Is your loved one having a hard time getting around? Have they suffered some bone/muscle deterioration? Is their balance not quite as steady as it used to be? Have they had a fall lately? It may be time to consider which type of mobility aid will work best for them.
Today, there are numerous types and models of mobility aids. One style will likely fit the needs of your loved one better than others. Each one of the mobility aids available has its pros and cons. We are going to explore the types available and talk a little bit about them here.
Does Your Loved One Need Help Getting Around?
Not everyone needs a mobility aid. In America today, to help with their mobility, assistive devices are used by just under 7 million people. Approximately one-third of those are scooter riders and wheelchair users, with other types of mobility devices (walkers, crutches, canes, etc.) used by the other two-thirds.
If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to look into mobility aids:
- Pain when standing or walking
- When participating in outings that require standing or walking, they get fatigued
- Lower body strength is weakening
- Stance imbalances caused by injuries are being experienced
- Medication causes dizziness
- While walking or standing, almost-slips or actual falls
Finding Out Which Mobility Aid Is Appropriate
You’ve taken the first step toward deciding whether or not a mobility aid is appropriate for your loved one. Now it’s time for the next step. It is crucial to determine which particular mobility aid is going to be best for the person in question. Concerning each individual’s needs, all mobility aids are not created equal.
An individual’s specific needs may not be fulfilled by an inappropriate walking aid. As an example, the risk of falls may increase if someone is using a walking aid whose height is adjusted incorrectly. Additionally, if they need a walking frame but are instead using a cane, this could be hazardous as well.
Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals should be consulted so the best choice can be made by you and/or your loved one.
Mobility Aids Today
The following are mobility aids that can/should be considered to help your aging loved one get around more easily and safely:
- Standard Wheelchair
The standard wheelchair is pushed by someone else or propelled by the person in the chair by handles around the wheels. There are also several versions of motorized wheelchairs for those who cannot push themselves or don’t want to depend on the assistance of another.
- Rollator or Rolling Walker
Just like a walker but with wheels on two or more feet. There are knee walkers, four-wheel walkers, three-wheel walkers, and two-wheel walkers.
- Standard Walker
With every step, the user must pick this up slightly to move forward and place it down again.
- Walking Cane
There are several types available including the hemi-walker (combines a walker with a quad cane), functional grip cane, quad cane, and C cane.
- Scooters
These come in four main types including heavy-duty scooters, four-wheel scooters, three-wheel scooters, and travel scooters.
Get Help Getting Around When You Need It at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center!
Do you have a little trouble getting around now and then? Could you use assistance in some of your daily routines? Whether independent living is what you’re looking for or you prefer a bit of assistance, we’ve got you covered at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center.
What’s more, you can be included, if you like, in all sorts of social activities. Your social calendar may never have been this full! See what you’re missing by exploring our senior living community living options at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center. Feel safe, welcome, cared for, and cared about with 24/7 trained staff available and lots of new friends.
Contact us today using our convenient online form if you’d like some information, or give us a call at 817.203.8000. Better yet, schedule a tour, in person.
