When a person is disabled, they are often faced with the challenge of getting around. Whether it's due to an injury or illness, there are many mobility products that can help disabled people go about their everyday tasks. Luckily, there are more options than you think when it comes to walking aids and wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
What types of equipment can help a disabled person walk? If you’d like to learn more about this, we will be discussing the following to help answer your question:
What are the Different Types of Walking Equipment Available to Disabled People?
There is a variety of walking equipment that can help make walking more manageable for disabled people and allow them to continue living their lives without feeling as though they're being imprisoned in their own bodies. A few different types of this equipment include the following:
Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is a device that allows people with lower extremity disabilities to move around. People who use wheelchairs often find them helpful when they are struggling to walk or have difficulty standing for long periods of time.
Wheelchairs come in different styles suited to certain disabilities. For example, hand grip wheelchairs allow you to use your upper arm strength (or someone else's) to push it around without putting weight on their legs.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are battery-powered vehicles that can be steered by hand levers on either side if necessary. However, they often come equipped with automatic steering systems powered by handlebar-mounted joysticks.
A big benefit of mobility scooters is they can go up and down ramps and footpaths without any assistance from other individuals. Additionally, mobility scooters help individuals who have difficulty walking, such as those suffering from arthritis and Parkinson's disease, to navigate over surfaces without the use of their limbs or other mobility aids, unlike wheelchairs.
Canes
A cane is a long, thin walking stick that helps people who are disabled to walk more independently. Walking with a cane can help improve balance and stability for those who have difficulty standing or walking on their own.
While a cane’s form and function vary greatly, one of the more common forms is a stick with an angled handle at one end. This allows users to lean on it while they put weight through their other foot which helps them balance themselves as they move forward. With this, disabled individuals are able to stand up straight instead of being slumped over due pain or discomfort caused by certain health conditions.
Walkers
A walker is like a walking frame with wheels. These devices provide the person with stability and a way of moving that is more natural than wheelchairs, which can be difficult for some individuals in terms of balance or mobility.
A person who needs help balancing may use one to avoid falling over in case they become unbalanced or if their balance becomes unstable, and people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy can also benefit from using them for support.
Crutches
As many people can attest to, crutches are one of the most versatile tools around. They serve as an advanced form of a cane or walking stick and help individuals with limited mobility by allowing them to balance their weight while they move from place-to-place.
It is worth noting that crutch usage requires more stabilisation from one arm which can get tiring quickly if used over long periods of time. This is because there's only so much muscle power available at once even after you've recovered from your condition.
The Benefits of Walking Equipment for Disabled People
For those who are disabled, walking is a difficult task. However, the benefits of using specialised equipment make it easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved!
There are many benefits of using walking equipment for disabled people. For one, it allows them to move around and do things that they normally would not be able to do while sitting down or using a wheelchair such as going up stairs, without assistance. Additionally, those who have physical disabilities will find different items on the market specifically designed for their needs which can help improve mobility in general with more freedom than just relying solely on wheelchairs!
Another important benefit that walking aids offer over most other types of medical devices is an instant positive impact on quality of life and self-esteem because they provide independence and freedom from reliance on others. Walking equipment doesn't just help patients walk; they allow them to become independent again.
Therefore, walking equipment provides disabled people with an invaluable tool as it allows them to get around more efficiently at home, school, or work in order to live fuller lives and do things other able bodied individuals take for granted without too much trouble.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Walking Equipment for you
There are a number of factors that go into choosing what walking equipment is best for your unique needs: do you need more support than an average person? Do certain surfaces make things harder on your joints or muscles?
The most important thing is understanding how much time and energy will be involved in using certain types of equipment before making any decisions. It might seem like one product would work better because it looks cooler or takes up less space when folded down but there really isn't anything worse than being stuck with gear that doesn't suit all aspects of our life!
Another factor to consider would be how much time you'll spend on your feet every day as this can determine which type of walking equipment will best adapt to these needs.
Other factors to consider include cost efficiency, convenience in use (especially if it is used on an irregular basis), and whether features such as shock absorption, ankle support, or anti-slip soles are available.
Final Thoughts
There are a few different types of mobility equipment that can help disabled or injured people to walk. The right type will depend on the person's needs and how they were hurt. It is important to find out what kind of injuries or disability you have before attempting any physical activity, as there may be more serious damage than first thought.
If you are looking for mobility aids, visit our online store or call Get About Mobility today on 1300 168 902 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.