Saturday, 1 February 2014

Accessibility and Mobility

"Photo courtesy of StockFreeImages.com"

Senior may be less mobile as they get older. Hence, additional support like canes, walkers and other mobility aids may be needed.

In cases where the onset of illness causes a senior to be bounded to wheelchair or mobility scooter, accessibility at home become foremost concern in order to age in place. Hence, the home for senior should be accessible. Steps at entrance doorway should be overcome with ramp instead. Portable ramp can be used if building a physical ramp is not possible. 
Curbs at door of bathroom are definitely out as these are obstructions to wheelchair. How about installing a threshold ramp which prevent the water from flowing to dry area and yet accessible by wheelchair? 


Mobility is the criteria for aging in place. Only with mobility, senior can enjoy the freedom and independence of aging in place. The ability to go outdoor, be it just going around the neighbourhood or visiting a friend, enhanced active aging. Active aging is also a way to prevent isolation which normally occurs to senior who are confined to home due to restricted mobility.



Electric wheelchairs are powered equipment that allow frail senior with debilitating illness to regain some independent. Mobility scooters which offer more control and cheaper are popular among senior with mild physical disability or those who have problem standing or walking for too long. 


                                         Standers Millennial Crutch



                                  Duro-Med Adjustable Folding Fancy Cane



Canes, clutches and walkers are also mobility aids commonly used by senior whose need some assistance in walking.



With the implementation barrier free accessibility and universal design to built environment in Singapore, we look forward to having barrier free access to all housing estate, shopping mall, poly clinics, parks, MRT stations and public resort. These will not only benefit the elderly but also other age group.

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