Walking Canes | Crutches | Knee Scooters | Walkers | Rollators | Lifting Seats | Wheelchairs | Transport Chairs

Are you or a loved one finding it difficult to get around easily? Did you know that more than 15,000 adults in the UAE use mobility devices?

Being able to move around freely, which we call mobility, is a big deal in our everyday lives. It's not just about going from one place to another – it's about staying independent, staying social, staying physically and mentally healthy. These mobility assistive devices also help you stay safe, and have a better overall quality of life.

However, if your mobility decreases or you can't move around like you used to, it can really impact your ability to live on your own. This is where mobility aids come in. They're really important for helping you keep your independence.

Mobility Aids- Meaning

A mobility aid refers to a tool designed to assist individuals who have limited mobility in carrying out their daily tasks and moving around. These aids are also known as mobility lifting aids or mobility devices for walking that are customized to cater to specific needs and capabilities. 

There are many types of mobility aids equipment:

● Canes

● Crutches

● Knee Scooters

● Lifting Seats

● Walkers

● Rollators

● Transport Chairs

● Wheelchairs

But how to know which one fits you the best?

This depends on various factors like your current level of mobility, existing health conditions, and more. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by detailing the benefits of each option, their intended purposes, and use.

Factors to Consider Before The Purchase

Before you select the mobility aids for home, make sure to go through the following factors:

1. Individual Needs and Mobility Requirements

When selecting a mobility aid, it's essential to evaluate the specific needs and mobility demands of the person. Make sure to go through the following:

● Walking Ability: Can the person walk, and for how long?

● Balance Levels: Are they at risk of falling?

● Upper Body Strength: Can they manage the aid's weight?

2. Physical Capabilities and Limitations

The individual's physical capabilities and limitations will decide the suitable device to choose, as well as which ones to avoid. Consider:

● Strength

● Coordination

● Range of Motion

● Endurance

For instance, a walking cane is ideal for someone requiring balance assistance, but it might not be suitable for someone who can't walk or faces a high fall risk. A rollator provides support from both sides but demands more balance than a walker.

3. Surrounding Environment (Indoor, Outdoor, Terrain)

Assessing the user's environment is crucial when picking a mobility tool. Evaluate their home, taking note of:

● Stairs

● Tight Spaces

● Doors

● Obstacles Affecting Mobility

Also, consider places they frequently visit like parks, workplaces, and stores.

4. Portability and Transportation

Portability is important. If the aid will be used frequently or during travel, assess its weight, foldability, and whether it's easily transportable. Often, two aids are used: one for daily use and another for travel.

5. Weight Capacity and Dimensions

Safety and comfort hinge on choosing a mobility aid that can support the user's weight. Also, the aid's size and dimensions should align with the user's body proportions.

6. Accessibility Features and Adjustability

Look for features that enhance accessibility, such as adjustable seat heights, removable footrests, or storage options. These features enhance comfort, accessibility, and adaptability.

7. Cost and Budget

Affordability is key. Assess the aid's cost and ensure it fits the budget. Factor in not only the initial cost but also potential maintenance expenses.

Pros And Cons Of Mobility Aids

1. Walking Canes

If you're dealing with minor injuries or issues related to balance and mobility, using a cane can be a valuable support. These walking assistance devices come in various styles and designs, each offering distinct benefits. Canes are among the lightest types of mobility aids and are easy to carry around.

Types

● Single vs. Quad Tip

Generally, canes come with two tip options: single-tip and quad-tip. While tripod cane tips are also available, they're less commonly used.

The single-tip cane is the standard choice and provides sufficient support for those with minor mobility issues. However, quad-tip canes offer enhanced stability by distributing weight over a broader area rather than relying on a single point of contact.

While quad-tip canes might be bulkier and somewhat less convenient to store, they can stand independently. They prove particularly beneficial for individuals with high fall risks and substantial balance concerns, such as those in stroke recovery.

● Handle Type

Round: This classic choice is widespread and offers the convenience of hanging it on a chair or doorknob when not in use. However, its grip might be uncomfortable and challenging, making it less suitable for those with conditions like arthritis.

Derby: Featuring a thicker and curved handle, this type provides enhanced comfort compared to the standard round handle. It's particularly useful for individuals with arthritis and remains a popular choice for all cane users due to its comfortable grip.

Offset: The curved shaft of this cane situates the handle along its length, distributing the user's weight evenly. The padded handle reduces wrist strain and delivers a comfortable grip.

Ergonomic: Certain canes feature an ergonomic handle designed to minimize hand fatigue and shock while ensuring a comfortable grip. It's worth noting that some derby or offset canes might also incorporate ergonomic handles.

