Simple Tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues

There is no disputing it: simple tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues. The good news is that for every challenge and task, there is a solution and mobility aid that can make life easier. Additionally, these devices and aids contribute to autonomy by preventing accessibility hurdles and keeping the home environment safer.

Got a mobility issue? Mobility issues and physical limitations can make everyday tasks a bit more difficult. Often-times, it is not doing the task that is challenging but the risk of injury presented is simply not worth the effort. Don’t make things harder on yourself; visit Pacific Mobility in Southern California to learn more and see mobility aids and equipment demonstrated for yourself.

The simplest tasks become more difficult when living with mobility issues:

Task: Preparing Meals & Putting Away Groceries

One of the most basic daily tasks is to shop for, put away, and prepare food at home; this becomes more challenging for those with physical limitations or disabilities. When it comes to grocery shopping, delivery services have revolutionized the way that many buy their food, but how about after it gets home? The risk of a fall or accident becomes greater when working in a kitchen, which typically has slick flooring and hot surfaces.

Solution: Reaching Tools, Grab-bars, Walkers, and Canes

Reaching tools make it easier- and safer- to access overhead or tall storage spaces, making putting away and retrieving food easier. Grab-bars near spots like the stove, the fridge, and the sink, can give users support during routine kitchen chores. A cane is a great and inexpensive tool that can give just the right amount of stability for someone and help reduce the chance of a nasty fall and subsequent injury.

Task: Showering & Bathing

Speaking of slick or slippery surfaces, the majority of falls among the senior demographic occur in the bathroom. The combination of tile, water, and bare feet can be a dangerous mix! How do seniors or those with physical challenges conquer or circumvent the potentially hazardous environment of the home bathroom?

Solution: Lifts, Slings, Tub Seats, and Grab-bars

Depending on your level of mobility, a lift may help. Lifts and slings help those who cannot walk or rise get in and out of the tub or shower. If the limitations are less severe, a simple tub seat may be all that is needed to provide support for individuals to complete bathing and activities of daily living. Grab-bars near the sink and toilet are always prudent, and cost-effective to implement widely.

Task: Going Upstairs

Do you miss visiting the upstairs of your home? Individuals with physical challenges may find that they need to downsize their living to one level of their home, which can be complicated if the bathroom is on the second level.

Solution: Stairlifts & Ramps, Grab-bars

Is it time to invest in a stairlift? Stairlifts have been changing lives and increasing access in homes widely for years; but is it practical for you? Ramps help with rises and landings that may cause difficulty for those with mobility issues, and grab-bars can also provide just enough stability for someone at the bottom and top landing of your stairway.

Task: Driving a Car

Driving a car may become more challenging if you have a condition or disability that impacts your overall mobility. Even if you can operate the vehicle, how will you get in or store your mobility device (like a walker) after you are in the driver’s seat?

Solution: Vehicle Lifts & Ramps

Talk to a reputable mobility vendor about vehicle lifts. Many of these aids will stow your devices, like wheelchairs, for you via a remote control key-pad. Ramps are a must wherever there is an incline.

Task: Tending a Garden

Are you getting outside as much as you like? There are many reasons why spending time outdoors is hazardous for those with mobility issues; fall risks lurk everywhere and a nasty fall jeopardizes one’s independence and autonomy. Don’t let physical limitations hinder or impede what you love to do; get outside!

Solution: Porch lifts, Ramps, Canes, Walkers, and Scooters

Some tools and aids that can help when venturing outdoors include porch lifts and basic ramps to help navigate porches, patios, and decks. A cane always offers a bit of stability on frequently uneven terrain, though a walker may make even more sense, depending on the nature of your disability. Talk to your providers about the feasibility of a scooter or wheelchair if you have limited mobility; these are made with outdoor use in mind.

Accessibility is key to autonomy and aging-in-place so prioritize your access around the home- and wherever you go. Ask mobility merchants about aids that you can easily transport, like canes, walkers, and reaching tools, to improve convenience, access, and everyday life.

Make simple tasks easy and safe again with mobility aids, equipment, and devices from Pacific Mobility in Southern California. Don’t risk your autonomy with a nasty fall or injury from trying to attempt everyday tasks unassisted. A cane, grab-bar, or reaching tool are the simplest tools, yet provide so much support during ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Talk to a mobility expert today.