Resources and News from Mobility Plus Greater Milwaukee, WI

It's a critical job but one of the toughest one caregivers have: helping someone with limited mobility get in and out of bed so they can use a wheelchair or travel to a bathroom. Patients need to be kept safe and secure, and caregivers need to avoid injury. Luckily, Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee has many ways to make patient lifting and transfer a better experience for everyone.

The first step for someone who needs patient-transfer solutions is to assess the situation, says Steve Ziembiec, owner of Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee and a certified aging-in-place specialist. What is the living space like? How far to the bathroom? Is it a temporary or long-term situation? How limited is the patient's mobility? "It's important to understand both the patient's needs and their environment," Ziembiec says.

Ziembiec and the Mobility Plus team can help find the solution that suits both the patient and their home situation best. Starting with someone who needs a little help to someone who needs a lot, here's the range of options Mobility Plus can supply.

Sit-To-Stand Lifts

If a patient can get into a sitting position without much problem, something as simple as a gait belt can work. Worn around a patient’s waist, the caregiver uses it to steady a patient as they stand up and transfer to a wheelchair. But this might not be enough for a larger patient or one who’s less steady on their feet. In those cases, sit-to-stand lifts are great solutions, says Ziembiec.

Sit-to-stand lifts can be wheeled up to a patient's bed and used with a sling. The caregiver secures the sling around the patient while they’re sitting on the edge of a bed or chair, then attaches the sling to the lift while its wheels are securely locked. The patient places their feet on a platform, grabs the handlebars and, with the sling securing them, pulls themself into an upright position. They can then be wheeled to another location.

"What's great about this product is its versatility," said Ziembiec. The patient can either stand or sit on the device while being transferred, and the caregiver can offer varying amounts of assistance depending on the patient's ability. "This is for someone who can almost stand on their own and you want to work on improving their balance," says Ziembiec.

• Things to consider: Works best on smooth floor surfaces. Compact enough to move through standard doorways.
  

Hoyer Lifts

When someone has less trunk stability and cannot get into an upright position without aid, Hoyer lifts can make transfers safe and easy. Like the sit-to-stand lift, they roll up to a bed and work with a sling, but can be positioned directly over a reclining patient. The slings for these are larger and provide more support. Once attached to the lift, the patient is raised by cranking the lift higher (electric options are also available), which then positions them to be moved in the sling to a new location. The lift's legs adjust wider for stability and narrower to go through doorways.

• Things to consider: Weight capacity varies according to model. Works best on smooth floor surfaces. Different slings are available, for instance mesh for transferring directly to a bath, shower or toilet. Rentals available.
  

Ceiling Lifts by Amico

With ceiling lifts, the lifting mechanism moves on a track that's installed over the patient's bed. They are best for long-term needs and for patients with little or no mobility and require minimal effort by a caregiver. "They’re the ultimate solution," says Ziembiec. "If you’re going to be transferring patients on a regular basis, this is the safest way."

Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee sells and installs lifts by Amico, whose lifts were originally designed for operating rooms. Ziembiec calls Amico the "Cadillac" brand due to its smart design, durability, reliability, low maintenance, and ease of use.

The basic principle is the same: a patient is secured in a sling and the sling is attached to an overhead lift. Amico's lifting mechanism is called a GoLift, which is portable – just 10 pounds – and can lift up to 700 pounds when snapped into position on a track. Once the patient is secured, the GoLift moves along the track, transporting the patient to a wheelchair.

These lifts can be installed above a toilet, above a bed, above an armchair – in virtually any spot in the house. The GoLift, whose battery charges while it's on the track, can be switched to different tracks in the home as needed. Depending on a room’s dimensions and other factors, the track can be installed in a variety of ways. Freestanding tracks, which assemble and disassemble quickly, are available for a temporary solution or when you want a track than can move from room to room.

Ziembiec recently installed Amico ceiling lifts for a client and asked a caregiver to demonstrate how they worked. "And the caregiver said, 'This thing is fantastic! It's so much easier than using a regular lift.'"Ziembiec agrees: "It's got a ton of cool safety features, and operating it is a breeze, an absolute breeze."

• Things to consider: Curved tracks can also be installed. Capacity choices are 400 pounds, 700 pounds, and 1,000 pounds. Many types of slings are available, such as mesh for transferring directly to a bath, shower, or toilet.
  

