We may always be young at heart, but sometimes, our bodies can’t keep up with us. Are you struggling to move as freely as you used to? Perhaps you’re always feeling tired after short bursts of exercise, or you’re more susceptible to injury than you used to be.
If your freedom, independence, and wellbeing are suffering because of your mobility, it may be time to start looking for a mobility aid.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most obvious signs that you might need a mobility aid, and the benefits of using them.
What Is A Mobility Aid?
A mobility aid is any device that’s designed to help you move around freely and enjoy as much independence as possible. Mobility aids are usually used by people with an injury or disability or older adults who are experiencing health issues or at greater risk of falling.
Whatever your mobility impairment, mobility aids can help you maintain your independence and enjoy life. Examples of mobility aids include:
- Walkers
- Canes
- Crutches
- Walking scooters
- Seated walking scooters
- Wheelchairs
- Stairlifts
Signs You Need A Mobility Aid
If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it may be time to start looking for a mobility aid.
Daily Activities Cause You Pain
As we get older, we’re more susceptible to experiencing chronic pain and other systemic conditions. Even if we’re fortunate enough not to develop joint issues, our muscles and bones inevitably weaken as we age. In some cases, we may require extra assistance to get from A to B or perform daily tasks.
If you’re feeling significant pain after excursions that didn’t use to exhaust or pain you, it may be time to invest in a mobility aid. Unfortunately, there’s no hard or fast way to manage chronic pain.
Some patients require both medication and mobility aids, while others will only require one or the other. We’d recommend talking to a doctor to determine the right course of treatment for you. Addressing the cause of the problem is an essential part of finding the right solution.
So, if you find yourself dreading the thought of a trip to the grocery store or the doctor’s office because of your pain, you may benefit from a balance or walking aid – especially if you require a day or two to recover after walking.
Your mobility aid doesn’t have to be a wheelchair (unless your pain is severe enough) – you may find that a walking scooter or cane will suffice.
You’re Falling More Frequently
Falling frequently is not something to be taken lightly. If you fall inside and outside the home, you may be more likely to experience broken limbs, head injuries, extensive bruising, internal bleeding, or even contusions and lacerations.
If you’re keen to get out of the house as often as possible, you’ll also be more at risk of falling and injury. Staying at home isn’t a solution, though.
So if you’re struggling with your mobility outside the home, there’s a good chance you may be struggling to walk around your own home, too.
If you’ve been falling more frequently, or you often lose your balance and have had a few near misses, you may need a mobility aid to help you move around. This could be something as basic as a walking scooter or a cane.
Whatever the aid, you’ll decrease your risk of future falls and help preserve your mobility for as long as you can.
You’re Easily Tired
Just because you’re not falling over or struggling to balance, this doesn’t mean you don’t need a mobility aid. If you’re experiencing significant bouts of weakness or exhaustion in your day-to-day life, this may signify the need for a mobility aid.
If you suffer from a condition or neurological deficit such as post-stroke weakness, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, this may be especially true.
Frequent spells of exhaustion or fatigue can prevent you from leaving the house for longer periods or resign you to your bed for a day or two afterward. Using a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or seated or walker can help you.
Even if you don’t need to use it the whole day, investing in a mobility aid will give you access to respite when you need it, so you can carry on with your day, enjoy time with your loved ones, and decrease your fatigue and risk of injury.
What Mobility Aid Do I Need?
If you relate to any of the points above, it may be time to start using a mobility aid. But how do you know which one to choose?
If you’re only experiencing minor issues with walking or standing, you may only need something as simple as a cane to help you through the day.
However, if you’re falling frequently, experiencing significant pain when you exercise, or feeling constantly exhausted, aids such as wheelchairs or seated walkers may be more appropriate.
You’ll also need to determine whether you need a mobility aid for inside the home, outside the home, or both. Walkers (sometimes called ‘zimmer’ frames) are designed for inside use. So, if you need help keeping your balance on your way to the kitchen, a zimmer may be perfect for you.
If you need help outside the home, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I maintain my balance confidently?
- Do I often lose my balance?
- Have I fallen in the past?
- Am I exhausted after short walks?
These questions will help you choose the right mobility aid for you. If you’re not sure what you need, talk to a doctor. By discussing your mobility requirements in-depth, a trained professional can help you choose the right aid for your mobility level and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
If your joints aren’t as forgiving as they used to be, there’s no shame in using a mobility aid to help you move around. If you want to keep active, increase your independence and reduce your risk of injury, a mobility aid can be a valuable addition to your life.