Mobility equipment is vital to a successful rehabilitation. By improving accessibility for people dealing with mobility challenges, this equipment promotes their recovery by not only improving accessibility to otherwise inaccessible areas but also fostering independence and reducing the risk of secondary injury.
Investing in the right mobility equipment and maximizing their benefits by learning how to use them properly, is key to patients confidently navigating the rehabilitation journey and regaining control of their lives, one step at a time.
Who Would Benefit From Mobility Equipment During Rehab?
Whether your mobility issue is temporary or long-term, mobility equipment can reduce the risk of falls and help with balance and pain control during rehabilitation. Individuals who would benefit from using mobility equipment during rehab include:
- People suffering from balance issues, gout, arthritis, or injuries to their spine, legs, or feet often cannot mobilize without assistance or mobility devices. Mobility equipment helps them to mobilize confidently and do the necessary rehabilitation exercises without the fear of falling.
- People with walking impairments – Mobility equipment is very beneficial during rehab for people with walking impairments such as those recovering from a stroke, and people with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities that limit mobility.
- People recovering from injury or surgery – whether the individual is in pain, has been instructed to rest an injury, or is recovering from surgery, using mobility equipment can be very beneficial during the rehabilitation process. The equipment helps them to transfer from one area to another without strain which could result in unnecessary pain and risk further injury.
4 Benefits Of Using Mobility Equipment For Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery or injury can take many months. Using mobility equipment has numerous benefits and plays a vital role in recovery. Here are 4 ways that people with mobility issues can benefit by using specialized mobility equipment:
1) Improved Accessibility
For individuals with arthritis flare-ups, lower limb fractures, or multiple sclerosis, mobility challenges often restrict their ability to navigate their environment. This not only makes activities required for daily living difficult, but it also isolates them and restricts them from accessing various levels of the home.
Equipment that can be utilized to improve accessibility during rehab include the following:
- Stair lifts – these motorized chairs allow individuals with limited lower body strength, to navigate stairs safely.
- Platform lifts – ideal for wheelchair users, platform lifts provide transportation to various levels of the building.
- Pool lifts – Individuals with joint pain, neurological conditions, and paralysis often receive hydrotherapy during rehab. Pool lifts assist these individuals to safely enter and exit the swimming pool for these sessions.
2) Enhanced Independence
One of the main goals of rehabilitation is fostering independence. Mobility equipment plays a vital role in this process by allowing individuals to perform basic tasks without reliance on caregivers. When individuals can navigate certain tasks independently, they feel empowered and confident, which in turn positively impacts their mental health.
3) Reduces Risk Of Secondary Injury
People in pain, with balance issues, or limited mobility due to medical conditions, can, with the use of mobile devices, safely navigate from one area to another without succumbing to poor posture, falling, or overexerting themselves and hindering the recovery process.
4) Improved Quality Of Life And Self Esteem
People with mobility challenges are often unable to participate in any family or social activities. This may result in isolation and in feelings of anger or sadness.
The use of mobile devices during rehabilitation can give the person with mobility challenges the confidence to safely partake in activities of daily family life, and to socialize with friends. Studies have proven that a person’s mental and emotional well-being and positive self-esteem are crucial to a successful recovery and rehabilitation.
The Safety Features Of Mobility Equipment
Mobility equipment is specifically designed to assist people with mobility issues to safely transfer from one area to another. Despite there being a variety of styles, models, and makes of mobility devices, manufacturers of the equipment used for rehab have ensured that most of the equipment has the following safety features:
- Brakes to prevent unwanted movement
- Locking mechanisms that secure positioning
- Adjustable seats and handles that promote ergonomic support and patient comfort.
- Stability mechanisms to prevent tipping
- Non-slip handles and platforms
- Easy-to-use controls
- Padding for support and comfort
- Adjustable height and width that enable customization
- Safety sensors to stop lifts if obstacles are detected
- Seat belts and harnesses for secure positioning during transition
How To Maximize The Benefits Of Mobility Equipment
Mobility equipment have significant advantages when used correctly. Ways to ensure that the equipment is used safely and you receive the maximum benefit include:
- Consult a professional before attempting to use any rehab equipment. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists have the qualifications and experience needed to help you choose the right equipment for your injury or mobility issue.
- Receive training on how to operate the equipment safely.
- Ensure the equipment is inspected regularly, and receives regular maintenance.
- Request that the equipment be customized to your unique body type and injury.
Quality Rehabilitation Equipment In Fort Lauderdale
Advanced Mobility Inc. is a family-owned business whose primary goal is to provide safe and reliable equipment to those with mobility issues. With years of experience in providing high-quality mobility equipment, we specialize in providing solutions that will enable our customers to regain their confidence and independence.
Conveniently situated in Fort Lauderdale, our experienced team aims to serve the South Florida community with dedication and professionalism. Whether you are recovering from an injury or surgery, or requiring long-term mobility support for a chronic medical condition, we have a solution for your mobility needs.
Our expertly designed mobility equipment will also enable you to safely tackle your rehabilitation program, while you regain your confidence, freedom, and independence, By prioritizing personalized care, we ensure that every customer receives the best possible mobility solution for their unique needs.
If you want to explore options that will make a significant contribution to your rehabilitation journey, take the first step towards recovery and confidently regain your independence by calling Advance Mobility Inc. at 954-888-9292 today.