If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of an aging family member, it’s important to be aware of the most effective tools available to help prevent accidents at home.
The following article outlines some of the most important equipment that can be used in homes with seniors. You can find such specialty equipment on websites such as safetyandmobility.com.au. The following article also talks about the guidelines on how to use and maintain specialized mobility equipment.
Safety and Mobility Equipment for Seniors
At some point, most seniors require assistance with mobility. It is mainly the case if they cannot walk independently or have family members who can assist them. There are many options available in the market, but the most common mobility assistance equipment include:
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can provide firm support for seniors who cannot walk or stand up independently.
There are both manual and electronic wheelchairs. It’s important to note that when choosing a wheelchair, it is crucial to ensure it can be used safely in the environment where they live.
Wheelchair Lifts
It is common for seniors who use wheelchairs to require assistance with getting into cars or other types of vehicles. It is where wheelchair lifts are helpful. A wheelchair lift can provide an accessible platform to help them transfer from the wheelchair to a vehicle seat.
Transfer Benches
A transfer bench allows users to slide across a stable surface, such as their bed or couch, into a seated position. They are available both with and without handrails.
Crutches
Crutches can be used to support a person who has difficulty walking, for instance, due to arthritis. It is because crutches reduce the amount of weight that they need to place on their legs and feet.
Walking Frames
Walking frames can be useful for seniors who require support to stand up safely. Walking frames commonly feature four supporting legs, making it easy to balance. They also have handrails so that they can hold on if needed.
Crash Mats
Crash mats are designed to protect individuals from falling from the bed. They must be placed on the floor beneath the bed’s mattress, with an area cut out for easy access. It is also important to ensure that the mat doesn’t get bunched up under the mattress.
Bed Alarms
Bed alarms effectively prevent seniors from getting up at night and avoid falling. Bed alarms can be installed underneath the mattress or on the bed frame to provide added protection.
How to Buy Safety and Mobility Aids For Home Use
When it comes to using mobility equipment in homes, there are some essential things to consider. For example, it is crucial to ensure that the equipment is durable and withstand regular use in the home environment.
Moreover, they must be stable when in use. It means they won’t trip or move when someone transfers onto them from their wheelchair, for instance.
It’s also crucial to ensure they are safe when in use. For example, wheelchairs need to have brakes to stop moving if they want to.
Additionally, all mobility equipment must be well-maintained. It means having a good understanding of how to clean and store them correctly between uses.
It’s also essential to ensure that the user can easily access all safety and mobility equipment. For example, if seniors use a wheelchair, they must get in and out of their car or safely transfer onto seats in other vehicles.
When you’re looking for a website that provides all types of equipment for special needs, consider looking through safetyandmobility.com.au, which has multiple models for different types of requirements.
*This is a collaborative post, please see my privacy and disclosure policy
Safety is vital in every mobility aid, which is one thing my blog aims to tackle. I review mobility aids, state what people should look for, and select the best.