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Product Spotlight: Flip A Grip
| Posted on November 4, 2015 at 12:25 PM |
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We love this product for our clients. It's called Flip A Grip and is a handle that can mount on a door frame, or anywhere someone might have a problem maintaining balance. While we install grab bars of all sizes and shapes in bathrooms to increase safety for our clients, these little handles work beautifully in a places where a grab bar is just to big or bulky -- particularly in doorways. The Flip A Grip is a sturdy handle with a non-slip, latex free handle that glows in the dark and folds out of the way when not using it. If you or a loved one has trouble with transfers, stairs or walking, the Flip A Grip is a great safety product. Designed by a physical therapist to prevent falls and make it easier and safer to get his patients in and around the house, the Flip A Grip can help you maintain your independence. Flip A Grip Features: • Allows for greater mobility and independence within the home • Attaches easily, securely and fits in spots that ordinary grab bars can't fit • Folds up to be hidden and out of the way when not in use • ADA compliant and meets ASTM specification 446-85 • Has capacity to handle both push and pull forces • Non slip grip glows in the dark You can find this product online at various retailers. It costs approximately $40/handle.   Here's a link to a video showing how it is to be installed: https://youtu.be/Wv_DHe_-y9U  Susan Luxenberg HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Pocket Door Closers
| Posted on February 24, 2014 at 4:19 PM |
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We have recently completed some accessibility projects for
people in wheelchairs and replaced their hinged bedroom and bathroom doors with
pocket doors. In doing so, we looked for
an easier way to close and open the door than the standard little door pull
usually inserted in a pocket door's edge.
We found a product called Pocket Door EZ-Closer which allows someone to quickly
release the pocket door from its cavity with one bump or push. and prevents the pocket door from slamming into
the pocket frame when the door is being opened. Its' spring loaded action works
as a shock absorber, helping to prevent damage to the pocket door hardware.  We have found the EZ-Closer to be very easy to use and
simple to install. It works with new or
existing doors and door styles, is flush fitting and has been durability tested
on doors weighting up to 170 lbs. It requires no maintenance and has a 5 year
manufacturer’s warranty. There are two models available, both seem to function identically. Steel - steel casing and plunger Molded - glass filled nylon casing and
plunger For more product information, installation requirements and pricing,go to http://www.pcdoors.com  Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Key-less Entry
| Posted on March 17, 2013 at 3:39 PM |
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It's hard keeping up
with all the new gadgets emerging in the home automation market and disappointingly, many turn out to be nothing more than toys. Lockitron, a key-less
entry system that fits over an existing deadbolt lock and allows a door to be
locked or unlocked using a smartphone, looks like a product that’s actually
suitable for the aging in place market. Any
smartphone can use Lockitron through a simple two-button application. You
can use your phone to lock or unlock the door from anywhere in the world and share
the ability to operate the door lock with caregivers, friends or family. Any time a door outfitted with Lockitron is unlocked via phone (or key), the
system will send a message to your phone.
 I particularly like
the fact that Lockitron slips over an existing lock, making it easy to install
and remove. Placing it on the
interior of a door, as opposed to the exterior, keeps it immune from vandalism. Lockitron's
batteries last for up to one year and the system sends a notification when batteries are
running low.
Right now the company is
taking orders for May delivery. You can
read more about this product on the Lockitron website: www.lockitron.comor watch a video interview with one of the founders at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMOM_BznnKo  Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Portable Ramp
| Posted on September 11, 2012 at 4:39 PM |
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Roll-A-Ramp®
is an ADA compliant, portable, versatile ramp system great for use as a wheelchair or scooter ramp and for users looking for an option to chair lifts, permanent
ramps or conversion vans. Roll-A-Ramp®
is made of
an aircraft anodized aluminum, is very sturdy yet light enough to carry
by hand, and easily adapted to meet a
variety of accessibility needs. The ramps come in 12", 26", 30", & 36"
widths and can be built to any length desired. Add additional links to change the length with
simple tools provided with each ramp. Ramps roll up
like a sleeping bag for convenient storage and easy portability.  Homes – public buildings – visiting –
appointments – restaurants – RV’s – Roll-A-Ramp® can go whereever you need it.
