Growing old comes with some difficulties and has the good side of enjoying all the years from birth to old age. One of the common challenges faced by the elderly is mobility. As you get older, your muscle mass decreases as well, causing problems with joints. This may result in difficulty walking, whereby you may need to turn to walking assistance aids like the use of wheelchairs or walking sticks.
If you have loved ones facing a mobility challenge, it might be a challenge to choose the best walking assistance aid for them. There are a variety of mobility aids available, including:
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
- Rollators
- Canes
- Knee scooters
- Transport chairs
- Lifting seats
- Walkers
These mobility aids give users different levels of mobility assistance. When choosing any mobility aid for your loved one, it is important to ensure that you make the right choice so that they can move independently and safely.
Lifestyle
When choosing a walking assistance aid, you first need to think about the activity level of the person. This is very important to consider because one may have a very active lifestyle and might be performing different activities on their feet. People with the same mobility level issues may need different walking assistance tools that vary with the level of activity.
Environment
The environment can dictate the type of mobility tool that you will need to choose. It is important to first do research on the house, the type of stairs, doors, tight spaces or even obstacles that can affect mobility.
Consider some common locations where the mobility aid will go. This can easily be forgotten and can lead to some serious problems.
Health
When choosing the type of walking assistance you want, health should always be the top priority that you should consider. How long can your loved one stand and what types of motions are difficult for them to perform? For example, if there are only minor problems, there is no need to buy a wheelchair because a cane will do. If one has major problems, then it is advisable to choose wheelchairs, walkers or rollators. You can also visit a doctor to assist you in making a choice.
Weight Limit
Each set of mobility tools comes with a certain weight capacity. Make sure you choose one that can withstand the person’s weight.
Budget
Make sure that you consult their insurance to confirm if they cover the type of mobility aid you need. It is very important to always get the walking assistance aid you need and if you can, meet your budget. Choose the one that will meet your needs while still considering your budget.
Choosing walking assistance aids like wheelchairs for your loved one can be challenging. Always make sure that the person visits the doctor first for a checkup. At Penn York Medical, we strive to meet all your needs like budget, quality and other mobility aid factors. Visit us today at 69 Main St, Binghamton, NY 13905, or call us today.