Mobility

Mobility Aids from Medline atHome

Having limited mobility or recovering from an injury or illness doesn’t have to mean losing your independence. Our wide range of mobility aids make it possible for you to safely keep walking, dressing, bathing, eating, traveling, and even exercising on your own. Whether you want to run errands independently, reach for and grab items with confidence, keep up with your doctor-recommended rehab, or feel safer from falls in the bathroom, you can trust our hospital-grade mobility products to help you achieve your goals. You’ll find premium physical rehab equipment, fall prevention products, shower benches, weighted utensils, walkers, canes, braces and supports for the whole body, and more, including bestsellers like the Medline K4 Basic Lightweight Wheelchair and the Medline Empower Rollator with Microban antimicrobial* technology that protects the product from stains and odors for reliable long-term use. Stock up on these essential aids today to stay proactive about your safety and independence at home.

Read on to find answers to commonly asked questions about mobility aids.

What is considered a mobility device?
Mobility devices are products designed to help people who have difficulty moving enjoy greater freedom and independence. Mobility aids can be anything that helps a person walk or move or something that helps with day-to-day activities such eating, dressing, reaching, gripping, and grabbing. These aids can be helpful for people with disabilities or injuries or for older adults who are at increased risk of falling.

What are the different types of mobility aids?
There are many different types of mobility aids: canes, crutches, sit-and-stand transfer aids, walkers and wheeled walkers, manual chairs, motorized scooters, wheelchairs, and more.¹

Mobility aids can also be items that help with everyday tasks. These items can range from shoehorns that help with dressing and putting on shoes, reachers that help access things out of reach, aids for eating and drinking, such as weighted utensils and dishes, gait belts, leg lifters, bed rails, and more.

Medline bestseller: Medline Knockdown Transfer Bench with Microban MDS86960KDMBH

How do I get a mobility device?
For larger, more significant mobility devices that assist in walking or movement, it is important to consult a doctor. Doctors can recommend mobility aids that are best suited to your individual needs. A prescription may also be required for items such as walkers and wheelchairs to qualify for insurance coverage.²

Other mobility devices, such as fall prevention products or shower benches, can be easily purchased and delivered right to the comfort of your home. Medline’s Momentum line offers contemporary, attractive, user-centric living products that can help provide security and support in your home.

What is a Rollator?
A rollator is a mobility aid that has four wheels so it can be rolled rather than lifted between each step. Rollators also feature a built-in seat so you can stop and rest wherever you are.

If you’re looking for a more modern style of rollator, byAcre rollators are a durable, sleek, and lightweight option. These eye-catching rollators are getting great reviews and you can learn more here.

Is a rollator better than a walker?
Rollators and walkers help with different mobility concerns.

A rollator’s wheels allow them to be pushed forward while walking, and they typically feature a seat. This can be helpful for individuals who have good balance but need to rest often.⁴
Medline bestseller: Medline Empower Rollator with 8" Wheels MDS86845BM
Medline bestseller: byAcre Carbon Ultralight Wide Rollator BYA100LGBK

Walkers need to be lifted for movement, but they are more stable and provide more support than rollators, so they can be a better choice for people who struggle with their balance. However, walkers significantly alter the way people walk, so it is important to talk to a professional about which walker is a good fit and how to use it properly.³
Medline bestseller: Guardian 2-Button Aluminum Folding Walker G30757WH

What is a cane for?
A cane is a mobility aid that can help people with their balance. They provide minimal support over short distances. Doctors often recommend walking canes to people who have mild leg weakness or who are experiencing mild sensory changes — like changes in vision, hearing, or balance — that impact their mobility.⁴

What are 3 different types of canes?
Standard canes are also called single-point canes and are the most widely used type of cane. They usually have a curved or T-shaped handle. They help with balance but do not bear as much weight as other styles of cane.³

Offset canes bend outwards at the top (towards the upper shaft) and the handle grip is typically flat. This design shifts the weight from the wrist to the forearm, allowing the cane to bear more weight. It is also good for people with a weak grip.³

Multiple-legged canes usually have 3 to 4 short legs attached, allowing them to provide more stability and weight-bearing capacity. The canes can also stand when not in use. They are a slower option, but very sturdy and can help take weight off an injured or painful leg.³

What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?
Wheelchairs allow users to push or propel themselves forward without assistance, are built out of heavy-duty materials for prolonged use, and typically feature a wide range of accessories such as trays, cup holders, cushions, oxygen attachments, and so on.
Medline bestseller: K4 Lightweight Wheelchair with Swing-Back Desk-Length Arms and Swing-Away Footrests MDS806500

Transport chairs require the assistance of someone pushing from behind, are lightweight and easy to fold compactly for storage, and often have narrow frames so chairs can pass easily through doors and aisles.
Medline bestseller: Basic Aluminum Transport Chair with Microban MDS808200KDT

What are the different types of wheelchairs?
There are many types of wheelchair, but we will cover some of the most common types here: manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, pediatric wheelchairs, positioning wheelchairs, mobility scooters, sports wheelchairs, all-terrain wheelchairs, and standing wheelchairs.⁶

What kind of wheelchair is best?
With so many varieties of wheelchairs available, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which wheelchair is the best. A good place to start is a conversation with your doctor, physical therapist, or an assistive technology specialist. These professionals can help you choose the best chair and components to meet your needs.⁶

*These antimicrobial properties are built-in to protect the product. This product does not protect users or others against bacteria, viruses, germs or other disease organisms.

References

1. Health in Aging, “Caregiver guide: mobility problems”
Accessed on Sept. 21 2021

2. University of Arizona, “Elder care: a resource for interprofessional providers”
Accessed on Sept. 20, 2021

3. Harvard Medical School, “5 tools to maintain your mobility”
Accessed on Sept. 17, 2021

4. AARP, “Choosing a walker or cane”
Accessed on Sept. 17, 2021

5. Mayo Clinic, “Tips for choosing and using walkers”
Accessed on Sept. 20, 2021

6. United Spinal Association, “Types of wheelchairs – a visual tour”
Accessed on Sept. 22, 2021

7. https://www.ada.gov/opdmd.htm