At Home with Dealers

by Tue, April 24 2012 09:41

HME Business

By J. Daniel Hull, Jay Williams

Jun 01, 2005

Company Name:Active Forever Location/Contact Info: 10799 North 90th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 800-377-8033; customerservice(at)activeforever.com www.activeforever.com Established: 1991

Types of products sold: "We research best choices of product solutions for practically every physical challenge you can image for daily living activities," said CEO Erika Feinberg.

Size of Company (employees, clients per year): 4,000 new customers a month

Home Health Products spoke with Feinberg about Active Forever's successful Web site and in-store business that operates with zero insurance billing.

Q:What is unusual/unique about the store?

A:All the customer service counselors are on wireless headsets, while they're talking to someone about an order, they can walk over and play with the product and demonstrate it. The 5,000 square foot store is part of our corporate headquarters and it's set up like Sharper Image. People can come in to try things.

What we carry is motivated by our local health care facilities; we're surrounded by three Mayo clinics, Scottsdale Healthcare, St. Josephs Hospital and Bayer Neurological Institute.

Q:Describe your relationship with your manufacturers.

A:We always have a very detailed three-page questionnaire that we run our potential suppliers through before we'll consider carrying their product. There are many things we require of them regarding returns, maintenance and what type of warranties or guarantees they have on their products. The number one is how quickly they can get us the products. Whether they're shipping to our warehouse, or to our customer, we require that they ship immediately.

The reason I say that's so important is because none of us plan for trauma. And when someone needs these things, they need them immediately. We have an arrangement with our shipping company, especially in Arizona, where the product goes out next day without any extra cost.

Q:What is something you have learned from your experience in the HME industry?

A:Most of it is driven by insurance and we completely understand why some HMEs are insurance driven. I encourage traditional DME companies to embrace that and work with us. We're not competing, because we do absolutely zero insurance billing and we could be a wonderful complement. If their customers are coming in looking for products they don't carry just pass them off to us and we'll take care of them. Lots of times, we have people coming in saying, 'I wonder if insurance will cover this,' and we just send them to our favorite DMEs.

Q:What has brought you success in the past?

A:The Web site has been around for 14 years. It went through transformation two and a half years ago, and we're only on the 10 yard line when it comes to vision for the Web business. We still have a long away to go to fulfill our vision of what we'd like people to experience when they're there. But we're still getting major awards and recognition for what we've done.

Our goal is to have the consumer rely on us the way they rely on a family member--a really smart family member.

Forget we're in medical and rehab, it's about thoughtful, wonderful, caring, honest service. Especially since we're also dealing with trauma, it's about helping guide the way to more normal living--instead of looking at what's going to be reimbursed and what's not going to be reimbursed.

Fun Fact: Anyone who calls into the call center will be greeted with, "How can I make your life easier today?"

 

This article originally appeared in the June 2005 issue of HME Business.

Unique ActiveForever Educational Event

by Tue, April 24 2012 07:56

Helping Hands Across The Valley will be hosting a very unique educational event with an
Arizona-based medical equipment and device innovations company named ActiveForever.  This
educational workshop is free, and open to the public.  The company will feature a variety of
medical equipment and product solutions that help people who are in pain, suffering from a
variety of physical disabilities, or just wanting to live more productive lives. . Frank Maldonado,
an education counselor with ActiveForever, will demonstrate  life enhancing products &
solutions that are helpful for people of all ages with medical needs, mobility issues, visual or
hearing deficits, or simple solutions to make life easier for caregivers too.  Product purchase
discounts will be given for those who are attending.

Date for Event:  Wednesday March 14, 2012.

Time:  11:00 am – 12:00 Noon.

Location:  Red Mountain Christian Center, 740 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ  85205, bldg:#5.

