Homecare Suppliers began as simply a stairlift company. We sold one stairlift in the beginning, the Summit SL350. There was a huge need for qualified dealers and installers at that time. The market was not saturated with internet dealers and there weren’t 14 different dealers in our area. Simply put, there was a need and demand. We stepped into the gap in our area as well as online. It was our online presence that set us apart. There were not very many dealers selling these units via the internet. Our sales were amazing those first years.

Then two things happened, the economy took a hit and the market became saturated with stairlift dealers. Thankfully, we had diversified. We had increased our stairlift product line, we began selling various other mobility products including ramps, lifting devices and daily living products.

During the next couple of years the economy also boomed with senior living products and CAP (Certified Aging in Place) remodelers and builders. The baby boomers caused a boom in the senior market. With the influx of retailers, including big box stores carrying aging in place items, smaller mobility companies felt the most changes. Amazon and large online dealers added to the crunch by offering some of our products at discount pricing that was so low many of us were unable to compete.

So, what then set Homecare Suppliers apart? These things alone: Customer Service and the willingness to go the extra mile. We aren’t tooting our own horn here. That is truly what has allowed us to stay in the game. We have always been a family run organization. We have always focused upon our customers and their needs, not the bottom line. We committed to being a supplier of stairlifts and home care supplies because there was and is a huge need.

The people that call us are in need, often a far greater need then just getting a simple product. They are in transition. They or someone they know are suddenly facing mobility challenges. These challenges come with many questions, more than just the price of the unit. It is there that I believe Homecare Suppliers stands apart from the big box stores, the massive internet distributors and the fly-by-night dealers that pop up overnight and then slip away when they see how competitive the market is.

We have ate, slept and lived stairlifts and mobility products. When we began our company we came from diverse backgrounds. One of us had years of experience in human resources and customer service. Another of us was a trained law enforcement officer with an inherent desire to serve and protect. Another of us was an experienced IT person with vast experience in internet marketing and web promotions. We came with qualified consultants and contractors that knew all the ins and outs of the industry. We each stepped into our rolls with a hope of making a difference.

Looking back over the last seven years, I know that we have.

So looking forward into the fullness of 2012, our eyes continue to be on standing apart from our competitors. We will never be a huge conglomerate that carries every item needed for those facing mobility challenges. Our goal was never to be a big box store. So, with eyes focused straight ahead we will continue down the path that is before us – making it possible for those with mobility challenges to live life unlimited!!

Now, 8 Christmas’ later, I have a wonderful life; I feel fulfilled. I have a purpose. I’ve learned that by helping others, you help yourself. If you are suffering from depression because of a loss or loneliness, I encourage you to take a page from my book – get involved and give your life a purpose. Yes, sometimes it’s hard, but the rewards will positively change your life.

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If you know someone that is suffering from depression or who is having difficulty with the holidays or transitions in their life due to loss, Homecare Supplier’s encourages you to share not only this article but the following links with them.

National Mental Health America – http://www.nmha.org/go/help
Guide To Coping with Grief & Loss – http://helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm
Mayo Clinic – Stress, Depression & The Holidays - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030

Out of these devastating facts, an amazing non-profit was born, Hunting For Heroes. The founders, Chris Allen and Chuck Bowles, were police officers in St. Louis, Missouri. They were also avid hunters. While working on a hunting television show with a law enforcement and police angle, they began to research organizations that were taking care of disabled law enforcement officers. Unfortunately, what they discovered was there was not a single organization that was providing services specifically to the disabled law enforcement community. They put their television show on hold and instead turned their attention to meeting the need and founded Hunting for Heroes.

Their mission statement is to provide resources, such as recreational therapy and counseling, to disabled law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty. Hunting for Heroes provides a hunting camp environment where disabled officers and their families can connect with other families that have suffered life-altering injuries.

Hunting For Heroes has grown exponentially in the last year. According to Chris Allen, “We have had participation from Missouri, Iowa, West Virginia and interest from 10 other states. We even have people contacting us to find out how to have chapters in their home state.” In the last year, Hunting For Heroes has hosted two events and had over 15 nominations for heroes.

As the heroes are selected, they and their families are provided with an all expenses paid trip to a hunting and game farm in California, Missouri. This includes their airfare, hunting licenses, food and lodging. The facility chosen is handicap accessible and has fishing, hunting and a children’s area – something for the entire family.

