Mobility aids offer great help to those who experience moderate to severe mobility disability and need help getting around. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mobility devices. Mobility aids provide several benefits to users depending on their needs and mobility level.
With the wide range of mobility devices available in the market, it can be difficult to pick and choose which one is best for your elderly loved one.
In this extensive guide, we will discuss some of the most common types of mobility aids and their functions to help you find the most suitable device for your senior loved one.
Mobility Devices for Ambulatory Seniors
Ambulatory devices are suitable for seniors who need minimal help getting around. They are designed to help support the body by taking some of the load off the legs and feet— improving balance and stability. Here are some of the most common types of ambulatory devices:
- Canes – Canes offer support for seniors who are less steady on their feet. They come in different sizes and shapes and are relatively the cheapest of all mobility devices. Types include standard canes, quad canes, folding canes, white canes (for visually impaired users only).
- Walkers – Walkers are often used if the cane cannot provide sufficient support. Typically, a walker requires moderate hand and arm strength but may be able to support up to 50 percent of a senior’s body weight depending on the type of walker used.
- Rollators – Commonly called wheeled walkers, rollators are easier to maneuver and a more suitable option for seniors who do not have the strength to use a walker or a cane.
Mobility Devices for Seniors Unable to Walk
For seniors who no longer have complete strength on their lower limbs or have severe disabilities, walking devices may not be enough to provide them the support that they need. Here are the best alternative mobility devices for seniors unable to walk:
- Wheelchairs – These can either be manually maneuvered by the user, pushed by someone else, or electrically powered. Wheelchairs can also be categorized by their functions— examples include, heavy-duty wheelchairs which are designed for overweight seniors, and lightweight wheelchairs which are convenient for traveling.
- Mobility Scooters – These are recommended for seniors with limited upper body strength that prevents them from using a manual wheelchair. This device has handlebars or steering wheels to help seniors control the direction easily. Mobility scooters operate just like a motorcycle and come in different functional designs. There are scooters designed for indoor use and heavy-duty models intended for outdoor use and carrying heavy loads.
Mobility Devices for Safety Modifications
To help seniors maintain a bit of independence and mobility at home, some safety modifications are required to assist them as they take on the day. Here are two of the most common home modifications you can try for your older loved one.
- Stairlifts – Having a stairlift at home is extremely beneficial for seniors who need help going up and down the stairs.
- Handrails – Handrails are special devices that can be installed in different areas in the house like in the bathroom and room entrances to assist seniors in going from one place to another. Handrails also help reduce the risk of falls and slips.
- Fall prevention devices – Other fall prevention devices for seniors are fall mats that can be placed by the bedside; safety bed rails to help prevent falling out of bed; fall monitoring alarms to alert family members and caregivers of unassisted bed or chair movement.
The Bottom Line
All of the aforementioned devices and tips on our lists are only meant to help you make an informed decision when looking for the most suitable mobility aid for your older loved one. Before purchasing, it is still best to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to get an accurate recommendation depending on your loved one’s needs and preferences.