Find out what's best for you

The solutions for patient lift and transfer are surprisingly varied and versatile. Ziembec, who's a licensed dwelling contractor, can help you find the best choice for you and your home. He and the Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee team offer installation and repair services. Many patient lift and transfer solutions are available as rentals or rent-to-own.

Call to schedule a free consultation at (414) 367-4004 today!

If you or a loved one has mobility challenges, the equipment you rely on isn't a convenience, it's a necessity. When something goes wrong with a wheelchair, stair lift, or scooter, you need to know there’s someone who can help. Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee understands that because Mobility Plus is committed to service, you're getting more than a product – you're getting experts who care.

Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee sells and rents a wide range of home-mobility solutions but considers itself in the service business. The staff prides itself on being problem-solvers for their clients. That can mean making a repair or installation on short notice, finding a part as quickly as possible, or figuring out a payment plan you can handle.

"It's in our nature to bend over backwards and jump through hoops to accommodate peoples' needs," says owner Steve Ziembiec. "We do everything we can to help in a timely and cost-effective fashion."

But repairs are only part of the picture. Here are six great service benefits you'll get when you work with Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee.

1. Expertise: Personalized attention for just the right fit for you

Every client looking for a mobility solution has a unique set of considerations and challenges. Do you need a temporary fix or something long-term? Do you need mobility help outside the home or inside? Would a ramp work for your front entrance, or do you need a lift?

And for every set of circumstances, there's a wide range of mobility solutions. Given the pace of innovation in the mobility-device industry, the options can be overwhelming.

The team at Mobility Plus will help you sort it all out by guiding you through the choices. They know the latest products and can assess your home situation. Steve is both a certified aging-in-place specialist and a licensed dwelling contractor.

Free in-home consultations are available to assess what will work for your living situation and steer you away from what won't.

"We treat each customer as an individual," says Steve. "Everyone has a unique situation, so we don't offer cookie-cutter solutions."

2.Repairs: Someone to turn to when something breaks down

Whether it's a stair lift in your home or a walker you bring to the store, Mobility Plus will do their best to repair it. Sometimes it’s as simple as a dead battery, a wobbly wheel, or a lever in the wrong position. When more complicated repairs require a new part, Mobility Plus will either find something in stock or order it for you.

Is it a brand Mobility Plus doesn't carry, or something you purchased elsewhere? No problem. As long as they can find the part, they'll help out.

3. Responsiveness: Quick action when you need it

It's not uncommon for a Mobility Plus team member to be on their way to your home even before you get off the phone. Steve and his team know how important it is to address problems quickly – like the time they dropped everything to help a man whose stair lift broke, keeping him from reaching his bedroom and bathroom. "When I left him that morning, I felt fantastic, because we got it running and he was so relieved," says Steve.

"A lot of times when people are calling us it's not a convenience, it's a necessity. We recognize that."

4. Resourcefulness: Bridging service gaps with solutions

When a customer's broken power-lift chair needed a part shipped, she was in a fix. While recovering from shoulder surgery, the chair was her only way to sleep. Steve found a floor model to loan her while the part was on its way.

When another customer was told he'd have to wait for his scooter to be repaired, he had no way to go about his usual activities. Steve had a selection of wheelchairs and scooters to offer short-term.

Mobility Plus has an inventory of products that can be loaned or rented. "When we can get something into somebody's hands that meets their needs temporarily, that's what we do," says Steve. "If we have anything in our possession that will help a client get through a tough stretch, we do it. As quickly as possible."

5. Cost-conscious: Finding the right options for your budget

The Mobility Plus team understands that budget-friendly options are important. Now might not be the time for that top-of-the-line scooter with a sound system and built-in beverage cooler. Or maybe you're not sure you'll need your solution long-term. Whatever the reason, Steve and his team can help. Ask about:

• Lower-cost models that are safe and reliable
• Used items and floor models
• Rentals and rent-to-own options
• Payment plans
• Short-term equipment loans
  

6. Personal attention: Pride of ownership

Steve and his partner handle almost all service and sales inquiries personally, and they take pride in their reputation for service. Because the owners are the same people making repairs and selling products, they're accountable and committed.

"We're truly a small company and we live the service leadership model. We run this business to help people," says Steve. "And because of that we’ll go out of our way to make it a positive experience."

