Mobility
The following information was gathered from a variety of sources including: www.disabled-world.com
Mobility Issues
One of the greatest challenges facing older adults is the battle to remain mobile. Not only is a loss of mobility a blow to one's quality of life, it may have a snowball affect on one’s overall health.
For many seniors, any loss of mobility can be demoralizing, and using a walking aid may have a negative impact on one's pride. But the more active an older adult remains, the more mobility her or she maintains. Essentially, exercise allows older adults to maintain muscular strength as well as bone-density. Not only do these factors keep an individual upright and strong, they can help prevent—and protect from—the kind of bone fractures that result from falling in older years
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Dealing with Compromised Mobility
Even if an individual has beenaffected by a condition affecting mobility, they are still capable of working toward keeping fit and in good health. In fact, with a little dedication and patience, anyone with limited mobility can sometimes even regain some of the lost mobility through exercise.
It has been noted that loss of mobility often leads directly to more serious health deterioration, This can be minimized with the use of durable medical equipment such as:
Canes
A simple cane can provide needed stability while also allowing one to maintain mobility for years to come. Canes are often far more helpful and sophisticated than the canes of the past and can provide a sturdy support for walking.
Other devices that can help an individual remain mobile are:
Walkers
A walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. The person walks with the frame surrounding their front and sides and their hands provide additional support by holding on to the top of the sides of the frame. Traditionally, a walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead as opposed to picking it up. This makes it easier to use the walker, and does not require the user to use their arms to lift the walker.
A walker is a good tool for those who are recuperating from leg or back injuries, as well as those having problems walking or with mild balance problems.
Electric or Motorized Wheelchairs
For an individual who cannot walk—even with the use of a walking device—a motorized wheelchair can be an option. The “Wheelchair Site” offers the following descriptions of motorized wheelchairs:
Electric wheelchairs vary in ruggedness. Low-end electric powered wheelchairs have light frames that are suitable for indoor use, but that can crack, bend or have motors die when they are used to excess in the outdoors. The latest high-priced electric wheelchairs are more rugged and reliable, with frames designed to handle more weight. Some newer electric models even have spring suspension, which allows a smooth ride over uneven territory.
- Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are the traditional and most popular style. They are generally faster then front-wheel models but provide poor turning capabilities in comparison to front-wheel and mid-wheel models.
- Front-wheel drive wheelchairs have become more common because they provide tighter turning functions. Most front-wheel drive wheelchairs have a slightly lower top speed than rear-wheels because they tend to turn too readily at high speeds.
- Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs provide the tightest turning of all, but have a tendency to be unsteady when stopping and starting. Mid-wheel drives have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of anti-tip wheels in front, which may limit their use on uneven surfaces.
Wheelchairs vary in price from around $1600 to $7500. Medicare or other insurance programs will sometimes cover the cost of certain of these devices and require docotors orders.
Please refer to the Resources section of this page for information about devices that help improve and prolong mobility.