☎ (331) 462-0144 | 76 Eisenhower Lane North, Lombard, IL 60148
 AS MORE INDIVIDUALS PLAN TO AGE IN PLACE, HOME ACCESS IS GAINING IN IMPORTANCE IN THE CHICAGO LAND AREA. WHETHER DUE TO AN INJURY OR ILLNESS, AGE OR ABILITY, THE THOUGHT OF GETTING UP AND DOWN A STAIRCASE BECOMES MORE CHALLENGING. INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN FROM A TRUSTED MANUFACTURER WILL GIVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE AND FREEDOM TO GO WHERE YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT, IN YOUR HOME. DON’T LET STAIRS SLOW YOU DOWN. WE OFFER A WIDE ARRAY OF HOME ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS SUCH AS CURVED AND STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS, PLATFORM LIFTS, AND OUTDOOR LIFTS TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME. COSTS CAN VARY GREATLY BASED UPON YOUR NEEDS, BUT AS AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE YOU CAN EXPECT TO SPEND BETWEEN $2,500-$5,500 FOR A STRAIGHT STAIR LIFT, WHILE CURVED STAIR LIFTS RANGE FROM $14,500-$24,000. SAFETY AND SECURITY ARE PRIMARY CONCERNS, BUT SO IS BEING ABLE TO ENJOY LIFE. DON’T RISK A FALL, GIVE US A CALL! DUPAGE MOBILITY GROUP RECOGNIZES THE NEED FOR STAIR LIFT REPAIRS, RENTALS AND SALES IN THE CHICAGO LAND AREA. CALL NOW: 331-462-0144 LEARN MORE
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A GUIDE TO MOBILITY SCOOTER BATTERIES All mobility scooter / electric wheelchair batteries are 12 volt and are usually fitted in pairs giving a 24 volt output. It is recommended that when replacing batteries they are purchased in pairs. The power output is marked in amp hours (Ah) on the side of the battery (e.g. 12 volt 35A/h). The amp hour rate may vary slightly from different manufacturers for a similar size battery. The next thing you need to decide once you have identified which battery Amp hour you require, is whether you want a GEL battery or an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery this is often referred to as a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery. Both batteries are sealed, non spill-able and maintenance free. The main difference between them is the performance/longevity. The battery in a scooter or power chair is the only power source and this battery is designed to work differently than other batteries, like car batteries for example. A car battery is designed for starting the car, therefore it is required to produce a large amount of power immediately as you turn the key, and is then constantly trickle charged. A GEL or SLA battery is designed to give a constant flow of power, over a longer period, and then to be recharged fully; this is called a cycle. BATTERY INSTALLATION
BREAK-IN PERIOD Active users of power wheelchairs cycle their batteries daily (deep cycling). This stringent application requires a unique battery design that will sometimes compromise initial capacity in return for longer battery life. Gel battery performance improves once the battery has been cycled (discharged and recharged) 20-25 times. This break-in period is necessary to fully activate the battery for maximum performance and longevity. Thus, range and running time of your mobility device could initially increase with use. WHEN TO CHARGE
STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. Learn how you can make some changes to help maintain your independence.  Many older adults want to "age in place" - stay in their own homes as they get older - but may have concerns about safety, getting around, or other daily activities. A few changes could make your home easier and safer to live in and help you continue to live independently.
