Research indicates that 3 million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall-related injuries. We can easily prevent some of these injuries by using mobility aids. We love our seniors, and the best we can do for them is make their lives comfortable and safe.

This article discusses mobility equipment for elderly people and provides more information useful for the elderly looking for reliable ways to move around.

Why Every Senior Could Benefit From Mobility Equipment

Research indicates that seniors who might benefit from mobility devices do not use them. Not because they cannot afford them but due to their attitude and beliefs.

Also, they fear the stigmatization surrounding the use of mobility aids.

Here are some benefits of using mobility equipment for older adults:

• Increase self-care, confidence, and independence
• Reduced falls and injuries
• Reduced pain
• Help improve cardiovascular and mental health

Talking To Your Doctor About Mobility Equipment

Talking to your doctor about mobility problems will help them assess your situation and determine the best mobility aid for you. You’ll have to be open about things like:

• Fear of falling down
• Dizziness and excess pain while walking
• Difficulty while standing, sitting, or moving around

Common Mobility Equipment For Seniors

There are different mobility equipment for elderly that are available. It’s good to choose depending on your health needs.

Walker With A Seat

Also known as a wheeled walker or rollator, this mobility equipment for the elderly takes the design of a standard walker, only that it has wheels and a seat. In addition, they have a handlebar with brakes for safety measures. You can use it to control your walking speed.

With its flexible feature, a rollator helps people who cannot walk without support. This type is suitable for people with good balance and who have the strength to walk.

When choosing rollators, check if it’s foldable. This will help during storage or when traveling. Also, consider where you’ll be using it, outdoor or indoor. A rollator can be a 3-wheel or 4-wheel.

Canes

Canes, also referred to as walking sticks, are the most known form of walking aids and have been around for the longest time.

A walking stick is an excellent aid in distributing weight from the legs to the upper body. Based on research, canes help improve balance and reduce pain, especially on the back.

Types of Canes

• Standard canes
• Offset canes
• Quad canes

Mobility Scooter For Everyday Use

A scooter is an excellent aid for people with restricted mobility. They help you get to places or do things that you’d otherwise not have done. They are made for outdoor use and are battery-powered, so they cannot cause fatigue.
They are comfortable, easy to use, and help improve independence.

Stairlift Chair

They are also referred to as chair lifts or stair gliders. This device helps people with poor balance or restricted movements to move up and down the stairs.

Did you know people over 75 years are five times more likely to sustain stair-related injury than younger people? Falling can have adverse health effects physically and emotionally on seniors.

One way to prevent injuries is by making the environment safe for seniors. A stairlift chair is an excellent way to prevent falls in homes. A chair or lifting platform with a control mechanism glides up and down the stair treads along the rail.

There are two main types of stairlifts:

• Straight stairlifts: These are for straight staircases. They are easy to install and less costly.
• Curved stairlifts: Designed for curved staircases, they are more expensive than straight stairlifts and can take time to install.

Wheelchair

Wheelchairs are among the most commonly used equipment for people with mobility problems. This equipment fits seniors who cannot or should not place their weight on the limbs or those with limited mobility.

To use a manual wheelchair, you must have the strength to push it or have someone to help you move around. Otherwise, an electric wheelchair will be a great choice since it is easier to use and less tiresome.

How Do I Choose a Mobility Device?

Choosing the best mobility aid depends on your health needs. If you are a caregiver, first speak to your loved one since they understand what they need most.
Before choosing a mobility device, consult the doctor so that they can suggest the best equipment that fits your needs.

What Can I Use Instead of a Wheelchair?

A mobility scooter. This is a popular mobility aid for elders. It has three wheels, handles and is electric or battery powered. Some mobility scooters are gasoline-powered.

Wheelchair vs. Mobility Scooter: Which One Is Better?

A wheelchair is better. Although scooters are highly convenient outdoors, they have a larger turning radius than wheelchairs, making it harder to maneuver in confined spaces or within the house. On the other hand, wheelchairs are flexible and easily customizable for individual needs.

Conclusion

Every senior deserves love and care. They should also enjoy socializing even in their old age. The best way to offer them all this is by making sure they’re mobile.

It’s also safe to move your senior to an assisted living facility for special care and observation. As you do this, the above list should help you choose the right mobility device to help them move around the facility and its environs.

We have a team of senior advisors to help you find a senior community and assist with senior placement!