Selecting the Right Mobility Aid

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• Mobility Aid Buyer's Guide
• Elderly Mobility Scale
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Are you or a loved one struggling to move around? Did you know over 6.8 million US adults use a mobility device?

The ability to move freely from one location to another, known as mobility, is crucial for everyday life. It is vital for independent living, social engagement, physical and mental well-being, personal safety, and overall quality of life.

However, decreased mobility, or a lack thereof, can substantially impact one's ability to live independently and age in place. Mobility aids can play a crucial role in retaining independence.

What is a Mobility Aid?

A mobility aid is a device that assists individuals with limited mobility in performing everyday tasks and moving around. These aids are tailored to specific needs and abilities and are available in various types.

There is a range of mobility devices available, including:

You may wonder, "Which mobility aid is right for me?"

The answer will vary based on your level of mobility, existing conditions, and more. Because each provides a different level of mobility assistance, making the right choice is crucial. This guide can simplify your decision-making process by outlining the advantages of each option, their intended purposes, and who should refrain from each.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Mobility Aid

Individual Needs and Mobility Requirements

When choosing a mobility aid, it's vital to assess the needs and mobility requirements of the person using it. Factors to consider include:

• Their walking ability: Can they walk, and for how long?
• Balance levels: Do they pose a significant fall risk?
• Upper body strength: Can they lift their mobility aid if needed?

Physical Capabilities and Limitations

The person's physical abilities and limitations will dictate what device to choose and avoid. It's essential to consider factors such as:

• Strength
• Coordination 
• Range of motion 
• And endurance.

For example, a walking cane is ideal for someone who needs balance support but may not work for someone who cannot walk or poses a significant fall risk. A rollator offers walking support from both sides but requires more balance than a walker. Those with more major balance issues may need a walker instead.

Additional tip: Consider having an Elderly Mobility Scale test done with your healthcare provider or caregiver. This test consists of various exercises designed to idenfity mobility levels and areas you may struggle with. This can be key to choosing the correct mobility aid.

Environment (indoor, outdoor, terrain)

When choosing a mobility tool, it's essential to assess the environment of the person using it. Look at the home, noting:

• Stairs
• Tight spaces 
• Doors 
• And other obstacles that could affect mobility.

Remember to consider common places like parks, workplaces, and stores that the person may visit, as these can pose challenges. Considering these factors will ensure that the right mobility tool is selected.

Portability and Transportation Options

It's important to consider how portable the mobility aid needs to be. Suppose it will be taken out often or on trips. In that case, consider the weight, whether it can be folded, and whether it will fit in a vehicle or be easily stored during travel. It's often common to have two mobility aids: one for everyday use and another for travel.

Weight Capacity and Dimensions

Choosing a mobility aid that can support the user's weight is essential to ensure safety and comfort. Consider the mobility aid's size and dimensions to ensure it fits the user's body size and proportions.

Accessibility Features and Adjustability

Look for accessibility features that may be important for the user, such as adjustable seat heights or armrests, removable footrests, or storage bag options. These features can enhance comfort, accessibility, and adaptability to different situations.

Cost, Insurance Coverage, and Budget

To ensure the mobility aid is affordable for the individual, it's crucial to assess its cost and fit it within their budget. You can also explore insurance coverage options, like Medicare or private insurance, to find financial assistance. Remember to take into account not only the initial cost but also any potential ongoing maintenance expenses.

Mobility Aid Comparison Chart

To help you make the right decision, we’ve created a short and concise comparison of each mobility assistive device so you can compare them side-by-side.

Rollators

Useful for:

• ✔️ Improving balance and stability while walking
• ✔️ Providing support for both sides of the body
• ✔️ Reducing the risk of falls
• ✔️ Quick and efficient mobility

Might Benefit those:

• ✅ With significant balance or stability issues
• ✅ Recovering from surgery and needing support on both sides of the body
• ✅ Who have problems lifting a walker
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking and regularly need a place to rest

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Need to place much of your body weight on it, opt for a walker or wheelchair instead. 
• ❌ Have severe balance issues Are limited in dexterity or grip strength
• ❌ Cannot bear weight on your legs

Lifting Seats

Useful for:

• ✔️ Support when sitting and standing 
• ✔️ Relief from strain on joints 
• ✔️ Assisting caregivers with transfers 
• ✔️ Quick and efficient mobility

Might Benefit those:

• ✅ With limited upper or lower body strength 
• ✅ With arthritis With Parkinson's disease or other degenerative diseases 
• ✅ Recovering from surgery 
• ✅ Who need assistance transferring patients

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Have severe physical dependence
• ❌ Don't have a stable and even surface to place it on
• ❌ Have severely limited upper body strength and range of motion
• ❌ Need a device to lift you from a wheelchair

Wheelchairs

Useful for:

• ✔️ Independent mobility without walking
• ✔️ Support of entire body weight
• ✔️ Comfortable long-term support
• ✔️ Relief from pain and protection from further injury

Might Benefit those:

