Age In Place |

Medical Alarm Service

March 12, 2013 by Rob Leave a Comment

What is Medical Alarm Service?

The Safe Living Technologies Basic Safety & Medical Alert service is a 24 hour push button personal response system. Any time help is needed, whether a medical emergency or simply needing the help of a family member, neighbor, or friend, our alert button will summon help.

How Does Medical Alarm Service Work?

We feature a very small water-proof and wireless alarm button to be worn around the neck or on the wrist if preferred. When a need arises, simply press the alert button and a wireless signal will be sent to our console which will dial into our Monitoring Center where a trained professional operator will provide assistance and follow-up. The operator will communicate over our hands-free speakerphone built into our console, learn the nature of the need, and dispatch the appropriate party – paramedic, family member, friend, neighbor, caregiver or others requested.

We will dispatch the paramedics under 3 conditions:

If there is no response to our operator – we will err on the side of caution and dispatch the local 911 service
If an ambulance is requested
If there is an obvious emergency

Upon dispatch to the paramedic service we will call to notify those on the contact list who have asked to be called upon a medical transport.

How Does Medical Alarm Service Help?

Whether a client of ours is in need of emergency medical attention, is feeling ill, or needs help of any kind, we will provide the assurance that help is on the way. Our clients never have to feel like they are alone.

Added Medical Alarm Features

3,000 square foot console speakerphone range
Waterproof, lightweight pendant to wear around the wrist or neck
Ability to answer all incoming phone calls through the console by pressing the alarm button
FREE Customizable Text Message Reminders up to 16 times per day Speed Dial programmable buttons for outgoing phone calling
Non-Emergency Button to reach our operators with comments, questions, or just socialization needs
System Diagnostic Messaging for interruption in electrical or phone line
24 Hour Backup Battery – when engaged, the system silently notifies our monitoring center for follow-up attention
Programmable health reminders and wellness check-ins without operator interference for peace and quiet
Low pendant battery alert
24 hour battery backup
Pendant Test Reminder
Emergency device to fit landline, cellular, and smart phone technologies

Medical Alert Systems for seniors trusted by hospitals and health care professionals keep your Independence CALL Safe Living Technologies 262-780-0848 Today!

Push Button Help for Seniors!

Articles Of Interest Testimonials BBB Video Gallery HelpFul Links Visit the Safe Living Tech Website

Filed Under: Guest Blogs Tagged With: age in place, aging in place, Milwaukee, stay in your home solutions

Home adaptations for individuals with ALS

February 3, 2013 by Rob Leave a Comment

The purpose of this article is to explore some of the considerations and options for individuals who are living with ALS. ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurological condition that leads to gradual decline in strength, respiratory function, and functional mobility.

When looking at the needs for home adaptations for individuals with ALS, it is important to consider components of flexibility and adaptation with the design of the home environment. Adaptability is important for varied levels of accommodation for the individual, and certain considerations can be accounted for to maintain the highest level of independence for the individual as well as the family and caregivers of an individual living with ALS.

Bathroom modifications – options available for care in the home: Even with considering adaptations and long term care of the individual with ALS, there are still a wide variety of options available. For the individual who is able to manage fairly independently and well – adaptations such as grab bars, tub lifts, or tub cutouts may be good options to promote independence and safety in the bathroom. Adaptation of the bathroom for an individual who more progressed and requires more care, may not require a complete bathroom remodel (though the options of a barrier free shower, or accessible walk in tub provide great solutions). Installation of a ceiling lift system can provide easier and safer transfers to and from the bed, and can extend into the bathroom to allow easy transfers for toileting and bathing in the tub, or on a tub bench.

Entry to the home, and managing stairs – when looking at stair management options for the individual with ALS it is generally ideal to consider which option would work best without requiring transfers to and from a wheelchair. An alternative to stair lifts include options including: ramping (for home entry), vertical platform lifts (for home entry or as an inside lift), inclined platform lifts, and home elevator systems. Having a home accessibility consultation to determine the best option is important, as any of the above options involve a significant investment.

Environmental controls – in the advanced stages of ALS, there are many options for maintaining control of one’s environment with environmental controls. Options for environmental access and control of one’s environment can stem from wheelchair controls that are integrated into the wheelchair controls (through a joystick, head array, or other controller), or through other external environmental control systems. Through the use of environmental controls individuals are able to access components such as: automatic door openers, motorized window treatments, light controls, ceiling fans, television, phone, computers and other electronic devices. This is significant in providing control for the individual with ALS to maintain independence and control of their own environment. Technology has continued to advance and allow great opportunities for environmental controls.

