Washington Medical Equipment

There are basic laws regarding the operation of a motorized scooter, or mobility scooter. Understanding traffic laws and being courteous on sidewalks and pathways will help you avoid confrontation and accidents.

If you are a caregiver for a senior citizen, you probably already know that aging in place - or living in their homes as long as possible - is the overwhelming choice of seniors. In a study by AARP, 89 percent of seniors said they want to remain in their homes.

It can be easy to think that stair lifts can only be installed on interior staircases, but what if you have an outdoor staircase? Fortunately, stair lifts can also be installed on exterior staircases, making it easy to get anywhere in your house, inside or outside.

If you have mobility issues, you know how difficult it can be to enjoy simple things like a trip to your child’s football game. A scooter may well help you be able to enjoy those little moments- why not consider the options?

Experts say technology has reached the point where seniors can live safely in their homes longer than ever before thanks to some helpful items. A stair lift removes worries about falling on the steps, while a device that flashes lights in the home when there is a telephone call removes the worry of missing important calls.

In the next few years, more and more Baby Boomers will be facing the problem of impaired mobility. If there house has stairs, they will need to decide whether to move into a different home or to install a stair lift or other assistive device.

While online vendors may offer stair lifts at reduced rates, they are not always what they seem. Stair lifts are not a one-size-fits-all product, and proper measurements and installation issues must be considered to get the proper product.

I’m worried that I can’t afford a mobility scooter. Check with your insurer, but in many cases, private insurance and Medicare will pay for some or all of the costs for a mobility scooter. Generally, a note that the scooter is medically necessary is required.

Scooters can be a great option for those with mobility issues. Depending on your needs, they can allow you to do many of the things you love- sometimes far more than you might imagine being able to do.

If you have a limited ability to grip, then you’ll want a scooter with a tiller rather than knobs for release mechanisms. The tiller operates similarly to the handlebars of a bicycle; it can be moved forward and then back when it’s time to drive.

The issue of mobility isn’t new. The earliest known reference to a mobility transport device was discovered in China, where archeologists uncovered a 6th century stone tablet that included an inscription describing a wheeled chair.

Is insurance required with a mobility scooter? No. Insurance is optional for mobility scooters, they do not require vehicle insurance but some owners do add their scooters to home insurance policies in the event of unexpected damage.

Did you know that 30% of people over age 65 and 50% over age 80 will fall once during the next year? Some of those falls are the result of dangers from stairs. Stairs can be a major obstacle for many seniors and elderly people.