Major Cross Streets:  Adobe & Power Road.  For Directions, PLEASE RSVP AND EVEN
INFLUENCE WHAT ACTIVEFOREVER BRINGS TO DEMONSTRATE & DISCUSS!
Visit: www.ActiveForever.com

RSVP Contact: Lucille Smith, M.S.W., Coordinator for Helping Hands Across The Valley
Ministry. 480.985.8121

About ActiveForever:

ActiveForever.com is a national eRetailer, Retailer, Print
Publisher & Warehouse/Distributor of Medical Equipment,
Safety & Productivity Supplies, Assistive Technology, Physical
Conditioning, Fitness, Healing Devices and other Occupational
Health Equipment.  The company is well known for its ability to
keep healthcare providers and consumers abreast of the latest
product innovations available to help treatment & conditioning
outcomes.

About Helping Hands Across the Valley:

Helping Hands Across The Valley Ministry began serving older adults and their adult children in
2004 by Lucille Smith, M.S.W., as coordinator.  The concept of promoting self advocacy and
providing assistance with referring community sources to meet the needs of the adult population
is the main emphasis for the ministry.  It soon was apparent that the congregation had children
with health issues, so stay at home Moms, and all ages  are  invited, as well as staff members,
counselors, and clergy to attend.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every
month from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon and the public are invited at no cost.  Professional speakers
provide information within all facets of healthcare, community services, to include Mesa police,
representatives from the fire department, Fraud Division, Elder Law Attorneys, Phx. Area
Agency on Aging, Duet, Veteran’s, Division of Blind & Low Vision are just a few
representatives, as well as Hospice, Hospital nurses, and Home Health Agencies.  The idea is to
receive professional information and awareness of helps available, and leave the choices to those
who are attending.  All are welcome!  To sign up for attendance please call: 480.985. 8121

ActiveForever Named Exclusive National Distributor of the Med-E-Lert Pill Dispenser

by Tue, April 24 2012 07:48

Scottsdale, AZ - December 2, 2011 - ActiveForever.com has been named the exclusive national distributor of the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser with alarm, and all of its related accessories. This is a natural choice for the manufacturer as both ActiveForever and Med-E-Lert represent quality and life-enhancing healthcare innovations.

Designed with safety and convenience in mind, the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser is a compact medication manager and dispenser used to help caregivers and patients accurately monitor and track medication dosage. With a secure locking key system to avoid over-medication and an easy-to-program interface, the Med-E-Lert is an ideal assistant for visually or mentally impaired individuals, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients, patients with complicated prescriptions or for those who simply need help with medication compliance.

Loved by pill consumers of all ages and caregivers alike, this deluxe medication reminder device is a welcomed and helpful addition for anyone taking multiple medications or nutritionals on a regular basis. Family and professional caregivers love the savings the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser provides them as it not only reduces the need for personnel to distribute medication, but also reduces risks and liabilities of over-medication, and the resulting health complications.

"We are honored to be entering into this business partnership because the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser is so innovative and effective. Quite a lot of time and real-life feedback went into the overall design of this product line. We are excited about the responsibility of making the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser more accessible to anyone needing to monitor their ongoing drug or nutrition regime; as well as increasing the awareness of it in general," said Brian Narducci, GM of ActiveForever's National Warehouse and Distribution Center.

About ActiveForever

ActiveForever.com is a top national eRetailer, Retailer, Print Publisher & Warehouse/Distributor of Medical Equipment, Safety & Productivity Supplies, Physical Conditioning, Healing Devices and other Occupational Health Equipment. The company is well known for its ability to invigorate, market and sell innovative product lines, and its ability to keep healthcare providers and consumers abreast of the latest product innovations available to help treatment & conditioning outcomes.

Print Catalogs: Free for care providers to share with their patients, therapists, residents and caregivers anywhere in the country!

Author: Paula Masiulewicz

Originally published December 2011

Improved Shopping Experience for Boomers With ActiveForever.com's Upgrades

by Tue, April 24 2012 07:37

Scottsdale, AZ - August 22, 2011 - In a world where many companies don't even have a real person answering the phones, it is nice to experience a company like ActiveForever.com. The company is known for its personal attention, excellent customer service, and truly listening to its customers. A national leader in the medical equipment and supplies industry, ActiveForever.com has two retail showrooms based in Peoria and Scottsdale, Arizona. Since the company does not engage in any insurance billing, these showrooms have given the healthcare community the opportunity to learn about innovative alternatives to help patient care outcomes, and have offered the company invaluable feedback from the community it serves. ActiveForever recently renovated its retail stores and its eCommerce website, www.ActiveForever.com, to offer an even better shopping experience for each and every type of customer - from customers buying innovative gifts for others, to health care providers and families making important medical equipment and supplies choices.

