Personal Mobility
The first, and most elemental, topic in any discussion of mobility is individual personal mobility. All other mobility questions and solutions are derivatives of this core issue. But, the elemental nature of this subject does not necessarily translate into simplicity.
The information contained in this section can provide you with both a starting point for understanding your options, as well as a virtual check list for negotiating the related issues within personal mobility.
To learn more about some of the products that may help you in your daily life, click on one of the following links.
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Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are those that require human power to move them. Many manual wheelchairs can be folded for storage or placement into a vehicle, although modern wheelchairs are just as likely to be rigid framed.
Manual or self-propelled wheelchairs are propelled by the occupant, usually by using large rear wheels. Skilled users can control speed and turning and often learn to balance the chair on its rear wheels - do a "wheelie". The wheelie is not just for show - a rider that can control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles. |
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Light weight and high cost are related in the manual wheelchairs market. At the low-cost end, heavy, tubular steel chairs with sling seats and little adaptability dominate. Users may be temporarily disabled, or using such a chair as a loaner, or simply unable to afford better. Heavy unmodified manual chairs are common as "loaners" at large facilities such as airports, amusement parks and shopping centers. In a higher price range, and more commonly used by persons with long-term disabilities, are major manufacturer lightweight chairs with more options. The high end of the market contains ultra-light models, extensive seating options and accessories, all-terrain features, and so forth.
The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Wheelchairs.
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Power Wheelchairs
| Three general styles of electric powered chairs (EPWs) exist: rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. Each style has particular handling characteristics. EPWs are also divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile. EPWs run the gamut from small and portable models, which can be folded or disassembled, to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs). |
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They are generally prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions, and do not have the leg strength to propel a manual chair with their feet. A person with full function of the arms and upper torso will generally be prescribed a manual chair, or find that their insurance will not cover an EPW.
The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries (the user blows into a tube located near the mouth, which powers the movement of the chair). This controller is the most delicate and usually the most expensive part of the chair. EPWs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function.
The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Wheelchairs.
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Scooters
A mobility scooter is a mobility aid similar to a wheelchair but configured like a motorscooter. It is often referred to as a power-operated vehicle/scooter or electric scooter as well.
A mobility scooter has a seat over two rear wheels, a flat area for the feet, and handlebars in front to turn one or two steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are usually electricly-powered. A battery or two is stored onboard the scooter, and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard electric outlets. Gasoline-powered scooters are also available, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models. |
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Assistive and small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. A scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swivelling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters are generally more affordable than powered wheelchairs, and often easier to obtain from insurers or health care agencies.
The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Scooters.
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Walkers
A walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. It consists of a frame that is about waist high, approximately twelve inches deep and slightly wider than the user. Walkers are also available in other sizes such as Pediatric (for children) or Bariatric (for overweight or obese persons).
Modern walkers are height adjustable and should be set at a height that is comfortable for the user, but will allow the user to maintain a slight bend in their arms. This bend is needed to allow for proper blood circulation through the arms as the walker is used. |
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The front two legs of the walker may or may not have wheels attached depending on the strength and abilities of the person using it. It is also common to see caster wheels or glides on the back legs of a walker with wheels on the front.
A walker is a good tool for those who are recuperating from leg or back injuries. It is also commonly used by persons having problems with walking or with mild balance problems.
The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Walkers.
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Canes
A cane, or walking stick, is a tool used by many people to assist walking. Hemiplegic and balance-impaired persons use the stick to give them a better sense of the vertical position, thereby lessening vertigo. Without the stick, it is easy to walk at an angle, and perhaps not move in a straight line. The stick is held in the stronger hand.
Muscle-weakened persons (with reduced strength or nerve action) need a stronger weight-bearing stick to take some of the load normally used by the afflicted leg. Canes are generally used in the hand opposite the injury or weakness. This may appear counter-intuitive, but this allows the cane to used for stability in a way that lets the user shift much of their weight onto the cane and away from their weaker side as they walk. Personal preference, or a need to hold the cane in their dominant hand means some cane users choose to hold the cane on their injured side. |
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The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Walking Sticks.
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Crutches
Crutches are medical tools used in the event that one's leg or legs may be injured or unable to support weight. There are several different types of medical crutches:
Forearm crutches are the most common type in Europe, used in the US almost exclusively by people with permanent disabilities, though orthopaedic surgeons are now beginning to prescribe forearm crutches for patients with shorter term needs. |
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Forearm crutches are used by slipping the arm into a cuff and holding the grip. The cuff, typically made of either plastic or metal, can be a half-circle or a full circle with a V-type opening in the front allowing the forearm to slip out in case of a fall.
Underarm crutches are the most common type in the United States, and are used most often by people with temporary disability or injury. These are used by placing the pads under the armpits and holding the grip, which is below and parallel to the armpit pad. These are sometimes known as axillary crutches.
The text in this area was taken from Wikipedia's page on Crutches.
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Aids to Daily Living
There are a variety of products that can help someone with limited mobility live their daily life.
Items like grab bars, shower chairs and other bath aids, transfer benches and transfer boards, higher commodes, dental care products, reachers (grabbers), adaptive kitchen utensils and many other products can help someone live more independently. |
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