decorahnews.com feature: For Decorah's seniors, mobility is the key to staying in their house

If you are an adult and your mother or father began to have physical challenges, what would you do?  Many adult children talk to their parents about moving into assisted living facilities or perhaps a nursing home--and those are legitimate options.

But many retired people are still fairly active and want to stay in their homes for as long as they can.  That's why Donlon Pharmacy in Decorah has created a new department in its store--Mobility Products.

Donlon's in-house R.N., Kevin Rockwell, says he sees his role as "providing (customers) with something to remain as independent as they want."  For Rockwell, that includes doing an assessment of someone's physical needs to determine whether they need grab bars, shower aids, toilet risers, lift chairs, power scooters or any of a wide variety of products helping people continue to go to restaurants, go to church, socialize and get around town.

It might even be just a minor change, says Rockwell.  For instance, the business stocks lightweight folding canes, which are popular among many elderly people who go on cruises and want to make sure they can handle all the walking.

American Home Medical used to have a store in Decorah which sold the mobility aids, but the business closed up shop in Decorah several years ago.  Donlon Pharmacy staffers say they've seen the need for such an outlet in the area--and they're working hard to meet the demand.