   Note: Veterans may be
eligible for a ramp at little or no cost through HISA and other funding sources. This can be
used for service and non-service connected disabled veterans. In addition, Roll-A-Ramp® offers a lifetime warranty on ramps to all
Veterans.
For
more information contact Roll-A-Ramp® or view their dealer network. HomeSmart LLC |
Stylish Accessible Vanities
| Posted on July 15, 2012 at 10:54 AM |
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Roll-under sinks and vanities are a necessary
feature of accessible bathrooms, and making a vanity roll-under can be done in
many different ways. Most often the
approach is practical where function trumps design, but a few companies are
starting to offer vanities that go beyond a functional solution. Duravit, a German company, has created a bathroom
collection that is really quite stylish. Its Delos Collection was intended to
be light and minimalistic, working well for both master and guest bathrooms.   The apparently floating console has no visible supports, made possible by an invisible wall fitting that enables this straight-lined
design to be showcased to full effect. Tall
cabinets, semi-high cabinets, and drawer units complete the collection. The
cabinet doors do not have handles. They protrude a little over the edge to
facilitate opening. Delos drawers can be opened and closed with a little gentle
pressure. A new, interior organizer system offers a particularly tidy solution for
the interior. The Delos countertops are simple and leave plenty of space
below. The sink can be mounted under the counter for accessibility or set on top of the counter for a modern look. Towel bars can be attached to any side of the console, making
them very easy to reach. Delos is available in two
wood finishes and in a high-gloss white. The real-wood veneers in
particular highlight the comfortable character of the bathroom furniture. Choose
from dark walnut or light oak. President HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Non Skid Stair Strips
| Posted on January 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM |
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Handi-Treads ™non slip stair
strips are an outdoor aluminum non slip surface designed to ensure safety and protection against stairway accidents and injuries. They can be used on
any material including wood, concrete, masonry or ramps. They are inexpensive,
easy to install, and are a good solution for areas where water, ice, snow and
sand can make walking slippery and dangerous. The anti slip strip not only improves traction
but also provides a visual and tactile cue to be careful and slow down.  Handi-Treads™ feature a lifetime residential warranty and start at $7.95 each, depending on size. Standard sizes
are as follows, although custom sizes are available: 1.
1.875” X 30” strips 2.
3.75” x 30” stair
treads 3.
3.75” x 48” stair
treads 4.
2.75” x 12” stair
nosings 5. 6" x 30" stair nosings 6. 9" x 30" stair nosings  Treads come standard in a plain aluminum, anodized clear coat, powder coated black, powder coated safety yellow, and powder coated brown. Custom colors are also available (additional charges will apply).   These non slip treads are
100% aluminum, manufactured from an OSHA approved material and have been used
on ADA compliant ramp surfaces for many years. The aluminum never rusts and requires little maintenance. President HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Compact Kitchens
| Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:04 PM |
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With so many
people downsizing as they age and their lifestyles change, I’m interested in finding new products designed for smaller spaces, particularly kitchens. The last time I built a really small kitchen was
for a studio apartment and the configuration wound up being nothing more than a few
cabinets lined up against a short wall
with a stove on one end and refrigerator on the other - definitely pretty standard and boring. The updated version of a studio kitchen or kitchenette, the compact kitchen, has opened the door to more interesting small space design. The compact kitchen is a space saving
combination appliance/cooking center that is specifically designed for the home,
but for a far more casual lifestyle. Take a look at some of the new compact kitchens
being offered on the market today. Kitchoo, a French company, has
designed compact kitchens that provide all the functionality expected from a
kitchen in the least space possible. Most models incorporate an integrated
fridge-freezer, an induction hob with 2 rings, and a telescopic mixer tap,
