Unleash the Power of The Press

disabled

Old Colony Elder Services Offers 7 Tips for Caregivers this Holiday Season

According to the National Family Caregiver Association’s website, 29 percent of people in the U.S. provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or an aging family member or friend and at least 20 hours per week are spent providing care (Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP; November 2009).

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit corporation serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, offers 7 Tips for Caregivers this holiday season:

1. Be kind to yourself. Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide. Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

2. Take care of yourself. Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

3. Remember to ask for help. People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

4. Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

5. Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

6. The best decisions are joint decisions; when possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her. This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

7. Do your best to remain optimistic; this will help to lift everyone’s mood. When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The holidays can be a stressful time of year, but more so for caregivers. Many family caregivers are spouses, some of whom have their own health issues. Others are daughters and sons, more than half of whom are trying to hold down a job and take care of their own children as well. It’s very important that caregivers take care of themselves in order to avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

About OCES

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers 7 Tips for Caregivers this Holiday SeasonRead More

Lift & Care Systems breaks barriers with introduction of Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift for persons with restricted mobility.

DATELINE:  LAKEVILLE, MA…
Keeping up with the latest technology is an ongoing challenge. For Dave Austin, Founder and President of Lift & Care Systems in Lakeville, MA, keeping up with the latest technology is an ongoing mission to better serve the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

Lift & Care Systems’ introduction of the newly redesigned Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift enhances that goal by continuing to break barriers for persons with restricted mobility. Many times the aesthetics of home mobility devices seem to be overlooked. The latest model of the Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift reverses that trend with superior aesthetics that range from streamlined, ultra-compact design and performance, to a choice of seven different types of upholstery.

Notes Austin “Many people who experience restricted mobility actually use only a portion of their home, or even consider moving out of their home, because of the obstacle that stairs present. Understandably, they are sometimes reluctant to consider adding what they think will be a clunky unsightly stair lift that will detract from the beauty and comfort of their home. This new model will certainly change that perception.”

Style, comfort, and safety have been integrated in the redesign of the Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift. Enhancements include an improved clamping and rail design for remarkable stability utilizing a rail that hides all mechanical components and ensures that installation will not require modification to the staircase. The vertical, straight rail installs to within 6 inches of the wall so that family members and guests will have no problem using the stairs. The use of two wireless call/send controls also eliminates the need for wires along the wall.

A new, offset swivel seat, makes entry and exit safe and easy, even for wheelchair users. The lift has a 400 lb. weight capacity with a generous seat size that adjusts from 17.75 inches to 21.75 inches between the flip up armrests. The footrest and carriage safety sensors also safely stop the lift if even the slightest obstacle is in the way.

Ongoing performance has also been improved with audio and visual coded-diagnostics that save time when maintenance or service is needed. Two 12-volt batteries, continuously powered from any household outlet, ensure dependable performance, even during power outages.

In addition to the redesigned Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift, Lift & Care Systems offers a range of stair lifts made by Bruno Independent Living Aids, North America’s leading manufacturer of stair lifts, including customized curved rail stair lifts and stair lifts specifically designed for outdoor use, as well as straight rail systems.

SureHands Lift Systems
The SureHands system of ceiling mounted lifts enables thousands of users with disabilities to have easier access to the basics of bed, bath, or toilet. It is also amazingly able to assist persons with disabilities with everyday tasks such as changing clothes, standing and ambulating, or even taking a swim or mounting a horse.

SureHands patient lift systems are so remarkable that they have been featured on two episodes of ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.” During these episodes a SureHands lift & care system was installed to help make a home ADA compliant and enable the resident to transfer and accomplish his normal activities for daily living. This multi-directional SureHands system was mounted to the ceiling connecting the bedroom to the bath, allowing the resident greater mobility, free of floor based obstacles.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of life to users and their caregivers by providing customized solutions that enhance users’ mobility. To achieve this goal, Lift & Care Systems offers a myriad of products, including: ceiling mounted motors and track lift systems, wall-to-wall lift systems, wheelchair-to-water pool lifts, and mobile lifts, as well as lift accessories such as body supports, a variety of slings in multiple styles, and a number of assisted body positioning tools such as frictionless slides and slide boards.

