One of the most important factors in a eldery life is the feeling of independence. This independence is defined in their ability to move around freely and independently. The lack of mobility, independence and exsersise can have a major inpact on the quality of life and unfortuantly the life expetency of the sufferer.
Mobility aids are gernerally devices that allow a sufferer to move freely around their home and outside, through parks, or just to walk to the corner shop.
There are many different types of mobility aids, none of which are sold more than the cane, with the mobility walker in a close second. You can purchase walking frames, walking sticks, and crutches.
A walking stick is a tool used by many people to ease pressure on the legs while walking. when using a walking stick the weight is transferred through your arms and the stick to help take the pressure of the affected limb.
A walking stick can essentially be any type of stick. Many walking sticks are not used for support. Many are often used for country walks, walking a dog, exersise and just general ballance.
Walkers are sometimes refferred to as a Zimmer Frame. Walking frames are tools that can aid a person who is mobility challenged and need something to lean on whilst they are walking around. A frame consists of a frame that is about waist high and is a little wider than the user. The user walk with the frame. they walk in the frame that surrounds the users front and sides. Their hands provide additional support by holding on to the frame, they can support themselves by holding the handles on each side of the frame. The front legs of the walkers can have wheels on or not. This will generally depend on how strong the user is, and their ability to lift or push the frame.
This light enclosing framework with rubber castors or wheels and handles, helps indivduals or the handicapped or the aged to walk, by offering them some support and stablility.
Personal mobility products is a term used to cover all sorts of different aids that help and older or mobility challenged person in their everyday life either in the home, workplace or just walking around the outside world.
A rollator is bassically a walker that has been fitted with wheels. this combineds all the functions of a walker but makes it easier to use. Many rollators are adjustable in height. a rollator is easier to move, rather than having to lift the frame up and move it forward in a reptative motion, all you need to do is walk and push the frame along as you go. this requires less energy in the arms and is usuable by people who have little strength or movement in the arms.
The idea of adding wheels to a walker originated in Scandinavia decades ago.
Don't misunderstand the wheels do not do the work for you. The rolling walker will not take you anywhere and has no engine or batteries. You, the user, control pace and direction of the frame, with your own muscles supply the power.
A rollator is ideal for those who want to get out and about using their own legs, and of their own accord, but who could use a little assist with balance. if you find walking without any aid, or with a non-wheeled aids hard going, walking with a wheeled frame both liberating and enjoyable. |