Mobility aids get designed to help individuals with physical limitations walk or move. It helps enjoy the freedom of performing simple activities. It is also helpful for individuals with injuries and other senior citizens who have a problem balancing their weight and are at a higher risk of falling. Mobility aids for disabled Americans offer multiple benefits to the user minimising the pain and enhancing their confidence at the same time. Such devices are available in different types to suit the varying needs of people, such as wheelchairs, cane, crutches, and so on.
Types of mobility equipment and their indications
Mobility devices offer a lot more than assisting individuals in moving around. It helps in boosting a person’s mental and emotional health, boosting self-esteem. It makes them independent to move from one place to another. When choosing an aid vehicle, consider a trusted wheelchair store like MarcsMobility.com where qualified experts can help you pick a suitable chair.
The benefit of mobility aids
In addition to being a significant part of the rehabilitation programme, individuals suffering from injuries, sickness, and other conditions can benefit from mobility aids.
Here are a few medical conditions under which mobility equipment can assist them:
- Chronic joint ailments such as arthritis
- Diabetic issues are causing ulcers and wounds
- Cerebral palsy
- Back injury or other spinal disorders
- Severe respiratory ailment
- Accidents causing physical limitations
- Balancing issues or other neurological problems
Such equipment prevents injuries in older adults allowing them to continue with their routine life without a caretaker.
Types of mobility equipment
Several mobility aids are available for people with different requirements depending on the injuries or other physical disabilities. Here are a few common types of assistive devices helping individuals to move independently:
- Crutches for people with difficulty in walking. Such an assisting device takes off the weight from people’s legs, transferring it to the upper body. Crutches also help individuals to maintain balance, stabilising the movement. A vast majority of individuals opt for crutches after a severe injury. It helps them acquire a firm grip, keeping the posture upright and enhancing circulation in the lower body. Crutches are available in several types, such as a forearm crutch, one for the underarm, and a platform crutch giving the user the freedom to choose the one that suits their requirement.
- Wheelchair. Another mobility aid is suitable, mainly for people who are not supposed to put weight on the lower part of the body. Individuals who suffer from diseases, such as paraplegia and cracked bones due to wear and tear, must opt for a wheelchair. Doctors often advise a wheelchair to individuals who lack strength in the lower extremities and suffer from balance problems and other neurological ailments. There are multiple wheelchairs found in the market ranging from standard to electric. Some of them can get designed according to the needs of the patient.
- Canes. Mobility equipment similar to crutches is a cane. It helps people with disabilities by transferring the weight from the legs to the upper limbs. Such load transfer passes the pressure to the hands, offering stability to the weak lower limbs.
- Battery-powered motor vehicles. Such individuals can ride the motorised scooter using a joystick or a steering wheel. Such fully automatic mobility aid requires adequate training to ensure the user’s safety. It helps to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities.
- Walkers. People with the debilitating condition of the lower limb require a walker to move and maintain balance. Several walkers include the standard one, a wheel rollator with additional hand brakes, and a knee scooter to propel forward.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
