Over-the-Hill Age: Find the Best Mobility Aids for Seniors
With the advancing age, there are several issues that people have to go through. One of these issues is the problem with mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 12.2% of adults in the United States suffer from mobility issues. Most of these people are elderly and require some kind of mobility aid. Here, the role of good quality mobility aids for seniors comes into play.
Walkers are one of the mobility aids for seniors
In this article, we will discuss some of the types of mobility aids for seniors who are in their over-the-hill age, steps for choosing the right mobility aid, as well as some of the well-known brands of such products.
What is Mobility Aid?
Mobility aid includes all the equipment that is designed, manufactured, and employed to enable people to move around. These products work by bearing the weight of their user and distributing it around their body effectively which lifts pressure from the knees and legs. As a result, mobility is aided.
Importance of Mobility Aids for Seniors
The importance of mobility aids can be estimated by the incidents they prevent. As per the CDC, the elderly who are above the age of 65 are at a higher risk of falling. This can lead to more serious complications such as severe physical trauma or even death.
Hence, the use of mobility aids for seniors becomes essential as the mobility equipment prevents falling or getting injured frequently.
“Every 1 in 4 elderly who are above the age of 65 fall every year. This accounts for over 14 million individuals.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Types of Mobility Devices
There are several different types of mobility assistive devices designed for elderly users to help them in their everyday tasks. These include the following categories:
Canes
A cane or a walking stick is the simplest form of mobility device which provides increased stability to the patient with minimal effort. Canes come in several designs and heights and are one of the most cost-effective options. Its types include single-point canes or quad canes which have non-slip feet which are crucial for improved stability.
As for their suitability, canes can be used by people who can stand up and bear their own weight as the cane can only provide additional support by bearing the patient’s weight. Therefore, it is not suitable for those who cannot walk altogether.
Canes are employed for specific mobility needs
Walkers
Walkers are one of the types of mobility aids for seniors with mobility challenges. These provide elevated support as compared to canes due to their design. Walkers are to be used with both hands and thus they share the patient’s weight in a way that both feet get some relief.
These walking aids are of different types. Some of them are wheeled walkers while others have rubber tips or tennis balls at their ends. These additional components ease their movement against the floor. Despite being a good option for those with mobility issues, walkers have limited use as the patient needs to have a decent amount of upper body strength to lift them.
Manual Wheelchairs
A manual wheelchair comes with four wheels and carries the patients while they remain in their seated position. This way, people with limited mobility or no mobility at all can use manual wheelchairs. However, if the patient is opting for a mobility aid that suits an independent living style, then using a manual wheelchair might not be their best option.
This is because the equipment requires manual strength to move which can either be provided by a caregiver or by the patients themselves who should then be able to have good upper body strength.
Power Wheelchairs
Among different mobility aids for seniors, a power wheelchair is considered one of the best inventions. This is because these devices are operated with a single button which is controlled by the user. Therefore, no manual strength or service of a caregiver is required.
With a manual wheelchair, there is no need to worry about battery life
Rollators
Rolling walkers or rollators are suitable options as daily living aids. These devices increase the mobility of those who can walk and bear their weight up to some extent. The added support due to the presence of wheels helps the user walk long distances.
An added safety feature in these rollators is the fixation of hand brakes. This way, the control remains in the user’s hands at all times so that they can adjust the speed of the device according to their suitability.
Powered Mobility Scooters
A mobility scooter is an equipment designed to drive around the patients from one place to another. These are constructed just like motor scooters but have a built-in seat thus allowing seniors to sit comfortably.
Although powered scooters need much more power as compared to powered wheelchairs, these are good in terms of their turning radius. However, despite the fact that powered scooters assist individuals and improve their quality of life by providing more independence, these are not for indoor use due to the space they require. These should be employed during outdoor activities.
Power wheelchairs enhance independence among people with severe mobility issues.
Choosing the Right Daily Living Aids for Seniors
While choosing the right mobility aids for seniors, it should be kept in mind that the goal is to enhance their well-being as well as their overall quality of life. In this regard, consider the following suggestions as a guideline:
1. Patient’s Mobility Level
Evaluate the patient’s mobility needs first. Check if the patient can bear their weight. If yes, up to what extent? In case of moderate mobility, healthcare professionals recommend the use of canes or walkers. However, in case of very little or no mobility, wheelchairs or powered scooters should be chosen.
2. Indoor or Outdoor Environment
Inspect the environment in which the mobility aid is to be used. Simpler mobility aids for seniors like canes or walkers can be used both indoors and outdoors while battery-powered devices are mostly suitable for outdoor use.
3. Level of Portability
Several types of mobility aids for seniors have specific portability levels. If there is a need to either store the device for a while or to take it with you while traveling, opting for a simpler and foldable mobility aid is best.
