Overlooked Areas Where Mobility Aids Can Improve Enjoyment of Life

Sure, mobility devices and equipment can have a major impact on access, and safety, but what about the smaller joys of everyday living- how do these aids improve the enjoyment of life? Don’t overlook the simple pleasures that mobility aids make possible and safe- and that improve the overall quality of life for users widely.

When you think about installing or using mobility aids, what do you imagine? Sure, these devices and equipment can provide safe transport up or down stairs, provide support and security as needed, and reduce the risk of accidental injury, but what about improving overall enjoyment of everyday life? There are so many tasks that we may take for granted- but that can prove challenging, sometimes impossible, for those with physical limitations or disabilities.

Life is full of simple pleasures; consider these overlooked areas where mobility aids can truly improve the enjoyment of your life:

Family Meals

Sit down at the table with those you love and enjoy a meal. Family meals are daunting for many with mobility issues because the kitchen can be an unsafe and difficult-to-navigate space. First, identify the areas that present challenges. Are the cupboards or counters too high? Is the space too small and cramped? Are there fall risks and too much clutter in the way? Make sure to prioritize the safety of the occupant when making changes, and start with removing clutter, rugs or flooring that could be treacherous, and any items that block a wide berth through the kitchen space.

Next, use a reaching tool- inexpensive and easy to find at mobility and medical stores- to reach overhead and install pull-outs for lower cabinets and easy access to food and supplies. Make sure that the room is well-lit to make it easier to see what you are doing in the kitchen- and to prevent injuries that could occur from poor lighting.

Relaxing Bath

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a hot bath- and a cool bath in summer can be refreshing and restorative. Do you have easy access to your bathtub? Are you able to lower and rise to sit in the tub? When it comes to bathing, there are numerous simple aids that can make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying a bath- and most cost very little to install or implement. For example, grab bars near the tub and toilet make bathing and using the bathroom safer; a shower or tub seat can prevent nasty falls in the shower and reduce fatigue when bathing.

Still, if you require a bit more assistance, free-standing lifts can help lift and lower consumers with disabilities in and out of the tub. Stairlifts can provide easy access to upstairs bathrooms for those that may struggle with climbing stairs or risers.

Time Outside

If you have mobility issues, there may be obstacles to spending time outside and enjoying nature. Porch lifts are ideal for getting on and off porches, decks, or steps- portable ramps are an inexpensive solution that improves accessibility multifold. Railings and grab bars on fencing, steps, and retainers can be helpful; a cane or walker may provide a bit of stability for those concerned about taking a nasty fall. Do you swim? You may choose to make the investment in a pool lift that will ensure anyone with physical challenges gets a cool dip anytime- with confidence and convenience.

An Outing or Ride

Do you drive? If you miss driving but are unable to due to mobility issues, talk to a mobility aid expert to learn more. A vehicle lift may be the perfect way to preserve your independence and get back in the driver’s seat! Even those with other supportive aids, like walkers or scooters, are finding ways to augment and enhance their car or truck to facilitate a vehicle lift system. The freedom and autonomy this can provide is unsurpassed.

Entertaining Guests

If you yearn to entertain and engage with guests again when this pandemic is over, consider getting together on the deck or patio for a fire or a drink. Worried about the uneven surface of the lawn or obstacles that could cause you to lose your footing or balance? Canes are supportive, and so are scooters or wheelchairs. Use portable ramps to provide smooth access to porch entry doors or porch lifts for multilevel decks.  

An Afternoon Nap

If the act of retiring to your room for a quiet nap is riddled with complication, make things simple with a stairlift. Is your bedroom upstairs? Even moving to the first level to make everyday living easier doesn’t mean you will get the same peace and solitude that your own bedroom provides. Escape with an easy to use stairlift that makes the upper levels of your home accessible autonomously.

Are you missing out on life’s simple joys due to a physical disability or limitation?  Consider these basic pleasures- are you able to imbibe and engage in activities that you love? Talk to a professional at Pacific Mobility  to learn more about implementing and installing mobility aids that can improve quality and enjoyment of your life today.