Tag: mobility aids

Mobility is extremely important to your quality of life; without it, it can become difficult just to go about your day.  When illness or injury threatens to compromise mobility, it’s very common for patients to wonder about alternatives. Fortunately, mobility equipment has come quite far. Today, your choices of mobility aids are vast enough to accommodate nearly any type of challenge you might face. This article will discuss four of the most commonly suggested mobile aids that can extend your freedom and encourage greater wellness all throughout your life.

1. Walking Aids

When you need a little help to stay steady on your feet, a walking aid is often best mobility equipment option.

Crutches that are well-matched to your body’s frame can help you weather the inconvenience of an injured leg, foot or ankle. If you find yourself with painful joints or an unsteady gait, a cane will provide you with the additional stability you need without requiring a hefty investment or permanent device. Both crutches and canes afford you the flexibility to maneuver indoors and out.

There is one exception; people who are more prone to falling or becoming unsteady might be better suited to a walker. Designed with a boxy frame that provides more stability, these devices provide a better base and support for walking. If you choose this option, you should exercise caution when navigating uneven surfaces to ensure that you don’t become unbalanced.

2. Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be divided into two broad categories:

1. Manual – Manual wheelchairs offer people with stability and balance issues the ability to remain mobile and are more affordable.
2. Power – Electric wheelchairs require less manual power to maneuver but come at a higher price point.

The difference mostly lies in your upper body strength. If you wish to use a manual chair, you’ll need a fair amount of strength to get around.

One of the biggest reasons for opting for mobility equipment is to retain or regain your independence. Whether or not you’re able to push the wheelchair around when you need to can hinge on other factors beyond your upper body strength. A lightweight wheelchair is typically made of a material like titanium; the lighter weight makes the wheelchair more manageable when you’re pushing it or transporting it. This has direct benefits for both caregivers and patients, too.

Regardless of the wheelchair you choose, accessorizing it with those features that are most important to you can make your time using it more comfortable and enjoyable. Add a cup holder and a carry pouch to make it easy for you to shop and enjoy your social activities. A memory foam or gel seat cushion helps prevent muscle fatigue when you need to sit in your wheelchair for long periods of time.

Power wheelchairs contain a battery as well as an apparatus that allows you to control the speed and direction you are traveling. This is typically a joystick which provides additional maneuverability that cannot be matched by a manual wheelchair.

In many instances, power wheelchairs can be folded up somewhat compactly so they can be transported elsewhere. Ample cushioning allows you to stay comfortable while the anti-tip wheels and placement of the battery help retain the wheelchair’s low center of gravity.

You can use a power wheelchair both indoors and out, improving your freedom. It’s a good choice for you if you lack the strength to consistently operate a manual wheelchair and you need to rely upon it throughout all or most of your day.

3. Scooters

There is a good deal of overlap when it comes to scooters and power wheelchairs. In fact, these are terms that are often used interchangeably. Both are propelled using a motor of which makes them a good choice if the strength in your upper body is compromised. The difference lies in the fact that most scooters feature handlebars for a steering apparatus rather than a joystick.

Due to their size, most scooters aren’t intended to be used inside without serious adjustments to the home first. Instead, they have outdoor-suitable tires and enough power for you to use them on many different outdoor surfaces, including sidewalks and paved walkways.

A mobility scooter is easy to operate, making it an attractive solution for those who tire easily or who lack balance. However, it’s important to note that they aren’t always suitable for all patients.  In order to use one for an extended amount of time, you’ll need to have at least enough upper body strength to comfortably sit and remain upright.

Mobility scooters are also large, and that can make using them indoors tricky. You might find it difficult, for example, to retrieve items from the countertop or wash your hands. At home, simple home improvements can make tasks like these easier.

4. Knee Walkers

Some patients looking for mobility equipment prefer to use knee walkers rather than full-scale wheelchairs or scooters. These rolling devices are propelled by using the leg and foot that isn’t injured or otherwise compromised. To use a knee walker, you rest your injured knee down on a padded hammock or shelf and then use your other healthy leg  to push the walker along. In an instant, your injured leg has greatly improved support and you maintain muscle in your non-injured leg. Your hands sit on walker-style handlebars on either side for extra support.

There are also hands-free knee walkers that give you the freedom to use your hands as you go about your daily life. Many of these devices look similar to a unicycle, with a wider wheel or dual wheel system. For patients with temporary injuries, this may afford additional freedom during the healing period.