2. Crutches

Crutches prove highly beneficial for individuals grappling with temporary injuries that prevent them from placing weight on their foot, ankle, or knee. Offering more support than canes, they do require a higher level of upper-body strength and coordination.

There are two primary types of crutches available: underarm crutches and forearm crutches. Understanding the distinctive features and demands of each style can aid in determining the best fit for your circumstances.

● Underarm Crutches

These are the conventional, widely used crutches that rest beneath your armpits. Although they necessitate upper body strength, the requirement is less stringent than with forearm crutches. While typically easier to handle, they can sometimes be uncomfortable due to their pressure against the body, leading to a tendency to slouch. For this reason, they are often more suitable for individuals requiring crutches for shorter durations.

● Forearm Crutches

Forearm crutches are a preferred choice for those using crutches over the long term. This preference arises from the demand for more upper body strength and coordination, which may take time to develop. Moreover, forearm crutches are generally more comfortable than underarm crutches. They feature forearm cuffs that alleviate strain and wrist pressure, and their design encourages proper posture for efficient use.

Additional design options, including folding crutches for convenient storage and various colors or cushion types, might influence your selection.

● Sizing Considerations

Ensuring that your crutches are appropriately sized to match your height and provide comfort and safety is crucial. Crutch sizes and height ranges can differ depending on the supplier, so it's essential to choose ones that suit your specifications.

3. Knee Scooters

Knee scooters provide a cushioned platform for resting your leg, ankle, or foot during your recuperation from surgery or injury. They present a more comfortable and steady option compared to crutches, enabling your arms and hands to remain available for daily activities and ensuring efficient mobility.

4. Walkers

Walkers are a dependable solution for individuals seeking stability while walking due to the risk of falls or significant balance challenges. With four legs, they provide robust support, distributing body weight across a broader base compared to canes. Additionally, many walkers are designed to be foldable for easy transport.

● Standard vs. Wheeled

Among the most common walkers are the standard ones, featuring four legs that offer consistent ground support. These walkers allow you to lean on them for complete body assistance, necessitating upper body strength to lift them and move. Alternatively, if lifting a standard walker is difficult due to limited upper body strength, a wheeled walker can be a practical alternative.

These hybrids combine aspects of both rollators and walkers, with two legs equipped with wheels. However, it's important to recognize that the weight-bearing capacity of wheeled walkers might be lower than that of standard walkers.

● Single vs. Dual Button

Walkers typically come in two button configurations: single button and dual button. Single-button walkers conveniently close with just one button, making them easy to fold and transport with one hand. On the other hand, dual-button walkers close one side at a time, providing the option to utilize one side for support while keeping the other open.

However, closing a dual-button walker requires both hands, which might be challenging for those with limited dexterity. In such cases, a single-button walker could be a more suitable choice.

● Hemi Walkers

A hemi walker functions similarly to a cane, offering support on one side of the body. However, it features four legs for broader coverage. If you require reduced pressure on one side of your body while seeking enhanced stability compared to a cane, a hemi walker might be the right fit.

● Walker Accessories

Apart from different walker types, various add-ons can enhance the convenience and effectiveness of your walker. These include:

Wheels: If your upper body strength diminishes and lifting a standard walker becomes challenging, walker wheel attachments offer a practical solution. These attachments can be easily fitted onto the front legs of a standard walker.

Glide Caps: Glide caps serve as a durable alternative to tennis balls often placed on walker legs. They promote smoother movement over most surfaces, particularly useful for wheeled walkers or in conjunction with wheel attachments.

Platform Attachment: Designed for individuals with reduced dexterity or weakened arms, platform attachments allow weight to be placed on the arm instead of the hand. Attaching to one side of the walker, they often feature a comfortable strap to secure the arm and a handle for added stability.

Basket: Walker baskets are convenient for carrying and storing items, making errands manageable while using a walker. A variety of options, including metal baskets with trays, canvas baskets, tote bags, and organizers, can be attached to the front of the walker.

5. Rollators

If you're seeking an alternative to the traditional walker, rollators could offer an excellent choice. Rollators eliminate the need for lifting and are easier to maneuver, making them a user-friendly option.

Typically equipped with swivel casters for effortless movement and brakes for added safety, rollators also feature a cushioned seat to provide a comfortable resting place for those who tire easily while walking. Some models even incorporate storage space beneath the seat for added convenience.

● Four-Wheel Rollators

The four-wheel rollator is the most prevalent type. It boasts four rolling wheels – two swiveling in the front and two fixed in the back. While providing superior support, they are slightly less agile due to their broader size when compared to three-wheel rollators.

● Three-Wheel Rollators

Characterized by a single swiveling wheel at the front and two fixed wheels at the back, three-wheel rollators are a more compact option. Their slimmer design facilitates easier maneuvering, but they offer slightly less support than their four-wheel counterparts.