Hunting For Heroes has truly taken a stand to make a difference and help those protecting us here in the United States to live LIFE unlimited. There are some awesome ways that you can help them. They are definitely in need of financial donations. They also accept product donations that can be raffled off at fundraising events. There are many volunteer opportunities as well. Help us spread the word. You can contact Chris Allen at Hunting For Heroes
8426 Clint Drive, Suite 353,
Belton, MO 64012
E-mail: contactus@huntingforheroes.org
Telephone: 816-812-7991

To find out more about upcoming events, visit their website at http://www.huntingforheroes.com

What they discover next is that they don’t know where to go to “get rid of the unit”. So they find us online or in the phone book and call us. They are headed in the right direction. Many dealers do not buy back used units, even if they sold it to the customer. Homecare Suppliers is quite different in that we do try to offer this service to our local customers, if our inventory is not full. For those that live outside of our service area, we explain that it would not be cost effective for them to send the unit to us as they would have to pay the shipping fee and that would cancel out any money they would potentially make selling us the unit.

Since this is a common conversation, we have created a list of recommended steps they can take to get “rid of the unit”. We thought we’d share that list with you today, should you find yourself needing to remove and dispose of a used stairlift.

First, figure out what kind of stair lift it is. If you have the original purchase receipt, it should tell you the make and model as well as provide you with the Dealer’s contact information. If you do not have this, you can inspect the unit to see who the manufacturer is. Most manufacturers have identifiers on the chassis, either on the outside or inside of the unit. Once you locate that, you will want to write down all the information as well as a description of the unit: straight or curved, battery or electric run, and the age (or approximate age) of the unit.

If you know who sold the unit originally to your loved one, call them to ask if they have a buy-back or used stairlift program. Please keep in mind that the buy-back amount will be significantly less than the purchase price. This could be do to many factors including model, age, use, wear & tear, lack of warranty as well as the original stairlift price might have included installation fees.

If you do not know the original dealer, you can call the manufacturer to see if there is a stairlift dealer in your area. You do not have to contact the actual dealer to get a buy-back offer – we occasionally purchase units we did not originally sell. You can also look in the yellow pages under medical supply companies, stair lifts, or mobility products to find a stairlift dealer. Some local companies do purchase used units as they market them to their local customers at a discounted rate.

If you cannot find a local dealer that does buy backs, then your next step is two-fold. First, find out how much of a deduction you would get for donating the unit to a non-profit that helps those with disabilities or those who are aging; Second, make a list of area places to advertise the sale of the unit. Decide which is more cost and time effective for you.

You may find that it may be less of a hassle and more of a blessing to donate the unit to a worthy cause. Some places to consider are your local Muscular Dystrophy or Cerebal Palsy nonprofit (there are many people with MS or CP who are unable to afford a stairlift), as well as brain trauma or stroke support groups. Additionally, some smaller churches often know of members who have mobility issues or who would like to have the unit for their congregation.

If you are set upon selling the unit, then you might want to list it on www.craigslist.org, which is a free service. You might list your desired price as well as a note that you will consider “or best offer” (OBO). Keep in mind that if you list the amount that your loved one paid for the unit, you will probably not get any takers; be fair in your estimation and make sure to take pictures to post with your description. You can also contact your local penny pincher paper or city newspaper, but those charge money for the ad.

If you have found our article and are in the market for a used unit, we would like to caution you to buy from a reputable dealer or seller. If you are purchasing from Craig’s List we recommend that you ensure that the unit is a working unit prior to the purchase (hopefully they have not taken the unit out of the house and you can see it working). Additionally, some units should not be installed by anyone other than a licensed installer as they have parts, components and circuit boards that can be damaged if installed or uninstalled improperly. We further caution you to use care, common sense, and caution if purchasing from an individual you do not know that you have found through an online advertisement site or in the paper.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC is a nationwide provider of Home Medical and Mobility Equipment. We sell new and re-certified stairlift units throughout the United States. We sell used units as well as having a rent-to-own program for those in the Kansas City metropolitan and surrounding areas. If you have any other questions, please contact us at 888-252-2205. Our website is http://www.buyastairlift.com.

