Author: adljjt4242

Most individuals take it for granted for getting in and out of the shower easily. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot get in easily to s step-in shower or tub/ shower unit. The high step over of a walk-in shower or tub walls creates a barrier for those who have limited mobility.

ADL Solutions in Tempe Arizona have been constructing accessible showers (“walk-in” showers or “roll-in” showers) for several years. Depending on the needs of the customer and the structural characteristics will determine what type of shower is best constructed.

When designing a shower for someone with special needs, remember that this person may have bad balance, vision or mobility. A caregiver may also need room to help with the bathing process, so a shower space should be generous in size and includes room for and extra person, a wheelchair or a walker.

Here are some things to consider when planning an accessible shower.

• The larger the shower the better it is for the individual and caregiver. And if possible install a roll-in shower which eliminates any barrier issues.
• Place the shower control valves near the entry so you don’t need to get wet when starting the shower and letting it warm up.
• The use of a shower chair or bench is recommended this will take away any concerns of an individual trying to stand while bathing
• Grab bars are always a must have especially if the individual bathing needs help with balance and moving while using the shower.
• Enough proper lighting should be used special for those with low vision issues.
• If your home is connected to a monitored home alarm system, consider installing a panic button in the shower. Many can be switched out to a version with a pull chain. When someone falls, sometimes they can’t get up, so make the button or pull chain accessible from a prone position.

If you live in Tempe Arizona or surrounding areas feel free to contact the experts at ADL Solutions for a free evaluation email [email protected] or call 480-636-1816

Accessible Bathing Tips in Tempe Arizona       Author: Valerie Watson

Most individuals take it for granted for getting in and out of the shower easily. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot get in easily to s step-in shower or tub/ shower unit. The high step over of a walk-in shower or tub walls creates a barrier for those who have limited mobility.

ADL Solutions in Tempe Arizona have been constructing accessible showers (“walk-in” showers or “roll-in” showers) for several years. Depending on the needs of the customer and the structural characteristics will determine what type of shower is best constructed.

When designing a shower for someone with special needs, remember that this person may have bad balance, vision or mobility. A caregiver may also need room to help with the bathing process, so a shower space should be generous in size and includes room for and extra person, a wheelchair or a walker.

Here are some things to consider when planning an accessible shower.

• The larger the shower the better it is for the individual and caregiver. And if possible install a roll-in shower which eliminates any barrier issues.
• Place the shower control valves near the entry so you don’t need to get wet when starting the shower and letting it warm up.
• The use of a shower chair or bench is recommended this will take away any concerns of an individual trying to stand while bathing
• Grab bars are always a must have especially if the individual bathing needs help with balance and moving while using the shower.
• Enough proper lighting should be used special for those with low vision issues.
• If your home is connected to a monitored home alarm system, consider installing a panic button in the shower. Many can be switched out to a version with a pull chain. When someone falls, sometimes they can’t get up, so make the button or pull chain accessible from a prone position.

If you live in Tempe Arizona or surrounding areas feel free to contact the experts at ADL Solutions for a free evaluation email [email protected] or call 480-636-1816

Accessible entry ways in and out of the home are a concern for individuals with limited mobility and function.  Not having access to your home, the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, really any area in your home is an issue. People should be able to fully access every area of their home without any barriers. So what can you do to your home to remodel it in a way where you have access to every area and are able to get in and out of your home as well? There are a variety of options and solutions out there to help meet each individual need. Let’s look at a couple options here using Stanley Automatic Door Openers.

Automatic Swing Door Operator Systems

A swing door operator is beneficial for commercial settings but it can also be used in the home setting as well. This is a great option for someone who needs more independence when trying to get in and out of the home and doesn’t have the grip function or capability to grasp a handle on a door.

With this type of automatic system you can have a variety of ways the door will open for access. You can have a push plate on a wall close by the door that you can easily press to open the door. You can have it be a sensor motion. For example, if an individual in a wheelchair can’t press a button they can have a sensor on their chair so when they approach the door it will automatically open.  You can also have mats, radio controls, or card readers. With automatic door operating systems you are not limited in the capabilities or ways you can utilize it to meet your needs.

• These systems are suitable for low energy or full energy applications
• Can power standard swing doors up to 700 pounds
• Are compatible with wood, metal, or glass
• Allow for fast and easy retrofit installation
• And they can be used for fire door operators in case of a fire in the home

Another option for the automatic door opener systems is the individual can have a remote control where they can operate the door to open if someone comes to the home, like a caregiver for example, and they can let them in from the comfort of their bed, couch, or wheelchair. This is a great security option as well. You can even go a step further and have a video camera placed outside the door so the individual in the home can see who is at the door and if it is someone they want to open the door to.