Interestingly, the ActiveForever retail stores were not even in the original business plan. From the very beginning, the ActiveForever.com online business growth was so explosive that healthcare professionals, allied health university classes, and busloads of senior citizens were showing up at its Scottsdale headquarters to learn and shop. There is even a Japanese tour bus which shows up at its Scottsdale headquarters every year to shop!

ActiveForever now has a newly expanded retail store built into its headquarters, and another built into its national distribution center in Peoria. Even though the stores can only carry a small cross section of what ActiveForever.com sells online, the increased size and layout allows for a better shopping experience, and wider regional selection of compression garments, mobility scooters, portable oxygen concentrators, electronic low vision aids, hearing amplifiers/devices, physical therapy equipment, lift chairs, pain management devices, bedroom and bathroom safety and hygiene equipment, and even infrared saunas and walk-in bathtubs in the store. ActiveForever's shoppers, primarily well-informed baby boomers, enjoy the unique features and quality of the product selection, notably great pricing, and knowledgeable staff.

Very similar philosophies were applied to the ActiveForever.com website "face lift". ActiveForever.com made their entire website more intuitive and engaging for even easier online shopping, all of which was inspired by new and long-time loyal customer feedback. Informative icons at the top of each product page allow people to discover important product features at a glance, including Free Shipping, Made in the USA, FDA Approval, FAA Approval, Prescription Required, and more.

The website even enables its customers to post honest comments regarding products they've purchased. With easy-to-find links, shoppers can effortlessly share the products they like with family and friends on Facebook, Twitter, and more. The ease of shopping, sharing and purchasing are central to the ActiveForever shopping experience; many products are purchased by loved ones' as medical necessities, or life-changing and unique gifts.

Other unique aspects of ActiveForever are reliability, speed of delivery and care. Most of the shoppers need the items they're purchasing "yesterday," so ActiveForever's shipping center is outfitted to receive, process, and ship orders highly accurately and speedily.

As a top-ranked retailer for thousands of innovative health products, medical supplies, and safety equipment, ActiveForever has customers from all walks of life - from baby boomers who are caregivers, to professionals wanting to maintain their own good health and productivity.

"Nothing gets us more excited than hearing the noises and comments people make when they walk into our stores, and then to see them come back with family and friends in awe. Then, to see them leave with their arms full of equipment and supplies they've been looking for and needed, including things they needed and didn't even know existed! It's equally exciting seeing hospital and health care professionals show up because their supervisor asked them to come explore and learn about what's out there to help the outcomes of their patient care. This is all of what motivates our offerings daily. What happens in the stores is just a microcosm of what we suspect is happening online. As long as all of our customers leave with big smiles on their faces, and their cars, workplaces and homes full of everything they need, we're happy," states ActiveForever.com's CEO, Erika Feinberg.



ABOUT ACTIVEFOREVER:

ActiveForever.com is a top national eRetailer, Retailer, Print Publisher & Warehouse/Distributor of Medical Equipment, Safety & Productivity Supplies, Physical Conditioning, Healing Devices and other Occupational Health Equipment. The company is well known for its ability to invigorate, market and sell innovative product lines, and its ability to keep healthcare providers and consumers abreast of the latest product innovations available to help treatment & conditioning outcomes.

Print Catalogs: Free for care providers to share with their patients, therapists, residents and caregivers anywhere in the country!

Author: Kate Harvey

Originally published August 2011

ActiveForever to Sponsor Leg Health Days

by Tue, April 24 2012 07:33

ActiveForever to Sponsor Leg Health Days Online and in Retail Stores

Will Offer Discounts, Personalized Fittings, On-Site Specialists, and More!

