Everyone deserves to live a life without worries and independence. But as people grow older, they deal with health conditions, while some children and young ones also face health challenges. In times like this, comes mobility aids like wheelchairs and more.
From older adults to people with disabilities or injuries, there are assistance devices for everyone. These days, there are many choices out there, and choosing the right one can be difficult. Wondering how mobility assistance devices help? Well, here is everything you need to know.
Different Types of Mobility Assistance Devices
To help people enjoy more, here are some major assistance devices to choose from:
Crutch
A crutch is a long stick with a crosspiece at the top. It is used by someone with an injury or disability to support themselves under their armpit. It is best for those who cannot sustain their weight on their legs.
Be it due to a permanent disability or a temporary accident, it allows them to transfer weight from their legs to the upper bodies, thereby acting as a support system. However, you can choose from many crutches types, depending on your requirements:
- Underarm crutches
- Gutter crutches
- Forearm crutches
Cane
Also known as a walking staff, a cane is another best mobility assistance device. It is a useful device for people who struggle with stability or balance, injuries, pain, trunk weakness, etc. In addition to assisting with balance and widening your base of support, it also lessens weight-bearing pressure on your knee, leg and hip.
Depending on how much support you need, here are some different types of canes you can choose from:
- Single-point cane
- Multiple-point cane
- Seat cane
- Folding cane
Wheelchair
Wheelchairs are the most commonly used mobility assistance device. It is best for people who shouldn’t bear weight on their lower limbs or are unable to walk. Whether you want to cover longer distances or are dealing with severe disabilities, this may be a better option.
Wheelchairs can be propelled manually by the user and can be pushed by another person or by electricity. However, the different types of wheelchairs you can choose from are:
- Standing wheelchairs
- Sports wheelchairs
- Standard wheelchairs
- Manual wheelchairs
- Power wheelchairs
- Electric wheelchairs
- Folding wheelchairs
- Power wheelchairs
Walker
A walker is an assistance device and has four points of contact with the ground. Typically, it comes with three sides, with the side closet that faces the user open. It is best for people who have lower extremity impairment or poor balance and movement.
Because it offers a broader base of support, it is the best way to safely get around. However, the different types of walkers you can choose from are:
- Standard walker
- Two-wheel walker
- Three-wheel walker
- Four-wheel walker
- Two-wheel walker
- Knee walker
Rollator
Rollators are similar to walkers but the only difference is that they are fully wheeled with large casters. They are best for a person who can walk but still needs some assistance with balance and stability. It is a portable stability aid and helps you to walk more quickly as well as support a regular gait.
Many rollators also come with features like seats, handbrakes and backrests. Also, they are more fashionable and come in a range of colours. There are mainly three types of rollators, including:
- Three-wheel rollator
- Four-wheel rollator
- Heavy-duty rollator
When Should a Person Use Mobility Aids?
A person with either short-term or long-term conditions that hinder their ability to move around, bear weight or balance can use mobility aids. Furthermore, here are some situations in which mobility aids are helpful:
- Loss of limb functioning due to an illness or injury.
- Weakened lower body.
- Surgery in the back, knee, foot and ankle.
- Arthritis.
- Fractured lower limb.
- An injury or tear in the ACL.
- Balance impairment.
- Difficulty in walking due to a stroke or brain injury.
Benefits of Using a Mobility Aid
Do you feel unsteady more than often? Do you become a bit anxious that you might need help standing back up after sitting down? Well, don’t because mobility aids are here for your support and safety. Yes, it brings a wide range of benefits and here are some:
- By using a mobility aid, you can have the privacy you desire whether taking a shower or going to the bathroom.
- It helps you to feel less reliable or dependent on others. For instance, if you buy a wheelchair, you’ll not need anyone to take you for longer walks. Therefore, you can feel more at ease, be it strolling or shopping.
- Mobility assistance devices also help in lowering dangers and boosting confidence.
- Mobility aids such as wheelchairs promote an active lifestyle, thereby allowing a person to engage in activities.
- For people who experience fatigue or have higher risks of falling, mobility aids act as a support system for them. For better safety and more protection, if you buy wheelchair, you can also use a mobility lap belt.
- Keeping stability in mind, mobility assistance devices also offer secure seating positions. As a result, it offers better support, thereby reducing muscle and joint strains.
- It allows people with injuries and disabilities to participate in social events, family gatherings, outings and more.
Exceptional Care at Your Own
At Medguard, we are the leading provider of mobility assistance devices. We have a wide variety of wheelchairs to suit your lifestyle and unique needs. For years, we have been helping people with disabilities, injuries or ageing. Each medical tool and equipment is prepared with care and designed specially. Made with durable materials, our wheelchairs withstand the test of time and are easy to maintain.
From lightweight to heavy-duty wheelchairs, we keep our products well-stocked to cater to every individual’s needs. To ensure you enjoy a smooth operation, our wheelchairs are tested thoroughly and then delivered to you. Each wheelchair comes with adjustments and accessories you need. Besides, you can also contact our knowledgeable team members for guidance and support.