Providing Home Care for a Loved One

Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctors say he has six months left to live. Dad has decided that he wants to remain at home. Now what do we do? Who will take care of him? How do we care for him? 

It is very difficult to watch as a family member's health starts to deteriorate at an alarming rate. While caring for a loved one can be stressful and emotional draining, decisions need to be made about who will care for your loved one as their health fades.

Many elderly and sick patients want to remain in the comfort of their own home during their final days rather than living in a nursing home, hospital or hospice care facility. And they turn to you for help. How do you go about providing home care for a loved one as their health declines? Here are some tips for becoming a good caregiver in your loved one's final days.

1. Organize. Take time to organize your loved one's house and important papers. Know where their prescriptions are. Make sure you have their insurance and medical information available. Determine which hospital will care for your loved one in a medical emergency. And remember to figure out financial matters, too!

2. Simply your Daily Routine. Cut out any unnecessary tasks. Or ask someone else to help you out like taking your daughter to soccer practice.

3. Take Time for Yourself. When you have a few minutes, remember to take care of yourself too. Read a book, take a hot bath or go for a short walk.

4. Be There for the Person. Help them with day to day tasks such as bathing, eating, taking them to doctor appointments, etc. But also be there for the person emotionally. Don't be afraid to communicate your feelings and talk about daily events. Remember to laugh, cry and enjoy your time with your loved one.

While providing home care can be an emotionally draining task, it is also a rewarding one. Your loved one will be happy that you are by their side. 

Which Wheelchair is Right for me?

Wheelchairs come in a variety of colors, sizes and movement options. While determining the size (child or adult) and color of your wheelchair might be easy choices, you need to ask yourself what is the best movement option? Do you want to be able to move the wheelchair manually? Or would you prefer to travel long distances in your wheelchair?

 Here we will discuss the difference between electric, manual and power wheelchairs.

Power Chairs: A power chair, similar to a scooter in design, is a wheelchair propelled by an electric motor. Power chairs, also known as motorized wheelchairs, are ideal for traveling long distances and over rough terrain.

Manual Wheelchairs: A manually powered wheelchair requires you to move them. By turning the wheels, you will be able to move from place to place. Some manual wheelchairs are foldable and can be stored in a closet.

Electric Wheelchairs: Electric wheelchairs are similar to power chairs in which they are propelled by an electric motor. However, they still have the same appearance as a manual wheelchair. Some electric wheelchairs are foldable and can be stored just like the manual wheelchairs.

If you are looking for a wheelchair, contact the knowledgeable staff at Miller MobilityProducts. We have many different wheelchair models available. Visit one of our showrooms today and find the wheelchair or power chair right for you. 

Waukesha 262-549-4900
Mequon 262-240-9811
Madison 608-340-1092

Stairlifts, Ramps and Platforms, Oh My!

More than 3 million Americans use wheelchairs and mobility scooters on a daily basis. Many people wonder: "What is the best incline or platform for wheelchair and scooter users to get from place to place?" There are many different options including: stairlifts, ramps and platforms. Since every situation is different, let's explore the different options that wheelchair and scooter users have.

Stairlifts
A stairlift, commonly referred to as a chair lift or stair glider, is a mechanical device used for transporting people and wheelchairs up and down the stairs.

With a stairlift, a removable rail is mounted to every other stair. And a chair or platform is attached to the stair rail. The chair or platform will carry the person up and down the stairs. 

Ramps
A wheelchair ramp or an inclined plane is often installed in addition to stairs. The ramp allows wheelchair users to easily access a building and move from floor to floor. Most wheelchair ramps are permanent fixtures. However, some people have portable wheelchair ramps. The portable wheelchairs ramps are made of aluminum. They easily fold up and allow the wheelchair user to take the ramp with them.

Platforms
Platforms lifts are also referred to as wheelchair lifts, vertical lifts, and vertical platform lifts. A platform lift raises or lowers a wheelchair / scooter and its occupant from one level to another. Platform lifts are found in many places including homes, vans, city buses, porches, and public buildings.

Whether you are a wheelchair or scooter user, there are many different options available to you. Contact the knowledgeable staff at Miller Mobility Products to find out the best option for you.

www.millermobility.com
Waukesha: 262-549-4900
Mequon: 262-240-9811
Madison: 608-340-1092

For questions about stairlifts, ramps and platforms, contact Miller Mobility Products at: Waukesha: 262-549-4900 | Mequon: 262-240-9811. Or visit our web site: www.millermobilityproducts.com.

Mobility Scooters Provide Independence for Seniors

Seniors make up the largest percent of the U.S. population. Every day, more than 10,000 baby boomers turn 65. With increasing age comes more health problems and the inability for seniors to live on their own. Many elderly adults are finding it hard to perform day-to-day tasks, forcing them to move into assisted-living facilities and yearning for ways to remain independent.

With independence comes freedom. But how can a senior gain this freedom they yearn for? The answer is simple. Purchase a mobility scooter.

Investing in a mobility scooter will make life easier for the elderly and disabled. It will also make things easier for the assisted-living staff. Seniors will not have to rely on family, friends or the assisted-living staff to care for them 24/7. They will have a new found independence and be able to be more active.

Mobility
For instance, seniors will be able to go grocery shopping on their own. They will also be able to go outdoors and go for walks with family and friends without becoming exhausted or fatigued.

Prevent Falls
Mobility scooters are also a great way to prevent falls. By using the scooters both indoors and outdoors, seniors can move around without the risk of falling and injuring themselves.

Injury/Illness Recovery
If a person is recovering from an injury or an illness, a mobility scooter is an ideal way for the person to get around. It would prevent them from being confined to the house and feeling trapped.