You can add a security component to the automatic door systems when to give the individual that added sense of comfort and security to be able to live comfortably in their home. Stanley offers these options as well. You can get the automatic door openers but also the added security portion to give that added bonus of accessibility and security.

If automatic door openers are not a possibility for you right now there are a lot of other ways to help make your entry ways more accessible when looking at remodeling your home. You can widen doorways, create a zero threshold, have levers instead of round knobs, and a variety of other options. Stanley, along with ADL Solutions, offers a variety of options to the community in Tempe AZ, who need to be able to access their home.

Home remodel and modifications are not just limited to the interior of a home. People want to be able to access their front and back yards, side yards, driveways, porches, etc… People should be able to access and enjoy all areas of their home without having to hassle with barriers. So let’s go a step further and look at some helpful tips to make your landscape more accessible when you are doing a home remodel.

Tip #1 Maintain Level Ground

If you have ever pushed in a wheelchair you know how difficult it is to push up a steep slope, over uneven terrain, gravel, etc… When looking at remodeling your landscape look at making walkways as level and flat as possible for easy navigation. If you need to have a slope or incline, because of the land or whatever, make it a nice easy transition.

Tip #2 Incorporate Smooth Surfaces

If you want all areas of your yard and landscape to be accessible you are going to have to make walkways to get to all areas. You will want to make sure the surfaces are smooth so someone with a wheelchair, walker, cane, or scooter can access it and easily get around. If you are remodeling to make it more accessible for individuals with visual impairments you can make each area a different type of surface so people know when they transition to a new area. For example: smooth brick pavers on patio, natural stone pavers on paths, and stamped cement on the pool deck.

Tip #3 Give Yourself a Wide Enough Surface

There is nothing accessible about narrow pathways. We see it all the time out in the community and it is difficult for people with physical disabilities to get around and navigate. So when you are drawing up your plans for your new landscape make sure to have all walkways, pathways, access to entry ways to be wide enough for someone in a power chair to fit through. And when designing patio areas make sure to have enough room for people to navigate around a table, grill, or bar area.

Tip #4 Use Walls to Create Boundaries

Just as it’s important to provide handholds, grab bars, or rails inside the home to provide extra support, retaining walls and other surfaces of various heights can be helpful in an accessible landscape. Besides, walls can also double as seating areas and visually separate your outdoor areas to create outdoor “rooms” with different functions. It is all about function and design.

Tip #5 Don’t Forget the Pool

Swimming pools can be great for rehabilitative exercise as well as fun and relaxation for everyone. If you’re building a new backyard swimming pool or retrofitting an existing pool to be more accessible — consider adding a sloped beach entry instead of steps to make it easier for everyone to get into the pool. Or if you are limited on what you can remodel around your pool area look at adding a pool lift so everyone can access it. If you have steps in your pool you are retrofitting you can also add handrails to help make it easier for people to get in and out of as well. And it’s even more important to have a sturdy, reliable cover to protect everyone.

So when looking at home remodel for your outdoor area with an accessibility element to it check out ADL Solutions in Tempe AZ. We can help you plan, design, and execute your ideas and turn your landscape into an area that is accessible for anyone. 

Over the past few years obesity has become a major issue for many Americans. Today more and more individuals are aware of the health issues and our trying to find healthier lifestyles. But for those who struggle with their weight they become not only a health issue for themselves but also for those who care for them.

Most individual when they here obese they think of an individual who is extremely over weight. To be considered obese the individual is usually 100-300 lbs. overweight. When an individual gets to this state they will require the assistance of bariatric equipment such as lifts, walkers, wheelchair etc. These items are made to hold up high weight levels. Using medical equipment that isn’t bariatric can be dangerous for the patient and their caregiver.

When transporting a bariatric patient certain steps are needed to ensure safety for both parties. This is where a bariatric lift comes in handy. Using a bariatric lift takes the heavy lifting away from the caregiver and also makes it a lot more comfortable for the patient. There are several different types of lifts available ceiling lifts, Hoyer lifts, sit to stand lifts the list goes on. Depending on the lift equipment an individual is looking at the most import thing to know is the weight capacity. Knowing that the equipment has been tested and has an approved capacity from the manufacture gives re-insurance that the equipment should not fail.

Another thing to consider is what type of sling is needed these too have a weight capacity. But with slings there are several different styles that accommodate different uses. There’s slings for basic transfers (Example: From bed to chair) Then there’s bathing and toileting slings that assist with personal hygiene needs. When it comes time to picking out a sling an individual should contact a care specialist that has experience with sling sizing and use. They can help with not only ordering the correct equipment but can also show how to properly use the lift and to secure the sling on patient.

Those who live in Phoenix Arizona or surrounding areas can contact ADL Solutions, Inc. They offer a wide variety of patient lifts and slings. Speak to a certified professional at 480-636-1816 or email [email protected]. ADL a local showroom open to the public and also offers free home evaluations.

In today’s world individuals are more aware of the issues that those with physical and mental disabilities face. From giving proper medical care to creating the perfect environment to help with the daily activities individuals with disabilities have more resources available today than they had 20 years ago. In cities such as Scottsdale Arizona a city that is growing such companies as ADL Solutions, Inc. work hard to offer the right medical equipment as well as residential and commercial modifications for those in need for accessibility.

What ADL Solutions has found which many in the healthcare industry know is that each individual is not the same and they have specific needs when it comes to medical care. When designing a space for a child there are several things to consider that you most likely would consider for and adult or senior. Every child wants to feel special and have a normal healthy life. By creating an accessible environment that doesn’t feel like a hospital but a home you can improve a child’s physical and mental state.

Children with special needs spend more time in their bedrooms then most children so this is a space that definitely needs to be designed special. The following are tips that ADL suggest you consider when planning a space that is functional and pleasant for both the child and their caregivers.

• Eliminate flooring such as carpet which can make it difficult to move if using a wheelchair, walker, or lift. Replace with hardwood or tile can solve this issue. Another upside to removing carpet is the fact it cuts down on allergens in the space.
• When choosing colors for the space use calming colors such as pastels (blue, purple, and gray). Especially children with Autism need to have soothing colors which help with relaxation. Warm colors such as red, yellow, or orange can be chaotic and stressful.
• Create easy access to such things as light switches and doors. Moving light switched down lower on the wall make it easy for the child. Or even consider putting in a light switch that works on sensors. Also replacing doors with pocket doors are much more user friendly and eliminate the issue of the swing of the door or the operation of turning a door knob. If an individual can’t afford to modify the door also consider using push hinges which allows for the user to push the door open without the use of a door knob. Our install lever door knobs which are easier to turn.
• Make use of the space you have for the storage of medical related products. Converting a closet into storage for medical equipment and everyday supplies make it easier and fast for the caregiver to access when needed. Also placing a bedside table that has shelves or drawers can be a great place for medicine storage. You can also store a small fridge in a bedside cabinet to help with medicine, water, juice or other items that are need on a regular basis.
• Dispersing of un-necessary clutter can help in so many ways. For one it makes it easy to move around the room when using a wheelchair or other moving device. Secondly a clutter free room makes the room less stressful and helps a child find toys and learning ads. Children with vision issues the organization will help with navigating and finding items based on memory and touch.
• Remove anything that may be a dust collector. Repertory issues need to be considered in the planning process. Try installing vertical blinds which carry less dust compared to drapes and horizontal blinds. Also seal your child’s mattress in a plastic cover. The use of dehumidifiers and air purifiers are recommended.
• When choosing furniture try finding heavy pieces or pieces that can be bolted or secured to the wall. This will prevent any accidents involving falling furniture. When picking the right bed in some cases a medical bed will be needed but if a medical bed is not required a bed low to the ground is recommended. Low beds will help if the child happens to fall out of bed. Also try picking furniture that is at the perfect height for those using a wheelchair

Hopefully these tips help with the planning process for modify a space to work for your child. But if you need more assistance and you live in the Scottsdale or surrounding areas feel free to contact the experts at ADL Solutions for a free home evaluation. Email [email protected] or phone 480-636-1816

Safe patient handling is a concern within any facility setting, whether the hospital, rehab center, or skilled nursing. There is a safety and liability risk to the staff and patient when it comes to properly lifting and transporting someone from room to room, or bed to chair, etc… Staff/caregivers are at high risk for injury if they have to do manual transfers with patients on a daily basis. That is a huge strain and demand on the body. Plus, there is the risk for the patient as well. If something where to happen while in the middle of performing a lift both the patient and staff member could be injured. One option to help alleviate this concern would be installing ceiling lift equipment.  

Ceiling lifts are a great way to help make the facility or hospital setting safe for both the staff and the patients they are caring for. There are a variety of options when it comes to ceiling lifts. There are portable ceiling lifts that can break down into easily movable pieces and you have the option to move them from room to room. The other option is installing a permanent track system.

With a track ceiling lift equipment system you have a variety of options as well. The track system can be just in one room, or it can move from room to room around a facility. There are different functions and options with each track system. It really depends on the needs of the patients you are working with and what will work best for them and your staff.

If your hospital, rehab center, or skilled nursing facility is in the market for exploring alternative options to safe patient handling then contact our office in Tempe AZ at 480-636-1816. Our trained and certified staff can come out and assess the facility setting to see what will work best for you and your patients. From there we can install the ceiling lift equipment and do all the contract work involved. After installation is complete we can also train your staff on how to use the ceiling lift equipment properly.

There are a lot of options, people, and places you can go to get what you need but you want to go with a company that has experience and expertise in this area. ADL Solutions can provide you with the options and equipment you will need to help keep your patients safe.

n areas such as Phoenix Arizona residents and visitor enjoy taking advantage of the great weather and outdoor activities. But not all individuals find it easy to get from one place to the next. Most places are not fully accessible to get to get around in such as public lakes, parks, and even personal backyards. If you have ever experienced or knew anybody who’s relied on the use of a wheelchair or walker you should know you’re very limited to what you can walk and roll on. A wheelchair on gravel, dirt or sand is by far not easy to move through so most of the time the an individual is stuck with using walkways made of concrete or stone.

But over the past decade individuals have become more aware of the issues that surround those who need an accessible living environment. Universal design has evolved over the years and is more commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings. Universal design is based on the philosophy that says all spaces should be accessible for all users. Instead of focusing on users with specific needs, universal design develops solutions that work for everyone, regardless of mobility, age, auditory, visual, or mental ability.

Most individuals when they think of universal design they associate it with areas inside the home such as bathrooms and kitchens. But universal design can stretch beyond the inside and carry over to the exterior of a home or business.  There are several ways to make outside living spacing accessible for everyone.

The most import thing to remember is keep pathways level and if an incline is needed create a gentle incline. Using asphalt is good, gravel is bad. But what if asphalt isn’t the look we want? There are products on the market that can help bind gravel to keep it looking natural while still allowing wheelchairs to use the path. Two suggested products is Gravel-Lok or Klingstone Path you can find these items at stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.

For other design considerations, universal design outside has many of the same considerations as the inside. Outdoor kitchens can be made usable for anyone, and lighting design becomes even more important for safety and wayfinding at night. If an individual in the Phoenix or surrounding areas is interested in finding out ways to make their outdoor living space more accessible please feel free to contact ADL Solutions for a free evaluation. (Email [email protected] or call 480-636-1816)

ADL Solutions, Inc. is known in Scottsdale Arizona and other surrounding areas for specializing in home modifications that revolve around accessibility. They have been certified in recommending and installing all types of lifts equipment such as stair lifts. Here are a couple key things ADL specialist suggests you look at if you are trying to decide on a stair lift.

Stair lifts is a perfect solution for anyone with mobility issues and have trouble going up and down stairs. A stair lift can carry an individual up and down the stairs while sitting in a seated position. But with so many lift options on the market how do you make a decision that best meets your needs and budget. Here are a couple useful tips for when you start looking for a stair lift.

There are two stair lift styles straight and curved. Depending on the type of stairs you have you will have one of these types of styles.

A straight stair lift moves in a straight line up a flight of stairs with no interruptions by bends or curves and landings, the average cost can be between $3,000 and $6,000. Curved stair lifts are much more intricate in design they have the ability go around corners, and can change direction. Curved lifts are much more costly and typically running between $10,000 and $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the design.

If a larger person needs a lift most companies offer a heavy-duty lift that comes with a higher weight capacity and larger chair. If the individual is tall call the companies and see if the offer a seat height adjustment to accommodate longer legs.

Most stair lifts seats come with armrests and footplates (footrest) that fold up out of the way. Some seats even have a swivel option that makes getting into and out of the chair easier. They also come with rocker-switch or push button controls found on the armrest. And “call send” controls which allow you to call or send the unit to the other end of the stairs. When purchasing make sure the lift you choose has all these features.

Lastly depending on the manufacture, you may also have the option of choosing between a batteries powered (DC) or a electric (AC) stair lift. Battery powered units charge at the base station and run smoother and quieter than electric lifts, and will work even if there’s a power failure in the home.

