Loss of mobility is life changing, and with these changes comes frustration. Take a moment, breathe, and know that mobility aids may ease angst as you adapt. Plus, many of these aids and devices can help reduce the risk of taking a fall, which can create complicated and painful consequences.
If you live with mobility challenges or limitations, it is natural to experience feelings of frustration as you adapt. Whether your circumstances are sudden or if you have lived with a disability your entire life, there is some stress and angst that can come from inaccessibility. In many cases, the solutions are mobility aids, that increase accessibility, reduce frustration, and improve quality of life. Talk to your provider or doctor to find out more!
Ease your stress and frustration with these mobility aids and solutions:
Grab Bars
Sometimes the simplest aids are the most helpful, like grab bars. Grab bars are something that anyone can benefit from as they provide a bit of stability and security against a loss of balance and a nasty fall. Grab bars are often seen near the toilet, sinks, and stairs but you can put them anywhere. Make sure that the bars are secured well, on a surface that can withstand weight, and look for those that are easy to grip, too. Grab bars alleviate some of the stress you might feel regarding household accidents.
Reaching Tools
Another simple yet invaluable resource is a reaching tool. These are marketed under many different names but are basically a tool that extends your reach. This may prevent you from hyperextending and injuring yourself, or reaching for something and falling down. These tools work for getting items off a high shelf or from way in the back of a cupboard, they are very helpful. Plus, they are kind of fun to play with and they take no time to become adept at reaching with them, so it may help you to feel less frustrated.
Walkers
Perhaps you would benefit from a walker. Many people with conditions that impact the lower body, back, or core often use walkers as a means of support to get around. There are many different kinds of walkers, depending on your condition, but these can reduce the frustration that you may experience when you are unable to walk long distances, need to sit down during transit, or if you suffer from a loss of balance, like vertigo. Walkers are something that your doctor or practitioner can assess you for, but it is a mobility aid that improves accessibility and is widely available.
Stairlifts
It may be frustrating to live in a home environment without access to upper levels, areas, or exteriors that you would like to enjoy. A stairlift can eliminate this issue and provide access to areas that may not be easy to navigate if you have physical limitations or challenges. Stairlifts are versatile, and there is one for practically any stair or step in the house. Curved stairs, steep steps, narrow risers, there is a stairlift to fit.
The best approach to getting a stairlift is to first meet with a stairlift distributor to see what is available and to identify the best solution for your home environment!
Shower Seats
A shower or bath should be relaxing and comforting however, for many, this is not the case. Fear or risk of a fall may predominate the experience, making you scared, anxious, and frustrated. Bathing is a normal activity of daily life (ADL); undue stress can make it harder for some seniors or individuals with disabilities to live autonomously.
This is easily resolved with shower seats and benches. The best type depends on your bathroom configuration and whether you have a tub, shower, or both. These can provide a brief respite during bathing that may be enough to help you finish. They reduce the risk of bathroom falls as you are not standing on the slick floor or tub during bathing, but rather seated on a secure and stable seat. If you do have a caregiver that helps with ADLs, a shower seat can be a great tool that reduces the risk of injury to both of you.
Feeling frustrated? Stress Awareness Month in April is designated to help identify and share the impacts that stress can have. Stress is more than frustration it can take a toll on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Curbing stress in your life can alleviate other problems, including some cases of chronic pain and depression.
Don’t let mobility issues frustrate you. Let us help you find quality mobility aids and equipment to ease your frustration. At Pacific Mobility, we have been offering brand-name mobility devices backed with unparalleled service and support after the sale. Call or visit today!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
