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Mobility aids are simply tools that are designed to give people more freedom and allow them to move around freely with better ease, therefore, providing them with more independence and lessening their reliance on other people. While there is a wide range of people who benefit from the use of these devices, most of the time, the people that use them tend to be older adults, which can make it difficult for younger people who use them. There is a certain stigma around the use of mobility aids simply because they are more heavily associated with older adults, which can be incredibly damaging for other people in society that also need to use them. Let’s dive in.
Who in Society Will Benefit from the Use of Mobility Aids?
Mobility aids are designed to help anyone that needs them, whether they are experiencing a long-term mobility issue or just a temporary condition. The type of mobility will, of course, depend on the individual. A lot of people can benefit, contrary to popular belief, not just the elderly or infirm. There are many conditions that could necessitate the need for mobility aids, like fractures or broken bones, or an injury to the lower body. Arthritis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or even gout. Any walking impairment due to developmental difficulties, disabilities, or brain injuries. They can even be useful for those with heart or lung issues and even obesity. These conditions may be chronic or short-term. Many people will be entitled to benefits or assistance to purchase mobility aids needed for their condition. For instance, veterans who have been left disabled after conflict may be due benefits and compensation for their injuries. This can help them financially to access rehabilitation and any equipment needed – you can learn more about that here.
The Stigma
As mentioned above, most of the stigma surrounding mobility aids is simply that they should exclusively be used by the elderly and infirm, but this is not the case. There are a number of conditions that would be benefitted from their use. Breaking the stigma is easier than you might think; all you need to do is to use your mobility aids without shame or embarrassment, which admittedly might be easier said than done at times when you feel like people are staring at you. Some people like to personalise or customise their mobility aids so that they are more in keeping with their style and their aesthetic. This then makes the mobility aid an accessory.
Canes
Canes are a popular mobility aid, having recently been seen being used by the likes of Christina Applegate and Selma Blair. They allow you to shift some of the weight from your legs to your upper body; however, they can put a bigger strain on your wrists and hands. There are several different forms of cane to choose from, and you can find bespoke options which allow you to choose a cane that speaks more to your personality.
Crutches
Crutches again work similarly to a cane; they again help to shift some of the weight from the lower body to the upper body. You can choose to use a singular crutch or a pair of crutches. Crutches, for the most part, tend to be preferred by those with short-term needs, although they may also be used by those with long-term disabilities. You can choose from underarm, forearm, or platform crutches depending on your mobility issues and preferences.
Walkers
Walkers are comprised of a metal frame with four legs which are used to provide stability to the user. Most of the time, the frame is made up of three sides that surround the user as they step into the gap to use it. Some forms of walkers have wheels or glide on the base of the legs, which allow users to push the walker along as opposed to lifting it up every time they take a step. There are walker/cane hybrids that only have two legs. There are also knee walkers that have a cushion for the knee of the weaker leg allowing users to gain momentum using their stronger leg. Lastly, there are Rollators like the ones available from Rollz Mobility; these walkers have a seat so that the user can stop and rest when they need to, and they also tend to have brakes as well.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are designed for people who cannot weight bear either consistently or at all. It is worth pointing out that not all wheelchair users are completely unable to walk. They are often better for those with severe disabilities or when travelling longer distances where more support will be required. There are manual and electric wheelchairs depending on the preferences and capabilities of the user.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are somewhat similar to wheelchairs. The user’s feet tend to rest on a foot plate or the bed of the scooter. They also tend to have handlebars and are battery-powered, allowing users to steer and control the directionality of the scooters. They are often used by those who have limited mobility issues because a lot of mobility scooter users can walk but would struggle to do so over longer distances or time periods. They are not usually classed as road-worthy vehicles, which means they are often driven on the pavement.
Common Safety Modifications at Home
In addition to mobility aids to help you to get out and about, there are also a few safety modifications that you might want to consider at home too. Some people are reluctant to invest in them for the home because they are often thought to be bulky and ugly, but today’s designs can be incredibly sleek and stylish. It might be worth considering building an access ramp to your home instead of stairs, steps or uneven ground, or sloping. Regardless of the mobility issue you face and the devices you use, a ramp can make your life a lot easier.
If you have stairs in your home, it might make sense to have a stair lift or even a lift installed to make it easier for you to access the upper floor of your home. If you rely on a wheelchair, then it would also make sense to have your doorways widened to account for this too. If you simply need a cane or crutches, then it might make sense to have some dado rails installed in your home; they are functional but are also a feature in their own right.
In Summary
Mobility aids are not any cause for shame or embarrassment. Think about what they add to your life in terms of independence, comfort, and freedom. They are well worth it. In terms of aesthetics, think about your mobility aid as an extension of your style and how you can use it to express yourself and your style.
Image Credit: Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash