Wheelchair

How to Choose the Right Mobility Aids for Disabled Individuals

By kelingmedical

Choosing the right mobility products for the disabled is a decision that has a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals. Mobility aids not only help one to move, but it also gives you independence, dignity and a better life. There are so many choices out there – wheelchairs, scooters, walking devices, ramps – that distributors and dealers can be overwhelmed to find the right one for the right customer. In this post, we will take you through the main considerations to make a mobility device recommendation to make sure that each individual gets the best care possible.

How To Select Mobility Aids Things To Keep In Mind When Selecting One.

In order to pick out the right mobility device, a full account of the person’s requirements, their medical history and environment must be considered. If you get the right device it will assist, mitigate risks and support the independence of the user.

Age, Physical State, Mobility Levels.
Choosing mobility aids is one of the most crucial decisions you will ever make. It is not only the specific illnesses that need different types of help.

For the less mobile, or those with injuries, walking aides (canes, crutches, or walkers) can be sufficient. They enable people to walk, stay stable and avoid falling.

For those who require continuous care, or who cannot even walk, wheelchairs, both manual and powered, are necessary. Manual wheelchairs can be great for those with the right arm strength, and powered wheelchairs or scooters are appropriate for those with more independence but lack the upper body power to push a manual chair.

If the user wants occasional mobility but not always a regular wheelchair, a mobility scooter can be just the thing. The mobility scooters are mainly ideal for those who require long-distance support, both indoors and out.

Environment and Usage Requirements
The environment in which the device will be applied influences which mobility aid would work best for the user. If you think about if the user will be using mostly indoors or outdoors, or they will need both, then ask yourself:.

: In-doors: If you’re doing most of your movement in-doors, manual wheelchairs, walkers and canes are enough. These machines are lightweight, simple to use, and can occupy narrow entranceways and hallways.

Outside: Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are better options for long-distance transportation or if you want to use the mobility scooters for outdoor paths or sidewalks. They’re more stable and comfortable to use for longer periods of time, and most of them feature things such as variable speed and better suspension in difficult environments.

Mixed Environment: If the user wants an aid that is good for both inside and outside, then folding manual wheelchairs or lightweight walkers might be better. They’re lightweight and can be used on the occasional outside, but also storing and moving around indoors.

Comfort and Adjustability
Comfort is important for those who are going to be using their mobility aid frequently. Uncomfortable use of mobility aids for too long can cause discomfort, pressure sores or even permanent harm.

Mobility cushions are a must have for both powered and manual wheelchairs. Such cushions also evenly spread the weight and ease the pressure for those who are in the wheelchair for long hours. There are designs, fabrics, and depths of cushion, so distributors can choose one according to their needs.

There must also be pivot points in mobility aids. For instance, wheelchairs that come with reclining foot rests, arm rests and backrests can allow people to seat in the way that suits them best. A few walkers and rollators come in height adjustable models for various body shapes and greater ergonomic assistance.

Posture and Support: Most mobility devices (in wheelchairs and scooters, for example) have ergonomic seating, lumbar support and recline functions for a good posture. It is not only more comfortable but it also saves you from additional health issues such as back pain or muscle sprain.

Portability and Ease of Transport
Portability is very important to anyone who travels often or has to carry their mobility aid around frequently.

Folding wheelchairs and walkers are excellent for those that want something that can collapse in a vehicle or be carried on public transport. Most manual wheelchairs are also small and fold easily, so they are great for transport.

If you are a user of a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, look for lightweight models that have dismantling capabilities. There are powered scooters that can be dismantled into smaller bits and carried around easily, which is handy for those of us who need to move around a lot.

There are even all-terrain scooters and wheelchairs for people who will be going outdoors often or have to drive on both pavements and dirt roads. They are heftier but provide better protection and feel for the outdoors.

Safety Features
Safety is a main consideration when considering mobility devices. The perfect mobility aid will give you safety, so you don’t get injured if you fall over. There should be anti-tip systems, braking systems, and footrests for the protection of the user.

Anti-tip equipment is also important for people in manual wheelchairs or scooters. They stop the wheelchair turning backward when the user bends or puts their weight on it.

You need brakes for every mobility device. Powerful wheels for powered wheelchairs and scooters should have effective brakes, while the manual wheelchair must have safe and easy to use hand brakes for stopping.

Footrests must be removable and secure, so that they hold you steady and not let you fall off the chair.

Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost is a factor of course, but also be sure to ask if the mobility device is insured. Most mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, lifts, etc., might be covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, depending on the patient’s condition.

When shopping for one, make sure to inquire if the mobility aid is insured. What’s more, you should also think about how durable and upkeep the machine will be in the long term.
Conclusion

The right mobility aid for the disabled person should be an informed and customized decision based on the user’s mobility requirements, way of life, and environment. The distributors and dealers can educate their customers about the right options by taking into account the user’s medical history, environment in which the machine is to be placed, ease and sizing, portability, safety and price.

Distributors can supply customizable options for mobility aids, from manual and powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking aids, to help their customers live a better life.