Mobility issues are surprisingly common among British adults, with data showing that 42 per cent of working-age adults who are registered as disabled have mobility issues, while this figure rises to 69 per cent of pension-age adults with a disability.
That means there are many people who need support to carry out activities others take for granted. If you live in a property with steps leading to the front door, for instance, you could face significant barriers to getting out and about.
If you are struggling with your mobility, there are several steps you can consider, depending on your needs.
However, if you need a mobility aid, such as a scooter or wheelchair when you’re out and about, one option is to install a residential vertical platform lift to ensure you can gain access to your home unaided if you would otherwise need to negotiate stairs to get inside.
These kinds of lifts are also essential in settings like residential care homes, to enable residents to move between floors and to live more independent lives as far as possible.
If you are developing mobility issues, you may be looking at the various options open to you. There is support available for people who need wheelchairs or mobility scooters, for instance. Some charities and the Motability Scheme provide financial support for those who require a mobility scooter or wheelchair, for instance.
It is always a good idea to get an occupational health assessment if you find your mobility has worsened over time. Occupational health professionals will be able to look at your home and give recommendations to make it easier for you to move around your property and live as independently as possible.
This might involve simple modifications, like the addition of hand rails or strategically placed grab bars, or it could include more substantial recommendations, like installing a lift to make your property more accessible.