How To Buy Mobility Aids For Someone Else

This article was updated on 22/04/2024.

You may know that a relative, friend or even neighbour would benefit from a mobility aid but how do you go about choosing one that is suitable for them? Even simple household aids can make a difference and maintain independent living.

What types of mobility aids are there?

You may be looking at a mobility and walking aid such as:

• Walking Stick
• Rollator
• Walking Zimmer Frame
• Wheelchair
• Mobility Scooter

Buying a walking stick

Mobility support varies with each of these items, a walking stick can offer support while walking around the house or out and about if the user needs to walk at a slower pace or have stiff joints. Now with various styles and patterns, there is something suited to everyone. Check out our guide to walking sticks for more information.

Buying a rollator

A rollator can offer a lot more independence to those who need more weighted support and may need to sit more often when walking but can still move around for a longer period of time, you can even choose from indoor and outdoor styles. 

Buying a walking zimmer frame

A walking  zimmer frame, often used around the home, offers a steady support for those who spend most of their time indoors but need more support than a walking stick. Available with or without wheels. Our guide to walking frames can help you choose a suitable style.

Buying a wheelchair

Self-propelled wheelchairs offer independence for anyone with upper body strength but are unable to walk or stand for certain periods of time. An assistant propelled wheelchair is ideal for those who are unable to walk and have assisted living care. Our guide to wheelchairs can give you more information and help you choose a style.

Buying a mobility scooter

Mobility scooters offer independence on the go for people who are unable to walk for long periods of time but can still go out independently. Choosing a pavement only or road scooter will depend on the confidence and ability of the user. Our guide to mobility scooters will provide you with detailed information on styles and suitability.

Buying daily living aids for someone else

If it’s a smaller daily aid that you are looking to get that might just come in handy or make everyday activities a little bit easier for them, it’s best to think about certain things they do a lot say preparing and cooking food, and what they struggle with, maybe opening jars? Here you could choose a multi-opener or one-handed jar opener which will make the task easier with little effort. It could be something as simple as using a key in the door with limited grip or putting their socks on! Something so simple can provide a lot of help with everyday tasks like these. See our full guide to daily living aids.

Daily tasks that mobility aids can help with

• Eating & drinking aids
• Help with gripping, reaching or pulling
• Help with dressing
• Getting in and out of the car
• Help with shopping
• Exercising or gardening
• Reading and writing
• Medication reminders

Buying a mobility aid as a gift

If you are looking for a gift idea, daily living aids can be stylish and practical with some great ideas for gifts and presents. 

Buying a healthcare or specialist care item

If it’s a specialist care item you are looking for make sure to check with a healthcare professional or their carer if they have one to see what would be suitable if they have a certain condition you are buying the aid for. You can also see our conditions guides for more information on products. Healthcare ideas could include insoles, cast protectors, back care and pain relief whereas specialist care items tend to be handling and transfer aids, dementia-friendly items, incontinence aids and falls management.

Buying a mobility aid for a particular room

If it’s a particular item for the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, our room guides can help you understand what aids may be necessary and suitable for the person you are buying for. See full guides for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garden and outdoors.