• ✅ Who have trouble walking or are unable to walk
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking or cannot walk long distances
• ✅ With paralysis or musculoskeletal issues
• ✅ With broken bones or injuries to the legs or feet
• ✅ With balance or gait problems With neurological issues

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Can walk independently or with minimal assistance
• ❌ Have limited storage or space to move around (non-wheelchair accessible)

Transport Chairs

Useful for:

• ✔️ Support of full body weight
• ✔️ Relief from pain and protection from further injury
• ✔️ Mobility during travel and short trips 
• ✔️ Easy portability

Might Benefit those:

• ✅ Who cannot propel themselves
• ✅ Who have trouble walking or are unable to walk
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking or cannot walk long distances
• ✅ In need of a wheelchair on a part-time or temporary basis
• ✅ In need of a more portable aid for short trips and traveling

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Do not have someone who can push you while in use
• ❌ Need a long-term solution
• ❌ Need to navigate uneven terrain

Walking Canes

If you have minor injuries or issues with balance and mobility, using a cane can be helpful for support while walking. These walking assistance devices are available in various styles and designs that offer different benefits. Canes are some of the lightest types of mobility aids and are easy to carry around.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Improving balance and stability while walking
• ✔️ Relieving pressure on joints
• ✔️ Compensating for an injury or disability on one side of the body
• ✔️ Conserving energy and reducing the effort needed to walk
• ✔️ Reducing the risk of falls
• ✔️ Helping users to stand

Might benefit those:

• ✅ With arthritis
• ✅ With minor balance or stability issues
• ✅ With a disability that impacts one side of the body
• ✅ Recovering from an injury that affects one side of the body
• ✅ Recovering from a stroke

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Lack upper body strength
• ❌ Have severe balance issues (are a significant fall risk)
• ❌ Need support from both sides
• ❌ Cannot or barely walk

Choosing the Right Walking Cane

Resources to Make Choosing Easier

• Walking Cane Buyer's Guide
• Walking Cane Product Quiz

Crutches

Crutches can be most beneficial for those with temporary injuries that keep them from putting weight on their foot, ankle, or knee. They offer more support than canes but require more upper-body strength and coordination.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Keeping weight off of one foot, ankle, or knee
• ✔️ Added support and stability

Might benefit those:

• ✅ Recovering from surgery
• ✅ With temporary injuries that require them to keep weight off of one side
• ✅ In active physical therapy to rehabilitate an injury

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Lack upper body strength
• ❌ Have severe balance issues
• ❌ Have both upper and lower limb injuries
• ❌ Cannot put weight on both legs
• ❌ Need a longer-term mobility solution

Choosing the Right Crutches

Knee Scooters

Knee scooters offer a cushioned place to rest your leg, ankle, or foot while recovering from surgery or injury. They are a more comfortable and stable alternative to crutches that allow your arms and hands to remain accessible for daily tasks and let you move around efficiently.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Keeping weight off of one foot, ankle, or knee
• ✔️ More stability and comfort than crutches
• ✔️ Quick and efficient mobility

Might benefit those:

• ✅ Recovering from foot or ankle surgery
• ✅ With temporary injuries that require them to keep weight off of one side
• ✅ Without enough upper body strength to use crutches

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Are on a tighter budget
• ❌ Need to maneuver tight spaces, stairs, or uneven terrain
• ❌ Require mobility assistance for an extended period Have a knee injury

Walkers

Walkers provide stability to those who need help walking due to a risk of falls or significant balance issues. With four legs, they offer firm support to place most of your body weight into rather than only one side, like with canes. Many walkers are also foldable and easy to transport.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Improving balance and stability while walking 
• ✔️ Providing support for both sides of the body 
• ✔️ Reducing the risk of falls 
• ✔️ Helping users to stand

Might benefit those:

• ✅ With significant balance or stability issues 
• ✅ With a high fall risk 
• ✅ Recovering from surgery and need full-body support 
• ✅ With adequate upper body strength to lift the device

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Have weakness in your upper body, arms, or hands 
• ❌ Have severe balance issues 
• ❌ Cannot bear weight on your legs 
• ❌ Are limited in dexterity or grip strength (to pick up the walker)
• ❌ Need a mobility aid for narrow or confined spaces

Choosing the Right Walker

Resources to Make Choosing Easier

• Walker Buyer's Guide
• Walker Product Quiz

Rollators

If you're looking for a more accessible option than a traditional walker, rollators could be a great choice. They don't require lifting and are easier to push. Rollators usually come with swivel casters for easy maneuvering and brakes for added safety. Additionally, they have a padded seat that provides a comfortable resting spot for those who tire easily while walking. Some rollators even have storage space beneath the seat for convenience.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Improving balance and stability while walking
• ✔️ Providing support for both sides of the body
• ✔️ Reducing the risk of falls
• ✔️ Quick and efficient mobility

Might benefit those:

• ✅ With significant balance or stability issues
• ✅ Recovering from surgery and needing support on both sides of the body
• ✅ Who have problems lifting a walker
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking and regularly need a place to rest

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Need to place much of your body weight on it, opt for a walker or wheelchair instead. 
• ❌ Have severe balance issues Are limited in dexterity or grip strength
• ❌ Cannot bear weight on your legs

Please remember that rollators have wheels on each leg, making them less stable and unable to support as much body weight as walkers. Rollators are not designed for transportation purposes. Suppose you require a mobility aid to keep most of your body weight. In that case, it is recommended to consider a standard walker or wheelchair for safety.

