Wheeled Mobility Aids

Mobility aids with wheels are key for all sorts of tasks around the home. If someone struggles to walk unaided, they are perfect for a number of situations. Injuries or conditions which affect the ability to walk impact millions of people in the UK, leading many to seek equipment which might help.

While sticks and canes offer useful support for walking, sometimes they are not enough. Stability can be an issue and if the person’s balance is also impaired, standard sticks can be dangerous to use. This is especially true if the individual concerned lives alone.

Suffering a fall can result in serious injuries, particularly to elderly people. Fractures occasionally lead to infection and other secondary medical conditions. Those living alone are vulnerable to falling and possibly having no way of raising the alarm.

Tripods, Tetropods and Walking Frames

Tripod or tetrapod walking sticks provide options if a standard walking stick is not stable enough to be safe. These have three or four legs and offer greater stability than traditional sticks. Even when made of lightweight aluminium, the drawback with these walking aids is that they are comparatively heavy to use.

For the elderly, this can be a problem, so they instead look to more substantial aids.

Walking frames are a great way of getting around the home. These are available with wheels and are usually made of lightweight materials, so are easy to control after some practice. Some come equipped with on-board storage, so you can easily carry objects from room to room. These storage devices are sometimes called walking frame caddies.

If you have narrow corridors, consider the width of frame you require before making a choice. Some extra-narrow frames are available, which might be a good option in limited space.

For the kitchen or dining room, trolleys are a great way of offering support. At the same time they help transporting food and drink from the work surfaces to the table. Often they have shelves for this purpose.

These wheeled kitchen trolley typically have casters on each leg so are easy to manoeuvre. Equipped with four wheels, they are both stable and practical.

When outside the home, the most common form of wheeled walking aids are rollators. These have either four or three wheels and are great for trips to the shops. Four-wheeled models usually feature a basket and a seat.

The seat provides a convenient resting point if you need a break from walking. Usually a brake system will be in place which prevents the rollator from rolling while the seat is in use.

Some modern models look radically different to a typical rollator. They have sleek geometry and attractive colour schemes. Some have bicycle-staying lever brakes.

An Over Bed Table?

In the bedroom and over bed table with wheels can be a useful aid. These have legs which are nearly flat to the ground. Their small wheels are able to roll underneath the bed itself, positioning the table-top over the legs of the person in bed.

The same principal applies to an over chair table. Again the legs slide under the chair, allowing the table top to be accessible to the person sitting down.

Using an over bed table is convenient to allow eating and drinking, providing access to reading material, an Ipad or laptop. For those spending extended periods bedbound, they are a useful living aid.

It is important to check if the over chair table you are considering will fit the armchair or sofa you have in mind. Similar to divan beds, a small clearance gap under the furniture may cause problems. Make sure that you know the clearance the table requires in order for its legs to fit under the furniture concerned.

Sometimes models with wheels need more space in this respect than those without. Some designs don’t have wheels at all and the legs simply slide on the carpet beneath the chair. These models tend to require less clearance space.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/185882872508/wheeled-mobility-aids

Reduced Mobility Can Lead to Prolonged Periods in Bed

Many medical conditions lead to people having to spend long periods in bed. While this may be necessary for recovery, it presents practical problems requiring solutions.

Equipment to Consider

If going to and from the bathroom is difficult and incontinence is an issue, products like bed pads, bed pans and portable urinals come into their own.

Pads of various types are available and offer different degrees of absorbency. They work by absorbing liquid away from the skin, protecting the user and the mattress. Many modern bed pads are disposable, but washable versions are still available. These are an economic option for long-term use.

Disability aids like bed pans are available, some with a ‘slipper’ design. These slide beneath the user’s body while they remain in bed. These are wedge shaped, making them relatively easy to position. While still somewhat uncomfortable to use, they provide an option if it is impossible to get out of bed at all.

Other more bulky designs of pan require more mobility to use. Realistically, all bed pans require someone’s help in order to dispose of their contents and keep clean for reuse.