while optional extras include integrated dishwasher, microwave oven, washing
machine, recycling bin and cutlery rack, depending on the model. Kitchoo compact kitchens are sophisticated,
well-equipped and extremely practical. The five designs, including the
award-winning K1 kitchen, can be hidden away behind closed doors when not in use and
look like any other cupboard or dresser that you might find at home. Right now Kitchoo is only sold in the UK,
Switzerland and throughout Europe with future plans to distribute in the United
States. Current pricing is about 5390
euros ($ 6,978) for the K1 kitchen to
about 6800 euros ($8,805) for the larger K2 kitchen version. Keep in mind installation is extra. Kitchoo K1 Compact Kitchen   Kitchoo K2 Compact Kitchen    If you’re looking for something
that makes a strong style statement, how about the CircleKitchen ? Designed by Compact Concepts, this kitchen furniture manages to handle space
problems in a highly functional and stylish manner, although the unit only
measures about 6 sq ft. It
features all the characteristics of a usual kitchen. Integrated with the
ability to rotate as much as 180 degrees, the Circle Kitchen provides everything from a regular sink, to dishes, a microwave and
even a dishwasher. Pricing is between $6,500 and $15,000 plus installation
costs. Styles range from the sleek and modern basic circle  To a more subdued look with additional cabinetry  There are also more
traditional (and less costly) compact kitchens being offered. Acme Kitchens specializes in a full line
of custom made all-in-one built ins designed around your specifications.  Here is a 60”
electric compact kitchen with built-in oven. This model provides additional
base storage space and allows for use of a separate upright refrigerator. It includes a 20 gauge stainless steel
counter top, sink bowl, single lever faucet, sink strainer, four (4) electric
burner elements and a 24" wide electric oven with black glass door and
convection bake feature. Many options are possible; you may substitute a gas
burner cooktop, include a dishwasher and alter the appearance by choosing a
custom color, counter top and door finish. And another Acme kitchenette design  Compact Kitchens offers units ranging in 4 sizes: 30”, 39”, 48”, and 60” which are priced from $899 to $1,499 plus shipping and installation. Their 60" wide (c-60) model features the sink on the right, two 110 volt electric sealed burners, and two generous storage com-apartments. Refrigerator freezer is off center in middle. Dimensions are 59.5" Wide X 38" Tall X 24" Deep.  With the current trend towards downsizing, innovative space-saving designs for the
home are more important than ever. And as added
bonus, installation of these kitchen units is much easier and less costly than installing the
components of a more traditional kitchen. Are these units going to be suitable for everyone? Certainly not, but when looking to conserve space while at the same time enhancing design, the new compact kitchens are worth a second look.  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
Product Spotlight: Wireless Stair Lights
| Posted on September 20, 2011 at 6:15 PM |
comments (616)
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According to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and safety experts all agree that badly lit hallways and staircases are potential accident areas within the home. PathLights™, an inexpensive, automatic lighting system, is designed to help people avoid falls during low-light conditions in the home. The PathLights™ system includes three battery-operated individual units -- two "A" units and one "B" unit -- that are calibrated to work together. When the “A” unit sense motion, the “B” light turns on, lighting the path before a person gets there.  Installation is a very simple DIY project that requires just a ruler, and the entire system takes less than five minutes to install. You can install the 3 motion sensor stair lights, 8-10" off the floor, up to 20 feet apart on your stairs or in your hallway, using screws or mounting tape which are both included. When you get within 6 feet of the first unit, the light comes on which then triggers the next unit to light as well. The PathLights™ Wireless LED Stair Lights stay on for about a minute, so you can safely make your way down dark staircases or halls. And since these motion sensor stair lights are battery operated, you can add them anywhere you need extra lights. Each wireless LED stair light requires 3 AA batteries (not included) that should last for approximately 16 months. The cost of the complete system ranges from $35-$40.  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC . |