Author Archives: Brett F

For students who suffer from mobility issues of varying severity having the right patient lift at school can make a huge difference. Finding the best option depends on several variables that we will discuss here in the hopes of helping you make an informed decision. Here are some things to consider when seeking out a patient lift for your school. Types of Patient Lifts There are a few kinds of patient lifts: Total Assist, Moderate Assist, and Lateral Transfer. Sling lifts and sit-to-stand lifts—the latter for students who still have some mobility—can fall under the first two categories and are typically standard in schools. Sling lifts are generally recommended as they accommodate different degrees of disability and as new students arrive each year you want to be prepared for anything and everything. The second choice you must make is between either an electric or hydraulic patient lift (manual) patient lift. The electric patient lift is often favored in school settings to avoid unhealthy manual lifting practices that can result in injury both to the patient and the caretaker. To prevent complications take a look at some popular electric patient lift options that can make a big difference. Weight and Maneuverability Having a patient lift that is sturdy yet at the same time light and easy to move is vital for school settings. The wheels on the patient lift allow for maximum maneuverability and many models today are compact enough to be stored away easily. You will want to keep your eye out for lifts roughly of a weight of 127 pounds or less; they will make things more comfortable in the long run. Portability is everything as the machine will likely be moved from classroom to classroom to accommodate the patient's schedule. Right for Them Is Right for You Do not be afraid to consult with your nursing staff at the school. The right patient lift will be one that is easy to operate and handle by those who will be controlling it most of the time. Portable electric lifts hold many of the kind of advantages that you and your staff want as you can see from this model here. Budget No price tag can be put on such a critical piece of equipment, and yet most schools do have a budget, and you want to stay within it. Fortunately, there are many patient lift options available that are quite affordable and execute their job stupendously. Patient lifts are built to last, and many schools find themselves holding on to them for many years, they are an investment in every sense of the word. Ultimately it all comes down to having a device that is easy to handle, operate, store, and that does its job efficiently. Review your choices and make an informed decision that you and your staff can be proud of in school. The health and safety of your students and faculty is primordial and in choosing the right patient lift you are looking out for them. Here are some of our recommended patient lifts: 1) Hoyer Professional Advance-E Portable Electric Patient Lift The Hoyer Advance-E is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers. Whether from the floor or onto a healthcare bed, the Advance-E Electric Lift copes with ease. The Advance E's unique tapered leg design allows the lift to get even closer to the widest of obstacles. This is especially useful when encountering large chairs, bulky commodes, and wheelchairs. The tapered design also ensures that the resident feels safe and secure during the transfer. The Advance-E Patient Lift is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers. > Shop the Product 2) Bestlift Electric Patient Lift This lift is built for years of trouble-free service with "no tools required" assembly. Quick snap connections require no tools. Powered Lifter uses rechargeable batteries with an onboard charging system. Built into the Lift's control box is a battery charger. Battery and charging system includes low charge and load capacity warning. > Shop the Product 3) Invacare Hydraulic Manual Patient Lift The Invacare 9805 hydraulic lift is designed to make transfer situations safe and affordable for everyone involved. And with its slim design and two finish options, the hydraulic lift is versatile enough to use in most homecare situations. > Shop the Product 4) Lumex Easy Stand-Up Electric Patient Lift The Easy STS 400 Stand Assist Lift from Lumex is a standard stand assist patient lift.  This lift is extremely helpfull to the caregiver in pivot transfers.  It's design enables give quick and safe assistance to those who have trouble standing. This lift is ideal in helping to remove clothing and dressing the patient, it can be used when the patient can support approximately 60% of their weight, and can control their upper body.  Sit to Stand lifts are the most popular type of lifts going into institutions.  This lift can enable the caregiver to move and transfer the patient with confidence! > Shop the Product  5) MedLift Powered Base Electric Patient Lift Power-operated base allows the legs to be positioned where you need them. Floor pick-up capability helps prevent caregiver strain. Emergency stop, power, manual lowering and audible, low-battery warning provide safety. 4-point, cradle design minimizes patient sway. > Shop the Product

