Maintaining mobility is key for home health and hospice patients' quality of life and independence, but as physical abilities change over time, choosing the appropriate mobility aid becomes essential. The three most common options - walkers, standard wheelchairs, and powered wheelchairs - each have a variety of plusses and minuses to consider.

Understanding Mobility Aids

Walkers

Walkers are lightweight, portable devices designed to provide support while walking. There are various styles available such as standard walkers, two-wheeled walkers, and “rollators” (four-wheeled walkers with seats). Walkers provide stability while helping distribute weight evenly over legs and feet reducing strain on them, and are a great option for someone who can still walk but who just needs a little support.

Standard Wheelchairs

Standard wheelchairs are manually operated chairs equipped with two large rear wheels and smaller front casters, and may be self-propelled or pushed by caregivers or family members. There are a range of sizes and configurations to meet individual user needs and body types. These are much lighter weight and less expensive than the powered version, but offer more support than a walker.

Powered Wheelchairs

Also referred to as electric wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs can provide independent mobility to individuals with limited upper body strength or endurance. Joystick control makes them user friendly. Models include rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel drive versions. These are great for the user who wants to maintain the greatest independence, as they don’t require anyone to push the wheelchair, nor do they require upper body strength.

How to Choose The Best Mobility Device

When selecting your walker or wheelchair, there are several factors to consider, including:

Your Physical Status

Consideration must be given to both physical and medical factors when selecting the ideal mobility aid. Take into account various elements such as:

• Your Overall Strength and Endurance: Assess your to stand, walk, or propel yourself for various durations to determine if a walker would suffice or if a wheelchair may be more suitable.

• Balance and Coordination: Assess your stability when standing or walking; poor balance may indicate that a wheelchair of some sort is the best option for you.

• Upper Body Strength: To be successful using walkers and manual wheelchairs, you need adequate upper body strength. If you possess limited upper body strength, you may benefit more from a powered wheelchair.

• Cognitive Abilities: Do you feel like you can safely operate and navigate each mobility aid option? Powered wheelchairs may require more mental agility to safely operate than a manual wheelchair or walker.

• Your Individual Medical Conditions or Disabilities: Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and partial paralysis may influence your selection of mobility aid. These conditions may affect you in different ways throughout the day, so having multiple mobility options may be the best move for you.

• Progression of Condition: For progressive conditions, consider how your mobility needs might change over time and invest in a more adaptable solution as early as possible.

• Space to Maneuver and Store: When choosing your mobility aid device, be sure to measure your doorways, hallways, and rooms to make sure that the option you choose can move freely in your environment. Also, take into consideration storage needs for larger items like wheelchairs.

• Presence of Stairs or Thresholds: Multiple levels in the home may limit how you use certain aids. It is wise to assess if ramps or lift systems will be necessary if selecting a wheelchair.

• Flooring Types: Different mobility aids perform differently on different surfaces, from thick carpets to hard floors. The presence of rugs or thick carpeting can make using a walker or standard wheelchair more difficult or even dangerous.

• Bathroom Accessibility: Last but not least, determine whether the selected mobility aid can be safely utilized within your bathroom. Can you safely navigate to and from the toilet and shower? Do you need to install bars anywhere in the room to help you sit or stand?

There are many factors to consider when selecting your mobility aid(s). Coastal Medical Supplies in Brookings, Oregon carries a full selection of new and used mobility equipment. If you have any questions or need assistance, call them at 541-254-8179 or visit them at 585 5th Street,
Brookings, OR 97415. You can also visit their website here.