Portable urinals are available with special openings designed for either a man or a woman. They usually have lids, make it easier to dispose of the contents of without spills. It is important to clean them thoroughly when in regular use.

Commodes are another option, but these require the user to have the capacity to move from bed into a chair. Various types are available, including those will look like regular pieces of furniture and blend in with the room.

Others have wheels, so the user can travel to the bathroom, if necessary. These models tend to look less like regular pieces of furniture but are practical and robust.

The impact of staying in bed for long periods with little movement can also stretch to pressure ulcers. Also knows as bed sores, these can be painful and difficult to treat.

Special pressure mattresses, cushions and pads are available to help limit any damage to the skin. Fleece bed socks, elbow pads and knee pads may also make a positive difference. They protect the skin in bony parts of the body, reducing the chance of sores developing.

Other handy disability aids for the bedroom are over-bed tables. These slide across the bed, providing a stable platform for plates, drinks or any other item the person needs. These tables are usually height adjustable and easy to wipe clean. Most models have wheels, while some have legs which slide under the bed. This type is useful for divan beds, if there is only a small clearance gap at floor level.

Many conditions which leave one bed-bound for long periods also have their effect in the bathroom. If the individual is mobile enough to reach the bathroom, it is important to correctly equip it for their use.

Getting in and out of the bath might be impossible, so a shower might be the only option. Even then it may become hard to stand up for its duration without support.

If this is the case, a shower seat might be the answer. They are available in fold-down or free-standing models with three or four legs.

A shower seat with four legs is usually much more stable. This makes them safer to use in a cubicle or a wet room. Non-slip feet on the base of each leg make the stool less likely to slip. Models which fold up against the wall are useful for saving space. They are ideal if the shower are is relatively small or used by other people.

It is important to select a shower seat designed specifically for use in the wet. These will have non-slip feet as well as non-rust parts, ensure stains do not become a problem. Most have easy-drain patterns on the seat itself, ensuring water rapidly runs away. This means the user is less likely to slip.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/185694998843/reduced-mobility-can-lead-to-prolonged-periods-in

Choosing Using Rollators or Wheeled Walkers

As people get older, they often require assistance doing the things they once took for granted. Using modern equipment to help makes sense for a number of reasons. Many products are now available which make life much easier and increase mobility.

Arthritis is a condition which affects millions of people in the UK. It causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Routine tasks like walking to the shops can become arduous if the condition affects your legs or hips. When using walking sticks or elbow crutches becomes painful, many turn to wheeled walking aids.

Under these circumstances, people often use wheeled walking frames called rollators, to help. These are available with either two or three wheels and offer a rolling support platform for the user.

Weight

Lightweight rollators are now available which are easier to steer and control than older models. When wheeled walking frames first came on the market some decades ago, they were usually made of steel. This made them both heavy and prone to rust.

Aluminium rollators are now the most common in the UK. This material is both strong, light in weight and much less corrosive than steel. Using it makes rollators practical and in some cases less expensive.

Weight is an important factor when choosing mobility aids. Rollators frequently require lifting on and off of public transport, so keeping their weight as low as possible is helpful.

Four or Three Wheels?

Safety and stability is another consideration. Four wheeled models tend to be the most stable. Distributing pressure to the four corners of the frame creates a solid platform. These four-wheeled walking aids often have an integral seat. Some seats offer a backrest made of padded material. This feature is useful if you need a rest mid-walk, something many elderly people are grateful for!

Three-wheeled rollators do not have a seat, but are usually slightly easier to manoeuvre. The downside is that without a wheel in each of four corners, they are less stable. Being generally smaller and lighter, some people prefer them because they are easier to lift.

Fold-Down Walking Aids

Ease of storage is also a factor when choosing mobility aids like wheeled walking frames or rollators. Most modern designs fold down to save space when not in use. They are usually easier to lift while collapsed.

When choosing a frame, make sure that it folds down to the size you require for easy storage. You might also want to consider if the frame has a clip which ensures it stays folded until manually released.

Hand Grips

Handles and grip materials vary from model to model. Some rollators simply have bare tubing, while others have plastic or rubber grips which offer great comfort. If the tube is bare, you can apply tape, similar to that found on tennis racquets, which improves comfort and grip.