For residential customers, electric wheelchairs continue to be in high demand, and that is not surprising as they have some significant advantages over manual ones. An electric wheelchair is battery powered which eliminates the physical exertion needed to get around. Also, their upholstery and seating frame are generally designed for maximum comfort. For those reasons and these here below, the electric wheelchair continues to rise in popularity and interest. Freedom of Movement Manual chairs require a significant amount of physical strength from the user to move around, not only to propel them forward but to stop as well. Difficult terrains, steep ramps, and more can limit where and how far one can go. Electric wheelchairs allow the user the freedom to move around from place to place and overcome obstacles that come across without any assistance, and that proves to be a commodity too good to pass up. Easing the Pressure Besides the comfort already mentioned in the seats, an electric wheelchair will usually feature a reclining and tilting option that can help relieve the pressure of constant sitting. additionally, different drivetrains in electric wheelchairs help the user navigate the terrains most frequently traveled across, i.e., grass, concrete, etc. Providing one’s self with maximum comfort seems like a sound plan every time, and this is why electric wheelchairs remain on demand. Customized Services Many of the drawbacks of electric chairs such as their usual inability to collapse for transportation are now available. Custom electric wheelchairs can be made to fold for easy storage. Other features can be adapted into the mobile vehicle to increase its comfort and performance. Electric chairs are growing in popularity due to their versatility in customization. Adaptability to Disability Electric wheelchairs can be adapted into any condition regardless of severity. For individuals who only have control of even the most basic functions, these beautiful machines can provide a level of freedom that forty or fifty years ago may have seemed unthinkable. The user can operate electric wheelchairs via their fingers and even just their mouth, which is something that cannot be said of manual wheelchairs. The possibilities for adaptability in electric wheelchairs are endless, and this is a significant reason for their high demand. On and On and On The most significant advantage of electric wheelchairs is, of course, their ability to travel vast distances without taking a toll on the user. So long as the battery is charged the user can move at will to any location. From the room to the front porch, from the park to a favorite cafe, there are little users cannot do and few places where they cannot go, and those are perks that manual wheelchairs cannot claim. The Verdict As you can see electric wheelchairs continue to gain ground on manual wheelchairs each day, and it is because of their increased versatility and reliability to perform under the toughest of conditions. Durable and packed with features these machines continue to impress. The future is bright for the electrically powered wheelchair models so do not be surprised to see them eventually win the race to the top.   Here are some of our recommended electric wheelchairs:   1) Medalist The Medalist sports new, modern styling and 350-pound weight capacity. It’s practicality and comfort with style! The Medalist makes handling daily mobility activities a breeze thanks to its tight turning radius and an overall width that fits into narrow spaces. The adjustable position controller lets you place it where it’s most comfortable for you. And the deluxe Captain’s Seat features an adjustable angle backrest, flip-up armrests, a swivel seat and is available in 18” and 20” widths. > Shop the Product 2) Trident The Trident Front Wheel Drive Power Chair offers a durable and reliable performance chair all in one. The power chair comes with adjustable height, width, and angle, padded arms allowing for more customization options that conform to the specific user as well as a semi-reclining back with a headrest for maximum comfort and support. > Shop the Product 3) Cirrus Plus The Drive Cirrus Plus power wheelchair is a great wheelchair at an even better price. It has all the options you would expect in a more expensive transportable power wheelchair including an attractive silver vein finish, swing-away footrests, height-adjustable armrests and a cushion at a price that can't be beaten. The Cirrus Plus also features adjustable tension back upholstery and a programmable PG controller. > Shop the Product 4) Karman Tranzit Go Foldable Power Wheelchair The Tranzit Go is made up of the best raw materials and components which creates a truly lightweight wheelchair. This power wheelchair is functional and features a standard 12-mile driving range ( optional 25 miles)  You can remove the lithium-ion batteries since they are lightweight. This also helps with easy transporting the wheelchair. > Shop the Product  5) Intrepid The Intrepid™ comes fully loaded, complete with the unique QuadraSpring suspension as well as a set of removable armrests that are height, width, and angle adjustable. A seat belt and seat back storage pouch also come standard for the user's comfort and safety and the swivel Captain's seat is height adjustable, offering users 25° of recline. > Shop the Product

