“Aging in place” is a term that, in many cases, becomes abruptly and unexpectedly relevant for seniors who are experiencing a loss or reduction of mobility. Age-related physical and cognitive decline can make day-to-day life difficult for older adults. At a certain point, they need help from others to accomplish everyday tasks. Jason Lanning and Randy Cotterman launched Mobility Plus of Dayton to help families give their elderly loved ones the freedom of remaining in their own home, or “aging in place.”

Located at 2603 Needmore Rd., Mobility Plus offers a variety of mobility scooters and scooter lifts, stairlifts, ramps, power chairs, hospital beds and accessories. The company also performs modifications to bathrooms to make them safer and accessible for customers.

“Whether it is gradual or sudden, losing your mobility presents changes and challenges that you never faced before,” Lanning said. “Mobility aids can help maintain your independence while still living at home, giving you freedom and control over your daily routine and activities.”

Around 90 percent of American seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible, according to a survey from AARP. A person’s home is the most important place in his or her life, offering a sense of familiarity, comfort, and security.

“For many people, the emotional value of home is far more important than its monetary value, especially when they have lived there for 30, 40 or 50 years,” Cotterman said. “Aging in place allows older adults to stay in a familiar and cherished space, and this is a critical part of them sustaining their vitality and quality of life.”

Cotterman saw this first-hand before opening Mobility Plus of Dayton with Lanning. He is an LPN who has worked for hospitals and home health care agencies.

“When I worked in home health care, patients and their families would commonly ask about equipment like beds, scooters, ramps and lifts. I would do the research and give them information,” Cotterman said. “From that experience, I saw there was a need to not only provide mobility equipment and services, but also show people compassion. When you or your loved one are suddenly confronted with a mobility issue, it can be overwhelming, and you might not know where to turn. That is why we are passionate about what we do at Mobility Plus because we help give families peace of mind.”

Cotterman’s experience in nursing and home heath care, and Lanning’s background in environmental health and occupational safety, give the business partners a valuable perspective for their customers. One example is the 100-point home safety inspection they perform when providing an estimate at a person’s home.

Mobility Plus of Dayton offers a free in-home evaluation, which typically takes between one to three hours. Mobility Plus is BBB certified, and it is a preferred supplier to the Veterans Administration and GSA. The company has equipment for purchase and for rent.

“In the case of a temporary injury or while recovering from surgery, you might only need a temporary mobility solution,” Lanning said. “We offer flexible options to make homes safe and accessible at every stage.”

In 2020, Cotterman and Lanning plan to expand the company’s commercial division, which includes churches, schools and businesses like restaurants and other venues. Mobility Plus of Dayton donated and installed a ramp for a woman who has a son with cerebral palsy. They were displaced by last spring’s tornado and quickly had to move to a new home that did not have a ramp. Cotterman and Lanning learned about the family’s needs from a local church, and they worked together to help.

“Losing your mobility presents challenges you didn’t previously have, so having equipment that can help you maintain your independence and dignity is an important part of enjoying life,” Cotterman said. “Opening and growing Mobility Plus of Dayton allows us to fulfill our vision of providing valuable products and services, and most importantly, to know we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of our customers.”