I have lost the use of my right arm. I am hoping that this is a temporary situation that will last just a few weeks. However, no one can give me a definitive answer on recovery time. I have been seen by two doctors in the span of 72 hours, with additional appointments scheduled in the days to come. The only information that I have ascertained is that I am a woman in my forties with a healthy appetite and a pleasant disposition! I read both of my medical charts. When a doctor says you have a healthy appetite, should you be offended? I digress, my apologies. Since I became injured during a marathon training session, I am going to choose to focus on the pleasant disposition part!

As the Director of Operations for Homecare Suppliers, I often perform awareness seminars to educate people on the various products that can assist with making an individual’s life limitless. I am constantly surprised by the new daily living products that exist. However, as a result of my current injury, I now have a greater appreciation for many of these products, including the bendable spoon and fork. Since I am right handed, I thought that the only limitation would be typing and writing. How wrong I was. There are so many things that require the use of two hands. I am unable to wash my own hair. I cannot put deodorant on the left side. I have great difficulty with curling or blow drying my hair. It requires two hands to put on socks and tie my shoes. It requires two hands to lift something into or out of the microwave, unless I want to live on popcorn alone.

How long I will be immobile is yet to be determined. But, I am assured I will eventually have the use of my right arm again.

I believe that there are daily lessons that we must learn in life. Right now, I think that my lessons are patience and pride. An additional lesson that has become very clear to me is the importance of support. I am very fortunate to have people around me that are more than willing to help. I am blessed that they are ready whether asked or not. I firmly believe that everyone can find someone to help them. It may just be a matter of getting past your pride, inhibitions or worries and asking for help.

In spite of this injury, I know that I will take each lesson I am learning and turn it into something that can assist others. I have listed below some contact information and various resource links to assist you in finding the assistance you may need to live life unlimited!

Helper/Assistance (Click on the link to find available resources)
Senior Helpers – A network of Senior Helper Program across the US.
Home Health – Home Health is not just for seniors, but also anyone recovering from an injury. While this list is for medicare approved, it is a good place to start even if you are paying out of your pocket.

Homecare Suppliers Resource Lists
Disability Resources
Daily Living Related Resources Lists
Making Your Home Safe Resources

I’d like to add that one important resource which is often forgotten or not mentioned is mental and spiritual help experts. Depression is a normal reaction for someone facing a physical limitation. Seek out a person from your church, a support group or a professional counselor. It is okay to be sad. Just don’t let the sadness drown you, and don’t allow the depression to control you.

Pam Billings
Director of Operations
Homecare Suppliers, LLC

“I have no idea,” Mark muttered pensively.

Over 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year. Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Sarah and Mark are just one of the many families caring for a loved one who has been affected by a stroke.

Their question was, “where do we go from here?” While the hospital and its staff make their recommendations for the patient, families are often left trying to figure out how to adjust to these new challenges. Often times the patient will have also have various mobility and accessibility issues that were not present before the stroke.

Just today, we at Homecare Suppliers received a call from a family whose mother had suffered a stroke. Their questions were very much similiar to that of Mark and Sarah.

“She has a two-story house, how will she navigate the stairs? Will she be in a wheelchair or be able to use a walker and if so, is there enough clearance in the house so she can get around? Who will get her mail for her and do the grocery shopping? How will she take a bath or shower? What will private insurance or medicare cover after a stroke? How much out of pocket expenses are we looking at?”

These are just a few of the questions we have been asked by loved ones. Sometimes, they are so overwhelmed by the circumstances and filled with concern that they forget to ask the doctor for recommendations. Othertimes, they get information overload from the hospital, the doctors, the rehabilitation centers and their support system as they face the next weeks and months. However, over time, their questions become more narrowed as they face each obstacle and issue.

To aid all the Mark and Sarah’s, the sons and daughters, of those affected by stroke and illness that limit mobility, there are thankfully numerous websites, books and materials available. The world wide web has over 7.3 million websites that touch on what to do when your loved one suffers a stroke.

And while we don’t want to add to that HUGE number of resources, we do want to make it a little simpler to get some of the answers to the questions we hear often. We are highlighting some invaluable resources that may help as you face the day-to-day affects of a stroke.

