5 Mobility Gadgets That Promote Self-Reliance | Attaining independence when recuperating is one of the factors that lead to a speedy recovery. Technology is widely instrumental in ensuring that patients who are declared invalid become self-reliant.
The introduction of mobility self-reliant gadgets has been at the forefront in preventing minor accidents such as tripping or falling. Knowledge of such devices makes them accessible to all who need their services.
Here are five mobility gadgets that promote self-reliance.
Medical Scooters
An Electric Wheelchair comes in an assortment of makes and ranges from basic to advanced. There are manual and electric medical scooters built to meet patient’s needs with mobility problems.
Medical scooters come with vast benefits for the user, including long travel distances that make the user feel comfortable. They also vary in prices to accommodate the budgets of patients in dire need of them.
There are lightweight models which make portability easier. A flexible backrest and distinctive designs have set them apart from all other mobility gadgets. Patients diagnosed with any level of paralysis can rely on medical scooters of their choice to lead normal and productive lives.
Checking with your doctor is highly recommended rather than self-medicating. They’ll guide you on the medical scooter with all the necessary features for your daily mobility needs.
What’s more, some medical scooters are lift-friendly and would enable patients to move around without any restrictions. Better still, their overall stylish designs allow a faster and smoother trip around your neighborhood.
Canes
These are among the most popular and reliable mobility aids in the medical industry. They’ve been around long enough and are among the easiest to use for patients of all ages, especially seniors.
Canes are meant to support the lower body and divert the pressure to the wrists and hands instead. Patients who prefer to use canes should only do so when there’s a need to avoid placing undue stress on the hands.
Their other function is to inhibit the risk of falling in case of instability. Different types of canes are meant for various mobility issues. Quad canes are mostly preferred due to their ability to offer a more significant deal of stability to the user.
First-time users must be thoroughly guided by their doctors, who will do so based on the patient’s condition.
Medics consider various guiding factors before settling on the best one for their patients, including; the patient’s medical condition, height, the cane’s grip to enhance comfort and balance, etc.
There are different types of canes, and each one is suited uniquely to its function;
- The ‘C’ cane – This is the most basic type of cane, and the shape of its handle suggests its name. The ‘C’ cane is only recommended for people with minor movement issues.
- Functional Grip Cane – Its features are slightly more advanced than the ‘C’ shaped cane. It has a straight handle that allows for a better grip on the user.
- Offset Handle Cane – This cane mainly revolves around weight and is designed to ensure that the user’s weight is evenly distributed to provide the user’s comfort.
- Quad Cane – The name tells it all as its base comprises four points for maximum support at the bottom. It’s made for patients who face intense challenges in maintaining their balance.
- Folding cane – Their most significant advantage is that they are highly flexible and can be carried inside a bag while you’re in a moving vehicle.
Crutches
These are more advanced compared to canes due to their ability to offer support to the armpit level. Crutches promote self—reliance for people that have been through a minor or major injury that has affected one or both legs.
New patients also need training on the proper use of crutches as they may be slightly more complicated than canes. On the bright side, they come in various sizes to accommodate the varying needs of patients.
Not all injuries require the use of crutches but only the ones specified by a trained medic. They are classified into two groups; underarm and forearm crutches, depending on the mobility needs of the patients, among other factors.
As a mobility gadget, it has promoted self-reliance and confidence in the patient, offering hope for a smooth journey towards recovery. Since they entered the medical field, lives have been changed and transformed.
Forearm crutches are considered more complicated of the two types due to their overall design. Users need a series of practice sessions to ensure they know what’s required to operate them successfully.
Underarm crutches are more straightforward in their approach as their use is mainly centred on your grip on them.
Rollators
Rollators are incredibly similar to walkers, with the difference being their ability to move through rolling. The name tells it all as they are all about rolling around rather than lifting to move around.
Most mobility-impaired patients prefer them due to their ability to cover long distances with ease. They don’t require as much energy as a walker does with lifting.
Motorized Lift Chair
Such a mobility gadget is powered by motors that enable it to move through inbuilt engines. It has a unique mechanism that allows the user to move forward and sit upright from a reclined position.
It also helps take it easy on the hip and joints areas that may have been affected by an injury or accident.
Conclusion
Multiple other mobile gadgets cater to the needs of patients. Each of them needs the guidance of a verified medical doctor to pick and shop for.
