Most of us would like to live a life without mobility aids, but as we get older we begin to realize that this wish may be unrealistic. We could have one for a short time Walking stick or need a walker while recovering from surgery, or we may eventually need one wheelchair, a Rollator or one E-Scooters use to move around safely. In any case, having an aid to help us move from place to place and avoid falls can mean the difference between living independently and depending on others for our basic needs.
If I have some of the newer ones Mobility aids When I see it on the market, I immediately think, "I wish this had existed for my mother." My mother's options at the time were a simple cane and later a walker, which I did my best to modify so she could carry things around with her. However, as the number of new devices and models grows, so does the confusion about which device is best and whether insurance will cover it.
Expert advice is crucial
All too often, a well-meaning friend or relative purchases a used cane or walker for a loved one without realizing that one size does not fit all. The wrong device can negatively impact a senior's stability, cause posture problems and even lead to pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a correct fit usually requires the assistance and expertise of a professional.
Nancy Froslie, certified assistive technology professional and district operations manager for Sanford HealthCare Accessories in Fargo, North Dakota, says the first step in choosing a mobility aid is to schedule a doctor's appointment. "The doctor should perform a physical examination and discuss any difficulties the senior is having in managing activities of daily living at home," she says.
From there, the doctor can provide a referral to an occupational therapist or physical therapist, especially for higher-end and customizable equipment. "The therapist will conduct a one-time mobility assessment to assess gait and balance and perform muscle and strength testing," explains Froslie. "He will also have the patient try different types of devices to document what is effective and what is not."
An assistive device specialist from a medical equipment supplier is often present at these appointments. It is not only important to choose the right type of walking aid, but also to ensure that the user is suitable for the device and trained by a professional on how to use it correctly. A certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is someone trained to identify the needs of people with disabilities, recommend appropriate technologies and devices to enable them to live independently, and provide instructions for the use of these assistive devices. "Assistive technology professionals like me help determine which devices best fit a senior's needs, both medically and in terms of home furnishings," notes Froslie.
To find a mobility aid for a loved one, read the detailed list of common aids and how they are typically prescribed. Keep in mind that while some seniors are able to use simpler tools like a Walking stick or one Rollator without the help of a doctor, but the fit may not be ideal and you may end up paying out of pocket for these items.
Mobility aids for seniors who can walk
Walking sticks
Walking sticks offer seniors an additional support for more security and stability. As a rule of thumb, a cane can support up to 25 percent of a person's body weight. It is best suited for people whose sense of balance is only slightly impaired or who have one leg significantly weaker than the other.
Canes require moderate hand and arm strength and are available with either a hook ("C" cane) or a horizontal handle (functional grip cane). The horizontal handle is recommended for people with hand weakness as it provides a secure grip and a larger supporting surface for the hand. The tip of a stick may consist of a single point of contact or a quadruped made up of four separate feet. The additional feet provide more stability and the bases are available in different sizes. A four-legged cane can stand upright when not in use, but these models tend to be slightly heavier than traditional styles.
To select the correct length for a cane, the user should stand upright, put on shoes and keep their arms at their sides. The tip of the cane should reach the crease at the bottom of the wrist, and the elbow should be bent 15 to 20 degrees when the cane is held in a standing position. An adjustable cane is a good choice for adapting to different types of shoes.
frame
A frame may be the next option if a cane cannot provide sufficient support. Using a frame also requires moderate hand and arm strength, and depending on the frame's design, it can support up to 50 percent of a senior's body weight. A standard version has two or four fixed legs and must be lifted and maneuvered with each step. This standard model is best suited for people with significant stability issues.
Rollators
Walking aids with wheels, too Rollators called, come in many variants with three to four wheels and are generally easier to maneuver. Most models can be folded for easy storage, and some have locking handbrakes for added safety, a bench seat for resting, or a basket for transporting personal items. Rollators are usually made of light metal such as aluminum and are similar to walking with a shopping cart. Compared to regular walking frames, rollators allow for a more normal gait and the ability to move with less fatigue. However, walkers may not provide adequate stability for seniors with significant posture and balance problems.
The proper height of a walker or rollator is measured from the floor to the wrist, and the elbows should be bent within a range of 15 to 20 degrees. Make sure the walker is large enough to surround the user on three sides so that they can use the device for both frontal and side support.
