With old age, it is common for seniors to experience limited mobility. Between getting around and carrying out their daily tasks, elderly members require assistance to partake in their everyday activities. Hence, individuals who have lost the ability to walk often turn to personal mobility aids (PMA), which typically comes in the form of a motorised wheelchair, to help them regain their sense of independence.
Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, a motorised wheelchair provides your ageing parents with the gift of mobility and opens a world of accessibility. These devices are tailored to meet the needs of such individuals, making them helpful alternatives for people who struggle to operate a wheelchair manually. From advanced electronics and controls to functions catering to orthopaedic issues, these wheelchairs aid in improving the user's quality of life.
If you are interested in knowing more about the benefits that a motorised wheelchair offers, then look no further. Let us share the various advantages of utilising a PMA device and why it is an excellent investment.
1. Regain a sense of independence
Regardless of old age or disabilities, adapting to a sudden loss of mobility is a tough pill to swallow. Elderly parents with a lack of autonomy often face difficulties carrying out the simplest tasks, such as moving around the house or performing daily errands. Many individuals struggle to accept that they are unable to move about independently without the help of a caretaker. This can cause them to suffer from psychological effects like depression and anxiety, ultimately affecting their overall well-being.
However, a motorised wheelchair helps seniors regain some normalcy in their lives. This is because it grants them the accessibility and convenience to travel from one point to another without the aid of a loved one. And while they might require some time to adjust to using the device, users will find that they can participate in their usual activities once the adaptation period is over. Thus, it helps them to regain a sense of independence and encourages them to head out more.
2. An improved lifestyle
Enhanced quality of life is one of the most compelling benefits that a motorised wheelchair offers. Due to reduced mobility issues, the elderly tend to spend most of their time indoors. They may also feel uncomfortable socialising with others because their movements are restricted. Yet, being cooped up at home for too long can have adverse effects on their mental health.
With a motorised wheelchair, your loved ones can gain the proper support they need to navigate around places and engage in their favourite hobbies. They do not need to rely on the help of a caretaker, which fuels them with confidence and a new sense of freedom. As such, they are more inclined to interact with other individuals and partake in social activities. In time, their sociological welfare and outlook on life will improve.
3. Increased comfort and efficiency
If you intend to purchase a PMA device for your parents, investing in a motorised wheelchair is the right choice. This is because electric wheelchairs are designed with the user’s comfort in mind. They are popular amongst the disabled and elderly communities due to their host of customisable features targeted at helping individuals move about with ease. Plus, if your loved ones require a wheelchair long-term, investing in a motorised version allows them to attain the utmost comfort and support when navigating around different places.
A comfortable electric wheelchair enables your loved ones to travel long distances without getting exhausted. Knowing that they can utilise their assistive device for long hours without sacrificing comfort allows them to restore their freedom of movement and self-reliance. Furthermore, the better the wheelchair is customised to their needs, the easier it is for your loved ones to get the hang of manoeuvring their new motorised mobility aids. Thus, they can better acclimatise to their new PMA devices.
4. Injury prevention
As your parents grow older, they begin to lose the physical strength to walk. As such, falls are a common occurrence and can lead to life-threatening situations. If your loved ones show signs of reduced mobility, encouraging them to use an electric wheelchair can prevent them from encountering potential accidents like falls and bumps.
These assistive devices also come in handy when your ageing parents are recovering from surgery. During the recovery period, they may require a mobility device to aid in their recuperation. This is because a motorised wheelchair limits the physical exertion needed to move around, allowing for a smoother healing process.
5. Effortless portability
With the various machinery and circuitry required to power an electric wheelchair, you might be forgiven for thinking these mobility aids are cumbersome. However, that is not the case. In fact, manufacturers have begun to offer various lightweight and portable motorised wheelchairs to allow caretakers to transport these devices to and from home easily.
Moreover, these mobility aids are created with an easy-to-handle steering mechanism and adjustable seats, allowing you to change the configuration according to your preference for optimal comfort.
Conclusion
If your loved ones reduced mobility has transformed their lives significantly, you may want to consider turning to a motorised wheelchair to cater to their needs. Doing so can, in turn, offer them various life-changing benefits, allowing them to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives.
Should you be on the lookout for a PMA device, do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. At Falcon Mobility, we offer a wide array of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters to choose from. Additionally, we provide a free test drive so your loved ones can better understand which devices suit them the best. If you have any additional queries, our friendly sales assistant will be glad to answer them.