If you are a person with limited mobility know that there are a variety of disability aids available that can make it a lot easier for you to get around. From effective disability equipment that can help you climbing the stairs to aids to help you get to and from your car, disability aids can help make your daily activities a lot simpler and more enjoyable.
Disability aids are designed to provide greater stability and balance, help maintain an upright posture, assist a person walk and redistribute weight carried by the legs to reduce muscle and joint pain. Here are some of the types of disability aids available and how they help you.
Walking Sticks
Recommended for individuals with slightly reduced balance. They are available in wooden, metal and folded varieties, and how they are held will depend on the person and whether they have one side stronger than the other or have only one leg.
Quad Canes and Tripod Cane
Similar to walking sticks, what make these disability aids different is that they have a three or four point base on the bottom for superior stability. Due to this, they can stand on their own and are generally more stable than traditional walking sticks. They are often made from aluminum or steel and can be adjusted to better fit a person’s need.
Crutches
These aids are often used with a medical professional recommendation. In fact, it is not recommended that you use a crutch unless your doctor or another healthcare professional have told you so. This is because crutches are designed to be used in pairs, which requires good coordination in order to be used correctly.
Walkers
Disability aids recommended for those with poor balance and/or weak legs. While a walking stick can only transfer 24% of the person’s body weight a walker can transfer 64% of a person’s body weight. Different models of walkers are available, including 2 or 4 wheels models, or no wheels at all models. Consult with your doctor for the best model to suit your needs.
Wheelchairs
Recommend for individuals who are physically able to push themselves. Wheelchairs feature larger back wheels fitted with pushrims for propulsion and some models have handles at the back for times when you might need a little help. To make transportation and storage easier, some models also come with removable parts, like quick-release wheels.
Before you decide on any disability aids, get expert advice. Your occupational therapist or physiotherapist will be able to advise you which disability aids best suit your needs.
Teressa Notes 