People living with mobility limitations live a challenging daily life. The difficulty of accomplishing even the simplest task, the possibility of getting ridiculed, and battling with one’s mental state can be too much to handle. If you are experiencing the same issues, it is best to secure a mobility aid to make daily life easier.
This post will list the essential things to consider when shopping for a mobility device. And once you’re ready and have gone through the list, check the ones offered by Hello Mobility and other reliable suppliers online or in stores.
Here are the things you must consider in getting a mobility aid:
Your Specific Needs
To narrow down your options, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What’s the specific injury or condition?
- Do you need help with balance and stability?
- Do you need assistance getting around?
- Do you need something that can help you climb stairs?
By answering these questions, you can define your needs clearly. For example, if you have minimal leg strength and movement but love going out of the house and visiting parks, a mobility scooter will be best for you instead of a cane or a walker.
Mobility Aid Type
Once you have narrowed down your options, you must assess each mobility device’s features and benefits to check which suits your needs.
Here are the most common types of mobility devices:
- Canes: This is ideal for those who need minimal assistance and support while walking. They best fit people with hemiplegia or only half of their bodies paralyzed.
- Walkers: This is suitable for those who require more support and balance while walking. They’re commonly used by older adults who may be weak and those who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and injuries to the legs. The walker supports them while helping them conserve energy and reduce fatigue while walking.
- Crutches: These are utilized by individuals who need support walking and still have upper body strength. They benefit those with sports injuries, those who had surgery on the legs, knees, or ankles, those who had their legs amputated, and those with chronic conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal bifida.
- Wheelchairs: These are used by those who have limited leg mobility. Wheelchairs come in many forms. There are manual, electric, and transport wheelchairs. Having them allows disabled individuals to enjoy the outdoors and be with their families when they travel or go to parks and malls.
- Scooters: These are similar to wheelchairs in purpose. But are suitable for those who have trouble walking long distances or standing for extended periods. Aside from the mobility impaired, they’re also utilized by people with respiratory conditions like COPD to reduce pain while moving around. Those with excessive weight who can’t get around places like the grocery store or the mall also use mobility scooters because of terrible knee pain.
- Rollators: This is similar to a walker, but with wheels, you don’t have to lift and carry the device while taking a step.
- Stair Lifts: These are utilized by those needing assistance moving from one floor to another.
Choose the device that best suits your needs and will help you maintain your independence and mobility.
Comfort
This device will be your constant companion, so it’s vital to ensure it’s comfortable. But aside from your comfort, check if the one helping you use it—like your carer—will also be comfortable. For example, if you choose a manual wheelchair and frequently go to the park for a stroll. It’s important that the wheelchair’s height can be adjusted so they don’t slouch while pushing you.
It’s also important to check if they’re padded and have cushioned handles, adjustable parts, and maneuverable wheels. Additionally, check for contoured rubberized hand grips and a perfect fit.
Size And Weight
Choose one that’s lightweight and easy to transport. Also, check the maximum weight the mobility device can carry. This is important to ensure you’re not close to exceeding weight capacity to prevent breakage and injuries.
You should also pick something appropriately sized for the person using it and their living environment. Consider your lifestyle and transportation needs because some mobility aids can be heavy and difficult to transport. When you frequently use this, get the most portable one available.
Durability And Cost
Mobility devices are a considerable investment. Choose one made by a reputable manufacturer and check the materials used, like steel and high-grade aluminum. More importantly, get the one with a warranty. This will help you save in case of premature wear and tear.
Don’t choose the cheapest one. Instead, opt for a high-quality mobility device that will surely last you for many years.
Safety
Look for devices with non-slip grips, stable bases, and other safety features. For more complex devices like scooters and chair lifts, ensure the supplier helps to familiarize you with their proper use and care. This way, you can ensure you’re using the device safely and not at any risk of potential injury. Before purchasing, check user reviews to know what others say about the product.
When checking for safety, it’s also crucial to look at the weight capacity of the mobility aid. This ensures it can support your weight. Check the range and make room for adjustments. Don’t get something too close to your exact weight, as this can compromise the safety of the device and increase the risk of falls, injuries, and breakages.
When shopping for wheelchairs, check how effective the brakes are. This will help you effectively stop the device and prevent it from rolling away.
Similarly, when purchasing canes, check if the height of the device can be adjusted. This helps prevent strains caused by poor posture. Most canes have several height adjustments. This way, anyone can use it no matter their height.
Conclusion
Mobility devices can significantly help the lives of people living with a disability. Follow the tips outlined in this post to get the best mobility device to improve your quality of life or that of your disabled loved one.