Call or visit

If you have a mobility challenge that needs a solution, Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee will combine great service with great solutions for you. Visit the store in Brookfield to test-drive a scooter, see a stair lift demonstrated, or learn about the latest new products in stock. Or call to schedule a free home consultation.

Mobility challenges aren't always long-term, and your equipment options don't have to be, either. Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee offers many rent and rent-to-own options for customers who need short-term solutions.

"Sometimes our customers come to us because a visiting relative uses a wheelchair, and their house just isn't set up for that," said Steve Ziembiec, owner of Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee. "Or maybe they have a surgery scheduled and will need assistance while recovering at home. We have lots of solutions that don't require a long-term investment."

One of the most popular rental options is a power-lift recliner, often used for people recovering from knee or hip surgery. It's equipped with a lift function that tilts the seat to a near-standing position so you can sit down and stand up easily. "They’re a great product," said Steve.

So great that, so far, every customer who has rented one from Steve has decided to keep it even after recovery. In those cases, Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee offers a rent-to-own option, in which a portion of the rental cost can be applied to the purchase. It’s an option available for many other products, as well.

Steve and his team can advise customers about the temporary solution that will be right for each situation and each home. Are you expecting a guest who uses a mobility aid? You can rent a wheelchair or scooter during their stay. Will a family member need to use a walker for a while? Mobility Plus can offer multiple options to help them navigate both indoor and outdoor stairways.

If you need solutions for stairs, modular ramps or portable ramps can be installed on a temporary basis. Made of durable aluminum, they can be adapted easily to your home’s configuration, whether to access a front porch or navigate a single step leading into the den. Motorized stairlifts can be rented, as well (a two-month minimum is required). Whatever the solution, Mobility Plus can do the installation.

Wheelchairs and scooters can be difficult and costly to ship, so rentals are a great option for someone visiting from out of town. And, of course, it’s a helpful option for someone with short-term recuperation needs.

With rent and rent-to-own solutions, making your home easier for mobility-challenged guests or loved ones is easier than you think. As someone who is CAPS-certified, a Licensed Dwelling Contractor, and a member of NARI Milwaukee, Steve and his team will offer advice you can trust. Call Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee at (414) 367-4004 to schedule a free consultation today!

Sometimes a project requires special expertise to get the job done. And when you want to create a safe home environment for yourself or loved ones, knowledgeable help can give you peace of mind. Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee can deliver that trusted advice because owner Steve Ziembiec is both a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and a licensed Dwelling Contractor.

To become a Dwelling Contractor in Wisconsin, a contractor must meet specific qualifications and undergo continuing education. This certification is required for anyone who needs to pull building permits for one- and two-family homes, and it ensures the knowledge to follow projects according to protocol.

What does this mean for someone who wants their home outfitted to help with mobility challenges? It means that Steve is equipped to find the best solutions to fit your dwelling and your needs, which sometimes requires alterations or small construction projects. In those cases, it’s also critical to adhere to local building codes, which Steve’s certification ensures.

Steve said he decided to get his certification after spending a year working on mobility solutions for his customers at Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee. He came to realize the certification was essential if he wanted to find the most efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and effective solutions for his customers, like modifying a bathroom or installing a stair lift. Unlike some businesses that may only sell products, Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee can be hands-on with modifications and solutions.

The Dwelling Contractor and Aging-in-Place certifications set Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee apart as “not just a mobility store,” said Steve. “It’s what puts the ‘Plus’ in ‘Mobility Plus.”

Because the Dwelling Contractor certification requires continuing education, Steve will keep up to date on the latest guidelines and regulations. “I want customers to have confidence in me and my team,” said Steve. “The Dwelling Contractor certification is one way for customers to know that we understand how homes work, and that we can make mobility additions fit into their homes as seamlessly as possible.”

Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee is a member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), which encourages ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in remodeling. NARI members can network with other contractors and participate in educational activities.

When those stairs leading into your house become barriers to someone with mobility challenges, you might think about hiring a carpenter. You’ll probably worry about the cost, and you’ll wonder what the project will do to your home’s curb appeal. But you’d be surprised: There are simpler, more affordable, and more versatile solutions for home ramps.

