7 Types of Mobility Aids to Help You Get Around

Featured Image Caption: Senior Citizen Sitting on Bench with Mobility Scooter

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The use of walking mobility aids is not just a necessity but a valuable tool for ensuring elderly people’s independence. Many walking mobility aids are available over the counter or prescribed by a doctor for different mobility purposes to provide support to the elderly. Here are 7 of the most popular.

Canes

Canes are generally safe and effective, but there are some risks. If cane users don’t keep their center of gravity over the cane, they may fall. However, they are simple and easy to use. For optimum height, the handle of the cane should come up to your hip bone. If the cane is too tall, it won’t provide support. On the other hand, if the cane is too short, it will require you to walk in a hunched-over position, putting strain on your back.

Walkers

Walkers can be used for a variety of purposes. Depending on the case, it may be used as an alternative to crutches, and in many other cases, it could be used as an aid that assists people with limited mobility in getting around the house. However, it cannot provide all the assistance they need to walk outdoors, especially if they are walking on uneven surfaces.

Crutches

Crutches are for those who have trouble walking. They are used to relieve weight from the armpits and give the user’s arms a break. There are two types of crutches: underarm crutches and forearm crutches. Forearm crutches allow the user more control over their movements, but they require more upper body strength to use.

Rollators

Rollators assist people with balance problems. These can be used by people who have difficulty walking or need to move around more easily. They’re good for short distances, like from the car to the house, and they can make getting up from a chair or bed easier.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs allow users to move around and remain independent. They can also help improve balance since it takes some of the weight off their feet and puts it on wheels. Both manual and electric wheelchairs are available. A manual wheelchair requires the user to push themselves forward, while an electric wheelchair has a motor that pushes the chair forward when the user leans forward on its handles.

Knee Scooters

Knee scooters provide mobility for those with knee injuries and those who need to rest their knees. Those who have difficulty walking and want to maintain an active lifestyle can also benefit from them. People using knee scooters can walk short distances, climb stairs, and keep up with their daily activities.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters make it convenient and inexpensive for them to get around. However, you should know a few things before buying one. The first thing to consider is the weight of the person who will use the scooter. While the weight capacity depends on the model, capacity typically averages between three hundred to five hundred pounds.

The next step is to determine if they can operate it safely on their own, or if they need assistance. If they do not have anyone who can help them, then they need a model with a seatbelt and handbrakes that are easy to use so that they can ride it independently. Finally, make sure your model has enough power for hills and uneven terrain, as well as long-lasting batteries.

Mobility devices are designed to provide safety. They allow people to walk who otherwise could not be able to without the help of another person. With so many options available to people, those who have difficulty walking on their own will be able to get around with the aid of their choice.