This article was written by Rob Horkheimer, MPT, CEAC, CAPS, ECHM – accessibility specialist and owner of BILD – Bridgeway Independent Living Designs, LLC. BILD provides accessible home remodeling, construction, and lift/elevator installations, as well as accessibility consultations. Visit BILD online at: www.bildnow.com BILD is a Milwaukee based accessibility company serving: Wisconsin, Illinois, and the greater Chicago area.

Filed Under: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Tagged With: age in place, aging in place, home modifications, home remodeling, stay in your home solutions

Wisconsin Stair Lifts

January 27, 2013 by Rob Leave a Comment

For individuals looking for affordable and quality stair lift solutions – BILD - Bridgeway Independent Living Designs – provides a wide variety of American-made, quality stair lifts to meet your needs. BILD offers a variety of premium economical and aesthetic products with weight capacity ranging up to the industry best 600 lbs. BILD’s premium stair lift product is the pinnacle stair lift and heavy duty pinnacle. This system is the narrowest folding chair in the industry – folding up to only 11” from the wall. Additionally this unique system offers a unique patented self-lubricating gear system that does not require the grease, lubrication, and maintenance of a traditional style stair lift. Custom coloring and upholstery options are available for the Pinnacle lift systems as well.

BILD offers a variety of options and configurations for our stair lift systems with indoor, outdoor, straight and curved systems available. We not only provide premium products that will work in your home, we offer a medical perspective of physical and occupational therapists who can assist in selecting the best option for your needs. Additionally BILD provides expert installation by factory certified installers. Our family owned company provides expert service and assistance to meet your needs.

In addition to stair lifts, BILD offers other options for managing stairs in the home, including: ramps, home elevators, vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts, and mechanical (caregiver assisted) wheelchair lifts. All installed by our own in house technicians and craftsmen.

Please contact us today at 262-671-2032, or [email protected] for a free consultation. Visit our accessibility showroom at 9209 W Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226. Or visit us online at www.bildnow.com

Filed Under: Stair Lifts Tagged With: accessibility remodeling, accessiblity, age in place, aging in place, Bathroom and home access solutions, Harmar and Savaria straight lift systems, Heavy Duty, Heavy Duty Stair Lift, home modifications, home remodeling, Milwaukee, Stair lifts, stay in your home solutions

Wisconsin Home Elevators

January 21, 2013 by Rob Leave a Comment

For those living in Wisconsin who are exploring options for a home elevator system – BILD represents some of the best elevator options in the state.

BILD offers a number of options for residential elevator systems that provide beauty, efficiency, safety, and reliability. Our company carries a number of different options from a variety of manufacturers to meet your specific needs, including three systems which do NOT require a machine room. We are factory certified installers and represent the elevator manufacturers: Savaria, RAM, and Harmar. All of our elevator systems can be customized to fit any interior décor and professionally installed by BILD.

Savaria Telecab

Savaria has a long-standing history in the elevator industry as a premium home elevator manufacturer and provides a number of options for home elevators and other lift systems. One of these options, the Savaria Infinity system, is a long-standing and reliable hydraulic drive elevator. This option provides an affordable and reliable system that has a longstanding history of dependable operation. Savaria provides a number of other safe and reliable options for home elevation including the Eclipse elevator system, one of the elevators which does not require a machine room. On the docket for approval from the state of Wisconsin early next year is the Savaria Telecab – this system, which is currently available in Illinois, has the unique space-saving feature of an enclosed cab which, when lowered down to the first floor, has flooring on top of the cab thus preserving floor-space on the level above.

Another premium system, again on the docket for Wisconsin, is the premium traction drive RAM Crystal home elevator. A design which was modeled after high-rise style elevators, the Crystal is a best in class residential elevator system with a long-standing history of success, spanning over 20 years. To this day, every Crystal elevator that has been installed is still fully operational. The Crystal elevator system is a premium product which provides extreme durability, dependability, and structural integrity. Perhaps the most significant feature of this system and what sets it far beyond any other system available in the market, is the fact that in case of power outage, the Crystal elevator can travel up and down on battery back up. No other residential elevator currently has that capability, but what is even more amazing is that the Crystal is so efficient that it can make 40 trips on battery power – this delivers tremendous peace of mind. Additional unique feature of this system include: structurally independent rails (providing greater safety and durability), non-fume and low maintenance rollers that do not require greasing, and all this without needing either a machine room or a pit.

Harmar mobility provides affordable and advanced options for home elevator mobility with the Harmar Everest and Everest Elite. Through Harmar’s advanced residential elevator systems again we have a great option for a home elevator that does not require a machine room for operation. The Everest system is available as an in-line geared system which provides quiet and smooth operation without requiring a machine room. The Harmar Everest Elite system provides a hydraulic drive option that does provide a smooth and comfortable ride with smooth start and stop technology.

