Most people hope to never need the right mobility aid. Yet as we age, this might not be very realistic. Maybe it’s temporary after a surgery. Perhaps it’s more permanent for balance issues. Either way, they are often necessary for our safety and independence later in life. Choosing the right mobility aid can be confusing. Due to the huge number of options, many people do not know which is most appropriate for their situation. This ultimately can lead to more safety issues. Therefore, it is important to know about different types of mobility aids and their uses.

This Aging Care article suggests getting expert advice when choosing the right mobility aid. The first step is making an appointment with your primary care physician. They can usually refer you to a physical or occupational therapist. Then they can do assessments testing your strength, balance, and deficits.

Each mobility aid serves a different purpose. When a senior is still ambulatory, there are a couple of options. Canes are a very commonly used mobility aid. But canes should typically be reserved for those whose balance is minimally impaired or have one weaker leg. In addition, they do require fairly good hand and arm strength.

One step up from a cane would be a walker. Walkers are another great option for ambulatory seniors. They provide more support than a cane would. Another great thing about a walker is it can also be a place to sit down and rest.

What if you’re unable to walk? Power scooters are ideal for seniors who still have hand strength and dexterity. Hand and arm strength will be important for this type of mobility aid so the user can control the direction and speed of the scooter. Lastly, wheelchairs are an option. There are so many types of wheelchairs. They range from lightweight for transport to more heavy, and can be manual or electric.

Excessive fatigue, frequent falls, unsteadiness, and difficulty standing from a seated position are all reasons to consider using a mobility aid. It may seem like your independence is lost when mobility becomes an issue. But by using a mobility aid, you can still have the ability to do and enjoy the things you love. And most importantly, you will be safe in the process.