As we get older, it gets trickier to move around. Mobility aids are a beneficial addition to many lives, offering just the right amount of assistance to get from one place to another. There are many different types of mobility aids available for those who need them, though it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the selections.
There are many helpful tools to make your life easier. Keep reading as we talk about some of the most common versions of mobility aids as we cover selections that might work well for your life.
Crutches
Crutches are another selection, whether you land on platform crutches or a different variety, such as axillary or lofstrand crutches. They take the weight from the legs and move it to the arms and the rest of the body, taking the pressure off the lower limbs. Canes are valuable in a single version or as a pair.
Those injured will benefit from crutches, but they also come in handy for those who are seniors or who have injuries that keep them from moving efficiently from one place to another. These crutches from Amazon offer a standard two-crutch design, made to provide as much support as possible to the user.
Related: What Are Mobility Aids?
Canes
Canes are one of the most common types of mobility aid, offering support to the body and transferring the stress of the weight from the legs to the upper body. There are many types of cane options, including a white cane for visually impaired individuals, four-legged canes for more stability, and forearm canes to move the pressure from the wrist to the arm.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to using a cane. However, the lack of support and potential risk of strain is worth it for the sturdy comfort and control a person will gain from the tool. These canes from Amazon are classic, lightweight, adjustable, and covered on the handle with a comfortable grip for the best possible experience.
Walkers
One of the best alternatives to crutches is walkers. A walker for disabled individuals and seniors is an excellent choice, allowing those with a reduced ability to walk on their own to go from one place to another much easier. Walkers are known to improve daily function and reduce the risk of falling for a better quality of life.
Walkers come to life from a metal frame and a sturdy structure for solid support. There are old-school walkers with wheels if you’re not as concerned about falling and some without if you want assistance that remains in one place for ultimate stability. This walker from Amazon provides two wheels on the front and a lightweight design for simple movement wherever you want to travel.
Mobility Scooters
Next on our list of mobility equipment is the mobile scooter. This product exists to help those who are very limited in movement, though some scooters help more than others. There’s the one-leg scooter, offering wheeled support to one leg. Alternatively, there are also scooter selections that function like electric wheelchairs with better battery life and speed.
Mobility scooters are more efficient. This product will assist with all aspects of life, permitting those with issues getting around to participate in regular family activities and things they typically would not be able to enjoy. This selection for a mobility scooter on Amazon has four wheels and offers full support, like a wheelchair, for adults needing additional movement.
Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are another popular selection for increased mobility. They allow the rider to sit down and move from one place to another. With a manual wheelchair, the person sitting in the chair can push themselves forward with the wheels or allow another individual to propel them if they can’t complete the task with their arms.
Most of the time, manual wheelchairs are a little more affordable than the competing power wheelchairs. However, they still work as well if you can move the wheels. This manual wheelchair from Amazon offers a lightweight frame with leg pieces that swing away with a simple push to make it easy to move a person up and out of a wheelchair or vice versa.
Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs might look like manual wheelchairs, but they are very different. Rather than requiring the user to move the wheels to push the chair forward, they are equipped with electricity to permit movement with the simple push of a button. Of course, some power wheelchairs are more complex than others. More features mean a higher price point.
This version of the wheelchair is a better idea for those who don’t have someone to push them around or who can’t move the wheels themselves. The power wheelchair allows a new form of freedom many will enjoy, and it’s well worth the price point. This power wheelchair on Amazon is very lightweight and provides a foldable structure to ensure it’s movable around the world.
Rollator
A rollator is one of the upgraded walking devices on the market, providing improvements to the classic walker design. They come with wheels and advanced designs, made to allow better movements for their attached seniors. It provides the best possible stability and more movement for those who like to travel outdoors.
Essentially, the rollator is a version of the walker that is heavy-duty and often has a seat attached for versatility in its use. It’s made for the best support and rest for those who need it. This rollator on Amazon has a seat, steel rolling walker frame, six-inch support wheels, and can handle up to 350 pounds.
Stair Lift
A stair lift is a seat that attaches to the stairs. The user straps themselves into the chair and presses a button to lift the chair from the bottom of the case to the top. It’s excellent for those who suffer from mobility issues and thus have serious issues getting from the bottom of their stairs to the rooms on the upper levels of their home.
Although a stair lift might seem like a lot of work to install and use, it will allow seniors and those with disabilities to come in contact with areas of their homes they otherwise would not be able to touch. This stair lift on Amazon provides a 350-pound capacity and folds up against the wall for the easiest storage in the home.
Related: 7 Signs Your Parents Need More Help
Handrail
A handrail is maybe the most simple mobility aid and something most people don’t consider. However, a handrail can make a big difference. Whether you’re attempting to pull yourself out of the bath or want some assistance moving down a flight of stairs, a handrail allows a place for the individual to grip if they feel unsteady and about to fall during the journey.
There are long handrails, short options, and everything in between. This mobility aid is also cheap and relatively easy to install, making it one of the best for individuals to install. This stairway railing from Amazon is a foot long and designed to provide a grip point for those who need something to hand to when riding or sitting.
Other Mobility Safety Modifications
Our final selection for mobility aids is safety modifications. These items are placed in homes and exist to make a home safer for seniors and those with disabilities to navigate. Two of the most popular safety modifications include ramps, lifts, and handrails – as we mentioned above.
Safety modifications will make a home safer without making a dramatic change in the life of the individual receiving the aid. They offer peace of mind and will provide support and stability if you feel like you need a little more than what you already have. Safety modifications are a valuable selection.
Final Thoughts on Mobility Aids
Overall, mobility aids serve as a tool for the primary concern for seniors – mobility. It’s normal to lose the ability to move around as you age, and mobility aids offer peace of mind. Today, there are more choices than ever for interested individuals.
Whether you’re looking for a little more balance with a cane or another pair of eyes with a guide dog, mobility aids are a valuable addition to any life. Take the time to check out the above options to see if any fit your life!
Do your parents need more than just mobility aids to help them? Check out our Resources for Aging Parents to discover a variety of helpful aids for seniors and the elderly.