BILD is happy to provide options for safe and comfortable technology through elevators as well as other options for home mobility including: premium stair lifts (straight and custom/curved), vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts, and caregiver assisted mechanical wheelchair lifts.

BILD is unique in that our team can provide both elevator, lift and hoistway construction in-house with our team. Please call us now at 262-671-2032 for a free initial consultation.

RAM Crystal

Interior of Savaria Infinity

Filed Under: Elevators - Home and Buisiness Tagged With: accessibility remodeling, accessiblity, age in place, aging in place, Chicago, Crystal Elevators, Heavy Duty, home modifications, home remodeling, Milwaukee, stay in your home solutions, Wheelchair access

Specialized Grab Bars

January 20, 2013 by Rob 1 Comment

Many options are now available for decorative designer grab bars in the home that provide a great option for both beauty and safety. Through BILD, there is a wide variety of options available, including many different finishes and styles, to match any décor. Designer grab bars are available at a variety of costs and styles. A variety of different levels of affordability are available from Moen, Great Grabz, and Ponte Giulio. Moen offers a number of affordable and beautiful options of decorative grab bars in different lines. Great Grabs is another manufacturer who offers stylish and elegant options for beautiful home grab bars with unique and beautiful options. Ponte Giulio offers grab bars that are available in a variety of colors; the colored grab bars offered through Ponte Giulio, which are warm to touch and are bacteria resistant, offer great options for bathroom safety.

As an accessibility consultant and healthcare professional, one of the things I’ve often told my patients is to be aware of the fact that everything in the bathroom area should be secure. If you’re falling, you will grab for the closest object within reach, period – no matter how strong or weak it is.

Image of grab bars

Two years ago, I gave my parents decorative grab bars from Healthcraft Products Incorporated. They are now proudly displayed in my parent’s home as an enhancement to their newly remodeled bathrooms. This series includes as pictured: a soap dish holder, a corner shelf, a toilet paper holder, and a towel bar.

Another line of affordable and beautiful functional grab bars is available from Moen. This series features another line of beautiful grab bars with a shower soap and item shelf, towel holder, and toilet paper holder.

All of these items are available through BILD and can be ordered to your home directly or provided with installation in the greater Milwaukee Area. A number of other safety products for the bathroom or the home that provide great options for home safety and beauty.

moen decorative grab bars

See your options available online at: www.bildnow.com

Filed Under: Grab bars Tagged With: accessibility remodeling, accessible bathroom, accessible tub options, accessiblity, age in place, aging in place, custom bathing options, grab bars, home modifications, home remodeling, Increased safety with transfers, Milwaukee, stay in your home solutions

Wisconsin Ceiling Lifts

December 28, 2012 by Rob Leave a Comment

For families caring for individuals with physical needs - both the caregiver and the individual being cared for - a home ceiling lift can make the difference in providing transfers and care assistance. Ceiling lifts also can provide easy access to the bathroom area without having to remodel. For individuals with safety concerns who are able to participate in some weight bearing activities, ceiling lifts provide options for supported standing activities with a single caregiver using any variety of standing harness systems.

BILD is a factory certified installer of ceiling lift systems for multiple manufacturers in the Wisconsin area and the only physical therapist owned and operated company. We have a unique understanding of the best option to meet your individual needs. Our factory certified ceiling lift installers ensure that the installation meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. We work with a variety of manufacturers to provide the best options for safety and independence in the home.

BILD’s skilled team will not only help you find the best solution for your home, but will also teach you to use the system to its fullest potential.

Call BILD now for a free consultation and estimate. We carry a number of ceiling options for your individualized needs, including: fixed ceiling lift systems (with custom track designs), portable motor units, portable ceiling lifts, semi-permanent lift systems, power hoyer lifts, standing floor lifts, and other options for safe transfer technology. Learn more about accessibility options at www.bildnow.com, or contact us directly 262-671-2032, 888-482-BILD (888-482-2453), [email protected].

Visit our youtube site for videos that demonstrate some of the options for ceiling lift and transfer solutions for your home:

ceiling lift walking slings:

Portable ceiling lifts:

fixed ceiling lifts:

Filed Under: ceiling lifts, safe transfer Tagged With: age in place, aging in place, Arjo Huntleigh ceiling transfer lift devices, Caregiver safety, ceiling lift, stay in your home solutions

2013 MBA Show – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

December 28, 2012 by Rob Leave a Comment

The Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) will be hosting a show here in Milwaukee Jan 11-13. This show, Building Lifestyles, is about optimizing your home to fit your lifestyle. The cost for the show is $8.00 at the door or $7 if you register online in advance. It will be held at the Frontier Airlines Center, at 400 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 [Map]. The hours will be Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm.

