Mobility aids is a broad category that includes a variety of products designed to help people with limited mobility to move around with ease. These include wheelchairs, different kinds of canes, crutches, different kinds of walkers, mobility scooters, etc. Mobility impairment could be temporary or permanent, and depending on your needs, you can choose an aid that takes care of you the best.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, whether manual or electric, help people to move from one place to another without having to use your legs to do so. You could need a wheelchair because of a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, spina bifida, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s and paralysis, or to fulfil a short-term requirement such as healing from a fracture or a surgery. Wheelchairs have come a long way in terms of quality and features and can be customized to specific requirements such as weight, height and seating quality. It is important to pick a wheelchair type that is suited to one’s needs as all people using wheelchairs do not share the same level of disability. For example, a paraplegic individual cannot wheel a manual wheelchair, so an electronic aid that can move with the help of a joystick is the best option to remain independent.

Walkers

Walkers are a great aid for people who can walk but need continuous support to do so. Also known as a walking frame device, walkers provide stability and balance to users and also come with wheels for the outdoors. Designed with a four-leg frame, walkers are usually a good option for people suffering from age-related mobility issues, and are too frail to use a walking stick.

Crutches

Crutches are helpful for people who are able to move but with support that takes away weight from their legs. The structure of crutches transfers weight to the upper body, and so these are most convenient for people whose legs cannot take any weight. Reasons could range from short-term injuries or permanent illnesses such as cerebral palsy. Crutches are used in pairs or also singularly depending on the condition of the user.

Walking sticks

Canes or walking sticks can be of different kinds and suited to varying levels of mobility. A basic cane offers basic support for movement, while a tripod walking stick or a quad cane are designed to provide steadier support. Walking sticks also come with features like height adjustability, foldability and foldable seats as well.

Mobility accessories at home

You can install a range of mobility accessories at home to ensure your safety and make your life easy. Grab bars are a common accessory that can be installed in bathrooms, by the bedside, and in other areas of the house where you perceive they may be needed by you. Another mobility device is a stair lift for people who have elevators in their buildings or live in homes that are multiple-storied. This is a common problem in India, and stair lifts are easy to install, can be folded up and customized, and come with patented swivel technology that can take you up multiple flights of stairs without having to get off.