• The American Heart Association has information to aid in understanding many aspects of a stroke as well as direction for caregivers including resources.
• The Internet Stroke Center also provides additional information to understanding all aspects as well as a plethora of resource links to aid caregivers.  This is a wonderful resource to keep in your favorites.
• Care.com gives you some personal guidance on how to help your loved one as they face the affects of a stroke. 
• Homecare Suppliers, LLC Stairlifts  - we can walk you through the process of purchasing and/or renting a stair lift for your loved one.  Often times many people do not even know that there is a way to get up the stairs and resort to googling “help parent get up the stairs after stroke”. Or they try to find a chair lift – while stairlifts can be referred to as this – this often directs them to a liftchair which is a reclining chair that lifts the user up so they may stand. A stair lift is a lifting device that is attached to the stairs and allows the user to ride up the stairs. 
• Homecare Suppliers, LLC Bathlifts – There are many options available right now for aiding with bath and shower needs.  Walgreens and CVS carry an affordable line of shower chairs.  There is also the option of purchasing a bath lift.  While a bathlift is more expensive than a shower chair, often times, due to physical challenges, the user needs something that will lift them down into the tub and allow them to remain stationary while the caregiver bathes them. In this case, a bathlift is ideal.
• AgingCare.com has a some wonderful articles about assisting your parents with their finances.
• Stroke Information.net also has some financial resources to aid loved ones after a stroke.

Of course, we always recommend that you check your area resources for support and assistance.  Often times the Area Agency on Aging as well as AARP can assist with information and resources as you traverse through these new waters.  Additionally, the local American Heart Association and/or Stroke Association may be able to assist you.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC is a nationwide provider of mobility and accessibility products.  They are active contributors to the community providing awareness campaigns and resources.  To find out more about them visit http://www.buyastairlift.com/ or call toll free 888-252-2205.

Thus, begins our newest series on our Daily Living Blog – “My Story”. In the next couple of months, we will be sharing individual snapshots into the lives of those who have been affected by mobility. We hope that you will not only see their struggles, but their character and their victories as they step out to living a life unlimited!

Patricia Wayman is 71 years old and lives in Enid, Oklahoma. She is currently recovering from a stroke.

“I pray every morning that I will never have another stroke,” she explains. “I don’t know if I will be here the next day or not. Half the time I’m scared and the other half the time I’m praying and I find peace.”

Patricia Wayman is just one of millions of Americans affected by mobility issues. While she is not able to do fully what she used to do, she understands she is blessed with what she can do today. She is able to live independently with the help of her family and the mobility devices she uses.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC is a nationwide provider of Home Medical Equipment. Our headquarters are in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Our website is http://www.buyastairlift.com.

There are names and labels throughout our society that are placed on things, places and individuals. Old, Geriatric, Disabled, Autistic, Handicap, Dementia are each words that label. They can be descriptive terms or defining terms. Each of these terms can be used to characterize part of a person’s identity. However, they do not define the whole person. The range of each label is vast, enormous and truly undefined. For example, “Old” can be someone further along in age than you (teenagers call their parents old) to someone who is the oldest living person.

However, often times we see that these labels are allowed to not just define but limit a person. Stereotypes are fixed on the recipient. These labels can become so defining that they mold everyone’s perspective to the negative and the impossible. This is especially true with children who have been diagnosed with a disability or are suffering from chronic illness. The diagnosis becomes the focus, the label and the limiter.

I had a conversation at the end of last summer with one of the founders of Camp Barnabas. Camp Barnabas is a summer camp that provides life-changing opportunities to people with special needs. Cyndi and Paul Teas, are the founders of Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri. Cyndi explained that often those who attend camp consistently hear what they cannot do and are often labeled by their medical prognosis. She said that “many are hearing what the world is telling them – they don’t fit the norm.” But Cyndi pointed out that there are a lot of variations within the “Norm”.

Cyndi said that one of the most limiting factors for people with disabilities is attitude. “People’s attitude toward the child that then forms their attitude toward themselves.” She shared that it is rare for them to see a child so empowered that their disability does not hinder them, but in those cases the child is so much further along.

Camp Barnabas’ respects the difficulties and joys of parenting the special needs child. Their philosophy states “we strive to bring new experiences into these families. We seek to promote a sense of normalcy in the lives of children living with disease or disability. We recognize that disease and disability impact the whole family and we therefore minister to the sibling of a child with special needs by inviting them too to join in the camp experience.”