Choosing the Right Rollator

Resources to Make Choosing Easier

• Rollator Buyer's Guide
• Rollator Product Quiz

Lifting Seats

Lifting seats are devices to help someone stand up or sit down. They are placed over chairs and make a great cost-effective alternative to traditional lifting chairs. They are easily transportable, making them suitable for use in any chair or sofa, whether at home or in public.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Support when sitting and standing 
• ✔️ Relief from strain on joints 
• ✔️ Assisting caregivers with transfers 
• ✔️ Quick and efficient mobility

Might benefit those:

• ✅ With limited upper or lower body strength 
• ✅ With arthritis With Parkinson's disease or other degenerative diseases 
• ✅ Recovering from surgery 
• ✅ Who need assistance transferring patients

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Have severe physical dependence
• ❌ Don't have a stable and even surface to place it on
• ❌ Have severely limited upper body strength and range of motion
• ❌ Need a device to lift you from a wheelchair

Choosing the Right Lifting Seat

These are typically available in either electric or self-powered options. Electric lifting seats are powered by batteries or electricity and can be operated with a lever or remote. They provide 100% lift assistance, so they might be the right option for those who need significant help sitting and standing.

On the other hand, self-driving lifting seats are powered by a hydro-pneumatic gas spring and automatically activate as you stand. Because they don't require batteries or electricity, they can be used anytime and anywhere, even outdoors. However, they only usually provide around 70 to 80% lift assistance.

Although lifting seats can be helpful, they only support the lower body. For maintaining balance while sitting and standing, it is advisable to use them in combination with other aids like canes or walkers. It's important to note that lifting seats should not be used with wheelchairs as the chair may move while the seat is in use.

Wheelchairs

For individuals who have difficulty walking or tire quickly, wheelchairs can be a helpful mobility aid. The user can operate them if they have sufficient upper body strength or be pushed by someone else. Wheelchairs are customizable and available in various designs to cater to requirements.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Independent mobility without walking
• ✔️ Support of entire body weight
• ✔️ Comfortable long-term support
• ✔️ Relief from pain and protection from further injury

Might benefit those:

• ✅ Who have trouble walking or are unable to walk
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking or cannot walk long distances
• ✅ With paralysis or musculoskeletal issues
• ✅ With broken bones or injuries to the legs or feet
• ✅ With balance or gait problems With neurological issues

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Can walk independently or with minimal assistance
• ❌ Have limited storage or space to move around (non-wheelchair accessible)

It can be challenging to decide when it's time to use a wheelchair. There is often the misconception that only those who cannot walk and need full-body support daily should use a wheelchair. Still, there are many reasons someone might utilize this aid.

Some people, for example, still use a walker or cane and are part-time wheelchair users, only using it on particularly 'bad days' or in situations where they would otherwise have to stand for long periods or walk long distances. Others may be capable of walking, but it is challenging and causes more pain than it is worth, so they turn to a wheelchair for the necessary relief.

To determine if you should use a wheelchair, consider how much you struggle with day-to-day tasks and how much you may miss out on due to your illness, injury, or disability. Suppose your pain or fatigue makes daily living difficult and keeps you from enjoying or partaking in things you want. In that case, you may find a wheelchair helpful.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair

Resources to Make Choosing Easier

• Wheelchair Buyer's Guide

Transport Chairs

Transport chairs are similar to wheelchairs aiding those with difficulty walking or tire quickly. However, transport chairs are more lightweight, portable, and meant to be pushed by another person. They have smaller wheels than traditional wheelchairs, making them easier to maneuver and transport. They are typically used for shorter periods, such as running errands or traveling.

Useful for:

• ✔️ Support of full body weight
• ✔️ Relief from pain and protection from further injury
• ✔️ Mobility during travel and short trips 
• ✔️ Easy portability

Might benefit those:

• ✅ Who cannot propel themselves
• ✅ Who have trouble walking or are unable to walk
• ✅ Who tire quickly while walking or cannot walk long distances
• ✅ In need of a wheelchair on a part-time or temporary basis
• ✅ In need of a more portable aid for short trips and traveling

Avoid if you:

• ❌ Do not have someone who can push you while in use
• ❌ Need a long-term solution
• ❌ Need to navigate uneven terrain

Choosing the Right Transport Chair

Choosing a transport chair is somewhat similar to selecting a standard wheelchair. You should check that its width suits the passageways it needs to go through and that the seat and back measurements are comfortable and safe.

Resources to Make Choosing Easier

• Transport Chair Buyer's Guide

About the Author

Stephanie Schwarten is a freelance writer and editor with a Bachelors degree in Professional Writing. She specializes in content marketing as well as both developmental and copy editing. 

About Carex Health Brands

Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.