Getting older can often lead to struggles with mobility. However, older adults need to stay active to stay healthy. This is where mobility aids can prove helpful. They provide extra support and reassurance to your loved ones, helping them to stay independent.
There are many different types of mobility aid on the market today. In this article, we will look at the best value options for your loved ones.
Walking Sticks
If your loved ones are a little unsteady on their feet, or get tired easily, a walking stick is a simple but effective solution. They serve almost like an extra leg, relieving some weight from your loved one’s joints. This can prevent aches and pains and reduce fatigue. When your loved one feels tired, they can stop to lean on their stick whilst they catch their breath.
Moreover, walking sticks come in a variety of styles and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your loved one’s needs. Some can fold out into a convenient seat, whilst others are collapsible and can be kept in a bag. Your loved one can also choose between wooden walking sticks or weight-bearing aluminium.
Fortunately, walking sticks are amongst the most affordable of mobility aids. Prices start at as little as £10, though more specialist types will require a larger investment.
Walking Frames
A walking stick may not offer enough support for your loved one. In these cases, it may be worth spending a little extra money on a decent walking frame. These mobility aids are sturdier than a walking stick and provide three or four legs for additional support. This allows them to take more weight off your loved one’s limbs.
Walking frames are also lightweight, making them easy to move around whilst also serving as reliable mobility aids. Some are also adjustable. Furthermore, your loved one can choose between frames with rubber fit, preventing them from sliding away, or wheels, which are great if your loved one is confident but just needs a little extra support.
Some frames even come with bags or seats. What’s more, they are also very reasonably priced. A basic walking frame won’t cost your loved one more than £30, and a wheeled frame – known as a Rollator – starts at around £70.
Wheelchairs
Your loved one may be reluctant to use a wheelchair, but these mobility aids can offer extra peace of mind when out and about. Like walking frames, they can be used to offer additional support whilst walking. Your loved one may find they benefit from the option to sit down when they need to.
Using a wheelchair also gives them the option of saving their energy for a specific activity. They could remain seated on the journey to a water aerobics class, for example, avoiding any strain before taking part.
Wheelchairs can prove more expensive than walking sticks and walking frames. Prices can start at around £150, but top models may cost in excess of £500. However, your loved one may be eligible for a free NHS wheelchair. If a doctor believes your loved one may benefit from a wheelchair as a mobility aid, they may refer you to the NHS Wheelchair Service. They will either provide a wheelchair free of charge or give your loved one a voucher towards the cost of one.
Stairlifts
Stairs can prove challenging for older adults with mobility issues. If downsizing and moving into a bungalow does not seem financially viable, your elderly loved ones may benefit from a stairlift. These mobility aids eliminate the need to walk up the stairs. Instead, your loved one simply sits down and lets the device carry them up.
Stairlifts can be fantastic investments, as they reduce the likelihood of tripping on the stairs or having a fall. However, a stairlift is not as affordable as other mobility aids. Getting one fitted could put your loved one back by up to £2,000. This, though, could be a small price to pay for extra peace of mind, and is certainly cheaper than moving home.
Handrails
Alternatively, your loved one may find that fitting additional handrails on their staircase provides additional peace of mind. These can also be fitted all around the house. Your loved one may benefit from fitting one beside their toilet or bath to help them stand. They could also fit handrails in their hallways, offering extra support when moving from room to room.
Handrails are also helpful if your loved one experiences a fall. If they feel strong enough and are uninjured, a handrail could be used to help them stand up again.
Fitting handrails can add up. A high-quality half metre rail may cost around £50. You should also consider getting handrails fitted by a professional to make sure your loved one is protected.
Support for Home Adaptations
Fortunately, your loved one may not have to foot the bill themselves. Councils can perform home assessments to determine what mobility aids your loved one requires. If adaptations are necessary, your loved one can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to cover the costs of modifications. All you need to do is contact your local council and request a home assessment.
Visit the government website to find your local council.
Careline Alarm
Mobility aids aren’t the only way to provide peace of mind. Accidents can happen to anyone, and it is important to be able to call for help. With this in mind, your loved one may benefit from a Careline alarm.
Careline alarms offer 24/7 protection, 365 days a year, all at the press of a button. If your loved one has a fall or feels unwell, they simply activate their pendant alarm, and our Care Team will be in touch to get them the help they need. They will alert emergency contacts and, when necessary, the emergency services.
We also offer key safes. If it does prove necessary to contact the emergency services, our Care Team can provide them with the code to your loved one’s key safe. This avoids the need for any property damage if the emergency services cannot get inside.
You can find out more about our alarm service by checking out our detailed guide. Alternatively, why not get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 030 8777. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 4th July 2024 to reflect current information.
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