The camp experience is tailored for each group attending. Every activity is adapted to meet the needs of the campers. There are 9 terms and each term of camp is for specific groups based upon diagnosis including Developmentally Disabled, Physically Disabled, Autism, Hematology, Oncology, Burn Patients, Chronic Illnesses, Diabetes, Sickle Cell, Hemophilia, Amputees, Craniofacial Syndromes, Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing. The age is from 7 years old and up.

There is a buddy counselor assigned to each camper for the entire week. The camp is structured so that each camper can successfully do the activities. They adapt everything, from the ropes course to games. Cyndi says, “We see a different way to do it – so that they are able to participate in every way. We don’t want them to sit on the side lines.” This philosophy is proving itself time again as campers state, “I never knew I could do that” and parents are in awe exclaiming “I didn’t know they could do this.”

For many of these young people, their diagnosis has completely limited their lifestyle and their identity. Cyndi says many of these kids haven’t been allowed to just be kids. But Camp Barnabas is that – a place where they can be celebrated for who they are and be a kid. “They need to know that God has a plan for their life. People keep making plans for their life based upon what they think they can do.”

Camp Barnabas’ success is measurable in many ways, including by the sheer number of campers that come back. 98% of the campers return year after year. Since their beginning in 1995 they have had over 10,000 campers. Children, youth, adults who have come through the gates of the camp to the tune of 150 volunteers cheering, calling their name and celebrating their life. These campers leave with an understanding that they can do anything, they just might not do it like someone else.

Camp Barnabas, the founders, the staff, the 1800 volunteers and the 10,000 campers and their families truly reflect Living Unlimited!

To find out more about their camp please visit their website at http://www.campbarnabas.org/. Or to make a donation or volunteer you can contact them at 417.476.2565.

Whatever caused the burn-out…it came. Last night, just 2 days before Christmas, I realized I’d failed miserably to get it all done. I sat analyzing the lack of sleep, irritability, messy house and a physically unfit body and mental attitude. It took a bit to get my perspective straight.

Then I realized that with over 37.3 million people over the age of 65 – there are a lot of people that are walking exactly what I have walked the last month. There are certified caregivers. And I am sure there are a lot of sandwich generation individuals caring for their young children and assisting their aging parents.

My recent experiences have caused me to look at what priorities are most important. I have the flexibility to say no to a lot of what I do. Some do not – as they are the only one available to care for an aging loved one. I am blessed that my mother is able to be very active still. Those I assist are for the most part able to take care of their basic necessities. And my mother-in-law is blessed with family that loves her and many live near her to take care of the daily needs, while we provide the ear to listen and the visits as much as we are able.

The question I asked myself yesterday was, “do I have my priorities right, so when things change and more of our time and resources are required , we will be ready?” I think this was a valid question for us now. I remember watching this play out in our home when I was in college – my 95 year old grandmother was no longer able to live on her own – my parents had to rearrange everything to care for her.

So, this morning I did what I always do. First I began to analyze my current walk and life. Second, I made a list and began researching how to incorporate changes into our life. Thus, here are some things I need to make priorities.
• Get physically fit and daily exercise: This serves many purposes including aiding us in not being physically exhausted by change in routines, activities and helps decrease stress. Additionally, it will serve as a model to both my children and my aging loved ones. If I’m making it a priority – maybe they will too.
• Stop over-committing! Prioritize what is vital in our daily life. Allow room for spur of the moment needs (like taking someone to the doctor).
• Communicate more with the rest of the family. Keeping each other updated and addressing care issues as they arise. With open lines of communication we can better assess who can do what if the need arises.
• Promote healthy living for every member of our family – from the youngest to the oldest.
• Stop & Smell the ROSES. What a blessing to spend time with my loved ones. They are here and such an important part of our lives. NEVER should they become an obligation or burden.

I guess that one could say that these are resolutions but not just for the New Year but from this day forward. Limitless Living is not just about those who are older or disabled – but all of us!!! So here is to a brand new season of Living Life Unlimited!

Do A Senior Care Checkup When You Visit For The Holidays

Joe Freudenthal, Vintage Senior Living, edited this from an article written by Julie Northcutt.