Mobility aids for seniors who can no longer walk
E-Scooters
A E-Scooters can be helpful for seniors who have some arm strength and dexterity but are unable to walk long distances. However, the user must be able to sit upright and operate the scooter's throttle for long periods of time. Not all people (especially those with arthritis) are able to keep their arms extended in front of them to control speed, steering, and braking. Some people may experience pain, depending on their diagnosis.
Scooters come in many different styles, including three- or four-wheeled models, those intended for indoor use, outdoor use, or both, heavy-duty models designed for harsh outdoor terrain and carrying heavy loads, and lightweight travel models.
Although a wide range of scooters for various purposes are available on the market, health insurance companies only cover durable medical equipment that is needed in a senior's home. Devices intended for outdoor or long distance use will not be covered. For example, Medicare Part B requires an in-person examination by a doctor whose prescription and notes must show that an electric scooter is medically necessary for the senior to remain mobile around their home. For most people this is not the case.
Manual wheelchairs
Excessive fatigue, unsteadiness, difficulty rising from a chair, and occasional falls are signs that a cane or walker cannot provide adequate support. If your loved one is unable to sit upright or lacks the arm strength or dexterity to operate a scooter, a wheelchair may be the best option to help them remain independent and participate in the activities they need Have fun.
There are three basic types of manual wheelchairs: standard, lightweight and ultralight wheelchairs. A Standard wheelchair is exactly what you see in the hospital. It is very simple and does not offer many adjustment options. The person's height, weight and hip measurements are used to determine what size is needed. The biggest downside is that these models weigh around 40 pounds, so it is important that a caregiver or family member is able to help transport the wheelchair for use outside the home.
Lightweight wheelchairs weigh around 15 kg
Insurance companies will cover the cost of one Lightweight wheelchair only if the person is unable to move a standard model themselves. The ability of the spouse or caregiver to lift the device in and out of a car does not play a role in the insurance company's decision. Both insurance coverage and need are based solely on the person using the device.
Ultralight models are typically used by people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. They weigh approximately 12kg or less. Again, medical evidence must be provided that the person is unable to drive a standard or lightweight wheelchair on their own in order for insurance to cover this device. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are great because they can be customized to fit the person. Body measurements are taken and the chair is manufactured by the manufacturer according to these specifications. Different types of armrests, tires and colors can also be selected to support self-propulsion.
For an electric wheelchair
When choosing one electric wheelchair you need to familiarize yourself with terms that are typically associated with buying a car, such as: B. Front wheel drive and independent suspension. Each type of system has its advantages, and you will need to weigh your doctor's prescription with insurance coverage, budget constraints, and personal preferences to determine the best power wheelchair for your loved one's needs.
These devices come in a variety of brands, models, and sizes. They typically have a smaller footprint for better maneuverability and are suitable for use both inside and outside the home. A person's diagnosis determines the type of wheelchair that insurance can cover. People with a progressive disease, such as: People with diabetes, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or ALS, are entitled to a power wheelchair that can be adjusted to their individual needs as the disease progresses. Only those who are unable to walk or use a manual wheelchair are eligible for a standard electric wheelchair.
Costs and insurance coverage for mobility aids
It may be tempting to purchase a mobility aid online or at a local drugstore or resale store, but remember that the experts are extremely knowledgeable in these matters. Not only will they be able to recommend the best device and fit it to your loved one, but they will also be able to explain how to use it and help ensure it is covered by insurance. “No matter what type of equipment you need, there is always a lot of paperwork for insurance companies to determine if they will cover durable medical equipment,” Froslie mentions.
Keep in mind that most companies only cover the basic amenities, but some additional features and accessories can be added and paid for out of pocket. This not only keeps costs down, but also ensures that seniors are not dependent on devices that provide more support than necessary. For example, opting for an electric scooter or wheelchair before it is actually needed can permanently impact a senior's mobility, activity level, and overall health.
Taking steps to improve a senior's safety and mobility is a game-changer for many families. Just be sure to consult with a professional to learn what will work best for your loved one's situation, what insurance will cover, and what "bells and whistles" you can afford to improve the functionality of a mobility aid .