In addition, Lift & Care features curved or straight rail Bruno Stair Lifts for indoor or outdoor use, rust proof aluminum National Ramp systems, Power Access door openers, and a wide array of other solutions to meet the needs of their clients and caregivers.

Their products are used in private residential homes; semi-professional settings, such as group homes and day programs; and professional institutions, including nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Lift & Care Systems is the exclusive distributor of the patented SureHands patient lift systems in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is located at 7 Precinct Street in Lakeville, MA 02347. For additional information, or to arrange for a free personal consultation, please call 508-947-3304, e-mail liftcareinfo@tmlp.net, or visit www.liftandcaresystems.com.

Lift & Care Systems breaks barriers with introduction of Bruno Electra-Ride Elite stair lift for persons with restricted mobility.Read More

Dave Austin of Lift & Care Systems honored with Steven A. Hook Memorial Award at the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference.

DATELINE:  LAKEVILLE, MA…
Dave Austin, Founder and President of Lift & Care Systems, Inc. in Lakeville, MA was recently honored at the 22nd annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference in Providence, RI, where he received the Steven A. Hook Memorial Award. The award is presented annually to the person whose professional contributions exemplify Steven Hook’s dedication to individuals with disabilities.

The theme of the conference: Live Your Best Life At Home, Work and Play, could well serve as the motto of Lift & Care Systems, where Austin’s goal is to enable the highest quality of life for persons with disabilities, helping them maintain dignity, freedom, and independence wherever possible.

Almost 16 years ago, when Austin set out to explore the market for SureHands ceiling mounted lifts, what he found was an amazing community of persons with mobility problems who had varying levels of needs. Austin quickly learned that compassion, ingenuity, and a flair for innovative construction techniques were necessary to devise customized solutions for his new clients. Over the years, Lift & Care’s product line has expanded, along with Austin’s first-hand knowledge of the needs, wants, and likes of the people he serves, as well as their families and caregivers.

Austin notes, “What has impressed me most about the families and caregivers that we meet is their optimism and determination to help their loved ones or clients. It’s heartwarming and joyous to see the better side of people and to really make a difference in people’s lives, which is why it’s a very special honor to receive this award.”

Independent living with peer support is the goal of the Independent Living Conference: learning how to live life to the fullest possible extent with a disability. The entire community benefits from accessibility and persons with disabilities demonstrate that when given the opportunity they can and do succeed. The conference is sponsored by PARI Independent Living Center, Office of Rehabilitation Services, OSCIL (Ocean State Center for Independent Living), National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Rhode Island Chapter, Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association, Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council, The Corliss Institute, Inc. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

SureHands Lift Systems
The SureHands system of ceiling mounted lifts enables thousands of users with disabilities to have easier access to the basics of bed, bath, or toilet. It is also amazingly able to assist persons with disabilities with everyday tasks such as changing clothes, standing and ambulating, or even taking a swim or mounting a horse.

SureHands patient lift systems are so remarkable that they have been featured on two episodes of ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.” During these episodes a SureHands lift & care system was installed to help make a home ADA compliant and enable the resident to transfer and accomplish his normal activities for daily living. This multi-directional SureHands system was mounted to the ceiling connecting the bedroom to the bath, allowing the resident greater mobility, free of floor based obstacles.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of life to users and their caregivers by providing customized solutions that enhance users’ mobility. To achieve this goal, Lift & Care Systems offers a myriad of products, including: ceiling mounted motors and track lift systems, wall-to-wall lift systems, wheelchair-to-water pool lifts, and mobile lifts, as well as lift accessories such as body supports, a variety of slings in multiple styles, and a number of assisted body positioning tools such as frictionless slides and slide boards.

In addition, Lift & Care features curved or straight rail Bruno Stair Lifts for indoor or outdoor use, rust proof aluminum National Ramp systems, Power Access door openers, and a wide array of other solutions to meet the needs of their clients and caregivers.

