What is The Significance of Mobility Equipment?

Mobility equipment is required in two instances: as a part of a rehabilitation program if you are recovering from an operation or injury and for long-term mobility if you have a disability.

The rehabilitation process is a gradual progression towards unassisted and independent walking. However, things are different when complete recovery is not possible. This happens when a disease or injury has permanently affected your legs or the lower portion of the body. The illness might affect your balance, coordination and you need to use the mobility equipment available in mobility scooter shops for the long term.

Walking equipment may perform more than one function such as:

• Offering greater balance and stability by providing a wider support base
• Aids your walking pattern regarding evenness and speed of the stride. The equipment might help you to maintain an upright body posture
• Increasing your confidence in your walking ability
• Weight redistribution is possible with walking equipment as some weight carried by the legs is transferred to the equipment.

Though walking equipment is known to improve your ability to walk, an inappropriate use of mobility device and incorrect walking techniques can jeopardise your safety.  Also, if you do not use the right mobility device, mishap might happen. So, it is important to use the right device and take professional help before choosing one.

Reduced Risk Of Falls

When you are using a walking aid, some actions can minimise the risk of your falling or face an accident due to uncoordinated walking.

• Home Environment

Remove loose rugs, clutter and trailing flexes from the floor and keep the access routes around the house clear.

• Stairs

If you have stairs in your house and you or anyone in your family use walking aids, use two walking aids one for upstairs and another for downstairs. Do not attempt to take the walking steps up and down the stairs.

• Wet Floors

You must not use walking equipment on wet floors, and you must ask for the advice of an occupational therapist. You can also install grab rails for better convenience.