One of the things that many of us take advantage of is the freedom to travel around. However, recovering independence for those with mobility challenges can be significantly supported by selecting the proper mobility equipment. Whether it is due to aging, injury, or disability, selecting the right mobility equipment is an important choice that can greatly improve the quality of life.
Here, we will discuss the process of selecting the perfect mobility support for a patient’s specific needs. We will show the wide range of options available such as walkers, rollators, and wheelchairs that can help you to make a wise choice.
Mobility aids
There are many types of mobility aids, each designed to meet different mobility needs. The most common types include walkers, wheelchairs, sand rollators.
Why mobility aids are important
Mobility aids can significantly improve your daily life. Here’s how:
Enhanced stability: Mobility aids provide support to help you maintain balance and prevent falling.
Provide freedom: They increase your level of independence by allowing you to perform daily activities with ease.
Reduced risk of falls: Mobility aids help minimise the risk of falls, especially for seniors or those with balance issues by providing stability.
Better posture: Properly chosen aids help you maintain better posture and reduce strain on your joints and muscles.
Increased mobility: They make it easier for you to take part in social activities and enjoy your surroundings more comfortably.
Choose the right walking aid
It is important to choose the right mobility aids by considering both external and internal factors:
External Factors
1. Environment:
Indoor surfaces: Examine the floor in your house including any hardwood, carpet, tile, or uneven surfaces like rugs.
Outdoor surfaces: Consider outdoor pathways, sidewalks, and any possible hazards such as fences or uneven grounds.
2. Space:
Movement: Consider how the mobility aid will fit in tight spaces such as hallways and doorways.
Storage: Choose a place where you can store the aid when they are not in use.
3. Transportation:
Portability: Look for mobility aids that are easy to transport, especially if you travel frequently.
Weight: Choose a mobility aid that is manageable in terms of weight for lifting or carrying.
Internal Factors
1. Mobility Needs:
Strength: Check your upper capacity to support yourself with the aid.
Balance: Consider your balance and any specific needs for additional stability.
Durability: Consider how long you will use the aid each day as well as the possibility of becoming tired.
2. Comfort:
Handle Grip: There must be an option for a handle grip that feels secure and comfortable.
Height flexibility: Make sure that the mobility aid is raised for your comfort
Padding: For more comfort, look for features such as padded handles or seats.
3. Preferences:
Style: Select a mobility aid that matches your style and preferences.
Colour and Design: Choose a design according to your personality.
Brand and Reputation: Prefer well known brands for better quality and reliability.
Walkers
For people who need help with balance and mobility, a walker is a mobility aid that offers stability and support. A traditional walker has four legs that do not move independently, in contrast to a rollator, which has wheels on all four legs and often contains a seat, This design is preferred for people who need extra stability but can manage the physical effort of lifting the walker because it requires users to raise and advance the walker with each step. Walkers are a good and reliable way to improve mobility and safety, particularly in indoor environments. They can be modified to meet a range of user heights.
Types
Standard walkers: They have four legs for stability.
Front wheeled walkers: These types of walkers have wheels on the front for easier movement.
Rollators
A rollator is a multipurpose mobility aid made to provide support and convenience for people who need assistance with walking. Unlike traditional walkers, rollators have wheels on all legs, allowing users to push the device forward without lifting it. Rollators can move on both smooth and uneven surfaces as they slide easily across a range of surfaces. All rollators have hand brakes for control and a seat for resting. This combination of features makes rollators the best choice for both indoor and outdoor use. It provides greater mobility and comfort for people who require a little more support with their daily activities.
Types
Basic Rollators: They have four legs, a seat, and a solid frame. They provide stability and support for users while walking. These Rollators are designed to be foldable, to allow for easy transport. They usually weigh around 7kg to 8kg, depending on the model. Most rollators allow for the handle height change, while only a few allow for the seat height modification.
Three Wheeled Rollators: These types of rollators are similar to standard rollators but have a triangular design with three wheels. Because they are lightweight, they are perfect for people who need support but prefer a more compact and flexible option. As they only have 3 wheels they usually weigh in at around 5kg to 6kg, however, they also provide less stability. Making them more suitable for indoor use, well paved surfaces, or users who only require light assistance. Due to the triangular design, some models don’t allow for a seat but have a tray or basket instead.
Heavy Duty Rollators: These rollators have the same features as regular walkers but are made from more solid materials. They allow a higher user weight of over 200kg. However, these mobility aids are also heavier, weighing around 11kg – 12kg.
Electric Rollators: They are battery powered and provide many different modes and benefits. Its walk support function helps you when walking up hills, but makes things easy for you by turning on the motor. The resistance mode is great for individuals who struggle with balance, it provides resistance, meaning you can put more weight on it and lean on it, without feeling like the equipment will “roll away” from you.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are the most effective equipment for maintaining freedom and improving the quality of life. Wheelchairs are used by people who can not put weight on their lower limbs and are unable to walk. They may be more suitable for people with many disabilities or when traveling over long distances is required.
Types
Manual Wheelchairs: Manual wheelchairs can help through the use of wheels. They are mostly used by people who have sufficient upper body strength to propel themselves or by caretakers who help in pushing the wheelchair.
Electric Wheelchairs: These types of wheelchairs are ideal for individuals who do not have the strength to push a manual wheelchair. These wheelchairs have motors and batteries that provide easy mobility with the push of a button, and provide greater freedom and comfort.
Selecting the right mobility aid is important for people with mobility disorders. It needs to consider the type of mobility aids that are best suited to the person’s needs, as well as factors such as height, width, weight, flexibility, and durability. With the right walking aid, people can regain their independence and participate in daily activities with confidence.