 Memorial Day Weekend UpdateWhile your Memorial Day weekend might be packed with family fun and summer activities—we also think it's important to pause the festivities in remembrance of the real meaning and history of Memorial Day. In honor of that sentiment, we would like to express gratitude to the sacrifice so many have made in service to our country. While we're pausing to honor the military personnel who’ve sacrificed their lives for our freedom, it's also a good time to note that some of our Armed Forces have been serving in some capacity while battling for the health of our nation during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful for their courage and service!!  We are now DuPage Mobility Group (DMG)A lot has changed since our business opened its doors in 2018. We are now taking the opportunity to evolve our brand in order to better communicate the breath of our expertise in the mobility equipment repair, rental and sales industry. DMG will continue to work hard to gain a deep understanding of our client's needs, to make sure all challenges are treated with urgency and respect, as we work relentlessly to exceed customer expectations.   Following are some additional battery care guidelines for mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, foldable scooters, and motorized wheelchairs: + active users of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters cycle (charge and use) their batteries daily + charge daily and as long as possible, even on days with low usage + the charger supplied with your mobility device should fully charge your batteries overnight + overcharging is NOT a problem as most mobility device chargers are voltage limited and shut off automatically + avoid ultra-deep discharges and never drain your batteries completely + do not leave your batteries in a low state of charge for an extended period of time + charge a discharged battery as soon as possible + always store your batteries fully charged + check all stored batteries once a month and recharge as necessary (even if they have not been used) + optimum storage temperature is 60°F How To Charge A Mobility Scooter
by Suzanne Stays, The Mighty Join us as we take a look at the 10 most accessible and wheelchair-friendly cities in the world. Tokyo, Japan Everyone comes back from Japan talking about how much they loved it, and you can too! There are plenty of elevators, priority ones for those who need them as well and the accessible public bathrooms are incredibly impressive. The major attractions are all close by an accessible train station and they are relatively easy to get around. Most of the museums are wheelchair friendly, as are the gardens such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Nara Park and the Bamboo Forest, the Nijo Castle and most of the temples. Finding an accessible hotel can be an issue as Tokyo isn’t known for its large rooms, but it is possible. Just double check with the hotel about your own personal accessibility requirements. Washington, DC, USA Washington has been praised for having a highly visible community of people with disabilities due to the accessibility of the city. The public transportation is second to none; with lifts at each station, getting around is easy. There has been an active effort to make it inclusive — major attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museum, National Zoo, Washington Monument, Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Kennedy Center are all wheelchair-friendly. The U.S. is known to be one of the most wheelchair accessible countries in the world, but this is one city you definitely don’t want to miss! Berlin, Germany Berlin has to be on this list due to its investment in making its historical city more accessible. In 2013, it won the EU City Access Award from the European Commission due to its comprehensive policies for those with disabilities. The public transport system is almost 100 percent accessible as are the many attractions. However, there are few wheelchair accessible taxis. The Jewish Museum of Berlin, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial and many other theatres, museums and restaurants are all wheelchair friendly. This center of European history has mostly been rebuilt since World War II and has since invested in becoming an inclusive city for all. Oslo, Norway Oslo is breathtaking, and not only because of the amount of wheelchair accessible options it has. This Scandinavian city has plenty of wheelchair friendly sights including the Munch Museum, Vigeland Park and opera house. It is quite a small city, but you can access one of the many wheelchair friendly ferries which provide tours of the local fjords, which are not to be missed. Do be aware though, it is the fourth most expensive city in the world. Nevertheless, as home of the Vikings, it shouldn’t be missed and the world’s most beautiful train ride, as rated by Lonely Planet, departs from Oslo — so you should definitely check it out while you’re there. Vienna, Austria One of the best parts about Vienna is the friendly attitude of everyone. Waiters are more than happy to accommodate you in the smaller restaurants and strangers in the street will stop to help. Vienna has one of the most wheelchair-friendly public transportation systems in the world, with sidewalks and plenty of drop curbs you don’t need to fear getting around this gorgeous location. The museums, opera house and palaces are also plenty accessible. The Stephansplatz is a pedestrian-only area filled with live music, restaurants, shops and more. Some of the shops do have a step up, but there are plenty with flat entryways. Dublin, Ireland While you may need to navigate the rain for this gorgeous area of Europe, you shouldn’t skip on it due to its accessibility. Despite a few cobblestones here or there, the majority of sidewalks do have dropped curbs and most venues have flat entryways. Moreover, the government is now only issuing new taxi licenses to wheelchair accessible vehicles, so there is an ample supply. Accessible hotel rooms are everywhere with plenty of roll-in showers. The most crucial sights to see such as the Trinity Library and Guinness Brewery are also wheelchair-friendly, so make sure you pop in to try a pint from the birthplace of beer itself. Bridgetown, Barbados If you’ve ever tried to venture onto a beach in a wheelchair and had the sinking into the sand feeling, you might be asking, why is the Caribbean