Aging is a part of life, and decreased mobility is a part of aging. While aging and decreasing mobility may be inevitable, becoming dependent because of age and immobility is not inevitable. With medical equipment, today’s aging and disabled population can receive assistance to help them stay independent as much as possible.

 Various pieces of medical equipment can help those with limited mobility. In addition to medical equipment such as walkers, canes, and mountable wall bars to help with balance, overbed tables, shower benches, and raised toilet seats can assist those with medical mobility needs.

Overbed Tables. An overbed table is a relatively inexpensive piece of medical equipment that can assist someone with decreased mobility. An overbed table eliminates the need to get out of bed to eat. An overbed table can also serve as a nightstand, reducing the number of times a person may need to get out of bed to obtain or put away needed items. Most overbed tables have rolling wheels, so the user can push the overbed table away or pull it closer as needed. Overbed tables are also easy-to-clean and durable medical equipment.

Shower Benches. A shower bench is another indispensable piece of medical equipment that can help people with mobility challenges. A shower bench allows these people to continue to be independent by enabling them to clean and care for themselves. Instead of having to stand up in the shower, which takes considerable strength and balance, a person can simply sit on the shower bench while washing. Even people requiring wheelchairs can often transfer from a wheelchair to a shower bench. Shower benches vary in price, but generic shower benches that can be attached to a wall are less expensive than custom shower benches that are built into a shower.

Raised Toilet Seats. Other medical equipment essential for many who are losing mobility are raised toilet seats. Raised toilet seats can assist the mobility-impaired by allowing them to transfer from a wheelchair to the raised toilet seat. For those who are not in a wheelchair, raised toilet seats help by requiring less balance and strength when squatting down to sit. Raised toilet seats foster independence by allowing people with decreasing mobility to continue to care for themselves and to maintain basic hygiene needs. Raised toilet seats can be purchased inexpensively and added to regular toilets without any special equipment.