Mobility Solutions for Seniors

By CarePatrol

No one can stop the sands of time. We all are bound to grow old, and old age brings its own set of challenges. Sometimes, you end up facing partial or complete disability due to the weakness of bones. You may lose upper body strength and struggle with tasks that used to seem easy. Towards the later part of life, simple actions like walking, eating, and daily chores can become a real challenge. 

Mobility is a primary concern for many seniors, as sometimes walking from one point to another becomes a strenuous task. Optimal mobility is defined as the freedom of movement with the ease of accessibility towards various places. Mobility is a significant challenge for the public health department to develop effective and efficient strategies and solutions to promote health and well-being in a diversified aged population. Becoming physically dependent on others could damage your self-esteem, hinder your independence, and destroy your self-reliance.

Fortunately, researchers and healthcare facility providers have carried out studies to develop excellent mobility equipment and elevate the standard of living for older people and those with disabilities. A wheelchair or crutches are no longer the only options. Today, there are numerous available tools for elderly people to maintain their mobility and independence.

One of the most common mobility aids, canes provide support when walking or standing. They come in a few variations and styles. For example, quad canes have four tips on the bottom to help with balance problems. But your options don't end there!

Whether you need senior scooters to get around or a simple cane to help with walking, there’s no shame in using mobility aids and equipment. Below we explore some common mobility tools for elderly individuals. Here is a list of the top eight mobility tools that can enhance the lifestyle for older adults and people who have certain disabilities.

Different Walking Aids for Senior Mobility

1. Walker
A walker is a tool that can completely change the life of a person with a decreased ability to walk on their own. With a sturdy structure and metal frame, the walker provides support for elderly or disabled people to walk like they used to and prevent them from falling. Based on how much help you need while walking, you can opt for the standard old-school walker that does not have any wheels, or you can get the wheeled walker that provides you with the advantages of maximum stability and safety.

2. Rollator
Walker accessories and enhancements are also available. For example, rollators are walkers with wheels and advanced options. This walking aid offers the maximum stability and higher mobility in outdoor environments. Rollator walkers provide freedom of movement in the outdoors and rougher terrain but are still reliable and safe to use indoors. This is a heavy-duty walker with seat and four wheels, specially designed to provide extra support and aid heavier patients in freely moving around and also allow them to sit and rest when needed.

3. Liftware
Some illnesses affect our primary muscles and restrict the performance of our daily tasks. The range of liftware products is the answer to such a mobility issue. These products assist the user in lifting any utensils while eating food. In addition, liftware has a special kind of cutlery for those who are unable to control or hold the cutlery straight while eating. This useful invention enables you to continue enjoying your mealtime even when mobility and dexterity challenges appear.

4. Knee Braces
As you grow old, you come across joint pains and bone pains. Knee brace sleeves decrease the pressure exerted on your joints. This tool features air ventilation from all sides to keep you comfortable. In addition, the brace sleeves are durable because they are manufactured with high tensile carbon steel springs and commercial strength Velcro. The brace sleeve is odor resistant and machine washable, so you can maintain its hygiene easily.

5. Stair Steady Handle for Climbing
This device helps people with mobility difficulty, especially while climbing up the stairs. It allows people to easily and safely use the stairs. The Stair Steady helps in keeping your independence intact on the stairs while staying safe and stable. It is a handle that could be used on any flat surface as well while walking in a corridor having a rail. It is a high-quality fixed handrail and a sliding handle that moves when pushed and is locked overexertion of weight. Hence it is firm support for the climber or the person descending the stairs.

6. Grabber Tool
For dexterity challenges, the best alternative to a human hand is a Reacher Grabber. This assistive tool functions just like a human hand and is convenient for people who cannot stoop over, bend, or stretch their arms for any reason. It is designed especially for elders who are recovering from surgery, coping with arthritis, or have limited mobility. The grabber stick is lightweight and can help pick objects from high shelves and counters.

7. Mobility Scooter
If physical disabilities are limiting you from going where you want to go, mobility scooters are the best option for you. It is the best way to add freedom to a disabled person’s life. Whether it’s traveling, shopping, exploring nature, or spending time with friends and family, an immobilized person will never feel left out again. Much faster than power wheelchairs, the mobility scooter has a long battery life and can go for miles without being charged.

8. Bed and Chair Fall Guard
A bed and chair fall guard is an assistive technology that comes in handy when in the worst cases one might not be able to approach or make a phone call for help. As soon as someone with a mobility concern falls or leaves their bed or chair, caregivers receive an immediate heads up.

For More Guidance On the Best Mobility Aids, Contact CarePatrol Today

The older you are, the more important fall prevention becomes. An accident like a fall could take a significant toll on a senior's already-fragile physical health and stability.

Luckily, a variety of mobility aids on the market are available to meet your needs and provide great support so you can remain an active participant in life. These useful tools may be recommended by your physical therapist, doctor, or home caregiver, and there's a large selection available to suit your unique needs and challenges. (Note: The improper use of any mobility aid will carry risk, so it's important to communicate with your care provider and find the right type of equipment. For example, simple training/lessons may be needed to drive medical scooters.)

Interested in adding a mobility aid to make your life easier? To connect with a senior care advisor and explore more affordable tools for older adults to maintain their mobility, contact CarePatrol now. We’re in the business of caring!