Finding the Right Mobility Equipment: A Simple Guide

Choosing the right mobility equipment can help you stay independent and move around more easily. Whether you’re with the NDIS, an older Australian, or simply looking for extra support, this guide will help you explore your mobility aid options.

What Types of Mobility Equipment Are There?

There are many types of mobility aids to help with different needs. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Mobility Scooters: These are great if you need help getting around outside but can still transfer on and off a seat. Scooters are perfect for trips to the shops, parks, or visiting friends.
• Wheelchairs: If walking or standing is hard for you, a wheelchair might be a good choice. Manual wheelchairs need someone to push, either you or a carer, while electric wheelchairs are powered and controlled with a joystick.
• Crutches and Walking Sticks: These are lightweight and good for short walks if you need a little help with balance. They’re easy to carry and perfect for moving around indoors.
• Rollators (Walking Frames): A rollator is a walking frame with wheels and often has a seat for resting. It’s great for those who need more stability and support on longer walks or outings.
• Transfer Aids: Items like transfer benches or boards help with safe movement, especially in bathrooms. Hoists help people move between beds and chairs, while slide sheets make it easier to shift positions.
• Prosthetics and Orthotics: Prosthetics are custom-made limbs, while orthotics like braces and splints support your body and help with movement.
• Home Modifications: Ramps and stairlifts make it easier to move between levels or enter your home. Grab bars and handrails can help with balance and preventing falls.
• Vehicle Modifications: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) are designed for easy entry and exit. Adapted driving controls are customised to suit your abilities, helping you drive safely.

What Should You Think About When Choosing?

Choosing the right mobility aid means thinking about how it fits into your life. Here are some things to consider:

• Your Mobility Needs: Do you need help moving around indoors or outdoors? For example, a scooter or rollator might be great for longer trips, while crutches or a wheelchair could be better for moving around at home.
• Where You’ll Use It: Will you mostly use it indoors or outdoors? Scooters and powered wheelchairs work well on rough paths, while smaller manual wheelchairs are easier to move around inside.
• Your Physical Condition: Think about your strength and balance. If you need something to support your upper body, a powered wheelchair or scooter could be best. If you can stand with some help, a rollator or cane might work.
• Your Budget: If you’re an NDIS participant, funding may be available to help you buy mobility aids. Some private health insurance providers, as well as government programmes like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Packages, and state-based schemes such as SWEP (State-Wide Equipment Program in Victoria), also offer support for mobility aids. And, of course, anyone can purchase mobility equipment out of pocket if that’s the best option for them. You can also buy mobility equipment yourself if that works best for you.

Talk to Your Doctor or Healthcare Professional

It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional before choosing any mobility aid. They can help you find the right equipment for your specific needs and suggest other options if needed.

How the NDIS Can Help

If you’re part of the NDIS, you may be able to use your funding to buy or rent mobility aids. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Get a Professional Assessment: A healthcare professional, like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, will assess your mobility needs. This helps make sure the equipment you choose suits you and fits with NDIS guidelines.
• Plan for Your Needs: During your NDIS planning meeting, make sure to clearly explain your needs so you can get the right funding for mobility aids.
• Fulfilling the ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ Criteria: For the NDIS to approve your equipment, it needs to be something that’s important for your everyday tasks and connected to your disability. Knowing this can help you get the support you need, making your application more likely to be successful. For more information visit Reasonable and Necessary Supports.
• Choosing Providers: The NDIS gives you flexibility to pick providers that suit your needs. You can choose specialists for certain equipment or providers with lots of options, like The Chooze Shop.

Budgeting and Financial Considerations

• Know Your NDIS Budget: Check how much funding you have for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications. This will help you feel confident when choosing the equipment.
• Get Quotes: Comparing quotes from different suppliers helps you find the best value. For more expensive items, the NDIS might ask for a few quotes. At The Chooze Shop, our comparison tool makes it simple to compare products from various providers.
• Managing Your NDIS Plan: How you purchase mobility aids depends on whether your NDIS plan is self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.

Making the Most of Your Equipment

• Learn How to Use It: Some suppliers offer training to make sure you can use your new equipment safely and easily.
• Maintain and Repair It: Regular maintenance helps keep your equipment in good working order. Know what’s covered by the warranty.
• Plan for the Future: As your needs change, your equipment might need upgrading. It’s good to plan for these changes with your healthcare professional.

Getting used to new mobility aids can be tough, but peer support networks can offer helpful advice and emotional support. As your needs change, your equipment might need to be updated or replaced. It’s important to check in with your healthcare providers regularly to see if any changes are needed

Shopping with Chooze: Simple and Accessible

At Chooze, we make it easy to find the right mobility aids for you. Here’s how:

• Wide Range of Products: Our marketplace has thousands of items to choose from, including walking sticks, wheelchairs, scooters, and more.
• Easy Comparison: Unsure which product is right for you? Our website lets you compare different items side by side. This makes it easy to weigh up the features, prices, and benefits so you can pick what’s best for you.
• NDIS Friendly: As a registered NDIS provider, our website is fully accessible, and we offer NDIS-friendly invoicing. If you’re plan-managed, we can send the invoice directly to your plan manager.
• Fast Delivery: We deliver straight to your door, working with trusted partners to make sure your order arrives quickly and safely.

Choosing the right mobility equipment can make a big difference in your everyday life. At Chooze, we’re here to help you find what you need to stay active and independent. Whether you’re looking for a simple walking stick or a more advanced wheelchair or scooter, you can shop with confidence on our accessible marketplace. Click HERE to explore our range of mobility equipment!