Moving And Handling Mobility Aids

By Handy Healthcare - 2006-10-02 - Viewed 3735 times. Find more articles like this in our Disability Products category.

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There are various types of mobility products to make moving and handling easier for healthcare professionals as well as individuals.  These products include simple items such as transfer boards, through to bathlifts and devices to help with getting in and out of bed.

Here is a list of 5 types of mobility aids which can make moving and handling easier for both individuals and healthcare professionals in a caring environment.

Transfer boards are designed for those with limited strength and dexterity to transfer from one seat or type of seat to another.  They can be used when moving from or to cars, beds, wheelchairs, and baths, and in any other type of similar situation.  Different shaped transfer boards meet different specific needs. For example transferring from a wheelchair to a bath might need a different shaped transfer board compared to transferring from a car seat to a wheelchair.

Seat assists can help people who have problems getting out of a sitting position.  Turntable types of device enable the user to swivel their body round in order to get out of a car seat for example and can be used with dining chairs, as well as other sorts of chairs and seats.  There are mobility products available which help the user to rise out of a chair, in a similar way to a riser recliner chair. These are self powered, unlike a riser recliner chair.  The more luxurious models feature memory foam for additional comfort and washable covers for convenience. These can be used with any sort of chair, and are easy to adjust.  A frame type of riser that fits around an armchair or a settee can help the user stand up or sit down. These are more substantial than the self powered type of seat assist, and are ideal for those who could benefit from the extra stability and support that the frame provides.

Patient transfer aids include poles which can be attached to the floor, ceiling, or bed, to assist when getting in and out of a bed or chair. These types of mobility aids can allow users to remain independent, and can be of assistance to healthcare professionals, and those in a caring environment.  A leg lifter is a stiffened strap and can be used to help move an immobile or stiff leg when using a wheelchair, bed or chair for example. Non slip mats can be ideal for use when transferring on a slippery floor.  There are several types of mobility aids designed to help with getting in and out of a car.  These include handles which attach to the window frame, and a bar that attaches to the door latch and provides a strong secure way of getting in and out of a car.

Bed assists are useful mobility aids for those who spend a lot of time in bed or for those who struggle to get in and out of bed.  Popular devices include mattress elevators which raise the head end of the mattress to provide additional comfort and reduce the risk of pressure sores, adjustable backrests, and cushions for raising the legs and feet. A footboard is a simple device which is attached to the bed, and can prevent a person from slipping down the bed whilst in a sitting position. A rope ladder hoist can be used to help with sitting up in bed. The end of the rope ladder is fastened to the bed legs, whilst the user raises him or herself, by gripping the ladder rungs using a hand over hand movement. 
 
A bathlift can provide a great deal of independence for someone who is currently struggling to bathe, or finds getting in and out of the bath a problem.  Bathlifts are controlled by a handset that lowers and raises the bath lift. If there is not enough charge in the handset to raise the bathlift, the bathlift will not lower.  This means that the user will never be stranded in the bath.  Bathlifts are normally portable and can be folded when not in use, and often have washable covers for convenience. 
 
These are just a few examples of the range and variety of bathroom mobility aids that are available.  Why not see if there’s anything that could make your daily living easier?

For more information about Mobility Aids and Disability Aids, Healthcare Products and Occupational Therapy Supplies, please visit http://www.handyhealthcare.co.uk

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