As we age, one of the most challenging aspects of a long life is the potential decline in mobility. Mobility issues can arise from various factors, including aging, illness, or chronic conditions affecting muscles, joints, organs, or balance. Senior mobility aids play a crucial role in maintaining independence, regardless of the underlying cause. The impact of limited mobility goes beyond physical limitations and can affect our mood. Additionally, it can place a significant burden on caregivers and loved ones.
Fortunately, as healthcare advances, so do senior mobility aids. HonestMed offers a diverse range of senior mobility aids tailored to different levels of assistance. This article provides valuable insights into various types of mobility assistance products, their usage, and their significance for patients, loved ones, and caregivers. Discover how senior mobility aids can empower patients and loved ones to pursue their daily lives and engage in activities they love, while also alleviating the burden on family members and caregivers.
Senior Mobility Decline
Mobility impairment falls under the category of disabilities that encompass various types of physical limitations. Impairment can affect either the upper or lower extremities and can range from mild to severe. It can be caused by factors like aging, congenital conditions, or acquired illnesses. Examples of such conditions include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and others.
Aging not only affects individuals with these illnesses but also healthy individuals. This is why senior mobility aids play a crucial role. As seniors age, they often experience muscle and bone loss. This can be further compounded by ailments that seniors are more prone to, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart and pulmonary diseases, balance issues, and obesity.
Each of these conditions can have an impact on mobility and hinder seniors from enjoying their independence. While exercising and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial, temporary loss of mobility can occur for many seniors due to falls, fractures, or surgical procedures like joint replacement. Senior mobility aids such as canes, walkers, rollators, or wheelchairs can often help mitigate mobility impairment in such cases.
Senior Mobility Aids
Temporary or long-term, mobility challenges can be addressed with senior mobility aids suitable for various stages of impairment or post-surgery recovery. To find the right aid for your condition, consult your healthcare provider. Below are descriptions of common senior mobility aids and their applications:
Canes
Canes are a suitable option for seniors experiencing mild arthritis pain in the knee or hip, as well as mild balance issues. They can support up to 25% of your body weight. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you find the best solution for your specific needs. HonestMed provides a range of canes and cane accessories to assist you. Here are some helpful tips for selecting the right cane:
- Opt for a cane with a non-skid rubber tip.
- Consider a cane with curved or rounded handles if you experience hand or wrist pain, as they provide balance while reducing stress.
- Note that canes are suitable for mild pain and balance issues, but they are not as stable as walkers.
- If you need more balance support, choose a quad-tip cane.
- For added comfort, try a cane with a small attached seat.
- Offset canes can help seniors with weak hands or wrists by reducing stress.
- Folding canes offer convenience for occasional users.
- Ensure proper fit by adjusting the cane length to be approximately half your height.
Walkers and Rollators
When canes do not provide enough support, walkers or rollators are the ideal senior mobility aids. They are suitable for short-term use after surgery or long-term use for chronic mobility issues. Walkers are constructed with sturdy yet lightweight aluminum and many can be folded for easy storage during travel or when not in use. Rollators, on the other hand, have a seat, wheels on all legs, and hand brakes – some have four legs while others have three. Similar to canes, walkers and rollators are adjustable to ensure the right height. HonestMed offers a wide selection of walkers, rollators, and accessories.
There are different types of walkers:
Standard walkers Pickup walkers, also known as wheeled walkers, are equipped with four rubber-tipped legs instead of wheels. While using a pickup walker may require more effort to lift with each step, it offers enhanced stability.
Two-wheeled walkers The walker has wheels on its front two legs, allowing it to bear more weight and move forward with greater ease. This type of walker may also facilitate better posture by making it easier to stand up straight.
Three-and four-wheel walkers or rollators have wheels on all three or four legs and they come with handbrakes. The front wheels typically swivel, to make turning easier. Most of them come with a seat that has a storage basket underneath. Rollators have various designs for indoor use and more heavy-duty models for outdoor use.
Knee walkers are specifically designed for short-term healing of a leg or ankle injury or surgery. The knee of the recovering leg rests on a platform, while the injured person pushes the walker with the healthy leg.
Walker or rollator, which is right for me?
Before making any decisions, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. However, if you have good balance but often require rest breaks with a place to sit, a rollator can be a beneficial mobility aid for seniors. Rollators are also a practical option for individuals with weak arms or a weak grip. If you experience balance issues, it is recommended to use a pickup walker or a walker with two wheels. Here are some guidelines for selecting walkers and rollators, as well as tips for their effective use.
