Different Mobility Aid Options

If you’re having trouble getting around due to a physical impairment, then there are range of technological tools that might provide a little bit of help. In many cases, the right mobility aid can make an enormous difference to quality of life. Let’s take a look at a few of the available options.

Mobility Cars

If you’re confined to a wheelchair, then driving from place to place can be difficult, if not impossible. Car seats are difficult to clamber in and out of, and often you’re left dependent on the help of a friend, family member, or professional carer.

Fortunately, there exist adapted vehicles built for the needs of disabled people. You’ll be able to simply wheel yourself onto the back of the vehicle via a ramp, and then into the vacant driver’s position. You’ll get the freedom that comes with the ability to drive, as well as plenty of room to transport any additional equipment you might need.

Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter provides a practical means of getting around town for those who lack mobility. They make shopping trips, social visits, and recreational walks, that much easier. The bad news is that they’re not available through the NHS, and that they range in price quite considerably. For the more expensive ones, you can expect to drop several thousand pounds. You might find that a portion of this cost can be met by a grant from a charity.

Walking Sticks and Zimmer frames

A low-cost alternative to a mobility scooter is a simple walking stick, or a Zimmer frame. Make sure that your stick or frame is appropriate for your height – you don’t want to be hunching unnecessarily, or having to lift your arms above shoulder height to get anywhere. You might consider getting a stick that’s capable of standing up by itself (these have several feet on the bottom, so that you get both hands free to fish your keys out of your handbag, or put your shopping away.

If you’re looking at a Zimmer frame, then think about whether you have the strength to lift the device repeatedly. If you don’t then you might consider one with wheels. If you’re mostly going to be using yours indoors, then a wheel-less frame is probably best. For added convenience, you might look at getting a basket attached, or looking at a foldable frame that can be stowed into the boot of your car.

Wheelchairs

The wheelchair provides an invaluable means of getting from place to place. You might pay more than a thousand pounds for a decent chair, or you might look to borrow one from the NHS, or from a charity like the Red Cross. The amount that you spend will generally depend on how long you expect to be wheelchair-bound. If you know you’re in it for the long term, then it makes sense to invest in something that’s going to make life as convenient and hassle-free as possible.