Mobility Aids Safety: What to Check Before You Buy or Hire
Safety is not always the first thing people think about when choosing mobility equipment, but it should be. The right aid needs to suit the person, the home, the environment and the way the equipment will be transported or stored.
Start with the person
The user’s height, weight, age and sex all matter because many mobility aids are built around size and load limits. With some products, seated hip width can also be an important measurement, especially for wheelchairs and seating aids.
Measure the spaces that matter
A product may look suitable online or in a showroom and still fail in the home. Check areas such as:
- doorways and hallways
- bathroom width and layout
- bath dimensions
- toilet height and clearance
Older homes in particular can create access issues for wider equipment.
Think about the environment
Not all disability aids are suitable for wet areas. Avoid storing equipment outdoors, where weather and sunlight can damage materials and shorten product life.
It also noted that most wheeled equipment is designed for indoor or smooth-surface use rather than rough terrain.
Transport matters too
Safe transport is part of safe equipment use. Make sure the item fits properly in the vehicle, is protected from weather and damage, and can be loaded without injuring yourself or others.
If you are unsure what is likely to fit safely, contact our team.
Need help narrowing down the right option?
If you are comparing products, planning support or working out what is likely to suit best, our team can help.