 

 

ActiveForever.com and BSN Medical (Jobst) are sponsoring Leg Health Days July 18-21, 2011, at retail stores and online; open to the public, this FREE event will highlight compression stockings through discounts, personalized fittings, on-site specialists, giveaways, and more. Compression hosiery are key to healthy legs and vital to preventing blood clots, but a study published in the American Journal of Nursing revealed 29% of patients were incorrectly using their compression stockings and 26% were using incorrectly sized compression stockings.

During the free Leg Health Days event, ActiveForever's retail locations (in Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona) will not only provide personalized fittings but also offer discounts on compression garments, gifts with purchases, coupons, giveaways, and more.

Jobst Compression Stockings

On Wednesday, July 20, 2011, the ActiveForever retail store in Peoria, Arizona will also have free food, drinks, prizes, and on-site compression stocking specialists. Enjoy all of the same at the Scottsdale, Arizona retail store on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Customers will have a chance to ensure they are purchasing the correct product at the correct size, learn how to correctly use them, and then use coupons or discounts with their purchase.

Medical supply stores aren't frequently thought of as a fun shopping experience but be prepared to have your assumptions challenged when you attend Leg Health Days at ActiveForever.

People who are not able to be at the physical store locations can still enjoy the same discount on all Jobst compression products when shopping at ActiveForever.com online or over the phone. Customers can use the discount code JOBST to receive a discount on their purchase of compression garments.

As obesity becomes more common among Americans, the increased weight (and lack of activity) adds stress on the lower body muscles, joints, and circulatory system which causes leg/ankle fatigue, swelling, blood clots (potentially fatal), and more.

Once thought of as a curse to be worn only by elderly women, compression stockings are the latest trend among athletes, frequent travelers, pregnant women, and many more who all rave about the positive effects of compression stockings.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, ActiveForever.com consistently seeks worldwide for top-quality, innovative medical supplies and health products to bring to customers, and carries only the best compression garments. Education is an important part of the company's mission, and they strive to help consumers be informed and knowledgeable in order to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The free Leg Health Days event is one of many events ActiveForever sponsors to inform the public. For more information on Leg Health Days at ActiveForever, call 480-767-6800.

About ActiveForever
ActiveForever.com is a top national eRetailer, Retailer, Print Publisher & Warehouse/Distributor of Medical Equipment, Safety & Productivity Supplies, Physical Conditioning, Healing Devices and other Occupational Health Equipment. The company is well known for its ability to invigorate, market and sell innovative product lines, and its ability to keep healthcare providers and consumers abreast of the latest product innovations available to help treatment & conditioning outcomes.

Print Catalogs: Free for care providers to share with their patients, therapists, residents and caregivers anywhere in the country!


Author: Kate Harvey

Originally published July 2011

ActiveForever Introduces New Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser with Alarm

by Tue, April 24 2012 07:07

Scottsdale-based Medical Supplies Retailer to Be Sole North American Distributor of Innovative Medication Management Device

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - June 24, 2009 - ActiveForever, a Scottsdale-based retailer of medical supplies, physical therapy products, and fitness equipment, has just won an exclusive distribution agreement to warehouse and distribute the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser with Alarm throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. This new product will be available on www.ActiveForever.com, as well as in its retail stores. The product line will also be available to drugstore chains, assisted living facilities and hospitals.

Automatic pill dispensers with alarms are known to be quite difficult to travel with, and have been fairly expensive until the development of the Med-E-Lert. This product shares the features of many of the traditional automatic pill dispensers used to optimize the management of nutritional supplements or medication yet this new model is portable, very easy to use, and is retailing at around half the price of some of its competitors.

"We are thrilled and honored to be chosen to represent this product line," says ActiveForever CEO Erika Feinberg. "The Med-E-Lert's functionality, quality and the manufacturer's passion all represent everything ActiveForever stands for. We're here to launch product innovations that make all the difference in a person's life, and this Med-E-Lert will certainly open up worlds of opportunity for anyone who incorporates it into their patient care, or their family care plan."

Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser with Alarm

Automatic pill dispensers like the Med-E-Lert are ideal for patients who have Alzheimer's, dementia, are mentally or visually impaired or for those who take several medications or nutritional supplements and vitamins throughout day and need an efficient reminder of which pills to take when. These products are also widely popular with in home caregivers and in assisted living facilities and hospitals so that caregivers can monitor patients' medication in a manner that is simple and not time consuming. There are 28 spaces for medication in the Med-E-Lert, so a patient or caregiver can plan ahead for taking their medication up to four times a day for one week.

