose power.
• Charge your cell phone.
• Be sure you have filled your car’s gas tank.
• Bring anything inside that can be blown around by high winds.

After the storms have passed:

• Check ramps for debris.
• Check ramps for stability in case they have shifted.
• Check your car and exterior lifts for damage.
• Drive only if necessary. Avoid flooded areas.

If you are in need of ramp rentals following a storm in your area, please contact your local 101 Mobility office. We can deliver and install most ramps within 24 hours.

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.