● Bariatric Rollators

If substantial support is your requirement, consider a bariatric rollator. These rollators are engineered to be sturdier than regular models, boasting larger wheels and a robust build. They have an impressive weight capacity of up to 500 lbs.

● Rollator Transport Chair Hybrid

For individuals recuperating from surgery or injury, the rollator transport chair hybrid is a versatile solution. Functioning as both a rollator and a transport chair, it provides the user with the choice to walk independently or be pushed by a caregiver.

6. Lifting Seats

Lifting seats serve as ingenious devices designed to assist individuals in transitioning between sitting and standing positions. These adaptive solutions are placed over chairs and offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional lifting chairs.

Their inherent portability renders them versatile, allowing them to be employed on a variety of chairs and sofas, both within the comfort of home and in public spaces.

● Electric Lifting Seats

Electric lifting seats come in options powered by batteries or electricity, and they can be conveniently operated through a lever or remote control. Delivering an impressive 100% lift assistance, they are particularly well-suited for individuals who require substantial aid when shifting between seated and standing orientations.

● Self-Powered Lifting Seats

Conversely, self-powered lifting seats utilize hydro-pneumatic gas springs to automatically activate as the user stands up. A distinctive feature of these seats is their independence from batteries or electricity, granting the freedom to utilize them anywhere and at any time, even in outdoor settings. However, they typically offer lift assistance levels ranging from 70 to 80%.

● Complementary Considerations and Usage

It's important to recognize that while lifting seats excel in aiding lower body movement during sit-to-stand transitions, maintaining balance requires additional support. To achieve this, combining lifting seats with aids such as canes or walkers is advisable. A vital note of caution is that lifting seats should not be employed with wheelchairs, as this could lead to unintended movement of the chair while the lifting seat is in operation.

7. Wheelchairs

For individuals facing challenges with walking or experiencing rapid fatigue, wheelchairs present a valuable mobility aid. These devices can be operated by the user's upper body strength or propelled by someone else, offering flexibility in usage.

With a range of customization options and diverse designs, wheelchairs cater to varying requirements.

● Standard Manual Wheelchairs

Commonly known as self propelling wheelchairs, standard manual wheelchairs are the prevalent choice. They are budget-friendly and designed to fulfill the fundamental needs of wheelchair users. These wheelchairs are suitable for self-propulsion.

● Hemi Wheelchairs

Hemi wheelchairs come with adjustable seat-to-floor height. This feature accommodates shorter users whose feet might dangle when seated. Additionally, hemi wheelchairs are advantageous for those who prefer to propel the wheelchair using their feet.

● Lightweight Wheelchairs

Offering enhanced convenience, lightweight wheelchairs weigh around 35 to 38 pounds compared to standard wheelchairs' 41 to 43 pounds. They are ideal for full-time users as they are easier to self-propel, minimizing strain and the risk of further injury.

● Bariatric Wheelchairs

Addressing the needs of users with higher weight capacities and larger dimensions, bariatric wheelchairs, provide comprehensive support. With weight capacities ranging from 450 to 600 pounds, seat widths of 22 to 28 inches, and hemi-height adjustability, these wheelchairs ensure inclusivity.

● Reclining Wheelchairs

For those seeking adaptable comfort, reclining wheelchairs offer the ability to recline safely within the chair. With a backrest recline range of 90 to 160 degrees and a removable padded headrest, these wheelchairs prioritize user comfort and well-being.

8. Transport Chairs

Transport chairs share similarities with wheelchairs in their support for individuals facing walking challenges or quick fatigue. However, transport chairs distinguish themselves by their lightweight nature, portability, and design intended for pushing by a caregiver or companion.

Equipped with smaller wheels compared to traditional wheelchairs, these chairs offer enhanced maneuverability and transport convenience. It is used for shorter durations like errands or travel, selecting the right transport chair parallels the process of choosing a standard wheelchair.

● Weight Consideration

Given the emphasis on lightweight and portability, opt for a transport chair that can be effortlessly lifted into and out of a car by you or a companion. While all transport chairs are designed to be lightweight, you might find aluminum transport chairs more appealing due to their reduced weight compared to heavier steel counterparts.

● Wheel Size Variation

Though all transport chairs feature smaller wheels than traditional wheelchairs, wheel sizes can differ. Contemplate the terrain where you intend to use the transport chair; larger wheels provide improved maneuverability over uneven surfaces and challenging terrains.

Conclusion

Got your mobility match? From canes to wheelchairs, we've explored a range of options tailored to different needs and situations.

Make sure to consider individual requirements, physical capabilities, and environmental factors to choose the ideal mobility solution. Explore the exclusive range of mobility aids in the UAE from Sehaaonline!