Common Mobility Aids for Seniors Aging in Place

If a senior is unstable performing motions like sitting down or walking, it is essential to find mobility aids that fit their needs and ensure their safety.

Approximately 1/3 of older people living at home fall at least once a year. It’s common for seniors to need mobility aids for safety and support.

For seniors living at home and maintaining a high level of independence, common mobility aids are simply designed to help them get around.

Canes are designed to increase stability and compensate for minimal balance issues.
Walkers help support those with significant stability problems but moderate upper body strength.
Rollators help those with severe stability issues who lack upper body strength and balance.
Power Scooters support those who cannot walk long distances but have upper body control and stamina.
Wheelchairs offer mobility to those unable to walk safely on their own. Variations of steering ability available.

Some mobility aids aren’t designed to support long-range motion. Instead, they make the home environment safer and increase independence with specific tasks. These include:

Rails along stairs, near bathroom fixtures, in hallways, etc.
Tub/bath transfer seats or benches
Supportive seat cushions
Grab handles for getting in/out of a car, bed, couch, or chair
Rolling over-bed or over-couch tables
Additional lighting or voice command lighting to improve visibility
Non-slip flooring that is securely tacked down
Stairlifts or ramps to replace stairs

Remember, style matters. If seniors seem unwilling to accept mobility aids, consider options that look sleek or fit their sense of style. Sometimes a device that feels personalized makes a difference.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1708580/Marketing%20Monthlies/PDFs%20from%20Windfarm%20Marketing/0219-MobilityAid-RGB.pdf

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.