Purchasing a wheelchair lift for a vehicle is a big decision and should be carefully assessed. The first questions will consider are my situation and mobility needs. For example; what type of vehicle do I have? Is my vehicle compatible with wheelchair lifts or will I need to make alterations to my vehicle? If I have a car and the lift is placed on the back of the car, can I exit my wheelchair and move to sit inside the vehicle?

Next I will research the different types of lifts and even the possibility of using vehicle ramps. There are two types of wheelchair lifts: Platform and Rotary.

Platform lifts can be solid or folding as well as fully automatic or semi automatic.
With a platform lift it is possible for me to remain in the chair while the lift is in operation.

The rotary lift aka swing lift swings the chair in to the vehicle. Typically used with vans or SUVs.

Once I decide on the type of wheelchair lift best suitable to my needs. I will begin checking different manufacturers and asking them a lot of questions. Is the lift compatible with my wheelchair? Can I operate the lift while my vehicle is off? What happens if my vehicle battery dies is there any back up power? What is the safety rating and risks for the lift? What is the warranty? Who will install my lift? How much maintenance is involved? Where do I go to have my lift serviced? I am not hesitant to ask every question I think of, as this is a big purchase.

Some reputable wheelchair lift manufacturers to check out are The Braun Corporation, and Bruno.

Labels: vehicle lifts, wheelchair lifts, wheelchairs

A recent study called "Aging in Place in America," commission by Clarity and the EAR Foundation, reveals that seniors fear the loss of independence more than they fear death. Almost 89% of seniors want to spend the rest of their lives in their own home. However more than half are concerned with their ability to do so. In light of these findings, what can seniors do in order to remain independent for as long as possible?

The best option is for seniors to remain as active as possible. This will be the greatest benefit for the mind, body, and soul. Activities that get seniors out of the house, involve some physical exercise, social interaction, and use of the brain are the best. Things such as part-time jobs or volunteer work can be beneficial and give seniors feelings of pride and responsibility.

With advances in technologies seniors with limited mobility can remain much more independent and active than ever before. Companies like Orbit Medical, which specializes in the distribution of electric wheelchairs, allows seniors with limited mobility to once again go just about anywhere. An electric wheelchair can bring life and excitement back to someone who has diminished mobility. See what other have to say on Orbit Medical's testimonials page.

There are many options out there for independent seniors, especially with the data evidence that seniors are most fearful of losing their own independence. All options should be explored in an attempt to avoid this fear. After all everybody will be a senior one day.

Labels: electric wheelchairs, health, senior independence, seniors

Sleep Apnea is a relatively new illness with many possible negative side effects. For questions about sleep apnea and treatment see the CPAP FAQ. Do not believe for one second that Sleep Apnea is determined just by age, weight, or lifestyle. There are many people in their tewenties that have sleep apnea and some believe that they had it during early childhood. More and more younger people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea and it is even being linked to SIDS in some cases.

Fortunately, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy is advancing everyday in terms of technology and comfort. This is very positive for those that suffer from Apnea. We all know how terrible it is to go without proper sleep for at least one night. I can not imagine that terrible feeling for years and I can imagine the adverse effects on mental and physical health. If you think you might have apnea do some research, see your physician and improve your quality of life.

Here are some other common sleep apnea and CPAP questions:

Do only older people get sleep apnea? No, in fact anyone at any age can develop sleep
apnea. However, apnea is more common for individuals who are relatively unhealthy. For example apnea is common with obesity and smokers.

Can people die from sleep apnea? It is extremely rare to die directly from sleep apnea, even though oxygen is cut off from your brain, the brain inherently wakes you up in order to tell you to breath. Which leads to a slow and silent killer. The constant awakening is stressful on the heart and correlated with heart disease. Apnea sufferer's are always tired and therefore, lack the energy to exercise which again can lead to heart disease and obesity. Researchers and Doctors are documenting SIDS and Apnea in order to determine if there is any relation.

Are there many undiagnosed people with sleep apnea? Many people do not know they have sleep apnea and attribute the symptoms with other things. A 2000 census showed that one third of all people over 18 (who visit a primary care doctor) are at high risk for sleep apnea. Based on that census it could mean that around 50 to 60 million American suffer from sleep apnea.

What are some common signs of sleep apnea? Early on set signs of sleep apnea are: depression, lack of mental focus, fatigue, frequent naps, long recovery time from being sick, and snoring.

Is CPAP uncomfortable? Not nearly as much as it used to be, advances in technology has allowed CPAP to become much more user friendly. It may take some getting used to but if you haven't been sleeping and CPAP allows you to sleep throughout the night it should be a refreshing device.

Will a CPAP machine keep my partner awake? Again technological advances have brought CPAP therapy a long way. New machines are very quiet and will likely allow your partner to get more sleep than when there was no CPAP machine.



Here are some other CPAP resources: CPAP Questions, CPAP help, and CPAP problems.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea, sleep therapy

Many people have a difficult time walking, yet aren't in a condition requiring the use of a power wheelchair. In cases where a patient can walk, but with difficulty, a doctor may prescribe the use of a manual wheelchair. Orbit Medical supplies four different models of wheelchairs from Graham-Field Health Products.

Vista IC
The Vista IC is a standard manual wheelchair with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. The frame has a two position axle fork for adjustable seat height. The Vista IC can also interchange armrests and front riggings with other industry standard brands. The seat width is 16 to 18 inches. The Vista IC can also come in a 20 inch seat width with a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs for special cases.

Metro IC3+
The Metro IC3+ is a sturdy wheelchair that can hold 300 lbs. It has a versatile frame with removable arm pads and easily detachable footrest. It also features black nylon upholstery and comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the side frame and cross brace. The Metro IC3+ has a floor to seat height of 19 and a half inches with an overall height of 36 and a half inches and weighs less than 36 lbs without front riggings.

Metro IC4
The Metro IC4 is a lightweight and sturdy manual wheelchair. The frame is plated with carbon steel and features aluminum cross braces. The Metro IC4 also features industry compatible front rigging, and upholstery, anti-tippers, and flip back arms. This wheelchair has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, and weighs 34 lbs itself.

Paramount
The Paramount wheelchair has a weight capacity of 500 lbs. It has a chrome steel frame, as well as embossed leatherette upholstery. The seat is 22 to 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep.

If you think a manual wheelchair would improve your life and mobility or you would like more information on any of these products please ask one of our representatives for more information 1-800-403-9610.

Labels: manual wheelchairs