8 Mobility Equipment To Look After Senior Citizens

Updated on February 10, 2020


Australia is aging, and in the coming few years, the number of older adults would rise substantially. As people age, the risk of their falling increases considerably. Falling is no big deal, but in the case of the elderly, it has its risk factors. Bones may get broken, and in old age, it would take a longer time for them to heal. If there is an actual sickness, a fall-related injury may complicate matters. 

So, what can we do to prevent the elderly from falling? Yes, there is always a walking stick, but over the years, many walking aids have come up that stop the elderly from falling. This article lists down eight mobility equipment to look after the seniors.

1. Walking sticks and canes-

These are some of the most widely used walking aids used by elderly citizens in Australia and worldwide. Most of us would need rods upon reaching the 70s. The reason is simple; canes are light, and portable. The average height of any cane is 36 inches, which is good enough for any elderly.

When you use a rod, you are transferring a load of your body from your legs to your upper body. While canes are extremely easy to use, they may not work for some people who have weak wrists or may have undergone operations of fingers, arms, or palm. Use a cane only if your hands and arms are healthy. 


2. Crutches- 


These walking aids are useful for those who have weak legs, knees or thighs. Like canes, these devices also transfer load from the lower part of the body to the arms and hands. Crutches are heavy and cumbersome to use. You would need a sharp pair of wrists and fingers to use them. 



3. Walkers-

Many older adults use walkers to move around. A walker is bigger yet lighter than a cane or a pair of crutches. It has four arms and surrounds the elderly to prevent him from falling. Walkers are made of aluminium and therefore ate incredibly light. Sometimes the front legs of a walker have wheels to make movement easier.



4. Rollators fill the gap between a wheelchair and a walker-

This equipment has four legs, and each of those is fitted with a wheel. There may be a seat for the elderly inside the rollator.   This equipment is suitable for those who want to move around but don’t like sitting in a wheelchair. If you are looking around for some fantastic walking aids, click here and check the various options available. 



5. Wheelchair-

Many elderlies who have little strength left in their bodies prefer a wheelchair. This walking aid has a seat and is fitted with two wheels, each on either side. The patient walks around by pushing the bikes with his hands. Wheelchairs are suitable for limited mobility, strictly for use on uniform grounds. 



6. Battery fitted wheelchairs- 


If the patient doesn’t have enough strength in his hands, he can opt for a battery-fitted wheelchair. However, you would need to charge this device regularly.



7. Knee walker/ scooter-

This device is especially useful for those whose one leg or knee is damaged. It is similar to a rollator, but the knee scooter can be guided or directed using just one leg. You can put the other leg or knee on the seat. 



8. Mobility scooters-

These are like wheelchairs but are used more for transportation outside. Mobility scooters are battery powered and meant for those who are quite weak waist wards. 

+ posts

Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.