Mobility Aids to Help You Enjoy Life Outdoors

Due to my pain having an impact on my walking ability, I often have to use various mobility aids. Initially, I did have a degree of reluctance in using them and I’m sure I’m not alone with that. I felt as though I was ‘giving in’ which was actually a silly attitude to have because those mobility aids are there to help people like me. But it was hard having to accept that I needed that type of help.

Tips on Accepting a New Normal

Mobility Aids to Help When Walking Ability is Affected by Pain or Illness

Most people take walking for granted. They put one foot in front of the other – it’s as simple as that. But it’s not as simple as that for many people who live with disabilities, chronic pain or illness.

Some people are unable to walk at all. Others might find it too painful to walk even just a short distance. Just standing for a short time in a queue might cause agonising pain for some people

But it’s not just about pain. Many people live with indescribable chronic fatigue which exhausts them so much that they can barely take more than a few steps. And certain conditions and medication can cause unsteadiness leading to falls.

When your mobility is affected, everyday life is affected. Shopping trips can be impossible and social life can simply disappear. Even just a walk in the fresh air to help their mental health can be impossible.

They often feel like a prisoner in their home and nobody enjoys that because it’s lonely and frustrating. People lose their self-confidence. Freedom and independence become non-existent. It can become soul-destroying. Demoralising.

Mobility aids are there to help you if you’re in that situation. They can allow you to enjoy life outdoors. They can make life easier, give you some independence, renew your self-confidence and give you a sense of normality. For many people, a mobility aid is also essential for their safety.

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Mobility Aids to Help You Enjoy Life Outdoors

There are many disability aids on the market which might help you to enjoy more time outdoors.

Walking Sticks and Crutches

I’ve had a walking stick for a few years now. I don’t always need it, but I take it with me when I go out, just in case. I prefer folding walking sticks and I opt for a stick with an ergonomic gel handle because I suffer from painful hands at times.

Walking sticks come in various styles – folding, non-folding and tetrapod. They should have an adjustable height setting to ensure they can be set to the correct height for you.

Some people may need, or simply prefer, to use crutches. These vary in style and price.

Need a Rest?

If you often need to stop for a breather or to rest your legs or back, a walking stick with a seat might be helpful. This is ideal if you’re on a shopping trip, a family day out, at a craft fair or an outdoor concert. It is also ideal if you find yourself having to stand in a long queue in a shop. Being able to sit down, even just for a couple of minutes, can be a godsend.

Rollators

A few years ago, I had to see a physiotherapist because I was really struggling to walk. I was using a walking stick but she suggested that I needed a rollator. I was reluctant, but I gave it a try and I’m glad that I did. When I use it, it’s worth its weight in gold. It gives me more stability and since mine has a seat, I can sit down whenever I need to.

Most rollators are foldable, which makes it easy to travel with them. Three-wheeled rollators are cheaper, but they don’t normally have a seat. For me, that seat is much needed.

This rollator can also be used as a short trip wheelchair which would be perfect if you were out for the day and walking became too much. Whoever is with you could then help you back to the car or wheel you home.

Rollator Accessories

Some rollators come with bags and walking stick holders. If they don’t, you can buy those accessories separately. You can also buy cup or bottle holders and LED light fittings.

Mobility Scooters

My husband does much of our shopping, but sometimes it’s nice to go with him because I want to do normal things like see what’s new and check what’s on offer. However, when we used to go shopping at a large supermarket, I struggled. I couldn’t walk far before I was in agony, so the shopping list was either abandoned or I went back to the car and waited for my husband.

Shopping trips weren’t enjoyable for me or for my husband. He repeatedly told me I should use the supermarket’s mobility scooter. They were free for customers to use but I refused because I didn’t think I was disabled enough. He rolled his eyes when I said that. Eventually, I had to use one because I was struggling to walk the length of the first aisle. It made such a difference. My husband was able to shop without worrying about me and I could browse and pick up extras I wanted (normally chocolate). I now have no hesitation in using one.

