VERA Home Care

Mobility

How to Choose the Right Mobility Aid

Our mobility may deteriorate due to a progressing disease, surgery, an accident or with age. As we get older, our mobility often starts to decline bit by bit. At first, it just might feel like the joints are getting stiffer when standing up, and aches and pains get a little more common. Eventually, the symptoms may worsen where some help is needed to help get around the house and stay mobile. For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, a mobility aid like a cane or a walker can go a long way to help with staying independent and mobile. The trouble is, how do you know which mobility aid is the right one for you? Each mobility aid is helpful in some way but might not work for everyone in every situation. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right mobility aid for you.

Walking Assistant Devices

 

There are a few different kinds of devices that can help seniors be more stable when walking or trying to get around:

  • Cane – This is the traditional cane most people would think of. They can help provide stability for seniors who may have balance issues, but they can also help relieve pressure on the joints while walking.
  • Quad Cane – This cane gives more stabilization than a traditional cane and is great for seniors who experience some difficulties walking. It provides more assistance with keeping balance than a traditional cane.
  • Walker – There are two types of walkers: one with wheels and one without. The one without wheels can be difficult for seniors to maneuver as they have to lift it as they are moving along. The benefit of this type of walker is that it would not move easily when pushed forward. The one without wheels provides more stability than a cane, is easier to maneuver about than its counterpart and does not require any lifting. The downside for the walkers with wheels is that they would move if the wheels are not locked and pressure is applied forward.
  • Rollators – This may be confused with a walker with wheels, but how you can tell them apart is that they have a basket and a seat. They offer the highest level of stability, and the seat provides a place to rest when tired and need a bit of rest. The basket is helpful when carrying groceries or smaller things like a handbag, and, best of all, it does not compromise the ability of rollators to be gripped and moved.

 

Wheelchairs and Scooters

 

These devices are helpful when walking is very challenging or risky. A wheelchair is a more affordable aid and does not require a charged battery. However, it does require sufficient upper body strength or assistance from someone else to move and maneuver.

Scooters, on the other hand, are motorized. While they take some time to get used to, scooters are easy to maneuver and require minimal hand mobility to operate. They allow you or your loved one to easily move around without depending too much on others for help. Scooters provide an opportunity to maintain independence, move about the house, stay social with friends and remain involved in community events. The downside to scooters is the relatively high cost, need for maintenance and charging, and they are not easy to store or transport.

If you have questions about getting a mobility aid for you or your loved one, consulting a family doctor or a physiotherapist is usually the best option. They have the knowledge and experience to help select a mobility aid that is right for you.

 

Contact VERA Home Care today

 

Mobility issues can make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks around the home. VERA Home Care can help! If you think home care might be right for you or a loved one, contact VERA Home Care today to learn more.

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