Types of Mobility Aids to Ease Daily Chores of Elderly People
As you age, you tend to face a lot of challenges while mobilizing in the house and outdoors due to instability and decreasing strength. The risk of tripping and falling increases and this can add more trouble because as an elderly person, you take longer to recover. So, to improve stability and ease out walking elderly people can use various sorts of mobility aids depending on the particular need. Let’s explore the mobility aid devices and who should use them.
Walking Sticks
Elderly people who require minimum support to walk steadily can use a walking stick. These sticks are generally made from wood or metals like aluminum or steel. They have various shapes of handles and grips for better holding.
There are various factors you need to consider while purchasing a metal walking stick.
- The height of the stick should be adjustable so that the user can adjust it accordingly.
- Tripod, or tetrapod base for better stability while walking.
- Stick with a seat to rest while walking.
Walking Frames
People who require more support and stability while walking can use walking frames. Most of the weight is transferred on the frame via arms so the user feels less weight on lower limbs. These frames have three or four legs and are used by the elderly and the ones getting recovered from injury. To use this frame user must have enough upper body strength to lift the frame and palace it forward.
Walkers and Rollators
Walking frames with wheels are available in the market. While walking with this frame you don’t have to lift it up and move forward. As it has wheels it gets easy to take it forward. They come in two different ways i.e three wheels and four wheels. The walking frame with four wheels is called a walker. It is important to have control over the wheels or else the user might trip or fall. Brakes are built-in walkers for users to control their speed.
Rollators are similar to walkers but are steadier and more durable compared to walkers. They come with a seat to take rest while mobilizing and a basket to store things while shopping. The walking frame with wheels and rollators is foldable which makes them travel-friendly.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can be used by elderly people who are highly unstable while walking and have lower body strength. They come in various types and capabilities. Most wheelchairs are highly portable and lightweight making them easy to carry everywhere. You can also add motors to the wheelchair so that users don’t have to use hands or the ones carrying them don’t have to push.
Mobility Scooters
Elderly people who have difficulty using walking sticks and walking frames and need a totally motorized mobility device that can be easily used outdoors should use mobility scooters. The most common scooters in the market are three and four-wheeled scooters.
Three-wheeled scooters are lightweight and can be used inside as well outside on roads and sidewalks. Four-wheeled scooters are heavier and can serve a variety of purposes. It can be used on various surfaces. You can customize it according to your needs by adding accessories like a basket, cup holder, mobile charger, extra battery, and more. You can also visit stores and try the product before buying it.
Conclusion
Now that you know various types of mobility aids and where and who can use them, get a recommendation from health professionals. They will suggest the aid based on your current health issues. So based on suggestions by a health worker and your preference choose the device and ease out your life.
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