In order to successfully and safely use a knee walker, you need to have significant strength throughout your body (including your lower and upper extremities). Balance is also a must. Any weakness in the other leg or your arms may preclude you from safely using this device.

A few safety tips:

• While you can use the seat of the knee walker to rest if needed, you should always engage the handlebar brakes before attempting to do so
• Adding useful accessories, such as a basket, to your knee walker makes it easy to shop or transport items around your home, and may reduce the risk of falls from reaching for items, too.

 

In Conclusion

Today’s mobility equipment spans a broad range of options to fit nearly any ability level. Finding the perfect match can greatly improve your freedom and quality of life whether your condition is long or short-term. But that doesn’t mean you should use any mobility equipment without guidance; finding the right match and fit is critical to safe and effective use. To find your best fit, drop by your local pharmacy and speak with your pharmacist.

Modern shops, restaurants, and commercial buildings make their buildings accessible for everyone with ramps, railings, elevators, and low curbs. These adjustments limit the number of restrictions present for people using mobility aids on the premises. Airports, however, don’t always carry such clear accommodations; their rules can be confusing and completely different because they have a duty to ensure traveler security. Whether you utilize rollators, walkers, wheelchairs, or canes, air travel with mobility aids can be easier with these tips.

If you are traveling in the next few months, you should know that understanding United States airport policies on mobility aids can be extremely helpful.

Learn more about these guidelines and get involved in this short guide to make air travel with mobility aids easier.

 

Call Ahead of Time

Most airlines are well-equipped to help you with mobility needs from the moment you arrive at the airport and don’t need you to inform them of your mobility situation.

Airlines have resources on-hand to accommodate patients who rely on walking aids.

That said, it may not always be possible to get the support you need, especially during busy days or on the off chance something goes awry. Even the best airports aren’t perfect; some still seem to occasionally struggle to get accomodations right.

To ameliorate the risk of an issue occurring, you should lay out a plan before you travel with mobility aids.

Call ahead of time, be sure you know the regulations, and don’t be afraid to call and ask for specific supports if you need them.

Sometimes, you’ll need to fill out a particular form when booking flights online. Or, you may need to follow special instructions once at the airport.

Each airline’s website will mark their accessibility options. Most list this information on the passenger info page.

 

Wheelchairs and Walkers may be Gate Checked

When you travel with mobility aids, it’s best to learn what can be checked.

Some mobility aids are too cumbersome to be used in airplanes. Others cause issues for aircraft instruments.

Most of the time it’s not an issue to use them right up to the aircraft doors, but checking with your airline first is an absolute must.

Each airport has its own procedures when it comes to registering and checking in mobility devices.

Generally speaking, you can carry canes and walkers along with you, but may be asked to allow TSA agents to check them over at security checkpoints.

Walking canes, and potentially walkers, need to go through the scanning belt before you can bring them onto the airplane.

You may be required to temporarily support yourself (or have someone assist you) as you walk through the checkpoint. As soon as you pass through, security agents return your cane or walker.

Wheelchairs, however, are larger, and that’s why checking them in often falls under different regulations.

If you need a wheelchair and aren’t bringing your own, call the airport or airline ahead of time to ensure one is available upon arrival.

Keep an eye out for designated check-in areas for those who need assistance. Smaller airports may lack these specialized zones.

Be aware that staff may place your motorized wheelchair in the plane’s cargo hold up to one hour before boarding begins.

Larger wheelchairs exceeding these dimensions are also typically stored. Rest assured; you won’t be left without supports.

Staff will transfer you to a wheelchair provided by the airport when this happens.

 

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help At Checkpoints

When you travel with mobility aids, do you find yourself worried about getting through the checkpoint?

TSA agents and airline staff have plenty of experience helping people just like you manage their assistance needs.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you’re struggling – or even if you anticipate you may struggle with processing, embarking, or disembarking with mobility aids.

Many patients with mobility issues fear the checkpoint process because they feel forced to give up their supports.

If you can relate, consider asking for manual pat downs instead.

These are especially useful if you’re unable or unwilling to move without your walking cane, walker, or wheelchair.

 

Ensure You Have Documents

When embarking on air travel with mobility aids, make sure your airport documents of all your mobility needs.

Get them to print a copy of the records on paper, or print them out at home if you can.

Keep these documents on hand in case you run into issues or someone questions your equipment.

