Mobility independence

Being able to access one's surroundings comfortably is important to everyone. For someone suffering from a disability or who has been injured it is even more so. Fortunately, with the help of physiotherapy and the many companies who manufacture and sell mobility aids, this task is less daunting than it would otherwise be. A variety of mobility aids are available to the disabled population and are made accessible through medical insurance and other payment methods. This article looks at the types of mobility aids and adaptations that make mobility as safe as possible for the physically impaired.

A common mobility aid is the manual wheelchair which has been around for centuries. Amputees, cerebral palsy victims and other people with disability in the lower extremities use these for access around their home. For trips to the mall and other outdoor areas, a disabled person may need a powered scooter or powered wheelchair. For obese patients it is especially important to choose the correct wheelchair. Many companies supply bariatric wheelchairs and their representatives work with your physiotherapist to ensure that the individual is properly fitted with the most comfortable chair.

Minivans that come with a lowered floor and removable seating can make transferring into a vehicle from a wheelchair safer and much less taxing for those with lower extremity disability. The lowered floor slides out, allowing the person to get into the van on his/her wheelchair. There is a choice of seating heights which allows the person to enjoy the view. Some minivans are even equipped with a passenger or driver seat that can be taken out of the van. The person then gets into the seat and rolls it back into the van. Transfer is fast, safe and there is very little risk of falling.

Walkers help provide stability to patients with decreased lower extremity strength and/or pain. For someone recovering from hip or knee surgery, a walker is invaluable. Rollators, canes and crutches also provide support and stability. Many different types are available on the market to suit every need and every form of disability. We can advise you as to which type to purchase and she will train you to use it properly.

A car caddie is a device that attaches to the frame of a car window to provide support when getting in and out of the car. It is especially helpful to persons with weak or painful lower extremities and limited range of motion. It even has a cushioned strap so it's easy on the hands. Many elderly people, those with limited lower extremity function and balance fall when getting in and out of bed. Different types of bed rails can be easily installed on the bed to allow the person to hold on to and ease themselves into a sitting position. Lift chairs and lift cushions also aid in helping them get from a sitting to standing position.

The bathroom is the place where most falls occur among the elderly and disabled. Tub and shower chairs, benches, shower gurneys and grab bars help to make bathing and toileting safer. A bedside commode is also a great addition to a disabled person's equipment. Being disabled does not have to mean the end to getting around the community. It simply means that you now have to get the necessary equipment and be trained in using it efficiently. Physiotherapy holds the answers you may be looking for.