Mobility devices were the topic of lively discussion for our Wellness Hour Zoom meeting in May. Not every person with FSHD will need one, but many will at some point, and the many designs and brands on the market can be daunting. Members of the group shared their observations about when and how best to use a walker, scooter or wheelchair, and described their favorite products.
We learned there are walkers that support you from behind, rather than the front. Other walker models provide a brake bar rather than hand brakes--useful for people with weak hand muscles. There are walker/wheelchair hybrids, and even a walker that can navigate a sandy beach!
For trips and going about town, the group shared recommendations for lightweight wheelchairs that can be easily transported in your car. These come in manual and power versions.
Wheelchairs that can move a person from a seated to standing position are a newer development in wheelchair design. The group also discussed wheelchairs with better suspension and support, as well as wheelchairs with seats that elevate--a feature that is now covered by Medicare.
For those who want to venture off the paved trail, there are a variety of manual and motorized wheelchairs, trikes, as well as the above-mentioned walker for beach strolls.
Finally, the group discussed options for cars, vans, and lifts for transporting your mobility device.
All of this information, including web links, has been summarized in this handy document:
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