Wheelchair Options

Not all mobility equipment is the same. Today, you have so many options when it comes to choosing high quality mobility equipment that not only fits your physical needs, but also your desired lifestyle. Mobility technology advances every year; if you have not had a chance to check out the upgrades available to you, you might be missing out.
Sports wheelchair: Are you athletic? Sports wheelchairs will satisfy your active side by allowing you to explore on the court, in the gym, and even on the dance floor.

Beach and all-terrain wheelchair: Beach wheelchairs can get you around on sandy or wet surfaces. All-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate those unpaved paths and rocky trails you have had your eye on.

Self-propelled manual wheelchair: If you have or want to build upper-body strength and you like the close connection between you and your chair, a manual chair may work for you. You will move around by pushing in the hand rims on the two large wheels on either side of you. Manual wheelchairs can be customized to work with only one arm or with your feet. Hybrid power-assist manual wheelchair: This wheelchair is just like a manual, but it has battery-operated power that senses when you need a little help, up a hill, for example, or over bumpy terrain.

Power wheelchair: A power wheelchair — also called a motorized wheelchair or electric wheelchair — does all the work for you. You control the speed and direction with a control panel, usually a “joystick,” which can be customized to best serve your abilities. Some chairs can maneuver in tight spaces, and some can`t. Be sure to match your chair with your environment.

Caregiver assisted manual wheelchair: In this type of chair, your companion will push you from behind. Narrow versions are available to transfer you from one place to another. Wheelchairs Sized to Fit
Wheelchairs have a variety of options that help you feel confident and comfortable. Tall, short, large, or small, you should feel like your wheelchair is a natural fit for you. You should also feel like it is built to last — a sturdy, well-built wheelchair will offer more years of comfort and safety. Take a seat: Does wheelchair feel like it is the right height, width, depth, and incline for your body type? Rest your feet: Do your legs and feet feel secure and comfortable on the footrests? Lean back: Is your back well-supported and comfortable? Take charge: Are you able to easily maneuver and control the wheelchair while you are on the move? Get yours custom: Will the chair handle any customizations you want or need? Remember, the light-weight, customizable, comfortable, easy-to-use wheelchairs may cost a little more, but when it comes to living a life without limitations, you should focus on your long-term needs. Be sure to ask your mobility dealer about offsetting costs with disability benefits, government funds, or other ways to get what you really want.

Fitting Your Wheelchair to Your Mobility Van

Be sure that the wheelchair you choose fits the handicap van you drive. Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country minivans are all popular choices that handle wheelchair conversions well. Full-size vans have even more room and customization and luxury options. It is very important that your wheelchairs or mobility scooter, wheelchair van, and wheelchair lift all fit together nicely.


Need help customizing your home for optimal mobility? The friendly staff at Better Life Mobility Centers in California and Nevada can help you identify mobility solutions, compare brands, and find the home mobility solution that fits your budget. Whether you need mobility scooters, a stair lifts, or any other mobility device, you can count on Better Life Mobility to help you live a life without limitations.

Honda Northstar Floor Ramp Vans

To satisfy our customers’ needs for additional interior space and a clean, obstruction-free accessible vehicle interior, VMI pioneered the development of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system for the Honda Odyssey minivan. After almost two decades of refinement, the Northstar remains the most technologically advanced handicap ramp system on the market. Instead of taking up space inside the handicap vehicle, the Northstar wheelchair ramp simply rolls out from beneath the floor. When one considers the advantages of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system, there is no question why the Northstar is far and away VMI’s best-selling product.

·  Maximum interior space for wheelchair maneuverability,
·  Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers,
·  Reduced accessible van conversion wear (no need to deploy mobility ramp for able-bodied passengers) ,
·  Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior ,
·  Less dirt and debris from ramp into handicap accessible vehicle interior ,
·  Wider usable accessible ramp surface ,
·  Easy access to all interior buttons, handles, and switches ,
·  Full use of front passenger seat ,
·  No squeaking or rattling from wheelchair ramp,
·  Handicap Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision ,
·  Deployable on curbs up to 10” in height ,
·  Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle,
·  750lb. wheelchair ramp capacity,
·  Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the mobility ramp van conversion even in     the event of complete power failure ,
·  Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind.

