Your Handy Guide to Mobility Aids

When we gradually reach the other end of our life, we often end up struggling with regards to mobility. With age, people become weak and the body responds slowly thus, making travelling from one place to another a huge challenge. To help the elderly or the disabled in such situation’s mobility aids are a darn necessity.

There are many different mobility aids and similar equipment’s available for leading a self-independent life. The advantages of these devices are listed below.

Mobility Aids

Key Benefits of Using Mobility Aids:

• Mobility aids provide the elderly with increased independence. They can move easily wherever they want in a secured manner.

• With the balance and support provided to the elderly, they can experience a significant reduction of pain and also maintain a good posture when walking or moving.

• No elderly or disable person likes being dependent on others. With the aid of such equipments, they experience independence and increased self-esteem and confidence. 

Different Types of Mobility Aids:

A wide range of mobility aids can be used based on the kind of injury or issue one is experiencing. Some of the common mobility aids are listed below: 

Canes: These are basically walking sticks which are used as a mobility aid. These mobility aids help distribute the weight from the legs where one experiences pain or is weak in general. When compared with clutches, these are much lighter. 

Crutches: Crutches are extremely helpful to people with some kind of a leg injury or have problems moving or standing. They are highly effective in transferring the weight from the lower legs to the torso region thus adding balance and strength to the user. 

Walkers: The basic walkers are devices having four stands waist high and made from aluminum to offer support and convenience when walking. 

Wheelchairs: People who are unable to walk or who are suggested not to exert pressure on their legs can use wheelchairs to get around.

Mobility Scooters: Mobility scooters are electronically operated scooters quite similar in use to that of a wheelchair. The main comparison is the fact that they run electronically. The user can rest the feet on foot plates and there are steering wheels or handlebars for changing directions. Mobility scooters typically run on batteries and are great for travels for anyone who has movement problems.  

Mobility Aids

Who Uses the Mobility Aids? 

Anyone who has any kind of problem with mobility which can either be temporary or permanent can use mobility aids. Some of the reasons why the movement is often impaired are when people are affected with diseases such as cerebral palsy, arthritis, broken bones in legs, cardiac or thoracic ailments, gout, injuries, balance problems, sprains and strains, impairment of vision etc

Risks of Using Mobility Aids: 

Just how there are so many benefits of using mobility aids there also exists some downside as well. Improper use of some equipments or lack of guidance can lead to injuries and hence care must be taken.

If people are not correctly trained on how to use mobility aids properly then different types of injuries or problems can occur. The recommendation hence is to consult an expert physiotherapist or doctor and learn about the correct usage of such devices and use them according to as per the instructions are given.

Social pressure at times can create a stigma around the use of mobility aids. Even if people need such devices, they tend to avoid it out of low confidence or dogmas. Mobility aids can help anyone who has an issue with walking or movement and hence the family members must encourage them to use these devices for leading a better life. A free and relatively painless lifestyle can be followed if the right equipment is used in the right manner.