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Mobility
Overview
Symptoms
Treatment
Products
Resources
Mobility in homecare is the ability to move on your own. The need for
mobility products can be either temporary or permanent. Some people simply need
help temporarily such as when recovering from surgery or an illness. Others due
to age or illness have problems with stability when walking, while some people
are unable to ambulate at all. In any case, selecting the appropriate mobility
equipment is critical for enhancing their daily quality of life and providing
the means for their continued independence.
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The following categories of
mobility products are listed from minimal to
maximum mobility aids: canes, quad canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, manual
wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and scooters.
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Canes are used by people who are independent enough to use a one-handed
walking aid. They have fairly good balance and just need the added stability
and support that a cane provides. Canes are used in the hand that is on the
opposite side of the body that is weaker or injured. They are available in
numerous sizes, handles and styles. Aside from the traditional “umbrella”
handle, ergonomic and orthopedic grip handles are now available. Wood canes
are sized by cutting with a saw. Aluminum canes are adjusted by using a
spring button.
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Quad Canes have a base with four points of contact on the floor to
provide extra stability and support for people when walking. They are
available with a small or large base and their size is selected according to
the amount of support needed by the person.
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Forearm Crutches are used by people who have long-term or permanent
mobility problems. The cuffs on the top of the crutches wrap around the
forearms while the orthopedic handles are gripped below. The height is
adjustable at the base with a spring button, and they are available in adult
and child sizes.
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Walkers help people remain mobile by providing stability and support
while walking. They transfer most of the weight and work from the user’s
legs and feet to their arms and hands. Walkers are available in rigid and
folding models, plus a variety of accessories are available such as wheels,
baskets, pouches, backpacks, glide brakes, seats, trays and glass holders.
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Rollators are walkers with wheels and brakes to eliminate having to lift
the walker to walk. They feature small or large wheels for indoor and
outdoor use, respectively. Brakes offer extra security when going down
inclines. The walkers fold for transport and many have seats so users can
sit and rest when they get tired.
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Manual Wheelchairs are no longer “one size fits all” and are available
in a variety of styles and sizes. The standard basic wheelchair folds easily
for transport, has locking wheels, detachable foot rests that swing-away for
transferring, footplates, elevating leg rests and arm rests that are either
permanent full length or removable desk length. Optional features include
reclining backs, adjustable seat length, hemi or low seat frames,
articulating footrests, solid tires and anti-tipping devices.
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Transport or Companion Wheelchairs are popular with caregivers because
they have four small wheels for convenience when transporting the chair in a
car or other form of transportation. They are available in very lightweight
models and are designed to be pushed by the caregiver.
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Lightweight
Wheelchairs are also popular with end-users as they weigh so
much less than standard chairs and are easier to self-propel. They are
preferred for outdoor usage and wheelchair sports.
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Power Wheelchairs are motorized wheelchairs that are controlled by
either a joy stick or a puff mechanism. These are primarily used by
quadriplegics or people with medical conditions who are extremely weak and
cannot push themselves in a manual wheelchair.
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Scooters or Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMV’s) provide motorized
transportation for individuals who either need or prefer power mobility.
Scooters can be used indoors and outdoors and are available in both
front-wheel and rear-wheel drive models. They also come in lightweight
models that break down into smaller parts for easier transport.
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Mobility Resources
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
541 343-1284
www.miusa.org
SCI Information Network
205 934-3283
www.spinalcord.uab.edu
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