If you live in the Scottsdale or any surrounding areas contact ADL Solutions Inc. if you are interested or have questions in purchasing and having a stair lift installed. ADL Solutions have been specializing in home accessibility for over eight years. They service the entire state of Arizona. Contact ADL at [email protected] or call 480-636-1816

rab bars are easy solutions to making areas such as a bathroom safer for individuals to use. But keep in mind if installed improperly they could be useless or even dangerous.  ADL Solutions in Phoenix Arizona have been servicing individuals for years when it comes to installing and recommending safety equipment. They have some helpful recommendations for anyone who is deciding on adding grab bars to their home.

The first thing to consider is do you want a permanent or non-permanent grab bar. Permanent is highly recommended over the non-permanent   especially in areas like the shower and tub. With permanent there is less of a worry about the grab bar failing especially if it’s secured properly to a wall. The non-permanent is always the kind that use suction cups. And with using suction cups there is a high possibility that the suction cup could fail and the end result would be a fall.

After choosing the type the next thing is picking the style. There are endless options when it comes to styles. The most common and useful is the standard stainless steel with a peened (textured) surface. ADL Solution specialist will recommend the stainless steel peened because it has the ability to last longer, it has high weight capacity, the peened outside for extra grip protection, and it’s easy to clean and doesn’t hold in bacterial like other grab bars. These reasons are probably why you see them in so many commercial bathrooms.

But, if you’re an individual that wants something that is a little bit more decorative there are so many designer grab bars. Decorative finishes such as oil rubbed bronze and brush nickel with fancy finial ends they still function like a grab bar but don’t look like one. There are also grab bars the serve as multiple functions. One example is a towel bar that also serves as a grab bar. Or a shower soap dish that’s also a grab bar. Just make sure you do your research before settling on a style.

Next is the placement of the grab bar. Every individual is unique and has different needs so when placing a bar it will have to be placed in areas that are most useful to the individual. It’s always good to have one positioned at the entrance of a shower or tub. This would be used to help the individual balance while getting in and out. Another good location is along the back wall of the tub and shower. This will help with moving while trying to get situated for bathing.

Now when it comes to installing it’s recommended you use a professional to install. This way things are installed correctly and properly secured. If you live in the Phoenix area or anywhere in Arizona ADL Solutions is a great choice for using for the install and they also offer a free evaluation for the Phoenix and surrounding areas. If you’re interested in getting more information contact ADL at 480-636-1816 or email [email protected]

When working in a hospital, rehabilitation center, skilled nursing, assisted living, or any other facility setting with patients who have significant deficits, low tone, limited function and mobility it can be challenging to get them up and moving. When staff need to assist with patient lifts and transfers throughout the day it can be hard on the body and very likely for someone to injure their back. One way to avoid injuries and help keep both the patient and staff member safe is by using a floor based lift.

There are a lot of floor based lifts out on the market and most people think of Hoyer lifts, most common one, but there are so many other types and manufacturers out there to look at and choose from. So what do you need to know and look for? What will be the best for you? What functions do I need? In this article we are going to look at the Invacare I-Lift equipment. And if you are in the Tempe, Scottsdale or Phoenix area you can come and check one out at ADL Solutions office and showroom, which is located in Tempe AZ.

So let’s look at the features and benefits of the I-Lift.

Designed to handle the most common transfer situations with ease, the Invacare I-Lift equipment, with a 450 lb. weight capacity will accommodate patients from a bed, a stretcher, a wheelchair, a commode and even from the floor.

With increased maneuverability, ease of use, and enhanced safety features, the I-Lift equipment delivers advanced features that helps protect and assist caregivers and staff in providing safe and effective healthcare when working with their patients.

Now let’s look at some of the features and functions of the Invacare I-Lift equipment.

• Low friction casters and dual precision bearings provide smooth maneuverability that requires 60% LESS force to push/pull the equipment.
• Ergonomic dual angle push bar is symmetrical to accommodate a variety of caregivers’ heights and allows access from either side.
• Foldable design delivers added convenience for easy storage for travel or storage when not in use.
• Optional digital scale is easy to use with clearly labeled controls, digital display and operating instructions printed right on the face panel. A perfect way to weigh a patient while in the process of transferring them.

The Invacare I-Lift has a ton of great features and benefits to help assist staff and caregivers when assisting patients with lifts and transfers. This is one of the optimal floor based lift equipment out there to help meet your needs. Call our office to schedule a time to come and visit our showroom to check out the Invacare I-Lift equipment in Tempe AZ.