A mobility scooter is so useful for me getting around the supermarket but I don’t need one all the time. For people who do need them all the time, they are invaluable.

Getting Into and Out of a Car

Getting about in the car can be easy, but getting into and out of the car isn’t always so easy. However, there are some mobility aids that could help.

The Car Cane is a portable handle that you can attach to the door frame whenever you need it so that you can get a bit of added support. It is small enough to fit in a glove box and has an LED light so you can use it at night.

Another idea is a portable support strap that gets attached to the window frame of the car, allowing the user to grip onto it for added support.

A swivel car seat is also helpful for getting into and out of the car.

Wheelchairs

I’m not really focusing on wheelchairs in this post. There are basic wheelchairs available, reasonably priced around £65, which would be fine for occasional use. However, if you need to use a wheelchair often or permanently, it’s best to get advice from a specialist.

Gemma, from the Wheel Escapades blog, has been using a wheelchair since she was three years old. Her blog is entertaining and gives some excellent tips on wheelchair use. Please take a look at this blog post.

Where to Get More Help About Mobility Aids

Professional Help and Advice

It’s always important to get the best product for your needs. Professional help and advice can be obtained from physiotherapists, occupational therapists or doctors. The NHS in the UK sometimes supplies mobility aids, so it’s worth checking with them before buying your own.

Disability Product VAT Relief

In the UK, disabled or chronically ill people can claim VAT relief on disability products like mobility aids which can help to reduce the cost. When purchasing an item, check the website or ask the store for a VAT relief form.

Disabled Parking Badge

If you have mobility problems, you can apply to your local authority for a disabled parking badge. This is so helpful, allowing you to park closer to shops and entrances.

Mobility Aids are There to Help You

It’s often hard to admit that you need the help of mobility aids but please don’t be reluctant to use them if you need them. They really can make a difference and allow you to enjoy life.

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5 thoughts on “Mobility Aids to Help You Enjoy Life Outdoors

  1. Katie Clark

    Great collection of very helpful tools and gadgets. Thank you for your explanation of the different types and needs.

  2. Brilliant suggestions, especially for those considering an aid that haven’t yet taken the plunge. It can be hard to admit needing the support of a mobility aid, yet they can be absolutely priceless; there’s no shame in illness and disability, and certainly no shame in needing tools to help us manage and live our lives as well as possible given the circumstances of our health. I find my walking stick helpful even just in giving a little extra reassurance; while I don’t use it every time I go out, I’ve found there can be differences in comfort between types that may look somewhat similar, so it’s a good idea to read reviews. I bought a new one quite recently actually, a ‘luxury’ stick with a ridiculously high RRP that’s down to £12.99 on Amazon – absolutely love it.

    I have to admit I hadn’t known until more recently through blog reading that the walking shopper aid is called a rollator! I don’t think I’ve ever really had a word for them, so it’s good to know. I can imagine those being a godsend and it’s great there are added accessories to make things more ergonomic and practical when out and about.

    I’ve also recently received a Blue Badge. I was very reluctant to apply, thinking I wouldn’t be eligible. I was very honest in my application and to my surprise found that I was eligible, so £10 well invested for some peace of mind in making things just a little easier on the rare times I’ll use it. I’m very grateful for that.

    Brilliant post as always, Liz!!

    Caz xx

  3. You’ve put together a fantastic list, Liz. I have a standard manual wheelchair and a cane, but I really need a rollator for those days when I insist on going places under my own steam so I have a place to sit and rest, which I always inevitably do. Our health fluctuates so much, it’s really good to have a variety of options so we can choose the right one for how we feel that day. Thanks for doing and sharing so many great options with us! xx

  4. I wanted to buy wheelchair for my Grandpa who has been facing severe arthritis issues lately. Just wanted to know as to which type of wheelchair would be most effective for him to roam around freely.

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