Not everyone in the world has full physical mobility. If you have different mobility needs, there are plenty of tools you can use to make your daily life easier and more comfortable. Choosing the right mobility aids for your unique lifestyle depends on the nature of your mobility challenges and what your routine involves. Here’s how to choose the right mobility aid for you.
Canes
A cane is a simple and lightweight mobility aid designed for people who have relatively high levels of upright mobility. Canes can provide support for people who struggle with balance by distributing their weight across additional points. If you can stand and walk but need some extra assistance, a cane could be the answer.
Crutches
If you can still stand upright with minimal assistance but still require support, a crutch or pair of crutches could be the ideal temporary solution. Crutches are best suited to people who have to keep their weight off a particular body part, meaning that they aren’t great for anyone with a chronic illness.
Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are operated by hand. They offer extreme independence and convenience to users for whom standing is a challenge. It can be tiring using your arms and upper body to move a manual wheelchair, but they are still hugely popular because they are straightforward and affordable.
Electric Wheelchairs
An electric wheelchair offers similar features to a manual one, except it is powered by battery. Alternative controls for electric wheelchairs can make them especially easy to use for people with mobility restrictions that limit their arm or hand movements. For example, some people operate their electric wheelchairs with their mouths. Unfortunately, the more advanced and bespoke the electric wheelchair is, the more expensive it is, too.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are similar to electric wheelchairs in that they are powered by an electric motor and are made for people to sit on while maintaining mobility. They often come with a basket for carrying objects and they can be used in a variety of spaces, both indoors and out. Discount Scooters is where to go for scooter parts. Although mobility scooters require regular maintenance, they are a reliable and sturdy option for people who need it. They also make practical secondary mobility aids for people who use wheelchairs or canes throughout the day.
Guide Dogs
Most people tend to think of guide dogs as specific to assisting people with visual impairment. However, service animals can be useful for people with mobility difficulties too. A specially trained dog can retrieve objects from hard-to-reach places, can keep a person balanced, can alert a person to an obstacle, and can protect someone if they have fallen. They require daily care, which can be too much for some people, but their presence can also be incredibly supportive and comforting. There is also an element of improved mental wellbeing that comes with spending time with animals.
There are many more types of mobility aids that haven’t been covered here. But these few examples should hopefully help you choose one that works for your lifestyle and routine.
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