The VMI Northstar wheelchairs accessible van represents the culmination of our forward thinking philosophy. VMI Northstar mobility minivans on a Honda Odyssey chassis feature a power in-floor mobility ramp for open and unrestricted entry by those with a disability.
The Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap van conversion also offers amazing interior maneuverability. The VMI one touch remote control allows easy and simple wheelchair ramp deployment at your fingertips, while VMI Power Kneel gives an extremely low handicap ramp angle in these mobility vehicle conversions.

The VMI Northstar handicap conversion van on Honda Odyssey minivans is the end result of years of work by Vantage Mobility International engineers. The result is one of the finest and most accessible mobility conversion vehicles on the road. VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversions are available on Honda Odyssey EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite. Whether you are searching an affordable disability transportation solution or a fully loaded handicap conversion vehicle, the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar has a niche for you.
 
The combination of accessible features on the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap conversion vehicle is unmatched in its wheelchair access. The in-floor wheelchair ramp offers entry and exit into the mobility van conversion, and once inside, a person who is disabled can choose anywhere inside the vehicle to ride. Even the front passenger or drivers position are accessible!
Hand controls or other handicap driving aids can also be added for a completely independent driving solution in Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar wheelchair vehicle conversion.

If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Van or Mobility Scooters visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California.

ATP Specialist Video

Better Life Mobility Center team of respected and highly trained seating and mobility specialists have a wide range of assessment equipment available to help you make an informed choice about your wheelchairs. We are well educated and with lots of work experience. Visit Better Life Mobility Centers for any help you need about your mobility devices.

Seating And Positioning Specialists

Finding the right fit for a person and his/her wheelchair or other mobility device is a unique process involving the expertise of a seating and positioning specialist. This is one specialty of physical therapy. The main objective of the therapist is to facilitate the highest functional level possible for the client. This involves meeting a wide variety of criteria, such as support requirements, posture, range of motion, disease progression, strength, skin sensitivity, environment and functional ability.

Assistive technology has emerged as a viable area of specialization for occupational therapists in settings ranging from schools to adult rehabilitation facilities to developmental centers. Therapists who work in this burgeoning field should be aware of the certification process for assistive technology practitioners.

As with most professional certifications, those who seek RESNA's ATP credential are required to meet minimum criteria in three areas: education, work experience, and successful completion of a standardized written examination.

The education and work experience criteria must both be met before one is allowed to sit for the ATP examination. The education criterion can be satisfied with any one of the following: (a) a bachelor's degree in a "rehabilitation science"-which, for RESNA's purposes, includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, special education, rehabilitation engineering, low-vision rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, audiology, nursing, and medicine; (b) an associate's degree in a rehabilitation science (e.g., COTA and PTA programs); or (c) a bachelor's degree in a nonrehabilitation science.

The work experience criterion varies somewhat depending on one's educational background. Those with a BS or BA in a rehabilitation science-related major are required to accumulate 2 calendar years of experience that involves .25 full-time equivalent (FTE), approximately 10 hours per week, of assistive technology service delivery. Those with an AS or AA degree in a rehabilitation science-related area are required to accumulate 2 calendar years of experience that involves at least .50 FTE, approximately 20 hours per week, of AT service delivery. Those with a BS or BA degree in a nonrehabilitation science field are required to accumulate 4 years of service delivery experience at a minimum of .50 FTE. In all cases, RESNA's PSB verifies work experience through a written statement from the appropriate supervisor(s).

The ATP certification process is a healthy developmental milestone for the relatively young field of assistive technology. The basic role of assistive technology credentialing is to ensure consumer safety and increase consumer satisfaction. The ATP certification is not a license to practice and does not allow people to practice in an area in which they are not prepared. However, it is the only formal process that attests to advanced knowledge and practice skills in the assistive technology specialization area.

