Mobility aids are used to help people walk and move around more easily, they help enable mobility. Mobility aids are used when it is difficult for people to move freely by themselves, for example when a person gets older moving about can become more challenging and so aids are used to help them. It is not just the elderly who use mobility aids, any person with a disability may need to use a mobility aid as well. A person with a hurt or broken leg may need to use crutches to get about for a certain amount of time until the leg is healed, or they may need a wheel chair, there are numerous mobility aids that can be used to enable mobility.

What are some examples of mobility aids?

Wheel Chair – a wheel chair is probably one of the most known about mobility aid as they are seen about a lot for example in hospitals. A wheel chair is a chair that is placed on two large wheels. The wheel chair has handles at the back which allows for a person to push the chair along, or the person in the wheel chair can push the wheels around and maneuver the chair that way. There are many different wheel chairs you can buy today for example there is the standard wheel chair, the standard lightweight chair, paediatric wheelchair, and even wheel chair accessories such as chair waterproof covers and cushions.

Mobility Scooter – is an electric scooter. They are similar in nature to the wheelchair apart from they are electric and so no manual force is required and they have the steering handles in front of the chair. Mobility scooters are great to help people get about with ease, they can be easily taken apart for quick storage either at home or in the boot of the car. Most mobility scooters have a basket on the front which is great for storage for the rider to place their belongings, whether its their handbag, or the items they buy shopping, the scooter makes popping down to the shops as easy as 1-2-3.

Walking Frames and Walking Sticks – these are used to help people to walk who don’t feel comfortable putting a lot of pressure on their body. Have a walking frame or walking stick relieves some of the weight that is put on the body while walking. If a person has a hurt leg or knee for example they can use a walking frame or walking stick to help them along.

There are many more mobility aids available today these are just a few of them, sometimes people have a few aids and use certain ones depending on the activity, for example if it is a long day shopping then a mobility scooter would probably be best or if they are walking about the house then a walking stick is used.

Mobility can become an issue at any stage of life, but generally becomes more troublesome as we get older. There are many different conditions that can impair mobility including arthritis, joint problems and back problems. Fortunately, there are aids nowadays that can help with mobility issues.

Walking sticks

Walking sticks are a great way to provide support and improve your balance whilst walking. Selecting a stick that is the right length for you is important. The best way to ensure you choose the correct length is to measure the stick against your body whilst wearing your usual shoes. The correct sized walking stick should come up to the inside of your wrist joint when you stand upright with your arms at your sides. Adjustable walking sticks are usually the best option especially if you wear different shoes from day to day.

Walking frames

Walking frames are ideal for people who need more stability than a walking stick. Like sticks, they need to be the correct height for the user. Adjustable walking frames can be easily adjusted to fit the individual and are usually the best choice. Some walking frames have wheels added to the front legs, or all 4 legs, which require less lifting than the traditional model.

Mobility scooters

Mobility scooters can increase your independence if you have difficulties walking on a daily basis and can reduce your reliance on other people. There are three main types of scooters on the market today, 3 wheel, 4 wheel and compact mobility scooters. 3 wheel scooters are recommended for both indoor and outdoor use and generally have good manoeuvrability. 4 wheel scooters are usually more durable and stable, and are better on rougher terrain. Compact scooters tend to be lighter than the 3 and 4 wheel models, and have the advantage of being transported easier.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are another aid to improve your independence if mobility is becoming problematic. There are 2 types of wheelchairs to choose from, manual and electric. Manual wheelchairs are best suited to people who have the help of others, or who are able to propel the wheelchair themselves. Electric wheelchairs require less physical exertion and can be managed easier without the assistance of others.

Stair lifts

Stair lifts are the ideal solution for people with impaired mobility and who do not live in single storey houses. With improved technology, there are now stair lifts suitable for any type of stairs, whether they are straight, curved or narrow. There are also stair lifts that are suitable for outdoor use.