”10 Top Mobility Aids For After Surgery Care” is a collaborative post and includes affiliate links. Please see the disclosure page for more information. Disclaimer – always verify medical information with your doctor or a professional and follow all laws for your location.
Being sick, having surgery, and getting old are not for the faint of heart. Thankfully we live in a time that there are lots of options for mobility aids. I’ve had two major surgeries and 3 babies and needed general livability and mobility aids for all these events. I was unable to walk for a while, couldn’t lift myself out of a chair, couldn’t stand long enough to take a shower, and other not so fun physical inadequacies.
That’s why I want to share mobility aids that have helped me in challenging times and hopefully can help you or a loved one.
#1 Raised Toilet Seat
Back surgery can really mess up daily life and everyone knows that going to the restroom is part of daily life. (If it’s not part of your daily life then you probably want to consult a doctor!) After my back surgery I had trouble standing up straight and just leaning forward or stand up from a sitting position. Thank goodness the surgeon suggested we purchase a raised toilet seat. Otherwise, my sweet husband would have had to go to the rest room with me the whole time I was recovering. No thanks for me or him! If you’ll be having surgery that can affect your back or core definitely get a raised toilet seat and install it to have ready for your recovery time.
#2 Shower Seat
After having 3 babies (giant babies), my insides were all jacked up. First, I had to have back surgery because my spine and discs were messed up. Remember how I couldn’t feel my feet? Then I had to have hernia repair and since that was happening I went ahead and had a mommy makeover. Afterwards, I was very very weak from the 8 hour surgery and was wobbly when walking or standing. Thankfully, again my sweet husband purchased a shower seat so I could shower. It was like the best day of my life when I was finally allowed to get cleaned up. Shower seats are also great for elderly people that might now have the balance they used to.
#3 Walker (or Rollator)
Walkers have come a long way in the last 30 years. I can remember family members using a the standard walker many years ago. There’s nothing wrong with those but these days there are more options such as having wheels on the walker. Or there are even rollators – have you seen the walker with a seat and storage compartment? There are even brakes on the handles like a bicycle. Check out this video on how to set up a Rollator and how handy they are…
#4 Wheelchair
When walking is no longer an option, a great alternative is using a wheelchair. Just like a walker has had many updates through the years, so have wheelchairs. The first wheelchair was made around 1595 and things obviously have changed a bunch since then. There are still self propel wheelchairs but many more options these days such as transit wheelchairs that are foldable, lightweight, active (for sports), children’s, and Electric Wheelchairs for sale. You can select a wheelchair to meet your lifestyle and meet your mobility goals.
#5 Rise and Raise Chair
These recliner type chairs are to help people stand up. A motor helps to lift the chair which raises the person to a standing position. Some can even lean back enough to almost be like a bed. I spent a couple weeks in a recliner after the mommy makeover and was so comfortable. These are great for elderly people or those who have had major muscle loss and cannot lift themselves to a standing position but still want to be able to be in a living room so they can socialize with the family.
#6 Leg Raiser
After back surgery, keeping pressure off of my back as much as possible was important and a leg raiser did just that. I actually just stacked up pillows but you can purchase leg raisers as well. It seems odd that I’d add something that you use while laying down or sitting, but it’s important to include a leg raiser in your recovery. This can help keep blood clots from forming. It can also help you heal more comfortably which can help with mobility as well.
#7 Crutches
These are the mobility aids that have been around for centuries. They have been modernized over the years though. There are not just uncomfortable wooden crutches but now there are more options. There are aluminum, adjustable crutches and elbow crutches. They have rubber grips and are ergonomically designed. Such a better way to go these days than the first crutches used in Egypt 3000 years ago!
via GIPHY
#8 Stairlift
Luckily, when I had the back surgery, we lived in a small duplex without stairs. But when I had the hernia/mommy makeover, we live in our current house which has stairs. It was so frustrating to not be able to go upstairs for several weeks! Stairlifts can help you stay in your home longer if you are getting older and want to remain in your current home. There are lots of things to consider when choosing the stairlift for your home such as speed and the type of stairs it will be used on. Compare the many different options here to learn more.
#9 Adjustable Bed
Another obstacle people can have trouble with mobility is just getting out of bed. There are beds and mobility aids to help with this. Adjustable beds can help people sit up and then move out of bed. Also there are tools to help pull yourself out of bed if needed such as transfer aids and ladders.
#10 Prosthetics
Prosthetic technology is moving along at a fast pace these days. Now there are 3d printers able to custom fit limbs to the body and robotics being integrated into functionality of prosthetics. Some are so advanced that there are mind-controlled arm prostheses. How amazing is that!
BONUS: Help From Others
This can be one of the hardest mobility aids to lean on. Help from others not only can help you physically but emotionally and mentally as well. It can be hard to go your entire life without “needing” anyone else. But there are times in life it is so nice and comforting to know others want to help. Don’t let your pride push people away especially when you need them most. And remember someday someone might need help from you as well.
This my 10 Top Mobility Aids For After Surgery Care. There are more items to consider depending on what your needs are. Just remember that we are so blessed to live in a time that help can be found for most necessities.
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