Mobility Aids - Simple Pieces That Make a Huge Difference

For many people, mobility decreases with age and have negative effects on their health including reduced strength and balance, lack of personal freedom, obesity, and chronic illness. And when this happens, it can be devastating to the elderly and seniors.

For an elderly person, not being able to get around means becoming reliant on family members or caregivers for the care. It also means having concerns about injuries and falls that can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there are lots of aged care mobility aids to help in this area.

From canes to walkers to wheelchairs, there is a range of aged care mobility aids that can help elderly and seniors to maintain independent mobility, and do it safely. However, some mobility aids offer more assistance than others. It is necessary to consider an elderly person's medical issues as well as advice from their doctor on what type of mobility aids will best suit their needs.

Usually recommended for seniors who are experiencing a slight loss of balance or weakness in one of the legs. They reduce the weight on the leg opposite to the hand the cane is in. So if the weakness is in the right leg, the cane should be used in the left hand and vice-versa.

Different types of canes are available. Basic models are straight canes with rubber tips and variously shaped hands. This type only makes contact with the ground at one point. Quad canes have a wider base with 4 tips that make contact with the ground to help stabilize the user. Folding canes come apart quickly with all pieces being connected, which allow them to fold up for storage.

These are larger than canes and feature 4 legs that make contact with the ground. They are much more stable than canes and can support both sides of the body at the same time. Because they are more stable, they are often used by elderly and seniors who need more support than a cane provides. Most walkers come with wheels and glide tips to allow the walker to slide. This prevents the user from having to lift up on the walker, hence reducing the chances of injury.

With this mobility aid, the user pushes themselves in the chair by moving its large wheels. This means that to properly use a wheelchair, the elderly must have sufficient strength in both arms to move the wheels. Remember that the lighter the chair is, the easier propelling. Manual wheelchairs fold up for easy transportation and storage.

These are electrically powered mobility aids that come with batteries and motors. Scooters are recommended for elderly who is generally unable to walk long distances. But it is not a good option to use at home because they require a lot of room to turn and maneuver. But for outside use, they are just perfect. They help elderly and seniors to get around stores and do outside tasks, like for example, get the mail. Scooters often fit in a trunk or back of an SUV.