What Primary Care Providers Need to Know About Mobility Aids for Seniors

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Last Updated on May 14, 2021

Primary care providers are at the frontline of the healthcare industry in providing the most crucial home-based healthcare services to senior citizens. They are helping in bridging the gap between conventional healthcare services and community-based healthcare services in meeting the needs of the patients.

Primary care providers are at the frontline of the healthcare industry in providing the most crucial home-based healthcare services to senior citizens. They are helping in bridging the gap between conventional healthcare services and community-based healthcare services in meeting the needs of the patients.

More than ever before, there is an improved service delivery within the healthcare industry when it comes to helping improve the living standards of senior citizens. But then again, there’s also a great need to understand the needs of seniors using mobility aids. This will of course work towards providing independence and some sort of privacy during the course of providing healthcare.

In addition to this, it will help seniors to lead an active and engaged lifestyle with the use of the best mobility aids. That said, below are things primary care providers need to know about mobility aids for seniors.

1. Ensuring That Mobility Aids Are a Proper Fit

Primary care providers must ensure that senior citizens under their care are using mobility aids that are a perfect fit. Primary care providers should also have sufficient training and experience on the various types of mobility aids. Whether a patient is using a wheelchair, a mobility scooter, or a walker, it’s important that they are experienced on the various types of mobility equipment.

They’ll help advise their patients on the proper use of the mobility devices in helping reduce injuries. The guys at www.upliftingmobility.com insist that before getting started with the patient’s needs, primary healthcare providers should check that the mobility aids used are a perfect fit and size. Among other factors that a primary healthcare provider should consider when recommending a mobility aid to a senior include:

  • Patients requirement needs – Whether for balance or bearing weight
  • Length of the walking aid
  • Whether a patient needs manual or powered mobility aids
  • Cost

2. Using the Right Mobility Devices

Primary care providers are at the frontline of the healthcare industry in providing the most crucial home-based healthcare services to senior citizens. They are helping in bridging the gap between conventional healthcare services and community-based healthcare services in meeting the needs of the patients.

There are so many debilitating factors that could limit an elderly’s mobility. It could be as a result of physical or mental limitations. Deciding on the appropriate mobility devices and equipment could help in providing them with the comfort they need. It will also be important for various safety concerns that primary healthcare providers choose the right mobility aids for the elderly. For patients requiring high degrees of support, choosing a mobility aid that allows them comfort when moving from point A to point B without compromising their safety will be highly recommended.

3. Understanding the Proper Movements and Use of Mobility Aids

As a primary healthcare provider, you must know the proper use of mobility aids and the correct movements while using any type of mobility aid. This way, you’ll be in a better position to train an elderly on the right uses and the correct movements to use while on a mobility aid. Additionally, you’ll also be in a better position to instruct them on the types of movements they should avoid when using mobility aids. This way, you’ll be preventing various injuries that may be as a result of straining too much or using repetitive movements that could hurt their muscles and joints.

4. Prioritizing On Comfort

Primary care providers are at the frontline of the healthcare industry in providing the most crucial home-based healthcare services to senior citizens. They are helping in bridging the gap between conventional healthcare services and community-based healthcare services in meeting the needs of the patients.

It will be easier for the elderly to use a mobility device consistently when they are comfortable using it. Primary care providers when administering their services should ask their patients for any discomforts or pain when using mobility aids. This will give them a better understanding of the patient’s experiences with mobility aids. Simple things such as grip, cushioning, and stability could help in enhancing patients’ comfort when using mobility aids.

One thing to note is that the use of the right mobility aids will help in supporting a patient’s independence. As a primary healthcare provider, this will help in making your work easier and ensuring that your elderly patients are living a fulfilled life despite their mobility limitations.  

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