4. Safety Features
Good mobility aids for seniors are many but the one with the best safety features should be given preference. In this regard, devices that have a stronger build are equipped with hand brakes and seat belts. In addition, the weight capacity of the product should also be checked. Moreover, anti-tip wheels and an emergency stop system can also prevent many accidents.
5. Maintenance Needs
The mobility aids for seniors which are high maintenance should be avoided. This puts additional pressure on the user or the caregiver and thus sometimes adds to their troubles instead of easing them.
6. Budget-Friendly Devices
The mobility aids for seniors are designed to provide comfort during daily activities to patients with specific needs. But in addition to being good in performance and providing necessary support, these mobility aids for seniors should also be budget-friendly, or in case of a higher price, the benefits of the product should outweigh the cost.
Hand brakes on mobility aids for seniors ensure better control
Mobility Aids for Seniors at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Mobility aid is essential for the elderly as it helps them become independent and prevent fall accidents. Such devices are ideal as they improve the patient’s well-being. Some of these mobility aids for seniors are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Drive Medical RTL10310FCH Folding Quad Cane Small Base Charcoal
US$25.89
Product Details
Drive Medical RTL10310FCH folding quad cane small base charcoal has been designed as one of the suitable mobility aids for seniors. The product is foldable and therefore portable. The construction material is aluminum and can bear the patient’s weight without being damaged.
The four-point base provides greater grip on the floor which improves stability. The handle is also non-slip to enhance control over the product. Rattling is reduced during the locking ring. The weight capacity of the Drive Medical RTL10310FCH folding quad cane small base charcoal is up to 300 lbs.
Medical Nimbo 2G Lightweight Posterior Walker
US$174.99 to 245.99
Product Details
Medical Nimbo 2G lightweight posterior walker is suitable for use in both children as well as adults. Its five different height settings enable the user to adjust the device according to their suitability. To ensure two directional movements, a one-directional override bracket is attached.
These Medical Nimbo 2G lightweight posterior walkers are one of the best mobility aids for seniors. These have a stronger hand grip and the product can be folded and stored in a small space.
Medical 10240-1 Side Style Hemi One Arm Walker
US$52.99
Product Details
Medical 10240-1 side style hemi one arm walker is a product of Drive Medical mobility aids for seniors. It can be operated with only one hand or arm. The wider base of these walkers provides ample support to those in need of mobility aid.
The product is also lighter in weight and has greater stability as compared to a cane. These Medical 10240-1 side style hemi one arm walkers are foldable and highly portable.
Drive Medical FLEX-AUTO ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter Blue
US$2,824.99
Product Details
Drive Medical FLEX-AUTO ZooMe auto-flex folding travel scooter blue is one of the mobility aids for seniors that do not require assembling before use. The angle-adjustable delta tiller allows maximum driving comfort. The construction material is aluminium which makes the scooter lightweight and portable.
A high-gloss shroud ensures that the scooter body is well-protected. This battery-powered device is airline-safe as it contains a lithium battery.
Medical Rollator Rolling Walker with 6″ Wheels, Fold-Up Removable Back Support, and Padded Seat
US$99.99
Product Details
Medical rollator rolling walker is a foldable product that comes with a removable back support. The seamless padded seat is attached to the walker so that the user can take a break and sit down comfortably. A zippered pouch is also attached under the seat which can be used to store necessary items.
The product also has easy-to-use deluxe locks for safety. The serrated edges of the brakes maximize safety as they provide a firm hold on the ground.
Drive Medical Wallaby Pediatric Folding Wheelchair
US$357.99
Product Details
Drive Medical Wallaby pediatric folding wheelchair is a product that comes with a height-adjusting option. The flip-back armrest option allows easy transfer of the user to the seat. The anti-tippers are also added which prevent the product from tipping in the backward direction.
In addition, a pelvic belt is also attached to the wheelchair to support the posture while sitting. The product is ideal for individuals who have a body weight between 50 to 80 pounds (lbs).
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Mobility aids for seniors improve their quality of life
The mobility aids for seniors, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out the wide range of devices including mobility aids for seniors, grab bars, patient lifts, stair lifts, transfer boards, shower chairs, toilet risers, etc.
Bottom Line
Mobility aids for seniors are as necessary as taking their medication regularly. This is because people with advancing age often have limited mobility as well as a higher risk of falling which can lead to serious consequences. Hence, these devices become essential.
Among different kinds of mobility aids for seniors, canes, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters are common. The work enables the seniors to become more independent and safe. However, while choosing mobility aids for seniors, their mobility level, environment, as well as budget should be kept in mind.
For purchasing top-quality mobility aids for seniors, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
