South Florida’s warm climate provides excellent opportunities for aquatic therapy and water recreation throughout the year. Pool lifts are essential in all assisted living and rehab centers that have pools, as they allow all individuals, regardless of their mobility level, to benefit from the therapeutic and recreational water activities.
With year-round warm weather, rehab centers and assisted living facilities in South Florida have a unique opportunity to enhance rehabilitation and improve quality of life through hydrotherapy and therapeutic swimming. Individuals with mobility challenges, however, find that even getting into a pool is a significant obstacle. That is why pool lifts are an essential feature in all assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers.
How Exercising In Water Can Be Beneficial
Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrogymnastics or pool therapy, uses the water’s buoyancy, resistance, and warmth to assist with non-weight-bearing exercise. Pool therapy allows the individual to do low-impact exercise that strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility, and promotes cardiovascular health. Exercising in water is an ideal low-impact form of exercise because:
- It reduces joint stress and eases pain. This is ideal for people suffering from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Exercising in water helps to improve balance, coordination, and build muscle strength without the risk of injury from falls.
- Hydro gymnastics also helps with cardiovascular health by allowing individuals to engage in gentle, low-impact exercise.
- Any exercise supports mental well-being. When exercising, the individual can be socially engaged and lead an active lifestyle. Exercise also releases endorphins, which elevate mood and promote mental well-being.
Who Would Benefit From A Pool Lift?
Due to physical or mobility limitations, some individuals may struggle or be unable to enter a pool independently. A pool lift will remove that barrier and allow those individuals to safely enter and exit the pool without fear of falling. Pool lifts also allow individuals to fully participate in water activities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Some people who would greatly benefit from a pool lift include:
- Elderly individuals who have limited mobility due to conditions like arthritis or age-related weakness.
- People recovering from surgery, including surgeries like hip or knee replacements, and any other joint or orthopedic procedures.
- Individuals who have neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease greatly benefit from water aerobics.
- Individuals with chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, COPD, or any conditions that cause balance impairments.
- Residents in assisted living/rehab facilities with painful conditions like arthritis, where exercise assists with pain control.
- Obese individuals who have the goal of weight loss through regular exercise, but find that any land-based exercises cause pain or discomfort.
- Water therapy is also an aid that is used in neurological rehabilitation, as it improves gait, increases and improves mobility, and boosts the confidence of individuals struggling with mobility issues.
4 Reasons Why Assisted Living And Rehab Centers Require Pool Lifts
In sunny South Florida, assisted living and rehab centers that have a swimming pool require a pool lift for the following reasons:
- They address Regional Health needs. In South Florida’s aging population, pool access will significantly boost chronic condition management and any physical rehab needs.
- A pool lift helps to meet the accessibility requirements. Many public-funded centers must meet ADA standards that ensure safe pool accessibility for all.
- In assisted living facilities, pool lifts increase the residents’ Independence and autonomy, empowering them to participate in social activities, recreation, and exercise routines on their terms.
- In rehabilitation environments, where aqua therapy is widely used, the individual’s safety and dignity are vital. Pool lifts ensure that anyone can access the pool without fear of injury to themselves or their caregivers.
Safety Features Of Modern Pool Lifts
Pool lifts are a safe and reliable way of getting individuals, especially those with mobility challenges, in and out of a pool. The pool lift in an assisted living facility, or a rehabilitation setting, will have safety features that ensure individuals using it can use it safely and with confidence. Some of these safety features include:
- Secure seating with lap belts to prevent users from slipping or falling out.
- They are made out of stable and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or high-strength polymers.
- Most pool lifts have 360° seat rotation and adjustable foot rests for smooth transfer and user convenience.
- Pool lifts at assisted living facilities and rehab facilities have to comply with ADA pool safety standards.
Choosing The Right Pool Lift
Before installing a pool lift, you need to identify what the lift will be used for. Some questions to ask yourself before deciding on a pool lift include:
- Will it be used for an in-ground or above-ground pool?
- Who will be using the Pool Lift, What will it be used for?
- Independent use or for caregiver assistance.
- Will it be used for wheelchair transfer or seated transfer.
- What will be the power source?
- Battery-powered for portability.
- Manual hydraulic for reliability.
- Water-powered for eco-friendly operation.
- Will the Pool Lift be a permanent fixture or portable?
- Weight capacity and dimensions – will it be for:
- Wheelchair use.
- Bariatric use.
- Pediatric use.
- If required for public and assisted living facilities, the pool lift must conform to ADA specifications.
- The pool lift will require regular maintenance, so choosing corrosion-resistant materials will ensure longevity, easy maintenance, and upkeep.
Pool Lift Suppliers In South Florida
Pool lifts are more than just mobility tools; they are enablers of Independence, wellness, and dignity. At Advanced Mobility Inc., we believe that pool lifts empower individuals with mobility limitations and open the door to life-changing aquatic therapy and social inclusion.
With our vast experience and commitment to quality, we provide expert guidance, professional installation, and ongoing support to help you choose the right pool lift.
To visit our showroom or to learn more about our products, schedule a consultation with us by calling 954-888-9292. Let us help you enhance your pool accessibility and enrich the lives of your residents, one lift at a time.