Mobility Aids
Mobility aid devices serve the purpose of assisting an individual in walking or boosting their ability to maneuver in the event that the individual has mobility impairment. There are several mobility aids available to meet the different needs and wants. Depending on your impairment, you will be advised on the best option.
Each type of mobility aid plays a role and one is not advised to interchange them without guidance. Disabled persons or those who incurred injuries may be advised to use a mobility aid. At CSA Medical Supply we carry mobility aids that help individuals who are seeking to improve there stability, reduce lower limb loading, or generate movement. Our goal is to provide you with the right mobility aid, so that you can gain back your independence and freedom. This guide will help you select the right mobility aid depending on your individual situation.
Functions of Mobility Aids
- Provide greater stability and balance
- Enhance your walking speed as well as evenness of stride
- Boost your confidence and independence
- Redistributing weight thus reducing pain in joints and muscles as you walk.
Choosing the Correct Mobility Aid
circumstances will require the use of a different mobility aid. They serve different purposes. The following are the major factors that one should consider when choosing a mobility aid.
The purpose/ function
Before going all out to purchase a mobility aid, it is best that you identify the key objective of why you need one. This is because they serve different functions as highlighted above despite looking to ease on mobility.
The fitting they offer you
Some mobility aid devices will only provide the required support and comfort only when they fit perfectly. It is therefore, advisable that devices such as crutches and walkers are fitted to meet your specifications.
The surrounding environment
Not every device will be capable to ease mobility under every circumstance. Some may easily move through rocky areas while others will not. Before purchase, consider the environment around you.
The Different Kinds of Mobility Aid
There are many different kinds Mobility aids and each device serves a different purpose. Determining the best mobility device for you or your loved one really depends on your condition. So whether you are looking for a wheel chair to help get you around better, or just need a pair of crutches following a ankle injury we have you covered. Below is list of all the different mobility aids that we carry in order to help you get moving again.
A cane, also commonly referred to as a walking stick, is designed to boost stability and balance during standing up and walking. It is held in the hand and offer's extra support while walking. A Cane is simple and easy to use. This device is not restricted to individuals with an injury. Canes are largely used by the elderly as they age in an effort to reduce the risk of a fall. They are made of different materials and feature different designs so you must be precise when choosing one. It is important to note that there are walking sticks, white walking sticks, for the blind or partially blind. Consider the height, material, and handle shape when buying one. The right height will prevent back, shoulder, and elbow pains. However, they can only support one side of your body.
Crutches
Crutches reduce the weight that you put on your leg, giving your leg, foot or ankle adequate time to heal following an injury or surgery. The use of crutches or crutch alternatives is dependent how bad the injury is and the amount of time your physician has recommended you to keep weight off the effected area. At CSA Medical Supply we offer many different types of Crutches and Crutch alternatives including forearm crutches, elbow crutches, knee walkers, iWalkers, and of course your traditional underarm crutches. Before ordering crutches please consider the height, handgrip, and material.
Rollators are designed to help assist you with walking both indoors and outdoors by giving you better stability. The key features that make this possible are the inclusion of castors (wheels) that come with brakes and two handles that are easily adjustable. At CSA Medical Supply we carry both 3 wheel rollators, and 4 wheel rollators. Most rollators come with other accessories such as a basket, seat, and storage pouch. When choosing the correct rollator for you or your loved one, it is important to factor in its pressure brakes, brakes, the material, its locking capabilities so it does not roll away fast, as well as its hands grip, which should be firm.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are a substitute for walking, as your feet will not touch the ground. These are designed to meet the needs of individuals who because of injury or very weak legs. The user sits on it and will not walk, as long as they are seated. With the advancement in technology, you will find electric powered wheelchairs in addition to the manually operational wheelchairs.
Walkers provide a better balance in an effort to reduce leg pains either from an injury or from weak legs especially the elderly. They offer a wider support base therefore, working better than a walking stick. The different types of walking frames include non-wheeled standard pulpit frames, folding pulpit frames, high or forearm walkers, reciprocal frames, trainer walkers, as well as reverse mobile walkers. The difference lies in their structure on the legs and the added features. Before purchasing, consider the height.
Mobility scooters are recommended to people who have significantly been affected of their mobility and/or balance impairment. They provide a position where you can sit and operate it electronically. Though this may resemble a wheel chair, it is important to point out that mobility scooters are designed to offer more comfort with heavily padded chairs and that they can handle different terrains. When purchasing one, you need to put into consideration their terrain strengths and ease of maneuverability. It is also advisable to confirm that your hearing and sight are good. Otherwise, you will be recommended to consider a wheelchair in the event these senses are impaired.
Geriatric chairs come in handy for people who need to relax and move around when out of bed. These chairs offer a more comfortable seating platform then a wheelchair with the ability to sit in different positions while at the same time enhancing comfort. Some factors consider before purchasing a Geri Chair include its weight holding capabilities and its different positioning capabilities. While Geri Chairs are far more comfortable then a transport wheelchair for the user they are generally only for use inside the home due to there weight.
Mobility aids will only serve their purpose when selected correctly. The wrong selection may cause more pain and introduce other problems such as back pains. Once the physician recommends the ideal mobility aid to meet the objectives of your situation, you need to identify the best option to work with under the suggested category.