Medical mobility support comes in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few options for home and around town. Come chat with us about your needs.

Moving Around

Walkers

Basic Walker (no wheels): For those who need that extra little bit of stability indoors.

Two Wheel Walker: Allows you to put weight on the walker as you move. The front legs with wheels allow you to push the walker forward, and the back legs with no wheels prevent the walker from rolling while you are stepping forward.

Three Wheel Walker: Easy to use in tight spaces but not as stable as the four wheel models.

Four Wheel Walker (rollators): Front swivel wheels and hand brakes offer the greatest range of movement and the most mobility. Equipped with a seat which provides a place to rest if you get tired.

Knee Walker: Designed for people who are unable to put weight on one of their feet, as the result of surgery or injury. They normally have four wheels, a handhold, brakes and a knee pad.

Accessories:

• Carry pouch
• Cushion
• Folding walker tray
• Glide skis
• Under seat tote bag

Powerchairs

Also known as motorized wheelchairs, powerchairs are run by battery and electric motor. They come with a variety of seating options, can travel long distances and move with just the touch of one hand. They are foldable and conveniently fit into closets, car trunks or vans. Who should use a powerchair? Ideal for wheelchair users with weak upper body strength or those that are unable to maneuver a manual wheelchair. If you have a variety of mobility issues and need a more customized mode of transportation, a powerchair is your best option.

Rear-wheel drive:  Very stable for outdoor travel or for driving on uneven terrain; powerful suspension systems, high drive speeds and multiple drive control options.

Mid-wheel drive:  Suitable for indoor use with a responsive, small turning radius; multiple drive control options, good suspension and a variety of seating options.

Front-wheel drive:  Provides great power and navigation capabilities; smooth ride.

Typical features and functions:

• Controlled by a programmable joystick
• Seating options for postural support including power stand, recline, tilt and elevation
• Tire and powerbase options
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Maneuverability in small and tight spots
• Spring suspension offers a smooth ride on uneven outdoor surfaces
• Can be tied down in a motor vehicle and used as a car seat

Scooters

Three-wheel or four-wheel motorized mobility scooters are a popular alternative to electric wheelchairs. They have a swivel seat, handlebars and rechargeable batteries. They do not fold and therefore require either a large van for transport or a scooter carrier mounted to a car or van.

Who should use a scooter? Those who use a mobility scooter should have good balance and be able to use both hands for steering. Primarily best for those who can still walk, stand and sit upright without support.

Front-wheel drive: Able to carry a maximum of 150 lbs and are primarily designed for indoor and level pavement use. They run on a single 12 volt battery and can travel between 8-16 kilometres before recharging.

Rear-wheel drive: Able to carry a maximum of 350 lbs, while heavy-duty models can carry up to 500 lbs. They run on two 12 volt batteries and can travel between 25-35 kilometres before recharging.

Three-wheel scooters: Maneuver easily and have a tight turning radius. They are well-suited for indoor use and are light and easy to transport.

Four-wheel scooters: Have a broad, sturdy wheel base and are well-suited for outdoor use and rougher terrain.

Typical features and functions:

• Steer with a tiller, which functions like a handlebar on a bicycle
• Variable speed control knob that seats the speed from 2-8 kilometres per hour
• Run on gel cell batteries, which are approved for transport

Accessories:

• Canopy
• Windshield
• Enclosure cover
• Tiller cover
• Walker holder
• Cane holder
• Basket
• Velcro bag

Wheelchairs:

Manual wheelchairs are either self-propelled or companion-propelled. There are many different styles and sizes of manual wheelchairs and a large variety of accessories. It is very important to seek professional advice so you end up with the model that best suits your lifestyle, medical condition and price point.

Styles:

• Standard
• Lightweight
• Transport
• Tilt’n’Space

Accessories:

• Legrests
• Footrests
• Armrests
• Cushions
• Sheepskin pads for seats, backs, arms or legs

 “Thank you so much for all your time and efforts with my Grandma’s wheelchair. She called to say she loved it and is very happy with it. Your patience was greatly appreciated.” P.A.

Home Health

Stair Lifts

Features

• Right hand or left hand installation
• Padded seat and backrest for comfort and support
• Directional paddle control switches
• Safety belt
• Folding arms, seat and footrest
• Lockable swivel seat for ease of getting on and off
• Lockable on/off switch provides extra safety
• Five safety sensors on the footrest and carriage stop the lift automatically in case of obstruction
• Two remote controls can send the lift up or down the staircase

“I can’t speak highly enough of the wonderful people at Vancouver Island Medical Supply who installed my lift. The lift has made so much difference to my life and it is so simple to manage.” P.G.

Transfer Equipment

For those who need complete or partial assistance transferring from one area to another, we offer a selection of transfer equipment that provides safety for patients and caregivers.

Patient Lift: Portable or fixed ceiling lifts with track system and sling safely lift and transfer patients. Available with or without motor.

Floor to Ceiling Pole: A vertical support bar system that provides assistance while getting up from a sitting position. Can be installed anywhere in your home and is easily moved.

Transfer Board: Provides a stable and simple way to transfer from a wheelchair to bed, toilet etc. Available in a variety of styles and sizes.

