It may be that your loved one has had a CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident, also known as a stroke) and has become partially paralysed in one leg and thus has mobility problems.
Sometimes one may experience mobility difficulties after an automobile accident or simply from the ageing process.
In any case, the idea is to assist the person to maintain independence as long as possible.
This will enable the person to continue to be active, An Occupational therapist or Physiotherapist may recommend any number of aids and exercises to assist in the recover effort.
Two of the aids that may be recommended to assist with mobility are Rollators or walking frames as they are known in some countries and lifters.
Rollators can come in various sizes, weights, colours designs and prices.
The idea of a rollators/walking frame is to aid in stability whilst ambulating (walking.
) Examples of rollators are in the resources box link below.
Some of the criteria to be aware of is what is known as the bariatric scale which is used to match a person with the correct frame.
Ensure you speak with the sales person about this scale.
Also wheel size, handle extension, brakes and seating.
Some may have a basket attached and a basic padded seat and made of lightweight tubing.
Others maybe made of sturdier materials, have fully adjustable handles, seat, weather canopy and convert into a chair with lock-on brakes Lifters come in two main styles.
Manual/pneumatic style that involves either a hand or foot action pumping to increase hydraulic pressure and thus raise the patient to a suspended in-air position.
The lifter is then wheeled manually from point A to point B and lowered to the new position using a hand or foot valve release.
The electric style does everything mentioned above using the battery pack.
Keep in mind the battery will most likely come with a battery charger and a spare battery if needed.
There are, however several things to consider when buying a lifter.
They are: FIRST: Environment of use - where will it be used? Is the floor surface carpet or vinyl or slate? carpet of course will be more difficult to wheel the lifter upon, especially if the client is suspended in transit.
The room space and furniture in the room, is it cluttered?.
The width of the doorway and hallways if being used in the home.
Other factors are steps, floor gradients and low hanging lights.
SECOND: The Client and behaviours - if the client becomes physically aggressive or moves in a way that may cause the lifter to be unstable is may be dangerous to use a lifter.
Another point for consideration is the Bariatric scale (the scale used to match the suitability of weight vs lifter ratio.
) Always consult with the seller before deciding on a lifter.
THIRD: Design and style As mentioned above the choice is either manual or electric.
What is the overall finish and handling of the lifter like? do the wheels move freely and do they have a directional brace attached? Is it easy for the user to manipulate and operate? FOURTH: Price, Although many look at this first it really must be considered after all the above.
Buying the cheapest lifter can be totally wrong if you find out the client is too heavy for the lifter capacity.
Or that the manual lifter is unable to be used by anyone because of poor fitness.
Whatever the reason for needing a lifter be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and maintenance schedule.