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While some elderly people give up on traveling with the onset of age, getting around in an electric scooter and traveling with an electric scooter is quite common.  Electric scooters have allowed many people, who were previously immobile, to experience the world like they would have with a younger pair of legs.  Most if not all notable travel destinations can accommodate people who use an electric scooter to get around.  Places like Disney World, Caribbean resorts, even cruise ships are common destinations for people with electric scooters.  No matter what your physical condition, getting around in an electric scooter can be simple and fun. 

Before traveling, it is important to double check that your destination is wheelchair and electric scooter accessible.  While almost all locations are accessible for handicapped people these days, some still haven’t updated their services.  But make sure to plan ahead of time, and you’re guaranteed to have a great trip! 

The advantages of three wheel mobility scooters include: Maneuverability, adequate leg room, usually more comfortable than compact models. Three wheel scooters are recommended for indoor and paved outdoor use. A lightweight and maneuverable solution to your mobility needs. This type of medical scooter features two wheels in the back and a separate, articulate wheel in the front. Amigo  mobility scooters are more solid and durable than most compact mobility scooters. With close radius the  TravelMate has the ability to make 360-degree full swivel rotation, thanks to the independent motion of the front wheel.

This is the perfect traveling companion . Independent mileage ranges from 20 to 25 miles per charge, and can be disassembled and transported in a large vehicle, van, sedan, or SUV. This model has a robust 250 lb. weight capacity. Some options include fully-cushioned Travel Seat with flip-up/adjustable/removable arms, headlights, tail-lights, mirrors to name a few. These Amigo scooters are customizable by request, and made in the USA in the “Auto Capitol” Michigan.

Certain features of your new wheelchair will make your chair more comfortable.
Know what “extras” will make it easier for you to do your daily activities.
Also, make an informed decision about the “extras” you don’t need.
Consult your physical therapist and the sales person about all of the structural features of the wheelchair. Utilize interactive websites to provide measurements, for a comfortable fit. The right fitting chair gives you the best mobility, range, stability, and comfort.
 
Find out if the controls or brakes are easy to use and reach. Consider if the footrests should be adjustable, movable or detachable. Depending on the surfaces/ terrain you anticipate using most, and whether or not you will propel the chair, the wheel size is a major factor when making a selection. Certain style armrests work better than other’s depending on how you transfer and your level of activities. A lap tray might be helpful to have on your wheelchair. 

Proper seating is an important part of wheelchair fitting. There are many different seat cushions and backrests that can be added to your chair. The newer model wheelchairs have anti-microbial stain-resistant fabric. There are also ergonomic designs, with S-shaped seating. These features help you sit with better posture, and reduce pressure sores, back pain, and spinal deformities caused by chronic poor posture. A good seat cushion is a must to help prevent pressure sores, especially for anyone who has a loss of feeling in their buttocks. 

Tilt seating distributes your weight in the chair. This is ideal for prolonged sitting, and provides an alternative to tranferring in and out of the chair to recline.  Anti-tippers can prevent you from flipping over backwards or falling out of your chair. 

There is a wide range of prices and styles of wheelchairs on the market. However it is important to remember, the one you choose should be specific to your personal needs. This is not a “one size fits all” item.

 When growing older, some regular activities like getting out of bed, taking a shower, and walking down a flight of stairs can become a chore.  It’s important to take precautions to address difficulties a senior might face throughout the day.  Whether you have an elderly grandparent, parent, or friend, a few simple changes in the home can help a senior to lead a better life.  To address moving in and out of bed, which let’s face it, can be difficult for anyone in the early morning, a bedside commode is a great object to have in the home.  To emphasize bathroom and shower safety, a shower chair as well as railings and a bath mat can reduce the chance of slipping in the bathroom.  For flights of stairs, it’s important to have railings, even if it’s just a couple stairs leading into the garage. 

Taking the necessary precautions for seniors well help to avoid accidents and harm.  Everyone gets older, and it’s natural to need to require a few changes around the home to combat the effects of aging.  Even if a senior says they don’t need help, don’t be afraid to broach the subject of updating their home! 

As my grandmother’s caregiver, I had become frustrated with trying to sanitize the wobbly plastic toilet seat riser she had to use. The contraption was necessary, because she had her hip replaced and was unable to lower to and rise from the existing (low) toilet seat in her house. The challenges were multiple, having to remove it and clean it between uses. We would sometime forget to replace the toilet seat attachment, and find ourselves rushing at the last second to put it back into place.  At the same time we’re attempting to steady her onto the toilet, there were times I had to hold it in place to prevent it from slipping out from under her. In hind-sight, I only wished there was a better way to lift her toilet seat a few inches to eliminate all the hassles of using the traditional, clumsy toilet riser. Unfortunately, my grandmother is no longer alive; but this Easy Toilet Riser certainly answers the call for a more civilized way for those in need of an elevated toilet seat!  I wish we had it back in the day. More dignity could’ve been spared my grandmother, for we had many “accidents” without it. God bless her soul!