Turning Aid: Rotates and slides to aid in transfer.

Turn Slide: Sliding mats aid with turning in bed and the soft, comfortable fabric and padding reduces friction and helps prevent pressure sores.

Transfer Disc: Rotates 360 degrees and makes pivot transfers safer and easier.

Before selecting a porch lift, it is advisable to ask a Vancouver Island Medical Supply Ltd. installer to check out the home first and determine that a porch lift will be suitable. The installer should be asked the following questions:

• Where would you recommend installing a porch lift? (Although most users install the lift at a pre-existing door, some users end up installing patio doors somewhere else in the house to accomodate a lift.)

• What configuration is needed (e.g. left vs. right tower, straight through vs. 90 degree turn)

• How high a lift do I need?

• What type of prep work will I need to do before installing a porch lift? Typically this will include getting a base ready and having some electrical work done.

• What type of base do I need under the lift? If a concrete pad is required, this may need to be done in the spring or summer.

It is also a good idea to ask about various types of lifts to find the one best suited for your needs. The following questions cans help you choose the best lift:

• What safety features are available on this lift?

• What type of drive mechanism is used in this lift (e.g. ACME screw or cable)

• How well does this lift work in cold/wet weather?

What ongoing preventative maintenance do you recommend for this lift?

Bathroom Safety

The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places in your home. This is particularly true for anyone with health or mobility issues. 

There are many ways you can make your bathroom safer and minimize the risk of slipping or falling:• Keep your bathroom uncluttered and as dry as possible
• Install a grab bar(s) for a stable support system
• Always use a bath mat to prevent slipping in the bathtub or shower
• A bath transfer bench provides assistance getting in and out of the bathtub
• A shower chair provides a safe, comfortable way to shower for those who find it difficult to stand for long periods of time. Best used in conjunction with a hand-held shower head
• A raised toilet seat fits on all standard toilets and provides assistance to those who find their toilet too low to the ground. The seat height can be increased up to 6”
• A toilet safety frame (versa frame) attaches to the frame of the toilet and the armrests provide support and safety while toileting
• A battery-operated bath lift safely lowers and raises a person in and out of the bathtub
• Commodes come in a variety of styles for use when a portable toilet is needed

Beds and Sleep Support

Adjustable homecare beds provide comfort and improved quality of sleep for many medical conditions. A variety of bed frames, mattresses and accessories are available.

Manual – Hand cranks adjust the foot, head and height of the bed

Semi-electric – Motorized hand control adjusts the foot and head of the bed. Hand crank adjusts the height.

Full-electric – Motorized hand control adjusts the foot, head and height of the bed

Gravity Mattress - Outstanding zoned pressure reduction

Therapeutic Support Mattress - Comfort, support and pressure reduction

Bed Assist Rail – Provides assistance getting in and out of bed.

Over Bed Table – Moves easily under any homecare bed or recliner. Tilting or non-tilting.

 Accessories:

• Absorbent bed pads
• Bed wedges w/cover
• Fitted sheets
• Mattress protectors
• Patient gowns
• Pillow cases
• Sheepskin comfort pads (various sizes)

 “Thank you very much for your excellent service in regard to the purchase of a hospital bed. All arrangements were made via telephone and the selection and delivery of the bed were perfectly done. I do appreciate and thank you for making it all so easy.” M.M.

Daily Living

One of the most important ways to maintain your independence is to purchase the tools necessary to accomplish your daily tasks. At Vancouver Island Medical Supply, we have a large inventory of accessories to help you continue living an independent life:

• Body wedges
• Buttonhooks
• Door knob grippers
• Dressing sticks
• Drink holders
• Back support cushions
• Furniture risers
• Heating pads
• Lifestyle hip kits (bath sponge, stocking aids, reacher, shoe horn and elastic shoe laces)
• Hot water bottles
• Incontinence vinyl pants
• Kitchen stools
• Lab coats
• Leg lift straps
• Lumbair back supports
• Obus Forme pillows
• Pedal exercisers
• Veggie peelers
• Pill boxes
• Pocket magnifiers
• Reachers (26", 28", 30" & 32")
• Sheepskin booties
• Sheepskin slippers
• Shoe horns
• Shoelaces
• Long handled sponges
• Stocking aids
• Support socks

Lift Chairs

A lift chair is a comfortable recliner that gently lifts a person to a standing position or gradually lowers them to a sitting position with the use of a hand control. They minimize the risk of a fall and their sturdy base provides you with a sense of security when getting in and out of the chair.

Lift chairs come in a variety of sizes and styles and it is very important to choose a chair that fits your height, weight and mobility requirements. Always try several lift chairs before you purchase to find the one most suited to your needs. Lift chairs can be customized to provide ultimate comfort , including heat and massage.

Before purchasing a lift chair, be sure the chair will fit in your living space.

Lift chairs are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colours and can be upholstered in leather, vinyl or fabric.

“I wanted to write to thank you for the superior service I received from you and your company. You arrived precisely on time to deliver my father’s lift chair. You were extremely polite and cheerful and set up the chair just how we wanted it. I cannot thank you enough.” R.B.