Other automatic pill dispensers can cost between $200.00-$700.00, and, while very helpful and convenient for many people, are not always affordable. The Med-E-Lert is easy to use and easy to program up to four times per day for up to seven days, and having a lock and key helps prevent over-medication or theft. It is made of high quality materials and is lightweight and battery operated so it is ideal for travel or for patients who need to be transported often. The clear top enables the user to see and monitor the status of the medication or supplements without unlocking the device. There are three different alarm tones are offered, including a blinking light, to alert the patient when medication needs to be taken. The alarm will not turn off until the pill dispenser is tilted on its side to dispense the pills.

ActiveForever is known for launching best choices of medical, health, safety, pain relief and fitness products into the marketplace, at the best prices in the country. The Med-E-Lert, like every other new product that comes through the doors of ActiveForever has been through the testing and review process of ActiveForever's Product Management Team. The Med-E-Lert is currently available for pre-order at www.ActiveForever.com or by calling ActiveForever at 1-800-377-8033.

Author: Lois Douglas

About ActiveForever
ActiveForever is the leading source of very well priced life-enhancing products that address almost all physical disabilities, injuries or pain. Products include daily living aids, bath, safety and hygiene products, mobility aids, emergency supplies, durable medical equipment, medical nutrition, low vision and hearing loss devices, physical therapy products, land and aquatic exercise therapy products. ActiveForever provides a multitude of product solutions for arthritis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, stroke rehabilitation, sports injuries, pain relief, foot/ankle, hand, hip/knee and other physically limiting conditions. The company also offers unique and life-enhancing gift ideas.

Top Ranked Nationally: www.ActiveForever.com, www.WesternFulfillment.com, www.ActiveForever.com/Media

Discovery Centers: Contain interactive retail and meeting/education centers
Reserve and use the education centers for free!
Scottsdale 480-767-6800, Peoria AZ 623-215-8470, National 800-377-8033

Print Catalogs: Free for your facility to share with your patients and caregivers anywhere in the country.

ActiveForever

INDEPENDENT LIVING PRODUCTS OFFICIALLY CHANGES ITS NAME TO ACTIVEFOREVER

by Tue, April 24 2012 06:20

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dec. 4, 2003 – To better reflect the company’s mission to positively impact and change people’s lives, Independent Living Products announces its official name change to ActiveForever, Inc. (www.ActiveForever.com). ActiveForever is the nation’s leading online and catalogue provider of cost-effective aids for daily living for disabled, injured and physically challenged individuals and senior citizens.

“We have expanded our product line to include many items for active healthy individuals, as well as those coping with sports injuries, physical disabilities or illnesses,” explains Erika L. Feinberg, chairman of ActiveForever. “With more than 10,000 products, we make it easy for our customers to access the latest and greatest products, equipment and gadgets they need to maintain or enhance their active, independent lifestyles.”

ActiveForever's life-enhancing products can help a wide range of people, including those coping with impaired vision or debilitating diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, ALS and Parkinson's, individuals who are recovering from a stroke or surgery, as well as healthy individuals who need a "helping hand” because they live alone or were injured playing sports or during other “weekend warrior” activities such as doing home repairs. Popular products from among the more than 10,000 offered, include: adaptive silverware and kitchen utensils, safety items, talking products such as calculators and clock radios, coice-activated TV remote controls, scooters and other mobility aids, ergonomic workplace solutions, zipper pulls and a wide-range of exercise equipment.

To ensure that the products offered meet the diverse needs of the purchasers, ActiveForever performs extensive, ongoing market research with a broad spectrum of individuals, including: those who use the products and their families and caregivers; researchers; physical and occupational therapists and executives at assisted living facilities, community outreach organizations and associations. Products can be ordered online at www.ActiveForever.com or by phone at 1.800.377.8033. Arizona residents and visitors can visit the Discovery Center, ActiveForever’s popular, interactive, fun showroom that allows customers to try out many of the products. All items are competitively priced and are shipped the same day.

