6 Things to Consider While Choosing a Mobility Aid for the Elderly
There are so many options in the mobility aids these days, especially for the elderly. It does not mean that you can buy any mobility aid available in the market. You need to think twice before buying it. If you are someone who feels overwhelmed by these many choices then we are here to help.
You need to consider the medical condition of the elderly first and then consider other factors as well like the height and weight of the aid that you are thinking of buying for them. Also, having wheels and automated functions helps a lot. To explore, here are six things that you need to consider before choosing an ideal mobility aid for your elderly.
1. Comfort:
The most essential part of any mobility aid is the comfort level. If the elderly feel comfortable, then it becomes easy to take them to long distances. Not all devices provide comfort for a longer duration. It becomes challenging for the elderly to navigate through narrow spaces. Mobility aid should be based on their medical condition and also their body strength. Mobility walkers are not made for weak muscle bodies. So, you need to take care of the muscle strength of the elderly as well. Continuously using it can also weaken their muscle strength if overused. At this age, it is easy to lose muscle strength and so, you need to choose the right aids.
2. Portability:
Heavy and bulky mobility aids are of no use. Elderly need something portable like foldable walkers which are handy to carry and light in weight. It easily gets folded in the car trunk as well and so, the risk of falling is reduced.
The mobility aid should be portable so that they can carry it along with them without the help of any other person. Also, at night, lightning becomes an issue, in such cases mobility aids can come handy to the users as it helps maintain a balance and secures their safety.
3. Versatility:
Assistive devices like zimmer frame with wheels are one of the most versatile mobility aids used by the elderly. Other aids like power scooter’s seat belt can be worn without the use of hands as well, because they are automatic. Versatility helps provide you safety while walking along with relaxing their hands.
4. Weight:
Any mobility aid you buy for the elders should be light in weight. If the weight of the assistive device is heavy, then it becomes difficult to use it for a longer duration. It further weakens the muscles of the elderly and damages it even further.
A light weight walker makes it easier for the elderly to operate better. Also, you need to make sure that the assistive device can bear more weight than the actual weight of the elderly.
5. Height:
The height of certain mobility aids affects its usage. Mobility walkers are one such aid where height matters. You need to make sure that the height is right for the elderly to use in the long run. It should not damage or hurt their back, hands, and legs. A wrong heighted aid makes the elderly uncomfortable and leads to incorrect posture. The correct posture includes standing straight with arms loosely holding the zimmer frame with wheels or mobility walker. These aids should reach the waist of the elderly for proper posture.
6. Wheels:
Walkers with front legs attached to wheels are ideal for moving around. Because of the wheels, the elderly need not lift the weight of the walker. And it becomes much easier for them to move around independently. It makes them feel free yet balanced, reducing the risk of falling.
Conclusion:
Mobility aid is costly and if you are investing, you need to make sure that your elders are comfortable with it, as they need to use it for a longer duration. You need to make sure that it is easy to use, lightweight, and portable. It should be easy to carry around and it is best if it has wheels. Make sure that it is versatile, and its height and weight suit your elderly. Your elderly should be comfortable with it.
