With millions of people having mobility issues because of aging, prolonged illness affecting limb movement, accidents or other reasons, the demand for mobility aids is tremendous across the world.
Yes, the majority of these people need the assistance of their caregivers who is mostly a family member or close friend. These family caregivers make sure that their loved ones with mobility issues have suitable mobility aids. After all, these are not only devices used mostly by seniors or people with disabilities for unassisted movement. These devices also give them confidence and improve their self-esteem.
Since the U.S has a growing population of seniors in need of such aids, there is a variety of mobility aids available in the market to meet their needs. So, let’s have a look.
Canes
Nowadays, a variety of canes are available in the market. These help in maintaining balance while walking. However, many of these are not effective in ensuring postural stability like other mobility aids. Also, known as walking sticks, these are suitable for those who don’t need much support. While you can spot many seniors with a cane that feature a curved handle at the top, it is the quad cane with four small legs at the base that offers better support.
Crutches
These are mobility aids that enable people to move by transferring their weight from the lower limbs to the upper ones. Most people use underarm crutches, but lightweight forearm crutches are also becoming popular. You can also find crutches with features like height adjustment and straps for forearm support.
Walkers
A walker is an ideal choice for those who can walk but require more support than that offered by a cane. A standard walker features four feet with anti-skid tips. Some also come with wheels. They are called rollators or rolling walkers. While walkers are apt for indoor use, rollators are best for movement in an outdoor environment. There are also rollators with a seat and brakes to control the speed while going downhill roads.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available in various types depending on the physical capabilities of the user, such as manual and electric wheelchairs. These mobility aids offer much more independence to their users by enabling them to move without making much effort. These are very helpful to those who can’t walk. Today, you can easily spot wheelchairs that are lightweight and compact.
Staircase Lifts
Staircase lifts are not much popular as mobility aids. However, these are quite effective in enabling people with mobility issues to move up and down from their apartments or homes without experiencing physical discomfort. At present, these are expensive, but continuous innovation may soon make these more affordable.
It is vital to choose the right mobility aid if you are a family caregiver of someone in your family who is elderly or is currently struggling with mobility issues. Remember, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson’s also lead to mobility issues. In such a case, you may find the caregiver tips for the elderly with rheumatoid arthritis quite handy.