There are many types of mobility aids available for those who have a disability that impairs their ability to move around in the daily activities that many people take for granted. Some disabilities are more of a hindrance than others and therefore the aids required can vary greatly.
Although this site mainly focuses on lift chairs but let’s take a look at some other common aids that you might also use or know someone who does.
Electric Wheelchairs
Probably the most well known mobility aid is the wheelchair, which includes the electric version known as an electric wheelchair. A normal wheelchair is used in cases of injury when a cane or walking stick is not sufficient enough to support the person while walking.
Electric wheelchairs add the element of automatic movement through their motors for those unable to push themselves in the way that a normal wheelchair must be operated. They can range in cost anywhere from $1500-$7500 and are available online.
An electric wheelchair.
Electric wheelchairs come in different types. They usually fall under these categories:
- Read Wheel Drive Wheelchairs – most common type available
- Front Wheel Drive Wheelchairs – becoming more popular with wheelchair users
- Mid Wheel Drive Wheelchairs – feature the tightest turning but also more unstable
Wheelchair Lifts
For situations where a wheelchair needs to be transported in a place where no ramp exists then a wheelchair lift can be used. These come in two types, a hydraulic lift and an electric lift.
Hydraulic lifts are preferred as they usually have a smoother operation especially when it comes to changing speed.
This allows a more comfortable transfer to the user as they get on and off the lift with their wheelchair.
Electric wheelchair lifts, while not as smooth to operate as the hydraulic ones, are cheaper and still very useful. They usually have a battery backup in case there is a power outage so that one doesn’t find themselves stuck on the lift mid transfer.
Another variety of these devices are specialy designed for lifting up stairs, known as wheelchair lifts for stairs.
Lifting Cushions
Lifting cushion to aid sitting and standing.
Somewhat similar to a regular lift chair, these boosting cushions help people sit up and and out of a chair. They are more portable and easier to take on vacations or places other than the home where the person might need them. This makes them very flexible and a good choice for those who don’t necessarily need a lift chair or want an alternative to use where it’s not practical to have a lift chair.
Walking Aids
For getting around either your home or even outside, walking aids can give you greater mobility without being tied down to a machine such as a wheelchair or other mechanical device.
They usually come in the form of a rollator, standard walker, or rolling walker depending on the amount of stability the person needs.
One advantage of a rolling walker is that it can help the person using it have better posture as it forces them to stand upright while using it All of these walking aids normally have a basket available for putting items while out shopping which makes it easier to carry these things home.
Additionally they can also have a seat to rest on in case the user gets tired during walking and are able to rest.
Stair Lifts
Stair lifts are installed in some one’s home to give them the ability to move up and down their stairways in a motorized seat. They can be fairly expensive, usually costing between $2500 and $4000. They can usually accomodate persons up to around 350 pounds and attain a height of almost 25 feet.
Automotive Lifts
Loading a wheelchair into a van using a wheelchair lift for vans.
These types of lifts are designed to fit most types of cars and vans and can be operated by a single person which is great for giving someone the freedom to travel on their own.
They work by helping the individual get in and out of their automobile while in a wheelchair.
The cost for one of these devices is about $750-$3500 but the good thing is that often auto manufacturers will reimburse the cost through one of their own programs designed to help people purchase these helpful devices.
Wheelchair Van Ramps
Similar to automotive ramps, wheelchair van ramps also make a van wheelchair accessible. Since they are designed for vans only they have a few advantages over the general automotive ones. For one thing they are not mechanical so are easier to operate, are much cheaper (usually around $500-$1000) and can fold in half for easy storage.
They are also a lot less prone to needing repair over the more complicarted automotive lifts.
Wheelchair Vans
Special vans are also made for using with wheelchairs. These provide the wheelchair user with controls to help them operate the van such as hand controls for breaks and acceleration instead of the usual foot pedals most vehicles use.
You must consult with your local driving authorities however to make sure any guidelines are followed in accordance with the laws of the area you will be driving in.
Other options include restraining measures to keep your wheelchair from moving around while driving. Straps that fit the torso will also keep a person sitting upright while driving so they can focus on the road at all times