It’s often not until we are without something that we truly appreciate it. This has never been more true than in the case of mobility. The independence to move our body and freely navigate through daily tasks just isn’t something at the front of our mind until we start to encounter challenges.
Along with formal studies that indicate a link between mobility and ‘quality of life’, we here at HY5 have observed first hand how much happier people are when they are on the move.
Loss of mobility can be due to a great number of conditions and circumstances. Along with our elderly customers, we commonly assist younger customers who are impaired through injury or illness. One thing that doesn’t change is their desire to retain freedom.
Today we’ll discuss the importance of mobility within our lives, and why we should support those with disability to stay moving and independent.
Around the home
Our home is the most important place for us to feel happy and safe. It’s where we spend most of our time doing our daily routines and relaxing. For the mobility-impaired, a house should support, not hinder freedom of movement.
Those with mobility challenges can struggle to complete these activities, or simply be unable to do them at all. Depending on the level of disability, equipment may provide the extra support needed to continue with a daily routine. In some cases, a mixture of equipment and in-home care is the right approach. Consultation from your healthcare professional such as the physician or physiotherapist can help you understand what might be best.
We believe it’s the right of all Australians to enjoy their life at home, and get the best-possible mobility with the support they need.
Some of the more common activities at home requiring mobility include:
- Showering
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Using the bathroom
- Enjoying the garden or other outdoor areas
- Entertaining guests
- Getting to and from bed
- Doing the washing
Importance of privacy and dignity
Mobility impairment of any kind can compromise our ability to bathe and use the toilet – two activities that are highly personal to the individual. We often work with carers who are dedicated to providing respectful assistance to those needing it for these tasks.
For some mobility impaired people, showering or using the toilet is still feasible, provided equipment is available. Good support can let you lean, reach and bend to clean yourself properly.
Sometimes you may require carer help later on down the track. This is why the HY5 Walker was developed for use alone and with a carer. With quality mobility equipment, you may be able to extend the period of time before a carer may be required.
The mobility impaired individual should always feel in control, with any equipment or carer support working around that person – not vice versa.
Keeping up with hobbies
Hobbies are often the times of the week that we genuinely look forward to, be it to enjoy some quiet time or connect with others with similar interests. It’s important that you keep hobbies that are manageable.
Think about how you might navigate impairment using the help of something like mobility equipment. If you attend a night class or other group activity, chat to the organisers about ways to accommodate your mobility needs – chances are they will have helped others before you.
- Gardening – bending over, crouching, walking, taking larger steps
- Knitting or Sewing – reaching for materials, setting up the machine
- Baking – moving around in the kitchen, bending over to tend to the oven
- Painting – standing at an easel, reaching for paints, cleaning up
- Pottery – getting to a studio, lifting materials, carrying works
Spending time with family
There’s nothing quite like the quality moments we share with our siblings, parents, children and other family members; staying social is excellent for our mood.
When we lose mobility, we can sometimes start to think our options for socialising will diminish. With some careful planning and the right support, mobility impairment doesn’t need to be a reason to miss out on social occasions.
With a house configured for assisted mobility, we can usually enjoy company at home without additional stress. But often we like to catch up with people out and about; at a restaurant or to attend younger family member’s school events. Going out of the house comes with its own mobility considerations, such as:
- What is the access like?
- Will there be appropriate toilet facilities?
- Is it going to be comfortable?
- Can I get even get there?
Plan ahead with support and equipment and you should still be able to enjoy outings with family.
Seeing the world
Living with mobility challenges can be hard for the keen traveller to process. Travel can involve a fair bit of walking and there’s a pretty broad range of bathroom facilities out there. Then there’s the task of getting between cities or countries by air, train, boat or road.
As you start to plan your holiday, the expected physical toll can be daunting. However, mobility challenges are common for the tourism industry and you may be surprised at how accommodating travel operators are.
Even still, it’s safer and more comfortable if you can take your preferred mobility equipment on holiday with you. HY5 is a good option for travellers needing support as it’s one piece of equipment that operates in 5 core mobility functions. You won’t have to rely on disabled bathrooms, handrails or supplied walking frames with a HY5 Walker.
Connecting with the community
Lack of mobility without the right support puts us at risk of feeling isolated from the world, and disconnected from our immediate community. Where we may have previously enjoyed a catch up with a neighbour down at the mailbox, we now worry about our mobility challenges reducing these opportunities. Even the standard trip to the supermarket is a common ritual where we run into people we know.
We don’t think that anyone should miss out on being a part of their local community. And you don’t have to miss out with adequate transport, support and equipment. HY5 Walker was created with these moments in mind.
Mobility equipment’s role to play
Many of life’s simple pleasures require mobility. If you are currently encountering a challenge moving, consider what equipment might do to help.
As a first measure, you may have been referred to a standard walking frame. These serve a purpose, but they aren’t designed for transitional movements such as walking to the bathroom and moving into the shower. HY5 5-in-1 is a mobility aid for supporting you to live your life and do your daily routine with ease.
Interested in learning more about the mobility assistance available with a HY5 Walker? Head over to our home page and browse the functions that may help you get more mobile.