During the holiday season, Feinberg reminds patients, family members and healthcare providers that there is no better gift than the gift of independence and improved quality of life.

About ActiveForever

Established more than 10 years ago, ActiveForever (formerly Independent Living Products) offers the convenience of one-stop-shopping for more than 10,000 competitively priced, life-enhancing products that address almost all physical and clinical needs. Products include aids for daily living; durable medical equipment; specialty garments; urological and ostomy accessories; ergonomic workplace solutions; splints and braces; mobility equipment and accessories; water and land-based rehabilitation and exercise equipment; home automation, modification and safety items; as well as great gift ideas. ActiveForever continuously researches and develops products to offer individuals with physical challenges and those that just need a "helping hand" the highest quality and best pricing on items designed to enhance their quality of life.

ActiveForever’s Discovery Center-Interactive Retail Store is located at 10799 North 90th Street in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information visit www.ActiveForever.com or call 1.800.377.8033.

**This was originally published December 4, 2003

How to Choose a Home Medical Alert System

by Tue, August 16 2011 07:19

You’ve gone from ignoring advertisements about medical alert systems to needing one for either yourself or an aging loved one, but with the multitudes of personal emergency response systems (PERS) on the market how do you know which medical alert is right for you?

There are two main types of home medical alert systems: emergency response systems with monitoring and without monitoring.

There are numerous terms for medical alert systems (such as PERS) and we’ll use several throughout this information so you’re already familiar with them when you compare medical emergency response systems. PERS consist of three components: a wireless transmitter (which is worn around your wrist, neck, on a belt, etc.), a console which connects to your telephone (usually you need a land line telephone), and an emergency response center.

The transmitter is battery operated, light weight, and may also be referred to as a pendant, necklace, or bracelet (among others).

When the person wearing the transmitter activates it (often in the instance of a fall), the transmitter sends a signal to the console (often called a “base”) connected to your telephone, and the telephone automatically dials out to the emergency response center.

When you are using a home medical alert system with a monitoring service, there is a company that monitors the system and when they’re called (after the transmitter is activated) the monitoring company contacts emergency personnel or other people you have pre-designated.

If you decide to use a personal alert safety system with a monitoring company you will purchase the three components of the system, and pay installation and monthly fees to the monitoring service company. The Federal Trade Commission advises you contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, and the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against the monitoring system company you’re considering entering into an agreement with.

Some seniors prefer using a medical emergency response system that doesn’t involve a monitoring service. In that case, when the transmitter is activated and the console (connected to your telephone) receives the signal your phone automatically dials 911 or to a family or friend (which you’ll have pre-determined). This is a more affordable option because there is no installation or monthly fees, and the only added cost is battery replacement periodically.

When considering a medical alarm/alert system it is very important to do your homework, and always ask the following questions of each home medical alarm system:

Can I speak AND listen to the operator through the transmitter/pendant?

If I’m outside when I activate the transmitter can I speak to the operator outside of my house?

Is the monitoring center open 24/7? Have the people answering the phones gone through emergency medical technician (EMT) training?

What happens if I fall in the bathroom and the door is closed? Will I be able to hear (and be heard) through the transmitter still? Is the transmitter waterproof? (not the same as water resistant)

What if I move to another city of state? Can I use the same system with other monitoring services elsewhere?

What is the average life of the batteries in the system? Is there a warning for low batteries?

How long will the operator stay on with me? As long as I need them?

How many transmitter units can one base unit (or console) support?

What features does the system provide if I activate the transmitter but lose consciousness before help arrives?

 

If you’re finding you like some of the features of both monitored and unmonitored personal emergency response systems, the SilverCare Personal Safety Emergency Alert Device offers a comprehensive elderly alert system without monitoring (so there aren’t any fees or contracts) but will also work with a monitoring service (of your choice) if you want to go that route. SilverCare utilizes state-of-the-art technology and offers everything from medication reminders to remotely turning on/off lights (while remaining incredibly easy to use).

