Growing older is inevitable and comes with its fair share of troubles. One of the most common difficulties associated with aging is mobility. As you get older, your muscles, bones and joints tend to deteriorate and often results in difficulty walking.
When this happens, many seniors consider getting a mobility aid. If you or a loved one struggles to move around, you might need to invest in mobility walking aids such as a walker, wheelchair or cane from reputed mobility equipment suppliers like https://www.safetyandmobility.com.au/. However, with the increasing choices of mobility aids, it can be challenging to buy the right one.
Here’s a definitive guide to help you select the ideal mobility aid as per your budget and mobility needs:
Types of Mobility Aids
With advanced technology breakthroughs, there are several powered mobility devices like rollator and automatic wheelchair. Here are some basic types of mobility aids you can consider buying:
.Walking Sticks and Crutches –
For seniors with light to moderate walking disabilities, canes or walking sticks and crutches provide the perfect support and balance to minimise joint pressure. If you are looking for extensive support than a single-point stick to assist walking, opt for quad sticks that provide a greater balance.
.Walkers –
Walkers come with wheels and without wheels to provide enhanced stability than walking sticks. These offer a tubular-box structural frame with four feet and hand grips that are wide and contoured. Seniors who have arthritis or sustained injuries can use walkers with or without wheels for better balance.
.Rollators –
Powered mobility aids that are wheeled walkers with comfortable seats and hand breaks are among the most popular mobility aids for seniors with more significant walking disabilities. They come in tri-wheeled and four-wheeled models with a convenient place to rest. Some also have basket or bag provision for carrying essentials while shopping. They are a more affordable choice than wheelchairs and are available throughout the country on various platforms.
.Wheelchair –
A conventional mobility aid, the wheelchair becomes necessary for seniors when it becomes difficult or dangerous for them to move independently. While non-powered wheelchairs need assistance from a caregiver to move about, a powered wheelchair can provide greater autonomy and flexibility for seniors.
Assess Mobility Needs
Seniors may have distinct mobility needs for various reasons, including balance, medical conditions, recovery from injury and joint/skeletal problems. Therefore, it’s best to understand their needs and involve their physicians or physiotherapists’ recommendation to choose the right mobility aid. says Jane Byrne from FirstCare nursing home Wicklow.
Besides, it’s vital to consider other aspects like the height, shape, and weight of the individual and the environments they spend the most time in to determine the best type of aid for their mobility needs. Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Body frame
- Medical conditions
- Gait
- Is it a temporary or long-term disability?
- Activities that you want to be able to do with the aid
- Portability
It’s also recommended that seniors purchase a second walking aid if they want to keep one at the home of a family member or keep one upstairs or downstairs at home for additional safety and backup.
To explore the right mobility aid, you can check out online stores for a wide range of options. Rest assured, you can select the right type of aids according to your budget and mobility needs.
