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East Polk County contains many feasts for the eyes and mind, but for those who suffer with the inability to walk, these wonders are often out of bounds.
Patty Caplan, owner of Mobility Express in Dundee, goes out of her way to give her clients the freedom of locomotion and the ability to experience more of what Polk County has to offer. Caplan’s grandfather, Shorty Blodgett, opened the Dundee business nine years ago, and was followed by his daughter, Maxine, running the shop for several years. Caplan took the reins in July 1999. Mobility Express carries a full line of electric scooters, power wheelchairs, lift chairs, manual wheelchairs and walkers. Caplan fits, services and repairs all mobility equipment and is a Medicare-licensed provider. Caplan runs a customer-oriented shop and tries to recognize and accommodate each client’s limitation to provide the greatest amount of freedom possible. “We treat all our customers like family.” One such devoted client gives out Mobility Express business cards and the business has grown well from word-of-mouth referrals. When asked to share her favorite part of what she does, Caplan tells of a 94-year-old woman who, because of a serious illness, was pushed by her husband in a companion chair (a manual chair with four small wheels that can be moved only by another person). Caplan fitted her with a power chair, giving her back the control and freedom of movement. “The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face really moved me,” Caplan said. Many people assume they cannot afford a power wheelchair or other mobility aids because of the cost involved. However, with the approval of a doctor, Medicare often will pay all or most of the cost, Caplan said. She encourages people to check with their doctor regarding possible need for equipment. With a doctor’s approval, Mobility Express fits the person to the proper equipment, giving him or her freedom of mobility once again. With a little help from Patty, the liberty to enjoy attractions that make Polk County so much fun to explore can be made possible again.
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