Many mobility companies do not get accredited nor do they have a certified seating and positioning specialist (ATP).  Many wheelchairs users have back aches, pressure sores, and fatigue because they have not been properly seated/measured for the use of a wheelchair. 

Your mobility dealer should have team of respected and highly trained seating and mobility specialists have a wide range of assessment equipment available to help you make an informed choice about your wheelchairs, with well educated staff with lots of work experience.

Better Life Mobility Center team of respected and highly trained seating and mobility specialists have a wide range of assessment equipment available to help you make an informed choice about your wheelchair. We are well educated and with lots of work experience. Visit Better Life Mobility Centers for any help you need about your mobility devices. Visit us for more on Mobility Vans and Mobility Scooters.

The Limits Of Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a chair attached to a path that is coupled on to the treads of the stairs. While installing a stair lift at home, many structural changes are not required. Therefore, it can be called as a 'wonder chair' that drives a person sitting on it from the floor of stairs to the top.

These stair lifts have made life of many aged and disabled people easy. There are many advantages of having a stair lift at home. However, we will be focusing on the limitations of the stair lifts. A few limitations are as under:

There are two essential types of staircases: one that goes up straight, and other that bends at a bend. Both the staircases can be installed with stair lifts, yet, both have certain limitations.

The chair of the stair lift fitted on to the straight staircase cannot be parked away from the stairs. If the home is small, one might not be able to keep the chair away and hence hampering space and movement elasticity. Another restriction is the complexity of getting in and out of the chair while the user is at the top end of the stairs. There is a probability of the user falling of the stairs while trying to make use of the chair at the top.

The houses that have curved staircases make it tough to install a stair lift onto them. A number of disadvantages can be related to them. Firstly, such stair lift costs more money. These are pricey than the usual straight case stair lifts. Secondly, it will take more time of the user to reach the top, as the bend of the stair would amplify the travelling time. Thirdly, the lift cannot be transferred to some other staircase, however, the chair is variable, and it may be utilized afterwards. Finally, it involves a right survey and analysis of the staircase for setting up the stair lift.

These stair lifts are driven either by battery or by electricity. One of the downside to battery stair lift is the prerequisite of timely recharging of the batteries. The quality and effectiveness of these batteries reduces with time. Thus, resulting in an added expenditure of buying new batteries when the old ones worn out. Not to disregard the additional costs of paying the skilled who would be reinstalling the new batteries.

The electric stair lift does not resolve the trouble wholly. The simple rule of direct proportionality is applied here. Usage of stair lift is directly proportional to the swell in the electricity bills. In simple words the more the stair lift is being used the more the energy bills would be.

These stair lifts have drawbacks, but different people have different requirements. People may look at other options in order to decrease the limitations of stair lifts like buying used stair lifts or installing a changeable stair lift utilizing both the battery and the electricity. However, these options come, with certain constraints as well.

Visit Better Life Mobility if you need any kind of mobility devices like wheelchairs or mobilityscooters. This reputable dealer offers Mobility Vans like Dodge Caravan, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.

Essential Home Mobility Customizations

Most people donʼt give a second thought to enjoying the comforts and conveniences of their home. But for people who are disabled, a typical home layout can be challenging, from getting up and down the stairs to simply using the bathroom. With a few home mobility adjustments, you should be able to fully enjoy your home with ease.

Here are five essential home mobility products and customizations to consider:

1. Bathtub or Shower Adjustments

A steamy bath or shower is not only an essential part of life, but it can help you forget the stresses of everyday life — especially if it is easy to get in and out of without worry or assistance. In addition to sturdy handrails and nonslip surfaces, make your bathtub or shower more fully accessible with:

• A Folding Mesh Bath Seat: A folding mesh bath seat or shower chair, such as the one from Moen, is lightweight, nonskid, and dries and stores easily. It also has a handheld shower holder that fits standard handheld showers.

• A Bath Lift: A padded, reclinable bath lift, such as the Bellavita Bath Lift, can help you sink into a warm tub of bathwater independently. Be sure your lift is easy to install and operate and the controls are waterproof and float.

 2. Lift Chairs                                                                              

If you have trouble standing on your own, consider a lift chair. Todayʼs chairs designs are much more attractive than the lift chairs of the past. Pride lift chairs, for example, not only help you stand up, but are also beautiful, comfortable, and come in a variety of fabrics.

 3. Platform/Porch Lifts                                                         

With the use of a platform lift (sometimes referred to as a porch lift), you have easy access to any elevated landing in or around your home. A platform lift such as the Bruno Vertical Platform is rugged and dependable and can lift you up to a raised deck or porch outside.

 4. Stair Lifts

Do you have stairs inside your home? A stair lift, like the Bruno Stair Lifts, can raise or lower you smoothly to the next floor or landing. This particular stair lift has a weight capacity of 350 pounds, and uses 12-volt batteries — good thing in the event of an electrical outage. When youʼre not using the lift, the arms and footrests fold up and out of the way of other people using the stairs. There are three basic varieties of stair lift or chair lifts available in the market which is straight stair lift, curved stair lift and the outdoor stair lift.

 5. Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling lifts are indispensable accessibility tools for people who need assistance transferring safely from bed, a chair, or the floor to your wheelchairs. The variety of slings available provides a safe solution for virtually everyone. Without pulling, tugging, or struggling, you can transfer from one area to another with dignity.

Need help customizing your home for optimal mobility? Find a dealer who will help you to identify mobility solutions, compare brands, and find the home mobility solution that fits your budget. Whether you need a chair lift, a stair lifts, or any other mobility device, ask for professional advice.

If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Van or MobilityScooters visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California.

Stair Lifts Types - Prices And Maintenance

Stair lifts are extremely helpful for the purpose of climbing up and down the stairs when elderly people are unable to do it on their own and face problems while doing it. Climbing the stairs has consistently been rated as one of the most challenging tasks for mobility challenged individuals. This often results in people avoiding their stairs. Once long term invalidity is established or an older person is moving in, installing a stair lift becomes a necessity.  

A stair lift is a chair attached to a path that is coupled on to the treads of the stairs. A stair lift is one medical device that has been developed to solve this problem and is incredibly popular. A small platform or chair is then sent up and down the stairs resulting in what is in many ways a personal escalator. Most stair lifts can either run on electricity or through batteries.

There are three basic varieties of stair lift or chair lifts available in the market which is straight stair lift, curved stair lift and the outdoor stair lift. When you purchase a stair lift for a straight stair case, the rail system is cut to fit your specific stair case length. When dealing with curved stairs, however, the whole track must be custom built to fit your specific stair case. Since there is no standard when it comes to curved stair cases, you will have to have a professional installer come and measure your stairs. Outdoor stair lifts work similar to indoor stair lift but are made using weatherproof material.

The cost of a stair lift is dependent on many factors. In the market, there are so many models of stair lifts available and the price depends on specific features, size, shape, used materials, quality, and more. Stair lift prices depend on what type of stair lift you are planning to purchase. A straight stair lift is less expensive. This type of stair lift can be purchased for around $1500. A curved stair lift could start at around $4000 and cost upwards of $10,000. Getting a cheap stair lift will be a waste of good money. So getting a stair lift from a reputed firm will be the correct option to take. Plus from a company that will provide service and maintenance.

There are several practices that must be maintained while using a stair lift to promote safety. It is important to never try to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion. Many units come with seat belts and if one is included, it is a good idea to buckle up. Many stair lifts have built in sensors that will detect most objects in its paths, but you should not rely on these sensors alone.

Lift chairs have given millions of users their independence again. No matter what the reason that you normally need help, whether it is due to age, arthritis, or injury, a lift chair can help you to regain your confidence and your independence. With the many styles and colors available, a lift chair can be found that will match any home décor.

If you need to buy wheelchairs or mobility scooters for you or a person you care about please visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California.