People with restricted mobility face several issues in their daily lives. These issues ultimately affect their quality of life. But all thanks to the technological advancements in mobility aids, things have improved for good. Now, people with limited mobility can move to fair distances with ease, comfort, and free of any stress or pain.
Today, there are a plethora of mobility aids available that can offer a solution to diverse mobility challenges. In this article, we will list the top 6 types of mobility aids that can enhance mobility and freedom in your or your loved one’s life.
6 Types of Mobility Aids that Can Enhance Mobility
Canes
Canes are arguably the most common type of mobility aid used by people who require a particular device to support their walking. It supports the body weight and helps the person transmit the load from his legs to the upper body. People who face problems in balancing or are at the risk of falling can use canes for risk-free mobility.
People can also use additional accessories like walking stick ferrules. While choosing ferrules, one should pick PVC and rubber walking stick ferrules over the metal ones. It’s because the former makes the stick shock-resistant, offering jerk-free mobility.
Reacher Grabber
Reacher grabber is a tool that helps people with restricted mobility and dexterity to retrieve items. It functions as an extension of the arm and helps the person to reach the needed items quickly. Reacher grabber for elderly comes in various lengths and features. For example, it comes with a magnet that makes collecting coins and other metal objects easy.
Walkers
Walkers are meant to offer stability and support to the user with restricted mobility. It’s convenient for those people who have limited mobility and don’t have enough strength to use a cane. Walkers comprise a metal framework consisting of four legs, making it a stable walking aid for the person. Sometimes, it also comes with wheels on the front two legs to make the forward movement easier.
Crutches
Like canes, crutches also transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. A person with restricted mobility can either use it as a single unit or in pairs. Crutches can work well as a temporary walking device and are generally used after a leg injury. As compared to canes, crutches can be cumbersome, obstructive, and challenging to use.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are suitable for those who cannot walk or those who shouldn’t put weight on their lower limbs. It can be manually propelled by the user or pushed by someone else. In an electric wheelchair, the user can travel moderate distances without any manual work or external assistance. Wheelchairs are undergoing several technological advancements. In 2016, a wheelchair was designed that could operate through neural impulses. Wheelchairs are suitable for those users who have highly restricted mobility and are required to travel greater distances.
Mobility scooters
Mobility scooters are a suitable device for those who cannot use manual wheelchairs. Although mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs, the former is a bulkier machine. It’s designed to be used outdoors. Mobility scooters have a seat mounted on 3, 4, or even 5 wheels. This device is powered by a battery and comes with steering wheels to control direction.
People considering mobility scooters should also consider getting the training. It’s because the rules for driving mobility scooters are different in different places.
Conclusion
Today, you can find a wide range of mobility aids for all kinds of mobility restrictions. Using these aids can extend freedom and improve the quality of life for you or your loved ones. While choosing the mobility aid, you should consider the pros and cons of that device. You should also consider the magnitude of the mobility restriction and other factors that will help you choose the most suitable and compatible mobility device.
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