Their products are used in private residential homes; semi-professional settings, such as group homes and day programs; and professional institutions, including nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Lift & Care Systems is the exclusive distributor of the patented SureHands patient lift systems in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is located at 7 Precinct Street in Lakeville, MA 02347. For additional information, or to arrange for a free personal consultation, please call 508-947-3304, e-mail liftcareinfo@tmlp.net, or visit www.liftandcaresystems.com.

Dave Austin of Lift & Care Systems honored with Steven A. Hook Memorial Award at the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference.Read More

Dave Austin of Lift & Care Systems honored with Steven A. Hook Memorial Award at the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference.

DATELINE:  LAKEVILLE, MA…
Dave Austin, Founder and President of Lift & Care Systems, Inc. in Lakeville, MA was recently honored at the 22nd annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference in Providence, RI, where he received the Steven A. Hook Memorial Award. The award is presented annually to the person whose professional contributions exemplify Steven Hook’s dedication to individuals with disabilities.

The theme of the conference: Live Your Best Life At Home, Work and Play, could well serve as the motto of Lift & Care Systems, where Austin’s goal is to enable the highest quality of life for persons with disabilities, helping them maintain dignity, freedom, and independence wherever possible.

Almost 16 years ago, when Austin set out to explore the market for SureHands ceiling mounted lifts, what he found was an amazing community of persons with mobility problems who had varying levels of needs. Austin quickly learned that compassion, ingenuity, and a flair for innovative construction techniques were necessary to devise customized solutions for his new clients. Over the years, Lift & Care’s product line has expanded, along with Austin’s first-hand knowledge of the needs, wants, and likes of the people he serves, as well as their families and caregivers.

Austin notes, “What has impressed me most about the families and caregivers that we meet is their optimism and determination to help their loved ones or clients. It’s heartwarming and joyous to see the better side of people and to really make a difference in people’s lives, which is why it’s a very special honor to receive this award.”

Independent living with peer support is the goal of the Independent Living Conference: learning how to live life to the fullest possible extent with a disability. The entire community benefits from accessibility and persons with disabilities demonstrate that when given the opportunity they can and do succeed. The conference is sponsored by PARI Independent Living Center, Office of Rehabilitation Services, OSCIL (Ocean State Center for Independent Living), National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Rhode Island Chapter, Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association, Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council, The Corliss Institute, Inc. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

SureHands Lift Systems
The SureHands system of ceiling mounted lifts enables thousands of users with disabilities to have easier access to the basics of bed, bath, or toilet. It is also amazingly able to assist persons with disabilities with everyday tasks such as changing clothes, standing and ambulating, or even taking a swim or mounting a horse.

SureHands patient lift systems are so remarkable that they have been featured on two episodes of ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.” During these episodes a SureHands lift & care system was installed to help make a home ADA compliant and enable the resident to transfer and accomplish his normal activities for daily living. This multi-directional SureHands system was mounted to the ceiling connecting the bedroom to the bath, allowing the resident greater mobility, free of floor based obstacles.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of life to users and their caregivers by providing customized solutions that enhance users’ mobility. To achieve this goal, Lift & Care Systems offers a myriad of products, including: ceiling mounted motors and track lift systems, wall-to-wall lift systems, wheelchair-to-water pool lifts, and mobile lifts, as well as lift accessories such as body supports, a variety of slings in multiple styles, and a number of assisted body positioning tools such as frictionless slides and slide boards.

In addition, Lift & Care features curved or straight rail Bruno Stair Lifts for indoor or outdoor use, rust proof aluminum National Ramp systems, Power Access door openers, and a wide array of other solutions to meet the needs of their clients and caregivers.

Their products are used in private residential homes; semi-professional settings, such as group homes and day programs; and professional institutions, including nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Lift & Care Systems is the exclusive distributor of the patented SureHands patient lift systems in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is located at 7 Precinct Street in Lakeville, MA 02347. For additional information, or to arrange for a free personal consultation, please call 508-947-3304, e-mail liftcareinfo@tmlp.net, or visit www.liftandcaresystems.com.

Dave Austin of Lift & Care Systems honored with Steven A. Hook Memorial Award at the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference.Read More