8 Useful Mobility Aids for Seniors with Disabilities

One of the more ubiquitous mobility aids around the world is the walker or rollator. This equipment provides steady support to elderly users who may still be able to walk but need a bit of help in doing so. Walkers come in a variety of configurations. These include four-legged walkers that don’t have wheels – a bit harder to manoeuvre but quite stable. Also available are wheeled walkers that have wheels on the front to enable easier movement.

A rollator has 4 wheels that make it even easier to move around, although there’s arguably a bit less stability for someone that doesn’t have a certain degree of control over the equipment. Many rollators have a seat and backrest that allows them to be used by a loved one or carer with the user seated if required. Rollators without a good brake system should be avoided for safety reasons. Often an elderly user can find their stability is reduced. When a rollator is used the risk of the rollator “running away” from the user can be high. Hand brakes should be ‘auto-on’ when the user is not squeezing the release handle.

Wheelchairs aren’t just for the injured or paralysed – having a wheelchair in the house can be really beneficial for elderly individuals that need to reduce the demands on their body of walking everywhere. For many elderly households, a wheelchair is available to use for holidays or day trips, but otherwise packed away in storage.

Depending on the nature of the mobility impairment, and which health system you’re in, there’s a possibility that a wheelchair could be on long term loan, funded. Alternatively wheelchairs are such a popular category of assistive equipment that you can purchase them for reasonable prices. Take a look at mobility equipment retailers near you for an idea of what the costs are – it could be worth it if it’s going to be used a lot.

Reaching for items hung up or placed out of reach might not sound like a major issue, but for a senior citizen with reduced strength and coordination it can actually present a big hazard. A grabber is an easy-to-handle stick with a pincer on the end and lever at the end you hold, with minimal effort, the grabber’s pincer can clamp down on an item that may otherwise be hard to get at. Some caution is advised – make sure you read the manufacturer information about what the equipment is and isn’t designed to do.

Another important thing to do in a home occupied by elderly people is to ensure that items are close within reach and no heavy items are high up on shelves that would cause injury if they fell off onto someone. Ideally all regularly used items should be within reach without needing to reach too high or low down.

Preparing meals is a common area of everyday living that can present some issues for seniors losing dexterity and mobility – especially those who’re passionate about cooking independently. If the challenge exists around preparing and opening, there are good electric-powered alternatives that can be used. One common example is the electric can opener. These kitchen counter appliances hold a can and perform a clean cut around the lid, offering easy access to ingredients without mess or cuts.

Another hazardous activity in the kitchen for a senior is cutting. Handling sharp knives can spell disaster without proper grip and control. An electric dicer or chopper tool is a great companion to any senior household. The options are near endless, with some appliances managing chopping, blending and processing all in one. Do your research online for a solution that suits – these will be available at any homewares retailer.

Placing safety ramps around all the exits of the home is a smart, safe decision. Any edges for a mobility impaired person can become an inconvenient obstacle at best, and a life-endangering hazard during an emergency at worst.

When mobility is a problem, a single level home is probably the best option. But we understand that it’s not often a choice with senior citizens often living in an apartment, townhouse or even an old family home that is 2 storey but has become less conducive to elderly mobility.

If stairs are part of the property (outside the home or inside) a stair lift may be a good safety measure to install. Note however these are expensive to buy and install – so they aren’t what you might call a universal mobility solution.

The bathroom is arguably the most challenging part of the home when movement becomes an issue. Statistically most falls in the home happen in the bathroom. The wet, slippery surfaces, hard edges and layout isn’t always the best for someone with mobility impairments. It’s quite popular to install individual assistive devices like a toilet riser, grab bars, transfer bench and shower seat. The problem with these is the combined cost gets up there, and the quality of these leaves a bit to be desired. They also don’t eliminate the need for personal coordination or strength to use.