BILD is a proud member of MBA, though we will not be attending this years show. This is still a fantastic opportunity to attend seminars, tour exhibits, and even get cooking tips as you look to optimize your home to fit your needs.

BILD is an excellent option to then take you past the show to the actual work. We are the only company in Southeast Wisconsin that combines healthcare professionals with building contractors to deliver the best possible experience and results for our customers. Here are some of the areas of accessibility design that we feature: home/business elevators, stair-lifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms, custom bathroom and kitchen remodeling, ceiling lifts and transfer devices, and several other accessibility solutions.

For more information please visit our website www.bildnow.com. Or, for a FREE CONSULTATION, please call (262) 671-2032 in Wisconsin or (847) 453-8866 in Northern Illinois.

Filed Under: accessibility remodeling, accessible bathroom, accessible solutions, Events Tagged With: accessibility remodeling, accessible bathroom, age in place, aging in place, Increased safety with transfers, MBA 2013, Stair lifts, stay in your home solutions

Did you know…

December 26, 2012 by Rob Leave a Comment

…the cost of health care continues to rise. This includes assisted living and in-home care. The average cost of skilled care at a nursing home in a private room is $78,000. For a semi-private room the average is $69,000 per year. The average for assisted living cost is $36,000 annually. At BILD can show you options for you to stay in your home to lessen these costs. Visit our website at www.bildnow.com to learn more!

Filed Under: Health Care Expenses Tagged With: age in place, aging in place

Parkinson’s Resources for Southeastern Wisconsin

March 12, 2012 by Rob Leave a Comment

BILD is local leader in accessibility and resources for persons living with Parkinson’s Disease in Southeastern Wisconsin. People take comfort and confidence in a company that offers home modification consultations by specialists with physical and occupational therapy backgrounds.

We are proud to be a local provider for accessibility resources for persons living with Parkinson’s Disease with Wisconsin and Illinois. We are also the only home accessibility company with physical and occupational therapists on staff who are extensively trained in the field of home modifications. BILD provides home modifications which bring safety, security and comfort to persons living with Parkinson’s Disease in the region.

Beyond our general superior custom remodeling BILD provides quality, comfort and beauty with smart designs for Independence at home.

Our products and services from our in-house craftsmen include:

Barrier free bathrooms

Grab bar installations

Railings

Automated shelving and counters

Automatic door openers

Home elevators

Vehicle lifts

Please contact us for more information and visit our website at www.bildnow.com or call us for a free in home comfort consultation at 262-671-2032. Visit our website for financial information and resources for persons living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Filed Under: accessible bathroom, parkinson's disease Tagged With: age in place, aging in place, parkinson's, stay in your home solutions

Comfort solutions for living with Arthritis in Milwaukee & Wisconsin

March 12, 2012 by Rob Leave a Comment

Living with arthritis is not easy as there are many challenges and challenges that we face. There are solutions to independence and safety for living with arthritis that can increase your quality of life and make things much easier.

Making daily tasks easier – the little things you once took for granted can become easier again with functional adaptations. Now more than ever there are many new solutions available for making life easier in the home. One of the more challenging areas of the home can be the home: opening cans, reaching to high shelving, limited endurance, or even handling the sink faucet can be a great challenge in the home.

Managing Stairs:

Many options are available to make life easier and make your home more manageable. We can assist with anything from installation of railings to stair lifts, or a wheelchair lift/home elevator. Contact us for a healthier and safer environment that brings you independence and safety in the home

Safety and Comfort in the Bathroom:

Today many options are available from decorative grab bars, barrier free bathrooms, walk in tubs, bathtub cut-outs and safe bathing solutions. We can help to make your bathroom more safe, beautiful and comfortable.

Independence in the kitchen:

Beauty and function can come together in the kitchen environment and we can make managing in the kitchen safe and comfortable again. Talk with us about how we can make life easier and more comfortable with significant design features that make life easier and more comfortable for you.

We are fortunate in the Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois region to have a home modification provider with in house tradesmen, and consultants who are specialized in accessible design and have medical background as physical and occupational therapists.

Learn more about us at www.bildnow.com or call 262-671-2032 for a free consultation.

Filed Under: accessibility remodeling, accessible bathroom, Elevators - Home and Buisiness, Grab bars, Stair lift installation, Stay in your home solutions, Tub lifts Tagged With: accessibility remodeling, age in place, arthritis, Chicago, home modifications, Milwaukee, stay in your home solutions