Are mobility walkers the right choice for you? And why are they the most commonly used aged care equipment? According to ABS, half of Australians living with disabilities and 93% of individuals staying in residential aged care facilities use mobility aids. Mobility walkers are excellent for older adults at a higher risk of falling or individuals with an injury or disability. Don’t know what mobility walkers are? Please continue reading below!
What Are Mobility Aids?
A mobility walker is a device meant to assist individuals with difficulty moving around to enjoy independence and freedom. Mobility walkers are best suited for older adults, disabled people, and anyone with an injury. Besides offering individuals independence, mobility walkers also provide increased confidence and self-esteem and also minimise pain.
There are several designs of mobility devices available that you can choose from depending on your specific needs. Any individual with a mobility problem, whether long-term or temporary, can greatly benefit from a mobility walker. Typically, mobility walkers have four legs with a metal framework that offers the user support and stability. Due to their stability, they are used by many older adults.
A standard mobility walker has three frames that surround its user, who has to lift the frame and place it ahead and then take steps forward to catch up with the walker. However, specific walkers come with glides or wheels on the base of the legs, so a user does not have to lift the mobility walker. Instead, they will slide the walker, which is helpful for individuals whose arm strength is limited.
Types Of Mobility Walkers
1. Standard walker: The standard mobility walker model has four legs with three frames that offer users support.
2. Walker-cane hybrids: This is a hybrid between a walker and a cane. This particular mobility walker has two legs and can be used with both hands or a single hand. It offers excellent support compared to a regular cane.
3. Knee Walkers: This mobility walker model lets you rest your knee on its padded cushion while using your stronger leg to push yourself forward.
4. Rollators: This is a common model with a frame, four wheels, a seat, and handlebars. It allows the user to rest as much as possible and comes with hand breaks.
Why Mobility Walkers Are Commonly Used In Aged Care
There are various reasons why mobility walkers are commonly used in aged care. Mobility users offer individuals more independence. They are pretty easy and safe to use and are a great way of staying active. They come in different models, making it easier for individuals to choose one that best suits their needs. Here are some reasons mobility walkers are commonly used in aged care:
- They are available in different designs based on one’s needs
- They offer more balance and support and have a wider contact with the ground.
- Mobility walkers provide users with freedom and independence
- Mobility walkers are often foldable and are pretty lightweight despite their size
- Some models come with a hand brake, giving it extra safety.
Potential Risks
Mobility walkers are an excellent choice when it comes to mobility aids for individuals. However, they do have a risk of injury. For instance, they pose a risk of injury if the user does not take the time to learn how to use a mobility walker properly. So, it will be best to ensure you get training from a physical therapist or your doctor on using a mobility walker to minimise the risk of injury.
Summary
Mobility walkers are the most commonly used mobility aid in aged care equipment. They come in various designs, which helps to choose one that meets your specific needs. You should also get a walker from a reputable brand to ensure safety and durability.
If you are looking for independent daily living and mobility aids, call Get About Mobility today on 1300 168 902 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.