Modular aluminum ramp systems are durable, versatile, and can be adapted to many configurations and conditions, said Steve Ziembec, owner of Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee. Mobility Plus offers several options and carries multiple brands, including ADA-compliant PATHWAY HD. They can be used for wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters, and all are backed by warrantees. Another nice plus: unlike ramps constructed from lumber, aluminum ramps won’t need to be scraped and repainted after being exposed to harsh weather. And their anti-slip surfaces are safer in rainy conditions.

Steve and his Mobility Plus team offer free consultations to assess your needs and help you choose the best option. “Every situation is unique -- not only the person but the home they are trying to access and the space they have to work with,” said Steve.

Because they are both lightweight and strong, modular ramp systems can be moved or reconfigured if needed. This makes them a great solution for either short- or long-term needs. "So if you need something temporary, say for somebody who has had an injury, it can be installed and taken away." This feature also makes them great for renters – no need to ask a landlord to remodel.

Mobility Plus will design and install the ramps, and offers rentals for short-term needs. There’s even a "suitcase" ramp, portable enough to be carried like a piece of luggage and used for as many days as needed.

Steve is both a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and a licensed Dwelling Contractor. He and the team at Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee are ready to help you choose the right ramp solution for you and for your home. Call (414) 367-4004 to schedule a free consultation at today!

What better feeling is there than settling into your special chair after a long day on your feet? Whether to curl up with a book, lean back with a tablet, or watch TV, a comfortable place to sit is one of life’s little pleasures. But it can be a challenge for people with mobility problems, and that’s where Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee can help.

Mobility Plus offers a selection of high-quality power lift recliners that are equipped with a lift function to help you get up from your seat. Once you’re done with a book or TV show, it can change positions, lifting you to a near-standing position so you can get back on your feet from a steady and safe position. The same functionality can ease you into the chair, as well.

The Mobility Plus team can advise each customer about the chair that will work best for his or her situation. A person’s size, for instance, should be taken into account. Also important: Whether or not someone will need to sleep in the chair. The chair’s size, height, durability, fabric and other features all make a difference, and Mobility Plus is ready to guide you through those choices.

"This is a wonderful product for people recovering from a medical procedure or with a condition that limits their mobility," said Steve Ziembiec, owner of Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee. "It offers an extra level of independence and security."

Mobility Plus carries a large selection of high-quality power lift recliners made by Golden, Pride Mobility. All are designed to address the many safety and practical needs customers have when adapting their homes for people with mobility issues. The recliners have all the comfort and feel of a traditional recliner, and come in a variety of styles and colors to suit your home. Features include:

• An adjustable headrest and leg support.
• Lumbar support.
• Fully adjustable in several directions to maximize comfort and minimize stiffness.
• Built to withstand more wear-and-tear versus traditional recliners.
• Adjust your posture easily with the hand-held controller.
• Battery backup will keep you moving even if the power goes out.

Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee offers rental, rent to own, and purchase options for the power lift recliner. Ziembiec said they have been so popular with customers that "we very rarely get a rented chair back. People almost always end up buying them because they’re a great product."

The Mobility Plus team is ready to help you pick the right recliner for you or your loved one, and can advise you about many other mobility solutions for the home. Call to schedule a free consultation at (414) 367-4004 today!

'Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist', also better known as CAPS certification, has grown in popularity within the housing industry. The program was created by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), AARP, and over fifty home innovation labs and councils. Its goal is to help educate professionals on technical aspects, business management, and customer service in assisting senior citizens and those who are physically handicapped. Today, most CAPS certified professionals are home remodelers. However, the certification is expanding from healthcare workers to designers and architects to professionals in the mobility industry.

Many seniors want to stay in their homes rather than moving somewhere else that might be more accommodating to their mobility needs. Working with a professional that is CAPS certified will put the client's trust in them to provide the safest modifications without the potential longevity of a full remodel or having to relocate completely.

Steve Ziembiec, owner of Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee, is CAPS certified. With this advanced designation, he can come in and assess your home to provide a more complete and permanent solution to help you stay in your home longer. "I'm excited to accommodate our customers more now than ever," said Steve. "Another reason why I love my job!"

Since the 1940s, NAHB has been the voice in the American housing industry. With creating the CAPS certification program, assurance has been brought to those in the senior citizen and handicapped community that they no longer have to worry about moving from their long-time home due to limited mobility.

To find out how the team at Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee can help you stay in your home longer, contact us today at (414) 367-4004.