Maintaining Independent Movement With Personal Mobility Aids

Maintaining Independent Movement With Personal Mobility Aids

Maintaining Independent Movement With Personal Mobility Aids

Personal mobility aids (PMAs) are specific piece of mobility assistance equipment that allows individuals with limited mobility to perform tasks independently. Age is one of the causing factors of elderlies needing to rely on PMAs. 

Age often comes with reduced strength and balance and is occasionally associated with age-related conditions, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and bad backs. Depending on the individual’s needs, day-to-day living in and outside of their home calls for different mobility aids.

Handling mobility at home

Mobility limitations affect most day-to-day living at home, such as:

  • Using the bathroom
  • Climbing up the stairs
  • Housework 
  • Moving from room to room
  • Using the kitchen
  • Answering the door if someone rings the doorbell or knocks at the door
  • General independence 

PMAs that handles mobility limitation at home

The mobility requirements at home typically surround the need to manoeuvre around tight spaces. Hence, mobility support that allows ease of getting around at home are walkers and walking canes.

A walking cane is ideal if you are weaker on one side of your body, providing support to that side. It takes up minimal storage space and is highly suitable for individuals who are still able to walk with a little effort. A walker, on the other hand, provides additional support to the lower body. It can come with or without wheels. For the ones without wheels, the user has to lift them forward in order to move forward. For the ones with wheels, the user simply pushes it forward while moving in the same direction.

Mobility limitations outside of the home

Once you are out of your home, mobility challenges can come in various forms, from walking to the nearest bus stop to uneven surfaces and terrains. While walkers and walking canes can still be used, they might not be as beneficial, especially if you need to travel for a longer distance. Hence, the need to remain independent yet comfortable calls for an electric scooter for elderlies or wheelchairs.

Types of wheelchairs

  • Manual wheelchairs: They are manually operated, which means the user moves the wheelchair using their upper body strength to turn the wheels. However, it can also be manoeuvred by an accompaniment pushing them from behind. 
  • Travel wheelchairs: Highly suitable for individuals seeking a more active lifestyle, these wheelchairs are extremely light and transportable, allowing you to disassemble them easily into their carry bag, making them travel-friendly.
  • Motorised wheelchairs: They are the most expensive of the three. However, they are extremely manoeuvrable and do not need any manual effort. All it takes to move the wheelchairs are a push on the joystick, making them the most independent option available. However, they do need to ensure regular charging.

Electric scooters

In contrast to electric motorised wheelchairs, electric scooters provide better manoeuvrability, control, and value. They also offer more comfort and travel distance. Some even come with additional accessories and storage, such as baskets. 

Conclusion

Your later years will bring significant changes to your independence, and PMAs can help you maintain independence for a much longer period. When selecting a PMA, whether for yourself or for your loved one, get one that suits your or their lifestyle and needs. In most cases, investing in both indoor and outdoor PMA use is highly recommended.

Falcon Mobility has some of the best ranges of PMAs for you to choose from. Whether it is motorised wheelchairs or support accessories, our team can help you select the best-suited mobility support. Additionally, we are also absorbing GST inflation for all products till the end of March!

Find out more at https://www.falconmobility.com.sg/ to get independent today!

Back to blog