What Type of Mobility Equipment is Best?

The best kind of mobility equipment will be dependent on the specific needs of the person who will be using it. Each piece of equipment has its own individual purpose. Choosing one that will best help you get around comfortably is easy once you get a better idea of what’s available to you.

Walkers/Rollators

Walkers and rollators offer a wide base of support when you walk, which helps to greatly reduce the risk of falls. A standard walker has a foldable aluminum frame that comes either with or without wheels. Using a walker without wheels requires you to lift it and move it forward while you walk. A rollator is a type of wheeled walker that has additional features like larger wheels, a basket for storing or carrying items, a seat, and handbrakes for added control. Because of how they are built, walkers and rollators can be folded and stored easily, making them great for travel.

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs provide mobility from a seated position. They have handlebars so that a caregiver can move you from place to place, but also allow the user to control movement via hand rims. They come in both foldable and non-foldable styles. Manual wheelchairs can also provide some level of physical activity if the user opts to control the chair themselves.

Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs come in many different varieties with the intent of aiding the greatest number of people who require mobility equipment. A joystick and other controls are mounted to the armrest, allowing for comfortable navigation. This type of equipment is the best choice for moving around on more difficult terrain, like ramps, carpets, and gravel. Power wheelchairs also allow you to travel longer distances independently.

Motorized Scooters

Scooters come with 3 or 4 wheels and are available in all different shapes and sizes in order to support different weights and body proportions. Controls are accessed manually by pressing throttles and steering with your hands. Scooters are great for those whose daily routines require regular movement from place to place. They’re also perfect for outings like grocery shopping or a trip to the museum.

Kenwood Care is a Maryland senior living center with locations all over Howard County. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable environment for our residents to feel at home in, and daily living assistance that keeps them healthy both physically and mentally. To learn more about the assisted living services we offer, contact us today.