If you believe mobility scooters would benefit you or a loved one, there are many models available. Do some research and figure out what would best fit your needs. Remember to ask for a free consultation to discuss options and find the product that is right for you.

For questions about mobility scooters, contact Miller Mobility Products at: Waukesha: 262-549-4900 | Mequon: 262-240-9811. Or visit our web site: www.millermobilityproducts.com.

Durable Medical Equipment: My parents need WHAT? Where would I go to get THAT?

Baby Boomers are retiring at an increasing rate. In 2011, the first generation of Baby Boomers turned 65. Their average life expectancy is 83 years old [source: Harvard School of Public Health].

 

As the boomers age, they will experience more medical problems. Yet, they will want to remain independent and live in their homes longer. As a result, their care and well-being will be managed by family members. Taking them to doctor appointments may become a regular routine.

 

During one of these appointments, the doctor says, "Your dad has arthritis in the knees and will need a rollator to help him get around."

 

Your response might be, "My dad needs WHAT? Where would I get THAT?"

 

For starters, a rollator is a piece of durable medical equipment, also referred to as DME. Durable medical equipment is a non-disposable piece of medical equipment used in the home to help improve one's quality of life. DME is also a benefit provided by most insurance companies.

 

Home medical equipment classified as DME includes: CPAP, catheters, wheelchairs, medical beds, oxygen tanks and Diabetes testing supplies.

 

Consumable medical supplies are described as non-durable medical supplies. They tend to be disposable and cannot withstand repeated use.

 

Both durable medical equipment and consumable medical supplies can be purchased at a local medical equipment and supplies store.

 

In southeastern Wisconsin, Miller Mobility Products is a leading medical equipment, supply and mobility store. Miller Mobility Products has two stores conveniently located in Waukesha and Mequon to handle the needs for the Milwaukee and Madison areas. With two showroom floors, you can test out the home medical equipment, so you know exactly what you are buying.

 

Whether you are looking to buy used or new durable medical equipment, Miller Mobility Products' knowledgeable staff will listen to your needs and recommend budget-friendly products and services that are right for you.

 

While many people think it's easier to buy used home medical equipment, you might want to think twice. Used DME might be cheaper in the beginning, but what happens when the product needs repair? Chances are you will not have a warranty and you will need to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. It could cost you hundreds of dollars to repair your durable medical equipment. And you could end up spending more money than if you purchased new DME.

 

However, if you buy a new piece of home medical equipment with a full warranty, all the repairs will be covered. You will not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. Spending more money up-front will save you more in the long run.

 

Remember, no matter who needs durable medical equipment or home medical supplies, Miller Mobility is here to serve you.

 

For questions about durable medical equipment and supplies, contact Miller Mobility Products at: Waukesha: 262-549-4900 | Mequon: 262-240-9811. Or visit our web site:www.millermobilityproducts.com.

Miller Mobility Products: A Family-Owned Medical Supply Store, Providing Durable Medical Equipment with Exceptional Service

More than 10,000 Baby Boomers are retiring every day. But are they ready for the health challenges ahead?  By 2030, about 60 percent of the Baby Boomers will have a chronic health condition [source: American Hospital Association] and need some type of durable medical equipment.

With the needs for durable medical equipment increasing every day, Miller Mobility Products is here to serve you. Our knowledgeable staff offers customers outstanding service and support. We listen to your needs and  recommend budget-friendly products and services that are right for you.

Miller Mobility Products is a family-owned and operated business with two convenient locations in Mequon and Waukesha. For over nine years, we have been offering unparalleled durability and exceptional service to our customers. Miller Mobility also offers top of the line manufacturers and a showroom floor filled with products for you to try out.

In 2012, we opened a new store in Mequon, Wisconsin, to take care of the medical supply needs for Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan and Dodge counties. Both of our stores, in Mequon and Waukesha, offer free product demonstrations. Just ask one of our knowledgeable associates  to assist you.

Miller Mobility Products also offers free in-home evaluations. Often times, we will give you drawings and brochures to ensure you receive the best product to meet your needs.

With over twenty-five years in the medical equipment business, Mike Miller and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional service. We are one of a few dealers in Wisconsin, who will sell, install and service the entire state. Each of our repairmen have a fully equipped vehicle with the necessary tools to repair your equipment.

Miller Mobility also provides twenty-four hour emergency service. We are committed to repairing your mobility products and medical equipment in a timely manner. As an outstanding member of the Better Business Bureau, we ensure your satisfaction.

For more information about Miller Mobility Products, visit our web site at: www.millermobilityproducts.com. Or call one of our stores and talk to our experienced staff.

Waukesha: 262-549-4900 | Mequon: 262-240-9811

Miller Mobility Products is truly a one-of-a-kind mobility and medical supply company serving the needs of Milwaukee, Madison and the surrounding areas.

Miller Mobility Products Grand Opening in Mequon, WI

Miller Mobility Products is opening a new location in Mequon, Wisconsin. Visit our newest store on at our grand opening on:

• Friday, July 20th from 9-5:30
• Saturday, July 21st from 10-2

Come visit our newest showroom and ask for a free product demonstration!

Miller Mobility carries wheelchairs, scooters, ramps, liftchairs, walkers, lifts and many other medical supplies and products.

Visit our newest showroom at: 1404 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, Wisconsin. Or call: 262-240-9811.

You can also visit our Waukesha store at: 713 N. Grandview Blvd, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Or call: 262-549-4900.

Check out our web site at: www.millermobilityproducts.com or www.millermobility.com.