If you have mobility issues, it is not a must to settle for a standard wheelchair. There are endless wheelchair alternatives existing today that match your lifestyle. For people who are still able to stand and walk, for added support, mobility aids like cane, crutches, sliding or “rollator” wheeled walkers can be used and for those who require a seated wheelchair alternative, a power scooter is an ideal selection, most of which even come with an armrest drink holder.
A power scooter does not function like the standard wheelchair and thanks to its motor it can be propelled with no exertion to the upper body. Electric power wheelchairs or hybrid power-assist wheelchairs are also a good choice as they integrate the manual functions of a traditional wheelchair along with the electric functions of a power wheelchair. Either choice has a wide variety of wheelchair accessories too, that help make life more enjoyable.
In fact, you can also adopt a combination of wheelchair substitutes such as a power scooter to move longer distances whereas a cane or some type of walker for small distances round about your home. In case you call for a seated option, employ a manual wheelchair for shorter jaunts so that your arm strength is retained and for longer rides, to avoid straining yourself, utilize a power scooter. However, consult your healthcare professional who has knowledge of assistive technology for guidance.
Choosing a mobility aid for you is comparable to buying a car, states United Spinal Association. Here you have to take into account several aspects like:
• What you need the device for?
• Where you wish to go or travel with it?
• How it can assist you?
• Is it within your budget?
Additionally, you may also need to consider how safe it is to get in and out of the chair. Reflect on the places where you may need to travel and terrain of those places. Think how the mobility device would help out or hold back your mobility on sidewalks, gravel, dirt or other surfaces. Also, work out on how you can transport the mobility device if you need to.
New innovations are developing as quickly as a flash and the inventive ideas of future wheelchair alternatives are more sophisticated than those available now. In 2010, few models of mobility aids such as motorized leg braces, joystick-operated “robotic pants” and hovering or walking chairs came into view. Although these are still in the design and clinical trial phase, these technologies indicate a promising future for those who need mobility aids, and have come a long way from simple things like a cup holder.
