Mobility equipment play an important role in helping individuals with physical limitations maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. It’s important for individuals to work with their healthcare provider to determine the best mobility equipment for their needs and to ensure proper fit and usage. With the right mobility equipment, individuals with physical limitations can continue to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Mobility aids are helpful for people with injuries and senior citizens who have a problem balancing their weights thus having higher risks of falling. They offer multiple benefits to the user minimizing limb pains and enhancing confidence in movement. After all’s said and done, it’s prudent for our clients to identify the type of mobility equipment that may suit their daily needs.

It’s important to choose the right mobility equipment to suit the individual’s specific needs and capabilities. A physical therapist or doctor can often help with this decision.

Our mobility equipment thus come in different types depending on our clients’ needs. We offer manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, rollators, canes, crutches, etc. Click here to see what we offer at Seattle Mobility Solution.

Choosing a mobility aid

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mobility aid, these may include:

1. Physical abilities / Health: Physical abilities in general are an important factor in choosing a mobility aid. How long are you able to stand up and what motions are you unable to perform? If you only have minor problems standing/walking, then a cane might be best for you. If walking/standing is a greater issue, then walkers, rollators, or wheelchairs may be the right choice. The individual’s physical abilities such as their strength, balance and range of motion will play a significant role in determining which mobility aid is appropriate. For instance, someone with limited upper body strength may require a motorized scooter, while someone with good balance may prefer a manual wheelchair. Also someone who lives in a multi-story building may need a stair lift, while someone who travels frequently may prefer a lightweight and easily transportable mobility aid.
2. Environment: It’s only after an injury that one gets to realize how inaccessible the world can be —suddenly there are tight aisles and steps in places you didn’t notice before. The environment in which the individual will be using the mobility aid is very important. For example, someone who lives in a densely populated city with narrow sidewalks and steep inclines may require a lightweight, compact mobility device that is easy to maneuver, while someone who lives in a rural area with rough terrain may require a sturdier, all-terrain mobility device. Lack of accessible areas could mean waiting for a later bus or train with an open space so as to fit your mobility aid.
   Your environs can hugely determine which mobility tool you’ll need. It’s important for your loved one or caregiver to do a walk through of your house and take note of obstacles that may hinder smooth mobility. These might be stairs, bathrooms etc. Your mobility aid will be hugely determined by which kind of places you regularly visit. For outside places like parks and grocery stores, it is important to check if the kind of mobility aid will be easy to maneuver around.
3. Personal preference: It is also a good idea to consider the needs and preferences of the user. Some users may prefer a mobility aid that is easy to operate, while others may prefer one that is highly customizable to their specific needs. Some people prefer a traditional manual wheelchair because they are familiar with it and feel comfortable using it, while others may prefer a more modern mobility scooter because it is easier to use and provides more independence.
4. Activity level: The individual’s activity level and the type of activities they will be participating in will also play a role in determining which mobility aid is appropriate. For example, someone who is highly active and participates in sports may require a more durable and maneuverable mobility device, while someone who primarily uses their mobility aid for daily activities may require a more basic and lightweight device.
5. Insurance: It’s quite advisable to confirm whether one’s insurance covers the kind of mobility aid you wish to buy. After confirmation, it’s important to get the correct mobility aid and budget can be a deterrent. Select the right model that meets your needs which should also be in your price range.
6. Weight: Each mobility tool and aid comes with a set weight capacity. Be sure to select the right product that is able to support your weight and height e.g. there are some types of wheelchairs that will support a different kind of body weight compared to others.
7. Nature of Injury: Your type of injury will determine what type of mobility aid you will need. Some injuries get better with time while others will take time to heal. So it’s important to get an equipment that will serve you best depending on your type injury.

It’s also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, to determine the most appropriate mobility aid for one’s needs.

As something that can have a considerable impact on your ability to perform everyday tasks and live independently, it’s really important to take note of the above before purchasing or renting any mobility equipment.

Luckily, Seattle Mobility Solutions gives consultancy services when it comes to choosing the right mobility tool. We have a highly trained team of professional care givers and nurses that are always ready to help and answer your questions.

Get In Touch with us and CALL US ON 425-598-5404 OR 509-713-5086

We operate in King and Pierce Counties 185th AVE SE 111-292 Covington, Wa 98042