Oct
08

How to Buy the Best Mobility Aid?

Struggling with crippling pain and mobility limitations? Mobility aids will definitely open your world and let you regain the independence that you had lost! Here’s how you can buy the best mobility aid for your needs.

If you are a wheelchair user, you obviously spend considerable time on the wheelchair. It’s important that you check if the width of the seat is right for you, the wheelchair comes with cushions (so you can be comfortable for a long time) and if you can afford a power wheelchair as it requires less physical effort.

If you’re looking for increased mobility and stability, standard walkers might be the best bet for you. However, you need to ensure that they are sized right for you. Although height for most walkers is adjustable and can be accommodated to suit your needs, you will need to consider the width of the walker. Nowadays, walkers come with built in wheels and hand brakes as well. These don’t require you to put any effort to lift the walker.

Finally, if you have been contemplating buying a cane to offer you additional support as you walk, choose one which suits your height. The tip of the cane is an important part and you should ensure that you pick a cane with a replaceable tip in case of wear and tear. If you can’t figure which one suits your height, you can opt for an adjustable cane. To enjoy the full benefit of a cane you must shift most of your weight onto the cane.

Sep
30

Walking Aids for the Visually Impaired

The visually impaired are no longer looked upon as a burden on their families. Most of them are successfully pursuing their careers and have scaled great heights. Mobility aids including walking aids for the visually impaired have been great support in helping them.

People with impaired vision can choose between the ultra cane and Vistac cane as walking aids.  Both canes are different in principle and technology.  They can be used with or without the long cane. A mobility assessment will help you decide on which is the best walking aid for you.

The Vistac cane was invented in Germany. It is comprised of a handle with a laser beam unit, a cane shaft and a roller tip.  It uses a laser beam that helps to correctly detect the objects in front of the cane in a highly efficient manner. The Ultra cane was launched as a result of development work at the Leeds University in the late 1990’s. It is comprised of a molded handle which has two ultrasonic beam sensors, a carbon graphite cane shaft and a cane tip. The ultra sonic beam sensors will help locate any objects just like a sonar device.

The visually impaired can choose from a wide range of walking aids previously unavailable to them. We have definitely moved a step forward in helping them gain orientation and mobility. Based on a consultation with a doctor, you can choose a walking aid that will most efficiently help you gain mobility.

Sep
11

When Does a Mobility Aid Become Necessary?

Do simple, everyday tasks that you once performed quickly and easily now require planning? Have you suffered injuries due to an accident, age, arthritis or any other mobility related disorder resulting in trouble as you move around? You can surely find mobility aids designed for your specific needs. In fact, all mobility aids are tested and prescribed by medical professionals, so you can make your life easier.

The range of mobility aids available today will help you move from one place to another effortlessly. Do you run the risk of falling due to an injury? You can opt for a simple cane, walker or if recovery will take you longer, you can opt for a wheelchair. Select crutches if you have been asked to free your foot from any body weight.

Don’t accept immobility so easily when you have a wide range of mobility aids to serve you well. You will be back on your feet again with minimum assistance leading a normal life as others. In fact most of these mobility aids are an affordable option today. From simple walking sticks to complex lift chairs, you no longer have to spend all your savings because an accident or age has left you immobile.

You can choose from sitting, standing aids, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters to overcome mobility problems. Note that if these aids suit you well, they can be the best support for your needs. If they don’t suit you, however, you could end up wasting a lot of money and still be as immobile as you were. Choosing a mobility device for your specifications needs requires time and research. However, nowadays, you can do your research conveniently through the internet!