7 Top Mobility Aids to Improve Daily Living for The Elderly
July 21, 2022

As one ages, balance and steadiness tend to decrease over the years, leaving them with the option of seeking help of mobility aids. Luckily, there are lots to choose from. It doesn’t matter what kind of help you need; you shall find a mobility aid that fits your needs.

The reason why these aids are necessary is that people aged 65 and above are at risk of falling, slipping, or tripping due to aging bones that affect their balance.

If you have a loved one that is facing challenges with moving around, here are some mobility aids that should help them move around with ease:

A Walking Stick

A walking stick provides extra support to anyone struggling with balance. They come in different sizes and designs, so it should be easy to find one that best suits your loved one’s needs.

The elderly benefit more from a weighty stick made from aluminum or carbon fiber which offers the highest level of support.

Other models offer additional support through a tripod base. Some are foldable and can be easily put away when not in use.

Walking Frames

Walking frames are strong but lightweight. They provide more support compared to a walking stick.

Some models have adjustable height, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect one. Walking frames two rubber feet and two wheels for free and easy movement.

Rollators

Rollators are similar to walking frames, only that they have wheels and a break for more control. They also offer other features such as caddies for carrying personal items when on the move.

Other rollators have a seat, making it suitable for the elderly who like to move around a lot.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are pretty common but should only be gotten under the advice of a doctor. However, if you feel the need to get a wheelchair for your loved one, you can still do so from a range of providers.

Depending on the needs of your loved one, you could either get a foldable wheelchair for easy storage or a motorized wheelchair that they can operate by themselves.

Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter can be easily hired from organizations such as Motabily or The Red Cross, especially if they are to be used for a short period of time.

You could start by doing this so that you determine whether a mobility scooter is a good long-term solution for your loved one.

The scooters could either be Class 2 or Class 3 scooters, which move at 4mph and 8mph, respectively. Some more powerful Class 3 scooters are actually intended to be driven on the road.

Bathroom Aids

Bathrooms are an especially dangerous place for the elderly due to the presence of hard surfaces, slippery soap, and water.

For anyone who is not steady on their feed, all these can contribute to making a bathroom a hazardous place.

Grab rails, walk-in baths and shower seats make the bathroom a much safer place for your loved one.

If you’re thinking of a more long-term solution, try removing the baths and creating a ‘wet room’ for your loved one instead.

Stairlifts

Elderly care at home includes fitting your staircase with a stairlift to allow your loved one to move about safely.

Stairlifts come in a variety of designs and can be fit even on stairways that have twists and turns.