Many seniors experience difficulty getting around independently. Mobility aids can offer stability and support. 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.
Common Mobility Aids for Getting Around
For seniors living at home and maintaining a high level of independence, common mobility aids are simply designed to help them get around. Options include:
- Canes: Designed to increase stability and compensate for minimal balance issues
- Walkers: Help support those with significant stability problems but moderate upper body strength
- Rollators: For 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.
Mobility Aids for a Safer Home Environment
Some mobility aids aren’t designed to support long-range motion. Instead, they make the home environment safer and increase independence with specific tasks. Improve home safety and mobility by installing:
- 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
- Stairlift
- Ramps to replace stairs
For more information about mobility aids and many other topics relevant to your home care agency, 
!
