Uses & Benefits Of Various Types Of Mobility Aids- Electric Wheelchairs
One of the biggest problems that the elderly face is mobility issues. As we age our bodies change, we become less active and resulting in the loss of our ability to move around.
When this happens, the elderly are faced with a whole host of problems. Not being able to move around and socialize limits the activities that we can do and also increases our dependence on others.
However, new technologies are being developed that can help solve these mobility issues. We’ll be looking at how different products can help people who are suffering from mobility problems.
When we think of mobility aids, we think of walking sticks, manual or electric wheelchairs, and crutches. However, there are many other mobility aids that can help you with your daily activities. You can use mobility aids to help you with everything from cooking to cleaning to even gardening.
This blog will look at the various types of mobility aids that are available and how you can use them.
What is a Mobility Aid?
A mobility aid is a technical device designed to cater to the needs and help a person who is unable to ambulate on their own get around enjoy greater independence and freedom.
Mobility aids can be stick aids or any kind of product which will help to move without feeling pain in the legs or feet.
Users benefit from these gadgets in a variety of ways, including more freedom, reduced discomfort, and increased confidence and self-esteem.
From canes and crutches to wheelchairs and stairlifts, a variety of mobility equipment are available to fit people’s needs.
Types & Uses Of Mobility Aids
There is a wide range of mobility aid ranging from simple mechanisms to make a wheelchair more suitable for rough terrain up to the form of crutches that enable paraplegics or quadriplegics.
Let’s get the sight on these mobility aids:
- Crutches: Crutches assist in weight transfer from the legs to the upper torso. They can be used alone or in groups of two. Crutches are used to keep a person upright and can be worn by people who have short-term or long-term disabilities.
Crutches come in a variety of styles, including:
- Axillary (underarm) crutches: Users grab the handgrip while one part of an axillary crutch is positioned against the ribs under the armpits. Short-term injuries are the most common reason for using these crutches.
- Lofstrand (forearm) crutches: This crutch entails securing the arm in a metal or plastic cuff while maintaining a hand grasp. People with long-term impairments are more likely to utilise forearm crutches.
- Platform crutches: The hand grips the crutches while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform with platform crutches. Platform crutches are exclusively used by those who have a poor hand grasp as a result of illnesses like arthritis or cerebral palsy.
- Canes: Very similar to crutches, canes, support the body’s weight and assist in the transfer of load from the legs to the upper body. However, they take less weight off the lower body and put more pressure on the hands and wrists than crutches. People who have trouble balancing and are at risk of falling benefit from assistive canes. Canes that are used for non-medical purposes, such as by hikers, are known as walking sticks. Some canes are adjustable or foldable.
Common types of canes include:
- White Canes: These are made specifically to help those who are blind or visually impaired. Traditional canes are longer and thinner than white canes, allowing the user to notice items in their path. They also let others know if the person is blind or has a vision impairment.
- Quad Canes: These canes feature four feet at the end, giving them a wider base and more solidity.
- Forearm canes: These canes provide more forearm support, allowing more weight to be transmitted from the wrist to the arm.
- Walkers: A three-sided frame surrounds the user in basic walkers. Users lift the frame and move it further in front of them before meeting it and repeating the process.
Some walkers have wheels or glide on the bottom of the legs, allowing the user to slide rather than raise the walker. This is especially useful for persons who have weak arms.
Types of walkers:
- Rollators: This walker features a frame with four wheels, handlebars, and a seat that allows the user to rest as needed. Hand breaks are also included as a safety feature on rollators.
- Knee Walkers: This gadget allows the user to rest their knee on a soft cushion while propelling themselves forward with their stronger leg, similar to a rollator.
- Walker-Cane Hybrid: This mobility device looks like a combination between a cane and a walker, but it only has two legs instead of a full-frame. It gives more assistance than a regular cane and can be used with one or both hands.
- Wheelchairs: People who should not put weight on their lower limbs or who are unable to walk use wheelchairs. For persons with severe disabilities or for traveling over longer distances, they may be a better option than walkers.
Wheelchairs can be propelled manually, pushed by someone else, or driven by electricity also known as an electric wheelchair or power wheelchair, or motorized wheelchair.
In 2016, a wheelchair that is driven by brain impulses was created.
Standing wheelchairs, which support users in a nearly upright position, and sports wheelchairs, which were designed for use during specific sports, are examples of specialty wheelchairs.
- Electric Wheelchairs/ Mobility Scooter: Electric Wheelchairs / Mobility scooters are very similar to a scooter, and have a seat on top of three, four, or five wheels.
For those who lack the upper body strength or flexibility using a mobility scooter is a good option. The user’s feet sit on footplates, and direction is controlled by handlebars or steering wheels. Typically, they are powered by rechargeable batteries.
- Other Safety Modifications: Various home or office modifications can be made to aid navigation within a structure or in other spaces where surface heights differ.
These include:
- Ramps: Some people, such as those in wheelchairs and scooters, cannot navigate stairs, access to ramps is extremely necessary. Ramps may also be more accessible than steps for people who use walkers, canes, or crutches.
- Stair Lifts: These gadgets transport people and wheelchairs up and downstairs via the floor or the stairwell.
- Hand Rails: Many restrooms and entrances have special railings to provide support and stability to those with mobility difficulties.
Benefits of using Mobility Aids
Mobility aids can help anyone who has a mobility problem, whether it’s temporary or long-term. The type of mobility aid utilized will be determined by the individual’s demands.
People with the following conditions may benefit from mobility aids:
electric wheelchairs
- Cerebral Palsy
- Arthritis
- Developmental disabilities
- Diabetic sores and wounds
- Fractures or shattered bones in the lower limbs
- Keeping balance
- Heart or lung problems
- Obesity can cause harm to the legs, foot, or back.
- Sprains and strains
- Spina Bifida
- Due to brain damage or a stroke
- Blindness or visual impairment
Mobility aids are also beneficial to older folks, those who have had an amputation, and people who are recovering from surgery.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, you have a variety of options to choose the most suited mobility aid as per your requirements. You can make the purchase either by visiting a nearby store or you can buy it online from stores to get it delivered right to your doorstep. Purchasing an electric wheelchair, mobility scooter, or any mobility device online might seem risky but if you choose the certified and trusted online stores like ScootAround and more, you are offered a wide range of products to choose from. These stores provide various offers as well for an electric wheelchairs for sale or mobility scooter for sale.