Updated October 24, 2014.

Persons with many different types of disability could benefit from an evaluation by a medical provider geared toward assessing need for some time of device that could make getting around the house and community easier and better. Although it is possible to buy medical equipment at medical supply stores and consignment stores without a prescription, patients typically benefit from an evaluation by a physician or therapist to find the best tool that fits them.

Here are some examples of patient situations that could benefit from a medical equipment evaluation. 

• Frequent falling
• Fatigue or shortness of breath with walking longer distances
• Inability to transition from sit to stand independently
• Impaired vision or sensation in the legs
• Significant pain limiting walking
• Significant weakness that changes the way you walk

These examples do not necessarily include all of the reasons that a person might want to add a mobility device to their toolbox but they do encompass many. Here are some examples of tools that can help 

The Cane

People that can benefit from cane use include those that require just a little bit of extra stability for walking affected by conditions including a painful joint, mild weakness of one leg vs the other, or mild balance difficulty. Canes can help to give a third point of contact to provide you with additional stability and fall prevention. Additionally, for a little bit of extra stability, three and four point canes can be used. Prior to using a cane, a therapist or your doctor can work with you to teach you both how to use it and to fit you for the appropriate cane type and height.

Without this training, cane use can be cumbersome and ineffective, actually leading to higher risk of falls. 

The Walker

Walkers can be used in a variety of situations including aiding patients who need additional assistance with balance and coordination, those who have a weak leg or legs, those who have spine or back pain, or those who have debility related to chronic illness or fatigue. The group of patients that walkers can serve is quite large and the availability of different types of walkers is vast. Working with your medical professional to help determine which is the best walker for you is important because there are so many different types for different problems. Walkers can be very useful in daily life and can prevent falls and further disability to a significant degree. 

The Wheelchair

Wheelchairs have come a long way over the past few decades and now there are so many types that it would be difficult to find the exact one to meet your needs without some help. Wheelchairs can be used in all of the situations mentioned above and are generally used for patients with degrees of disability that would prevent the use of a less expensive and bulky device. Important considerations prior to purchasing or renting a wheelchair include ease of use in your home (is it going to fit through your doorways?), type of use you are looking for (indoor vs outdoor/all terrain), and permanency of medical condition that you are using it for. 

This is just a brief review of the most common medical devices for mobility available to most people either by purchase or through insurance coverage. As always, consult your medical professional prior to use to ensure that you have the right equipment for the disability.