I realise that this post is somewhat later than previous years. There's been a lot going on. One of the presentations given at our AGM this year was "Mobility Aids - Getting it right can be life changing!", presented by Ian Bennett. Ian is one of our group members, and was chair before me. He has plenty of experience talking to people about their mobility and mobility aids, and we took the chance to ask him to present his thoughts on this.
You can watch this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MhAzE5SMCI
Ian started out giving his background and context for talking to the group. Ian is a firm believer in the "use it or lose it" camp with mobility. The start point of his talk is not that everyone should get a wheelchair, but that people should make the right choices for their situation. He notes that for people who are recently diagnosed the information in his talk is there for awareness and planning for future needs.
Over the years Ian has noted that there are plenty of people who have pride or fear which prevents them from starting their journey with mobility aids. This psychological side can be powerful given frequent societal negatives around wheelchair use. His important comment is that on the whole once people begin their journeys with aids they frequently say "I wish I'd done this years ago". As mobility changes with HSP it can feel difficult to get outside, which Ian notes is not very good for peoples mental health. Getting out and about can be lifechanging.
FES
The first aid covered was FES, or functional electrical stimulation. This uses pads placed on your legs and electric charges are sent to the pads to stimulate the muscles. Stimulating the muscles with FES can reduce foot drop or feet dragging on the ground, and can improve the amount that knees are bought up. Ian noted that when he used FES it was able to make his walking easier, and allowed him to extend his range. Many people get on OK with FES. There are a small group of people who dont get on with it, and a similar small group for whom it works brilliantly. If you are offered this, it is worth a try.
Walking Sticks
There are many different types of walking sticks to choose from, and you can find one which matches your personality/character - seek out the shape, size, material and colour which you like. You can feel more positive about sticks if you like what you're going to use. Another point mentioned was ferrules. The ferrule is the "foot" at the bottom of the stick which makes contact with the ground. Ian noted that many with HSP like Flexyfoot ferrules, which help improve grip and are versatile over many types of ground.
People wonder if they should use one stick or two. If you are becoming more reliant on your sticks, it might be better to use two sticks. Staking with one stick can lead to problems if you're transferring weight more onto one side of the body.
Which Order?
There is no 'correct' order for mobility aids. Different people use different aids at different times. Many people start with sticks and then progress onto other aids. Some people will use rollators, and some people will use chairs/scooters. The choice of aid will also depend on the circumstances - what you're trying to do and where you are doing that.
Rollators
A rollator is a frame on wheels which allows you to help keep your balance. They generally come in three or four wheel versions. The three wheel versions have a central front wheel, whereas the four wheel versions have a pair of wheels each side. Many rollators come with a seat which can help with fatigue or tiredness.
Aother factor worth considering is the positioning of the wheels relative to where you walk. Some rollators are always in front of you, whereas the rear wheels extend behind you in other types. The choice of numbers and positioning of wheels can affect your stability whilst using these, and it is important to think about what you're using the rollator for.
Mobility Scooters
Choosing to get a mobility scooter can be a big decision. Getting the correct choice can make a big positive benefit to you. It is important to research what you need your scooter for before you decide. Common types are:
- Small folding scooter - can be used indoors or while travelling, but the smaller battery can limit the range. Can be folded up and put in a car.
- Pavement scooter - can be used for shopping or walks. Can be disassembled, and lifted/hoisted into a car.
- Road legal scooter - can be used on roads (up to 8mph) or pavements (up to 4mph), with a potential range up to 30 miles. These cannot be put in a car, and a heavy.
It is important to maintain the battery on scooters, so regular use is best, and regular charging is needed in you are not using the scooter regularly.
Wheelchairs
When you are getting a wheelchair, the first step is similar to that for mobility scooters - you should determine your needs. Once you know your needs the choice of a chair becomes more straightforward. Thoughts on needs should cover:
- What activities you want to do when using the chair
- How often/how long do you think you will use the chair for
- Will you be using the chair indoors or outdoors
- Do you have any other physical limitations which you will need to take into account
- Will you be using the chair independently or with assistance
The answers to these questions will help decide the type that will suit to best. These questions can help you make reasoned decisions on things like the turning circle of the chair, the seat height, and the size and type of the wheels/tyres.
There are four basic types of chair available:
- Transit chair: this is pushed by another person, and is often used indoors for short term use
- Manual chair: can be independently used or pushed by another, and often fold flat for storage/transport
- Active chair: similar to manual, but with a rigid frame instead of folding. More manoeuvrable than manual chairs
- Power chair: has battery electric motor controlled by a joystick. Easier to manoeuvre and possibly more comfortable.
You will need to get a chair which is the right size and right fit for you. You can also consider accessories at the same time, things like the type of cushion, anti-tipping devices, trays and bag holders. Getting the right chair can help you live life to the fullest.
For many manual/active chairs you could also get a powered add-on drive. This is an electrically powered front wheel which clips on the front of the chair, raising the castors off the ground. The powered wheel can greatly increase range and the level of fun. There are other products which are like a cross between a power chair and a mobility scooter, meaning there are various ways of bridging the gap between these two.
Positivity
Fight the fear. Fight the pride. Dont let the fear of mobility aids prevent you from living your life to the fullest.
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