Transitioning to using mobility aids is difficult. I did not go down the path gracefully. I cried, I used inappropriate devices, I furniture surfed, but once I could wrap my head around the fact that mobility aids = freedom. I was able to start playing the game of how can I most elegantly get from point A to point B. These are the devices I use.
1. Cane
When I need to quickly pop into a store from my car or get a closer look at something from my wheelchair or scooter. I also keep it with me in case I am confronted with a totally inaccessible flight of stairs.
2. Walking Poles
I use these very frequently. Walking poles are a lot easier to get our of a car than a walker. They help me walk a little faster and can help with a few difficult terrains better than any other devices.
3. Foot Ankle Orthotic (FAO)
Foot Ankle Orthotic (FAO) This carbon fiber beauty for when I know I’m going to be out all day.
4. Hip Flexion Device
This device -ugly as it is – actually let’s me slowly cross a room unassisted. Eventually it makes me very tired, but you build up stamina. It is ther only device that I’ve found that simultsaneously helps me with drop foot and hip flexion.
5. Wheelchair
For airports and hospitals, but I don’t own one.
6. Rollator
My go to mobility aid. It is the easiest thing to bring with me to walk the average distances I walk. It fits in my trunk and I can take it out myself. The built in seat gives me a place to sit down quickly if I need to and doubles as a chair at events.
7. Push Chair
For when I’m travelling or going to a restaurant or sight seeing with my friends and family. I have to admit it comes out far less often now that I have a scooter.
8. Atto Mobility Scooter
The Atto Mobility Scooter is a total game changer for me. It increased my independence 1000%. The fact that you can bring it onto cars and airplanes opened up so many possibilities for me. I had to get over my preconceived notions of what having a mobility scooter meant for my sense of self, but once I did – it was totally one of those, “why did I wait so long?” moments.
9. Alinker
This is a very well built device. I mostly end up using it on Halloween – I will explain in my review.
Please check back in for thorough reviews of my big 9 mobility aids.