If you are using the walking aid for substantial journeys, you might want to consider rollators with comfortable grips. Some rollators have ergonomic handles, shaped to the contours of human hands.

There are some walking frames which have forearm troughs rather than handles. People with severe arthritis in their hands often find these frames more comfortable. They reduce the stress and weight going through hands, diverting it instead to the forearms.

Your occupational therapist would be able to give you advice on the suitability of these special mobility aids.

Brakes, Baskets and Bags

Rollators for outside use all have brakes fitted so they do not roll down hills of their own accord! Some are similar to those you find on bicycles, operated by pulling a handle-lever towards you with your fingers. These provide the chance to slow down the rollator, if you find it is going too fast downhill.

Another common brake found on wheeled walking frames is the pressure brake. These lock with downward force. Unlike the lever brake, pressure brakes are either on or off and can’t slow the rollator down when it is moving.

On-board storage is another feature offered by most modern rollators. Usually there will be a basket under the seat on four-wheel models. Three-wheelers often have facility to hang a bag from the front.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/185561230608/choosing-using-rollators-or-wheeled-walkers

Benefits of Using a Mobility Scooter

Using a scooter gives people with mobility limitations a new lease of life and freedom. They provide a new source of transport which is both efficient and independence.

Mobility scooters are a significant financial investment. It is therefore important to research them properly before committing to a particular model. Prices range from under £500 up to £6000. The quality and size of the vehicle can also vary greatly.

There are numerous manufacturers, some of which have a better reputation than others. Some scooters are for pavement use while others can go on the roads themselves. Some collapse down into the boot of a car, while others are much larger, substantial units.

The larger models are heavier, require greater battery power and stronger mobility scooter ramps. They also take up more space when parked. Nearly all modern scooters are electric and their batteries need recharging regularly.

The most important consideration is that the mobility scooter meets your personal needs. Will you only need to make short journeys when using it, or will you travel longer distances? Larger models have bigger batteries and a greater range.

Comfort is another factor. Some scooters come with luxurious seats which support your back and make longer journeys more comfortable. They might also provide means of carrying bags or mobility aids like walking sticks. Some models carry mobility scooter ramps on board. The telescopic varieties are most suitable for this purpose.

Different Classes of Mobility Scooter

There are two categories of modern scooter: class 2 and class 3 (there is no class 1 in the UK).

Class 2 includes vehicles designed for use on the pavement. These smaller models usually collapse down for transportation, maybe in the boot of a car. Their parts are typically easy to disassemble and reassemble for storage or transport.

Some in this class are small enough to use indoors, for instance in shopping centres or even at home.

Class 3 scooters are more substantial and can legally go on the road. They are suitable for longer distances of travel. Because of their size, these models are not suitable for use indoors.

They are more expensive than class 2 models but are usually much more robust.

Choosing the Right Ramp

Depending on which vehicle you opt for, it is important to select the right mobility scooter ramps to go with it. These are not so much mobility scooter accessories as crucial equipment in any number of situations. When making your choice, it is imperative to consider exactly how you will need to use them.

Some ramps are much stronger than others. If you are buying a large class 3 scooter, make sure you buy ramps with enough weight capacity. Remember that you need to add your own weight to the overall calculation, as you may be on board when using the ramp.

Some class 3 vehicles have the capacity to store a lightweight ramp on board.

Mobility scooter ramps are commonly used to climb steps, over door thresholds, over pavement kerbs or for loading onto a car or van.

In the latter case, you must carefully consider if the vehicle concerned will be suitable for the ramp fixings. Usually sets of twin ramps are must suitable for this purpose. They have raised rims, keeping wheels on track and not at risk of falling off.

To this end, make sure the wheels of the vehicle and its ground clearance will fit.

Mobility ramps frequently have a high-friction surface to improve grip. If the ramps are metal and there is no special grip-coating, a milled pattern on the surface improves grip and safety.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/185422197483/benefits-of-using-a-mobility-scooter