- Choose a walker that matches your height. To determine the appropriate height, stand in the walker with relaxed arms. Ensure that the crease on the inside of your wrist aligns with the top of the hand grip on the walker.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed while walking. Maintain a slightly bent elbow, approximately 15 degrees, when gripping the walker.
- To move forward, place the walker about one step ahead and shift your weight onto it. Remember to stand as straight as possible.
- When using this senior mobility aid, move the walker forward and then lead with your stronger leg, followed by the other leg. Keep the walker as steady as possible while positioning yourself before walking.
- Maintain an upright posture while walking to prevent strain on your back and neck. Step into the walker instead of staying behind it. Avoid pushing the walker too far ahead. Take it slow, especially in the beginning.
- If using a rollator, utilize the hand brakes when necessary.
- Exercise caution on slippery or uneven surfaces and watch out for objects on the ground.
- It is recommended to wear low-heeled shoes when using a walker or rollator.
Walker Accessories
Nowadays, walkers for seniors have a variety of accessories that not only promote independence but also improve their functionality as a mobility aid. Below is a list of accessories that can enhance the functionality and independence provided by your walker:
- Most walkers nowadays are designed to fold easily for convenient storage and portability. HonestMed offers a wide range of folding walkers.
- Attachable trays on walkers provide convenience, allowing you to carry food, drinks, or other items while using your walker.
- Walker bags or pouches are available to keep your phone, wallet, and personal items easily accessible. There are various designs and sizes to suit your needs.
- Front-mounted baskets on walkers offer more independence and flexibility when you go shopping.
- To enhance mobility on carpeted or textured surfaces, you can use tennis ball glides or hard plastic glides on the back legs of your two-wheeled walker. Make sure to use glides specifically designed for walkers, as regular tennis balls may make your walker unstable.
Crutches
Crutches are typically utilized temporarily when it is necessary to keep weight off a lower extremity due to an injury, sprain, fracture, or post-surgery. It is crucial to seek assistance from a healthcare professional in selecting the appropriate crutch size based on your height. HonestMed provides a range of senior mobility aids, including crutches and crutch supplies. Here are a few safety tips for properly fitting and using crutches:
- Position the crutches under your armpits at the appropriate height to support your weight while ensuring proper circulation in your arms.
- Maintain a natural hang of your arms when the crutches are under your armpit, leaving at least two inches between your armpit and the top of the crutch.
- Keep your arms slightly bent while being able to grip the hand support.
- When walking, simultaneously move both crutches forward, placing your weight on the hand grips and swinging your uninjured leg forward to land between the crutches.
- Maintain balance while sitting by holding both crutches in one hand and grasping the chair with the other hand.
- When ascending stairs, use both crutches and utilize the handrail for additional support as needed. When descending, hold onto the handrail while using one crutch, and have someone hold the other crutch for you.
- Allow yourself extra time to navigate safely, as crutches may slow down your mobility.
Wheelchairs
Certain congenital conditions necessitate the use of wheelchairs from early childhood. Similarly, many adults require wheelchairs as illnesses make mobility increasingly challenging. For seniors, the decision to use a wheelchair as a mobility aid often arises as they age or as diseases progress, and walkers no longer offer sufficient support. At HonestMed, we provide a range of wheelchairs and accessories to promote independence.
There are three types of wheelchairs:
Manual wheelchairs:
A manual wheelchair is a mobility aid for seniors that does not have power controls. Typically, these wheelchairs have round bars surrounding the wheels, which the user can push to move the wheelchair. For seniors who have the strength to propel a wheelchair themselves, this would be the ideal choice due to its lightweight design, affordable cost, and easy maintenance. Manual wheelchairs also have handles in the back, allowing someone else to push the user if needed. In addition to standard models, HonestMed offers specialized options for bariatric patients, as well as lightweight models and those with a reclining feature.
Power wheelchairs:
Elderly individuals who have limited motor function or cardiovascular strength to operate a manual wheelchair can opt for a power or electric wheelchair. As the name suggests, this type of wheelchair runs on a battery. The controls enable you to initiate, halt, move forward, turn, or reverse. Although they are heavier and require more intricate maintenance than manual wheelchairs, they are well-suited for users who lack the physical strength to manually operate a wheelchair.
Transport wheelchairs:
These narrow and lightweight wheelchairs have smaller wheels, making them ideal for being pushed by a caregiver. The patient cannot use the small wheels to propel themselves. Similar to a rollator, these wheelchairs are easy to maneuver in tight corners and smaller areas. Transport wheelchairs are commonly utilized in hospitals and other caregiving environments to transfer patients between locations.
