Making the decision to move from a walker to a power chair can be a difficult one but here at KARMA Mobility, we are here to help you spot the signs that it might be time for you to make the move.
As we age, we start to sacrifice much of our independence and this can come in many shapes and forms. A power chair can feel like a loss of independence, but it is far from that and can help improve your health, reduce pain and allow you to see more of the world.
1. You are in pain when you move
Being in pain when you move is not a nice experience and as we age, aches and pains can become debilitating. If your body aches are stopping you from completing everyday tasks such as walking to the shop or spending time with loved ones, it could be time to invest in a power chair.
Often if you are in pain when you move a doctor will recommend making the switch from a walker to a wheelchair or powerchair. If they do recommend this change, it is important to take note and seriously consider adapting as it will benefit your health and mobility and reduce any pain that you may be experiencing.
The lightweight wheelchairs and power chairs available here at KARMA Mobility are designed with you in mind and you will find lightweight folding wheelchair options that can fit into your car with ease.
2. You are not stable on your walker or frame
If your mobility issues are causing you to feel unstable and fragile whilst on your feet it is best to consider ditching your walker and moving to a more secure option.
A walker can offer some initial support for those who struggle moving around their home but as time progresses you might find that it is difficult to lift yourself up into a position where using the walker is beneficial.
With a wheelchair or power chair, you can easily move around your home and gain your independence back. Having a power chair or lightweight wheelchair means that you can go to the shop and your friends and family won’t have to worry about your stability. This provides peace of mind for your loved ones that you will be safe and that you won’t fall or injure yourself whilst on the move.
3. You can’t get far with your walker
You might rely on a walker to get around and to complete jobs such as shopping, making food or getting from A to B. One sign that it might be time to transition from a walker to a wheelchair is that you can’t cover as long of a distance in your walker as you once previously could.
Not being able to get as far with your walker as you once could is a sign that your mobility issues could be getting worse. With a power chair or a light wheelchair, your mobility will be increased and you will feel like you have gained more independence. A power chair will allow you the option of going further distances and will give you a sense of freedom that you thought you might have lost.
How to switch from your walker to your wheelchair
Moving from your walker or frame to a wheelchair doesn’t have to be a strict change. You can gradually make the transition from one to the other over time and depend on both items. Your choice can also depend on the task that you are completing. For longer journeys out of your home, you might want to take your power chair to help you tackle any hills, long paths or unstable footing. Whereas, around your home you might want to continue to use your frame.
The range of lightweight wheelchairs and power chairs available here at KARMA Mobility include easy to store options that don’t take up lots of space. This makes them the ideal choice to store at home until you are ready to use the chair. We even have a range of folding electric wheelchairs available for you to explore.
For further information about any of our products here at Karma Mobility:
Call us on 0845 630 3436
Email us: info@karmamobility.co.uk
