Elderly Regaining Mobility To Avoid Being Housebound

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 07, 2009 -
Are you elderly and often have trouble getting out and about due to mobility problems and the fear of having a fall? Due to this you can often avoid leaving the house, and rely on others to perform simply tasks such as going to the shops making you feel like you have lost your sense of dignity and independence.  However with so many mobility products on the market that have improved and evolved over the years there really is no need for you to feel like this or to stay cooped up in the house any longer for fear of falling.

Below is some simply products that can really change your life and improve your mobility as well as your confidence.

Walking Sticks

There are now a wide variety of different types of walking sticks available from light weight folding sticks to orthopaedic ones with moulded handles.  

The most important thing to look out for is the correct height.  Your local mobility store should be able to measure you and adjust your stick accordingly.  As a guide the walking stick user should stand upright with their arms by their side. The walking stick should come level with the bump at the bottom of the wrist bone, too high and you may not have the correct support and too low could cause you to stoop.  An incorrectly sized stick can cause more problems.

Walkers

The wheeled walker http://tinyurl.com/lctre6 was a British invention by a company called Uniscan and has become very popular. There are two main types : The 3 wheel or 4 wheel walker (comes with a seat).  What to look out for? They can come in either steel or aluminium with the aluminium being much lighter to transport. They come with brakes on the handles, are foldable, have a basket for shopping and are ideally suited for walking about town. Please check the wheel size as the smaller ones are designed for level flat surfaces and the bigger ones can cope with slightly rougher terrain.  Uniscan are the top of the range but you can get cheaper imports.

If you are getting in and out of cars, buses or trains please consider the weight and if using a frame consider the fold up one which can fit in the back of a two door car and is easy to store.

Shoppers

No need to struggle up kerbs or steps as there is now a six wheel version available which has a clever articulated design that glides up any step or staircase.  You can also get ones with a fixed frame that you can sit on if you need a rest.  The Sholley is the market leader in this field with one of the safest designs to walk with and smooth running wheels, plus they look stunning.

Wheelchairs

There are two main types of wheelchair http://tinyurl.com/njp9o9 : Transit (small wheels on the back) and Self-propelled (big wheels on the back).  Both these types come in steel or aluminium (lightweight). What to look for? Tyres – Solid (puncture proof) or pneumatic (need to be pumped up). Comfort – It is essential for the person sitting in the chair to try it and be comfortable. I would recommend a wheelchair cushion if it is being used for more than a few hours.  Make sure the footplates are at the correct height so that you are sitting level.  Weight – Most chairs have a weight limit of between 16 and 18stone, and come in different widths, make sure the user has the correct size.  Larger ones are available going up to 25 stone plus.  Prices tend to start from around £130 for a basic model and be very wary of anything much cheaper. “It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little!” said Benjamin Long Director of Collins Care Mobility Specialists.


Scooters

For people that are house bound a scooter is an essential tool to regain their freedom. There are three categories.

1.   Fold up, car boot scooters.
2.   Midsized “go from home”
3.   Large “go from home”.

You should consider the following to help you choose the correct type.  How far will you be likely to travel each day? How much do you weigh? Will you want to use it in the town or the countryside or both? Do you need to be able to put it in the car easily? Does it need to fit through a certain sized door or gap?

These are just some of the considerations, but naturally each individual may have other requirements.   Your local BHTA registered mobility dealer should be able to advise.  The BHTA also issue a Highway Code for Scooter users explaining what the law is when using them.  It is essential to try these before you buy to make sure you get the correct type for your needs and get proper training on how to use them.  

There are many ways that you can improve your daily life with a mobility aid, so start living to the full today and regain your independence.