Reduced mobility is something that most of us have not even thought about, but it is something that many people all over the world struggle with every day. For seniors and disabled adults, walking even short distances can be dreadful, painful and, to some people, utterly impossible. Countless seniors and people in general are faced with the problem of limited mobility. It can affect all aspects of a person’s life from getting around in their own home to being able to attend doctor’s appointments or any social events. Mobility problems have tendency to cause depression, urinary tract infections, pressure sores, and sometimes even more serious health problems, such as pressure sore infections. Fortunately, there are many devices and aids to help senior and disabled adults with their mobility and increase their independence. In this article, we will discuss some of the more common types of mobility aids for seniors that are presently available. Each device is designed to fulfill different needs and can be used in variety of different types of situations.
Motorized scooters
Many seniors and disabled adults reach a stage in their life where they cannot walk long distances on their own, and sometimes they cannot walk at all. Motorized scooters can assist elders or disabled adults who have limited or no mobility. There are many models of electric powered scooters, including those that resemble chairs and those with handlebars for steering like scooters. Motorized scooters can be used inside the house or outside. They can be grouped in quite a few different categories such as the number of wheels, weight capacity, speed, battery life, and ease of transport. A lot of the scooters are also equipped with lights on the front and back, to make sure it is safer to be out and about on them even during evening time. There may even be a mirror or two on them, as well. Scooters can range in price depending on the above factors and capabilities. Many scooters are covered by insurance if it is justified and prescribed by the patient’s physician or a health care professional. When you are selecting a scooter, take several things into consideration:
- Will the scooter you are buying be able to maneuver in the area you will be using it in?
- Will the scooter be easy and small enough to use inside your home?
- Is it comfortable and the right size for you? Be sure to try them out.
- Do you need a compact, light scooter or one that is more heavy-duty?
- Will your insurance cover it or is it in your budget? Always compare prices and find the safest and most efficient shipping options.
Rollator
For the people who are still somewhat mobile but are unsteady on their feet, a rollator is a wise option. Unlike crutches, rollator have wheels that come into contact with the floor at each point. It is essentially an enhanced walker, usually with larger wheels than a regular walker and handbrakes; additionally it has a seat that can be flipped up to expose a storage basket. Many rollators can be folded just like a regular walker, for easy storage. Wide seat, heavy-duty models will safely hold up to a three hundred pound person. Just be sure that the walker you choose fits your unique needs and can support your weight safely and efficiently.
Portable lift and lift chairs
Some seniors and disabled adults even need assistance in standing up from a chair or couch. There are two kinds of aids that can help them. The first one is a portable lift that uses a hydraulic system. It can be positioned in a chair, and the person’s body weight lowers the seat and makes it rise again when they begin to stand up. They are mobile, so the senior can take them wherever it is needed. The second type is standard chairs, which are usually recliners, with a motorized lift beneath the frame. They provide both comfort and safety in a full sized piece of furniture. In addition to having an electrical lifting mechanism that can raise the chair into the air, these chairs also offer motorized leg rests and a motorized back, which can make the chair recline and elevate the legs. This feature makes the chairs extremely comfortable to many people. Some chairs can support more than five hundred pounds and can come in many different sizes and shapes to accommodate different body types. Some of the chairs even have backup batteries in case of power outages. Portable lifts and lift chairs can eliminate serious problems such as muscle atrophy and pressure sores because users are not confined to their chair.
