For some, living with a disability may limit someone’s ability to be mobile thereby decreasing their ability to be active and socialize. This is where mobility aids come to the rescue as it helps participants achieve independence leading to a happy and high quality of life. This article will focus on discussing the benefits of mobility aids, and the different types which are funded by the NDIS.
What are the common mobility aids and what are their specific benefits?
Crutches
-focus on assisting the individual transfer weight from legs to the upper body or broaden the support base to improve balance and stability
-Helps in improving posture
-Helps movement in lieu of activities that a wheelchair cannot support
-Helps individuals with extreme pain when walking, have weak muscles
-Helps aid circulation
There are many different types of crutches, including Axillary, Lofstrand, and platform crutches which vary depending on how it is placed and its purpose towards the disability. The axillary or the underarm crutches are usually being used for those with short-term injuries, while Lofstrand or forearm crutches are being used for those with long-term disabilities. Lastly, platform crutches-they are not commonly used but can give therapeutic effects to people with arthritis
Canes
Gives the same support that of crutches it is just canes offer lesser weight to pass off to the lower body as it is delegated to hands and wrists. There are different types of canes : Long Cane usually assists people who have vision problems, Identification Cane is used to detecting the height of stairs and gutters, lastly, Support Cane which is used to aid balance.
· Walkers
Used to provide stability and support to individuals with disabilities. The common types of walkers are rollators they come with frames and 4 wheels and a seat. The other type is the Knee walkers this equipment allows the individual to rest their knee while their other leg is still in transition towards moving independently. The last type is the Walker-cane hybrids, unlike the rollators, it has 2 legs but can provide better support than that of a standard cane.
· Wheelchairs
Provide support for those who are unable to walk or prohibited to employ lower limbs. There are different types of wheelchairs to facilitate the specific need/s of the individual, to name some: folding manual wheelchairs, one arm drive wheelchair, rigid manual wheelchair, transit manual wheelchair, Manual all-terrain wheelchair, and many more. There are also different types of specialized wheelchairs that require an assessment from an allied health professional when applying for NDIS funding.
· Mobility scooters
Are useful for those with upper body challenges or who cannot use the wheelchair due to the limitations of their disability.
Mobility aids are under personal mobility equipment in your Capital supports budget for assistive technology (AT). Just like the rest of the supports and services you need to justify that it is reasonable and necessary to acquire such mobility aid/s. You will then have the option to buy it outright or just rent it. Some examples funded by the NDIS aside from being mentioned above are prostheses, transfer support equipment, seating support, and the likes.
Always remember that when you apply for NDIS funding, you have to go back to your goals, assess if what you are asking for is linked to your goals.
Do you need to purchase an AT? Talk to your LAC and know the steps you need to do.
Need help accessing service providers for reliable mobility aids? Be Plan Managed with Yogi Care and access both NDIS registered and non-registered service providers.