on this list? Well, since the launch of their fully accessible Barbados program, this tropical paradise is making strides towards being a wheelchair-friendly destination. The majority of resorts have floating beach wheelchairs for you to enjoy the turquoise waters like never before. You can visit Heroes Square, the George Washington House, Harrison’s Cave via their accessible tram and even enter St. John’s Parish Church. Jerusalem, Israel When we say the most accessible city, this one might be teetering on the edge due to the miles of cobblestone streets that fill the ancient quarters. In December 2012, the Knesset passed a comprehensive law requiring the majority of venues to be disability accessible by 2018. Some of the ramps are steep, but if you’re willing to brave it, then you can enter some of the most ancient wonders such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wailing Wall and museums. The entire city is also filled with wheelchair taxis to help you dodge some of those cobblestones. Make sure you also venture to Mount Scopus and Haas Promenade to take in the breathtaking views of the entire city. Ljubljana, Slovenia Slovenia is a small country in the middle of Europe that only became independent in 1991. Its stunning capital city has progressed rapidly, making it one of the most accessible cities in Europe. The entire city is filled with appropriate ramps and dropped curbs, while the major tourist areas are pedestrian only, which also makes it so much easier to get around. Moreover, the museums, parks and other attractions have also been rebuilt to be wheelchair accessible since the earthquake in 1895 reduced the area to ruins. The alpine areas surrounding the city are also accessible by tram. The city hosts the country’s castle as well as a host of ancient bridges boasting Italian architectural influence. Rome, Italy For an ancient city, Rome is incredibly advanced for their accessibility. Although there aren’t any ramps on the Spanish steps and there are still plenty of cobblestone streets about, Rome is home to over 700 accessible hotels which are suitable for people with varying amounts of mobility. Moreover, there are plenty of accessible transportation options and ramps on many of the curbs, plus accessible bus tours to help you see all of Rome including the trickier bits to navigate. Main attractions such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Capitoline Museum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Villa Borghese are accessible. You can definitely experience Rome to the max, but bear in mind it is still an ancient city, so do your research. Movement based on chanting, playing music, listening and moving to music • Can be done sitting or standing • Start with a warm up — 3-5 minutes • Move with the music for Music therapies can be effective in gait training by providing a steady rhythm for gait and stride • Simple rhythmic movements around a room, or shifting from one foot to the other, and alternating arm swings while sitting in a chair are staples of PD yoga classes • Movement with music to improve endurance, range of motion, strength, and hand coordination; these effects are enhanced when the movements cross the midline of the body (think eagle arms or self-hugging, touching opposite ear, or crossing hand to opposite knee in a seated twist), due to the brain hemisphere coordination required in these actions • Rhythm awareness (working with breath ratio, moving to the rhythm of the breath, orkriyas - yoga actions with specific intention, usually performed to repetitively prescribed tempos) • End with a cool down using balance moves • Then sing your breath to use the voice as much as possible; this might include alternate nostril breathing with a 3:3:3 ratio (inhale 3, hold 3, exhale 3); work your way up to 6 or 7 seconds, or moving the arms up for a count of four, out for a count of four, and down for a count of four Tina Pressly is CEO of My Mobility Medics This recognition was part of a nationwide observation of Falls Prevention Awareness Day that featured education and fun. Lombard, Illinois (Oct 9, 2019) –Each year, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults across the country focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls. That’s why DuPage Mobility Group partnered with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Initiative to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23. This year’s activities focused on the teamwork needed to prevent falls effectively. Falls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven ways to prevent them. DuPage Mobility Group’s fun community realization will empower older adults to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes and communities. Across the country, partners hosted classes and seminars, performing thousands of falls risk screenings, and educated older adults about evidence-based falls prevention programs. “If falls prevention isn’t something that you’re thinking about now, I promise there is someone in your life who’s worried about it,” said Frank Gazzolo, Owner and President of DuPage Mobility Group. “This kind of education can change a community, and that’s why we’re proud to support Falls Prevention Awareness Day as part of our year-round commitment to supporting older adults in DuPage County.” “Falls prevention is a team effort that takes a balance of education, intervention, and community support,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center. “This is an opportunity to empower and educate everyone about their roles in preventing falls.” NCOA hosted a Falls Prevention Awareness Day national photo contest, a live video broadcast and discussion on Facebook with experts and seniors on September 23, and a Twitter chat for aging services professionals on September 24. To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, go to www.ncoa.org/FPAD. About NCOA The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging. About the Falls Free® Initiative Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD2019 to join the conversation on social media. The 12th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD) is September 23, 2019. This year we want to remind everyone that falls prevention is a team effort.  • Your pharmacist is part of your falls prevention team! The @National Council on Aging and The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists created a toolkit for clinicians to assess falls risk. https://www.ascp.com/page/fallstoolkit • Falls are NOT a normal part of aging, and you have a team to help prevent them! Watch this award-winning video showing 6 simple steps which prevent falls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7lC5Pdpx_k • Preventing falls is a team effort. Show your support for Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23 by sharing these tips with friends and family! https://www.ncoa.org/healthyaging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/6-steps-to-protectyour-older-loved-one-from-a-fall/ • It’s easier to prevent falls when your whole team knows the risks. Share these important falls prevention facts with friends and family! https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/Myths-ofOlder-Adult-Falls_2017.pdf • A home can be equipped to help prevent falls. If you’re looking for a place to start investigating the kinds of modifications needed, take a look at this program with options for individuals, families, and professionals in your area: http://stopfalls.org/resources/home-modification-toolsprograms-and-funding-landingpage/ • Older adults should feel confident they have a team to help prevent falls. Watch the @National Council on Aging’s Facebook video on Sept. 23 @ 12:00 p.m. ET to learn how family, caregivers, and healthcare professionals all play a role in keeping seniors healthy. https://www.facebook.com/NCOAging • Talk with professionals from aging organizations across the country about the ways older adults can use their whole network to prevent falls. From doctors and pharmacists to caregivers and seniors, you’ll learn what everyone can do to makes falls prevention teamwork successful. Join the annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day Twitter Chat on Sept. 24 @ 1:00 p.m. ET https://www.twitter.com/ncoaging  DuPage Mobility Group enjoyed the week July 24th-28th in Wheaton, Illinois at the 2019 DuPage County Fair. DuPage Mobility Group provided wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals to the fairground guests. DuPage Mobility Group had plenty of Drive Medical wheelchairs, and Golden Technology mobility scooters to choose from.  DuPage Mobility Group is excited to be part of the DuPage County Fair from July 24th through July 28th. DuPage Mobility Group will have a tent near the entrance of the DuPage County Fairgrounds renting mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Please come by and see us!  DuPage Mobility Group's engagements with big box stores, gourmet grocery chains, and other facilities are designed to support & enhance their current efforts in fall prevention, skin integrity and infection control, as well as prepare their scooter fleet for corporate inspections. At the conclusion of each visit, our technicians would provide documentation of all repairs performed, parts replaced, and the condition of all equipment they have looked at during the visit. This would be placed in a binder stored on the facility premises. We are willing to work after hours (i.e. after the store customers have gone home, etc.). DuPage Mobility Group would recommend a monthly service cycle. We have two popular options: 1. Standard Service with Sanitization: $35.00 / Scooter * Disinfectant products or power washing doesn’t do it. You need hot steam at 212°, which kills 99.9% of bacteria such as staph, e-coli, salmonella, mold and germs. This eliminates health hazard ramifications from cleaning with chemicals. * perform load test on both scooter batteries; make recommendation on future battery life * perform diagnostic test on ac/dc transformer charger unit (on-board or off-board) * tighten screws on seat, tiller/hand enclosure, floor board, and any accessories 2. Full Service: $65.00 / Scooter * includes the Standard Service with Sanitization * clean (apply electronic contact cleaner) and tighten all electrical connections (e.g., connections from battery to the controller); this resolves some water damage issues * diagnose any flash code errors; resolve/repair as needed; additional discounted charges for parts as needed described below: - replace seat cover ($89) - replace charger ($95 for 24V/3A unit, $199 for 24V/7A unit) - replace batteries ($239 for two 12V33A U-1 batteries) - replace potentiometer assembly ($129) - replace main wire assembly harness/MPC cable (additional discounted charge: $139) - replace top control hand enclosure - broken keyway/horn, battery indicator, and/or display malfunction caused by water damage ($249) - replace controller ($369) - replace motor, brake & transaxle ($539) What to know Before You Buy Mobility Equipment…and After “A loved one’s mobility is very personal-find someone who makes it personal for you” At some point in our lives we will all find it difficult to get around. Some people find themselves with limited mobility due to car accidents, random accidents, or aging. According to DHEC 4.5 million Americans rely on some level of mobility equipment on a daily basis and approximately 425,000 live in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Mobility devices have long been a source of confusion and stress in deciding what to buy. To help ease the stress of shopping, here are a few questions to consider before you invest in your mobility equipment. Always do your research and talk with users, trusted advisors. A loved one’s mobility is very personal so find someone who makes it personal for you. Things to consider before you buy a walking cane, walker, rollator, wheelchair, power wheelchair or mobility scooter:
Equipment Maintenance
Safety Checklist (Once you own your equipment, keep this safety checklist in mind and perform it regularly.)
DuPage Mobility Group shares some mobility scooter battery care and maintenance guidelines:6/24/2019
DuPage Mobility Group helps facilities maintain wheelchair compliance based on JCAHO Regulations:6/10/2019 1. Patient Safety: Wheelchair brakes and footrests are assured to be working properly. Brakes are tightened or replaced as needed. 2. Skin Integrity: All torn or broken arm pads are replaced. All worn or ripped seat and back upholstery is repaired or replaced as needed. All missing rubber or plastic parts are replaced. 3. Infection Control: Wheelchairs are steam cleaned at 212°, which kills 99.9% of bacteria such as staph, e-coli, salmonella, mold and germs. This eliminates health hazard ramifications from cleaning with chemicals. |