Technology continues to improve the lives of patients and caretakers alike, and there is perhaps a no better example than the electric patient lift. The electric patient lift has a long history in hospitals and home settings. Each year they design new lifts with improved features to help mobility. Here is everything you need to know about this revolutionary invention that continues to amaze. How They Work Electric patient lifts use an electric motor and hydraulic arms to help lift a patient from their bed to a chair or bath; they are perfectly safe and require nothing more than batteries or an AC power plug to function.  Center the weight of your patient and with the use of a remote control the caretaker can raise or lower the patient comfortably. If you are the caretaker, you must be sure to test the machine with the help of an assistant to ensure safety before lifting a patient. The Essential Sling All electric patient lifts should come equipped with a U-Sling for transferring the patient from bed to another location. It is essential that the caretaker know how to fold the sling before using it on the patient correctly, the instruction manual will provide this information. Securely place the sling underneath the patient. The patient must always be facing the caregiver with feet off the bed before lifting. Structure Knowing the structure and parts of the electric patient lift can help you ensure safety. There is always a locking wheel that allows for stability, an emergency release button, a battery pack, and a push handle as well. Each aspect of the electric power lift is meant to ensure a smooth and safe transition each time, the more familiar you are with the features, the better the operator you will be. Pricing and Availability Electric patient lifts are sophisticated machines, but they are widely made available by several companies who put out fantastic products each year. The pricing can range anywhere from $1200 to $12,000, and they are typically used in hospital settings where other premier equipment is used. Some products offer everything you need at a reasonable price. You Are in Control By having an electric patient lift available both the caregiver and the patient can avoid injury and make the process of movement far smoother. If you are the caregiver the power is in your hands to ensure a smooth transition via the remote control. You will also want to maintain the machine and ensure that batteries are always readily available in case of a power outage. The care and maintenance of this sophisticated machine is crucial. Technology Is on Our Side Innovation continues to provide healthcare facilities with the necessary tools to perform, and there is no telling what the future holds. The electric patient lift is a miracle of an invention, and it may be precisely what you need at home or in your facility today. Give your patients and caretakers the comfort and peace of mind that they deserve.   Here are a few patient lifts we recommend:   1) Advance-E™ Electric Patient Lift The Hoyer Advance-E is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers. Whether from the floor or onto a healthcare bed, the Advance-E Electric Lift copes with ease. Advance E's unique tapered leg design allows the lift to get even closer to the widest of obstacles. This is especially useful when encountering large chairs, bulky commodes, and wheelchairs. The tapered design also ensures that the resident feels safe and secure during the transfer. The Advance-E Patient Lift is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers. > Shop the Product 2) Hoyer Deluxe Electric Power Patient Lift   Designed to meet the needs of the caregiver as well as the patient, the HPL402 features ergonomic handle grips to reduce back strain and a mechanical down-release lever for non-powered lowering. The single-speed actuator is reverse-mounted to give the patient increased leg clearance, and the unit also features leg guards and caster bumpers to prevent damage to walls and furniture. > Shop the Product 3) Bestlift Electric Patient Lift This homecare power patient lift is built for years of trouble-free service with "no tools required" assembly. Quick snap connections require no tools. Powered Lifter uses rechargeable batteries with onboard charging system.  Battery Charger is built into the Lift's control box. Battery and charging system includes low charge and load capacity warning. > Shop the Product 4) Medlift 45olb Powered Base Electric Patient Lift Power-operated base allows the legs to be positioned where you need them. Floor pick-up capability helps prevent caregiver strain. Emergency stop, power, manual lowering, and audible, low-battery warning provide safety. 4-point, cradle design minimizes patient sway. > Shop the Product  5) Drive Bariatric Heavy Duty Electric Patient Lift   The Drive Medical Bariatric Electric Patient Lift 13244 has a load capacity of 650 lbs and comes with a free padded U-sling. The on-board charger can be charged from any AC outlet.  This electric lift is heavy duty while being economical. This lift is ideal for home use! > Shop the Product

