Mobility aids are devices designed to make life easier for people who have disabilities with moving, older adults, and individuals who experienced injuries. Read more about them in this link here. The devices provide the joy of independence and greater freedom to the people who use them. Generally, adults who are at risk of falling are the ones who need mobility aids.
Some of the benefits of the devices can include reduced pain when walking or moving around and an increase to self-esteem. They don’t have to depend on other people when they need to walk. The aids can vary from canes, wheelchairs, stairlifts, and crutches. They all aim to meet the needs of those individuals who require them.
What Kinds of Mobility Equipment are Available?
Assistive Canes
Canes are used to support the bodyweight of the person using it. The weight is transmitted from the lower legs to the upper body. They are different from crutches because the canes do not put as much pressure on the wrists, and hands.
Assistive canes are used by about 1 out of 10 elderly in the US. Most individuals who are over 70 use canes to reduce the risk of falling. The cane helps balances the body when it comes to walking. Some common types of canes include the white cane for the visually impaired. They are thinner and longer which enables them to detect objects and obstacles on their paths.
Crutch
These are used alone or in pairs. These are for people who have experienced short-term injuries. The crutches can include the axillary or underarm crutch. This is placed under the armpits and there’s a handgrip that users hold. The forearm crutches involve placing the arms into a metal or plastic cuff. The platform crutch is designed for the hands to hold a grip while their forearms are rested on a horizontal surface. Platform crutches are common to people with cerebral palsy or someone who has a weak hand grip.
Wheelchairs
This is used by people who are unable to walk or who have weaker lower limbs. People can use this when they travel to great distances. It is much more comfortable than walkers. People with severe disabilities can get a wheelchair that is electrically powered. Some prefer the manually propelled ones. On hospitals, push-types are usually the most common equipment used. They are usually expensive, but you can check sites such as mobility equipment sales to know more about rental programs and wheelchair repairs.
Walkers
These are made up of four metal frames that provide support and stability. Some walkers are designed to surround the users. The Zimmer frame that is a trademark of the Zimmer Holdings manufactures generic walkers where the joints and other parts can be replaced when they are damaged. Some have wheels and there are non-wheel variants. There are also modern walkers where the height can be adjusted to prevent the person from using it from too much slouching.
Scooters
These are the battery-operated vehicle that is similar to a wheelchair. There’s a wheel for maneuver, a flat area where the footrests, and handlebars that can be steered to any direction. Some countries use electric models because of convenience. These are ideal for people who don’t have enough body strength to control a wheelchair. Training may be required for users who want to use this mobility aid for the first time.
Home Modifications
Several modifications should be made to a home of a person with a disability to make it more convenient. These are the following:
Stairlifts are mechanical devices where people can move from the first floor to the second floor. They are usually installed on the stairs. The person who needs to go to the second floor will have to sit through an installed chair and they will be lifted up or down. Ramps are important accessories for people who use wheelchairs and scooters. Read more information about ramps in this link: https://www.wartsila.com/encyclopedia/term/ramps.
A Final Word
If you need home modifications are mobility devices, consult with your doctor and see what’s best for you. You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a device but make sure to go with the one that makes you comfortable. For home modifications, contact a company that specializes in working for people with disabilities or who experienced injuries. They can provide you with custom made home modifications that will surely meet your needs.