Note that airlines must accommodate disabled persons, including people who struggle with mobility or use mobility aids. This falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The law specifically states that you do not have to prove your disease or illness in order to have your right to use mobility aids and equipment while traveling.

Unfortunately, there are still some employees out there who don’t fully understand the rules. It’s often better to have proof on hand just in case you run into complications.

Showing evidence of your mobility needs, whether in digital or paper form, is almost always enough to clear up any confusion, and can help you get through your trip faster with less head-butting along the way.

 

Does Your Airport Allow Flying Companions?

Bringing a flying companion along with you? Regulations for assistance supports vary greatly.

Some airports won’t allow you to cross security checkpoints with a loved one that isn’t flying with you, while others just ask that you register their information first.

Call and ask before you arrive if you’re concerned about how to proceed.

Don’t have anyone to act as your companion?

Airport staff will escort you onto and off of the airplane – all you have to do is ask for help when you arrive.

This is also useful when airlines don’t allow non-fliers to go beyond the security scanners.

 

Prepare You Wheelchair Before Arriving at the Gate

If you use a wheelchair, one of the most important steps you can take before you fly is to ensure your chair is prepared for storage yourself.

Check you make sure the footrests are folded in and all items are removed to prevent cargo damage.

Remove any cushions you need from your wheelchair before transferring onto the plane.

If you are bringing a wheelchair, it pays to arrive a little bit early.

Fliers who need mobility assistance have priority for boarding at American Airlines, Westjet, and most other major airlines.

Being 30 to 60 minutes ahead of time will afford you the smoothest boarding experience possible, including any necessary wheelchair transfers during air travel with mobility aids.

 

 

In-Air Travel With Mobility Aids

Airlines provide a list of mobility assistive devices permitted for use on-board the plane during air travel.

This list is usually only available by request, but it may be included in your flyer’s package when you print or pick up your tickets.

If you use any of the listed devices, follow all included instructions carefully. Devices powered by batteries usually need to be turned off during the take-off and landing phases as they carry a slight interference risk, but can be safely turned back on once the all-clear light comes on.

Many flights now offer power outlets to charge any assistive equipment you bring with you.

If you find yourself in need of a charge, just plug your equipment in. Airlines provide these outlets free of charge, so you should feel free to use them as needed, when needed, without fearing extra fees.

When you travel with mobility aids, most flights also now have accessible toilets installed.

These bathrooms are more accessible for mobility-challenged patients, but still demand at least minimal self-support, such as upper arm or hand strength.

Larger bathrooms may allow wheelchair access, while smaller bathrooms may require initial transfer and assistance instead.

If you don’t have an escort, it’s best to ask the flight attendants for help if and when it becomes necessary.

Whenever possible, try to be patient when requesting additional support.

Flight assistants can only help with lavatory doors and push in-flight wheelchairs where they’re available, but they will attend to you as soon as they can.

Remember that their number one priority is always safety and well-being; if someone else gets help first, they may have more urgent needs.

 

Know Where Your Equipment Will be Upon Landing

When you travel with mobility aids, ask your airline staff where they plan to store your aids when the plane lands.

Some airports will bring your equipment to the gate where you exit the plane, while others have designated areas away from baggage carousels to make it easier for passengers to pick up equipment.

What if you’re using an airline-provided wheelchair? As mentioned before, airlines can provide you with equipment to use during airplane entry and exit.

When you disembark the plane, ask staff to direct you to your mobility aids. You will be permitted to keep using your airline-provided wheelchair until you can safely transfer into your equipment.

 

Final Tips for Air Travel With Mobility Aids

Air travel with mobility aids doesn’t need to be an intimidating and stressful experience.

Remember these 8 tips:

1. Call ahead of time to determine what your airline needs for you to travel with mobility aids
2. Determine if you can check your devices at the gate, or if you may carry them on
3. Never be afraid to ask for help during (or after) checkpoints
4. Consider bringing any documents verifying your need for mobility aids
5. Learn where your flying companions can accompany you (if you have them)
6. Prepare your wheelchair before the gate
7. Determine what devices can be used during the flight and what support options are available
8. Ask where your devices will be upon landing

By preparing ahead and understanding the guidelines for a good flight, you can enjoy your trip with fewer hassles along the way.

As a final note, don’t forget that policies may be different in other countries – keep that in mind when you’re traveling abroad.