As with all independent living aids, there are numerous options and the right product for each individual is an individual decision. Personal safety alert systems allow the wearers, caregivers, and family members priceless peace of mind. To view an assortment of home medical alert systems, click here. If you have additional questions about which home emergency alert device is the right one for you, feel free to call 1-800-377-8033.


 

Aging in Place – Is Your Community Prepared for Aging Baby Boomers Influx?

by Sat, June 18 2011 08:01

“Aging in place” is one of the current buzz words for independent living, or allowing a person to remain in their own home as they age and become more elderly. Baby boomers are those who were born between 1948 and 1964, and they are rapidly approaching retirement age. As baby boomers age, are communities prepared to handle what will become a large influx of senior (and then elderly) community members?

According to a report by the Aging in Place Initiative, an organization focused on developing livable communities for people of all ages, “only 46 percent of American communities have begun planning to address the needs of the exploding population of aging Baby Boomers.”

Just how much will the aging Boomers population expand?  Retirement of baby boomers will “peak in 2030, [and] the number of people over age 65 in the United States will soar to 71.5 million – twice their number in the year 2000- or one in every five Americans.”

The Aging in Place Initiative’s “Maturing of America” study (upon which the report is based) looked at a community’s “readiness” based on the following points:

  • whether efforts are being made to assess and put into place programs, policies and services that address the needs of older adults and their caregivers;
  • whether cities and counties are able to ensure that their communities are “livable” for all ages – not only good places to grow up but good places to grow old; and
  • how well equipped an area is to harness the talent, wisdom and experience of older adults to contribute to the community at large.

The “Maturing of America” study found only 46 percent of communities (which participated in the study) had begun planning to address the needs of the rapidly growing numbers of aging community members. A number much less than the 46 percent would be communities which are actually prepared for an influx of senior residents.

Where does your own community stand with being prepared for its aging community members? What services does it already offer to senior citizens?

Perhaps a more important question is how prepared are you for your own aging or the aging of your loved ones? Look at your own home, or perhaps your parent’s home. Our own home is where each of us is most comfortable, but how accessible will your own home be to you as you continue to age? There are hundreds of thousands of independent living aids which help adapt your home to be more accessible to elderly household members; everything from grab bars around the house to bath lifts can be installed to help home remain accessible for as long as possible.

Consider contacting your community leaders with the “readiness” questions posted above to find out for yourself what resources will be available for yourself and your loved ones as all age in your community. Also consider discussing with family members if their aging, long term care desires include aging in place and independent living options. If you are interested in some of the things needed to help make a home more accessible for aging in place, visit our website at ActiveForever.com or call with your questions to 1-800-377-8033.

Limited Time Discount Price on New Drive Mobility Scooter At ActiveForever.com

by Wed, May 25 2011 07:33

For people with mobility issues and limited strength independence can become dramatically restricted, but mobility scooters give people with mobility impairments their independence and mobile freedom back! The new Drive Bobcat mobility scooter has several features which puts it in the top of its class, and ActiveForever.com is offering this new scooter at a discounted price until the end of the month (May 2011)!

Unlike other power scooters, the Drive Bobcat Mobile Scooters feature “anti-tippers” (in both the front and the back) providing a sharp turning radius without the concern of the scooter tipping over. The Drive Medical Bobcat Mobility Scooter is available as a 3 wheel or 4 wheel mobility scooter; both are available from ActiveForever at a special introductory price with FREE SHIPPING for a limited time only. Additionally, the Bobcat medical scooters include flat-free tires (never worry about a flat tire!). These mobility scooters break down into four, easy to transport parts, making them perfect for travel!

ActiveForever consistently seeks out new, innovative, life-changing products for our customers, and we’re excited to be selling the new, 4 wheel and 3 wheel Drive Bobcat Medical Mobility Scooters! We realize there are numerous mobility scooters available on the market and the options can be overwhelming; for information on how to choose the best mobility scooter for you and answers to frequently asked questions regarding medical scooters, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page. If you’re interested in purchasing either of the Drive Bobcat Mobility Scooters, act now because the discounted price will only be available until the end of the month (May 2011); buy the Drive Bobcat Medical Scooter from ActiveForever.com today and we’ll ship it to you for FREE!