Ensuring the elderly keep their freedom
As we get older it becomes increasingly difficult for us to keep our freedom and we start to rely on others to help us get around and do normal day to day things. Having the ability to move around freely is something we take for granted until the time comes when it’s a struggle, so you need to find ways to ensure you can get yourself out of the house.
Different methods have been created to ensure that you can still move around independently. From wheelchairs to mobility scooters and walking aids, there’s something out there that can help you. At Fenetic Wellbeing, we’ve put together our list of the different ways you can keep your independence.
Why is it important to keep your freedom?
Keeping active and getting out of the house is incredibly important, especially as we get older and if our relatives live at home with live-in care. It keeps us mentally and physically fit and having that bit of extra freedom is an easy way of ensuring this. Mentally, it gives you a purpose and something to do to keep your mind active and busy. Physically it has huge benefits on your joints and muscles, ensuring you’re able to keep moving as independently as possible.
Not only does it help you, but it also takes a little bit of strain off your family. It’s highly likely it’s your family who cares for you and you’ll likely rely on them to get you around. If you’re able to do it yourself, this allows them to have a bit of freedom back as well.
How can you keep your freedom?
Wheelchairs are one of the most popular ways of getting around independently. They’re great if you’re only travelling short distances, for example, around a shop or supermarket. Lightweight wheelchairs are easily transportable and can fit easily into the back of a car, they’re also easy to be pushed along by the user. Electric wheelchairs are controlled manually by the user with joystick controls and are perfect for covering longer distances.
Walking frames are more commonly referred to as a zimmer frame and are incredibly cost effective. They provide you with a little bit of additional stability and safety when getting from point A to point B. There are heavy duty frames available that can support people of all shapes and sizes. Rollators have a very similar design as a walking frame, with one key difference, they have wheels added to provide the user with even more stability and safety.
Mobility Scooters are ideal for the more long haul journeys. There’s a huge range available depending on what you’re looking for, with some available that enable you to legally drive down roads like a pedal bike.
If you’re looking for a scooter that is easy to transport around then lightweight mobility scooters will be ideal for you. They fit easily into a car and have smaller frames making them easy to navigate in smaller spaces and crowded streets. Road legal mobility scooters comply with road laws and legislation as they’re fitted with lights and indicators. They can tackle even longer distances and are generally larger than your average mobility scooter. They can travel between 20-30 miles and can hit speeds of around 8mph.
Where can you go?
There are some great ways you can get out of your house. If you can get up and go for a walk, even if it's to the end of the street and back with your walking aid, this can have a positive impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Attending social events helps to fight off loneliness, so heading to your local social club or heading to your family's house is a great way of getting out. If you’re able to exercise, this is another way of getting out and getting some freedom back. Whether it be a trip to the beach or just going to a shopping centre, it’s bound to make you and them happy spending time together. You’ll have the comfort of knowing they don’t need to care for you and push you around, you can do it yourself which is also a boost to your confidence.
You can always head to the cafe or the shops, this is where wheelchairs and mobility scooters are ideal. Popping out of the house for lunch or for a coffee get you out and about and ensures you’re around people in a sociable environment.
Do you want to learn more about the digital world? Age UK runs some great digital workshops and cafe drop ins where you can take any device with you and they’ll help you use it. It’s a great way of getting out, socialising and learning something new in the process. They run these initiatives across the UK so find your local drop in and head down!
Are you looking for Accessible Days out in Yorkshire? Then look no further than our blog that tells you where you should head on your next family trip out.
If you’re looking for any advice or help to find a product that can keep you or a relative active then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Fenetic Wellbeing. We’re more than happy to help you and offer advice on any questions you may have.