What Bariatric Patients Should Look For in a Mobility Scooter Mobility is one of the most important things when it comes to finding the right scooter. If you want to be able to lead a fulfilling and independent daily lifestyle, then it can help you immensely to be able to get from point A to point B all by yourself. If you're a bariatric patient who weighs in excess of 400 pounds, then the assistance of a top-tier mobility scooter may be invaluable to you. Heavy duty scooters tend to be equipped with all sorts of highlights that make them simple to employ daily, too. If you want to invest in the right heavy duty scooter for your weight, lifestyle and general mobility requirements, then you should search for one that has an ergonomic layout and four wheels total. Ergonomic layouts can make scooters a lot more dependable and steady for users. Seats that are adjustable are essential as well. These kinds of seats have the ability to cater to many diverse body forms. If you're interested in a scooter that minimizes the discomfort of joint tension and pressure, then the adjustable route is without a doubt the way to go. Bariatric patients who are passionate about maximum ease need to approach their scooter searches with pure diligence and care. Try to Find a Scooter that Promotes Optimal Safety Safety is paramount. If you want to invest in a heavy-duty scooter that can enhance your day-to-day existence, then you need to prioritize safety above all else. In our opinion, you should research mobility scooters that are produced by brands that are licensed and that have outstanding reputations. It isn't only crucial to concentrate on safety. You also need to make ease of use a prominent factor. Don't waste your time on a scooter that feels awkward. If you can feel 100 percent relaxed on a scooter, that's without a doubt a great sign. Narrow your options down to scooters that match your individual size wishes. Think about your residence as well. You would be doing yourself a favor to invest in a scooter that collapses. If you get one from this category, you can conserve a lot of room. Folding options can come in handy for bariatric patients who reside in apartments and in similarly compact areas. Make Distance a Component Think in general about your daily movement requirements. How far do you usually have to go? It's imperative to search for a scooter that can manage your distance objectives day in and day out. Don't forget to think about fueling and charging, either. Try to secure a mobility scooter that promotes hassle-free refueling and recharging any time the need comes up. Do You Need a Basket? Shopping may be a big part of your daily routine. If it is, then you may want to find a scooter that's equipped with a basket that's directly attached to the front. This can be amazing for managing belongings. If you want further details about mobility scooters for bariatric patients, contact the staff at Amica Medical Supply Company now.   We supply a range of high-quality mobility scooters for bariatric patients. Here are some of our recommended products:   1) EWheels EW-72 Mobility Scooter The EWheels EW-72 Mobility Scooter is a high powered and exceptionally well-built 4 wheeled scooter designed to provide a much greater top speed and range than any other scooter device on the market. Feature packed with all the luxuries of a high-end motor vehicle, this high-octane electric scooter can travel up to 15 miles per hour and has a range up to 43 miles! No other mobility scooters on the market compare to the EW-72 in control, capacity or conveniences. > Shop the Product 2) Spitfire Scout 4 Drive Medical's Spitfire Scout 4 travel scooter is perfect for those mobility vehicle users who are consistently on the go. With ergonomic tiller positioning and four-wheel stability, the Scout 4-Wheel gives the user with limited dexterity and strength the ability to travel outdoors with greater control. Safety features such as the anti-tip wheels, flat-free tires and a rear reflector for better visibility provide you the assurance everything was taken into account in the design of the Spitfire Scout. > Shop the Product 3) Traveler 3-Wheel The Zip’r 3-Wheel Scooter from Zip’r Mobility is one of the most affordable full-featured scooters we sell with all of the features that you would look for in a travel scooter. Its standard features include flat-free tires, a padded folding seat with flip-back armrests, headlight and front basket. Transportability is a plus with the Zip’r 3. Disassembly is easy because there are no wires or cables to disconnect. One unique feature of this scooter is its floorboard design. Most scooters curve up or become extremely narrow near the front wheel. > Shop the Product 4) Phoenix HD 4 The Phoenix HD 4-wheel travel scooter combines the ability to navigate rough terrain and outdoor environments with the portability of a travel style of the scooter. The four-wheel design and anti-tip wheels assist with overall stability for a more secure experience. This scooter also has a height adjustable seat with flip back, adjustable width arms to accommodate varying body types. The seat also helps with portability by folding flat and allowing for easier transporting or storage. Your Phoenix HD 4 wheel scooter can easily and quickly disassemble into four pieces, with the heaviest section weighing only 46 lbs. > Shop the Product  5) Pursuit PMV The Pursuit is the perfect sport scooter for those who enjoy the great outdoors. If you find yourself out at night, the Pursuit offers a lighting package that will help guide the way. It also comes fully equipped with directional lights for added security. Comfort and durability combine to make this scooter top-of-the-line.  The sporty look and perfect balance structure will allow users to maximize its uses. > Shop the Product