MARCH/APRIL 2015
Master Your Mobility
National Mobility Awareness Month
is a good time to think about building
the road to independence
by Doris Settles, Staff Writer
May is National Mobility Awareness Month, created and run by the
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). This
non-profit organization is dedicated
to expanding mobility options for
people with disabilities and helping
build the road to independence.
A growing problem as we age,
mobility problems can include
unsteadiness while walking or difficulty getting in and out of a chair.
The No. 1 mobility problem is falls.
These often result in broken bones
and bruises. Older bones break
more easily than younger bones and
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heal more slowly.
Fear of falling can lead to inactivity, causing additional health
problems. The best way to counteract this is to stay active. Even a
little activity strengthens bones and
muscles, improves steadiness and
helps prevent fractures. If fear of falling is an issue, try using a cane or a
walker. A physical therapist can help
with learning how to get up from a
fall. Your goals are to:
• prevent falls by reducing hazards
in the home;
• keep up activity and exercise to
improve mobility and strength;
and
• report recurrent falls or near
falls to your doctor for a medical
evaluation.
The NMEDA says the move
to wheelchairs as a permanent
need also may require wheelchairaccessible automobiles. Fortunately,
today’s options include not only
full-size and mini vans but sedans
and pickups. Even a motorcycle can
be made fully accessible for drivers
or passengers with disabilities, according to the NMEDA.
A wheelchair-accessible vehicle
equipped with the right adapted
mobility equipment for your needs
can make an incredible difference in
the way you go about your daily life,
but it can carry a large price tag. The
NMEDA suggests considering the
following options:
Don’t Discount Used Vehicles –
While finding a pre-owned vehicle
that fits your needs might take more
research than customizing a brandnew van, it’s a practical option if
you’re looking for value.
Get More from Your Current
Vehicle – If you already own a
vehicle and it’s still in decent working condition, you might be able
to inexpensively install a handicapaccessible conversion or other
mobility equipment.
Look for Local Support – Grant
programs, local charities and even
crowd-sourcing Web sites might
provide the resources you need.
Visit www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com for more information
and resources about living an independent, mobile life.
ENCORE! ENCORE!
Wesley Village is Kentucky’s First CCRC (Continuing Care
Retirement Community), offering all levels of independent
living, licensed health care and memory care in a wide variety
of attractive home and apartment settings.
1125 Lexington Road, Wilmore, KY 40390
www.wvillage.org
facebook.com/wvinfo
Susan Blankenship, Marketing Dir. 859-858-3865 ext. 227
The Encore Centre will feature:
• Independent Living Apartments
• Garden Terrace Suites
• Indoor Warm Salt Water Exercise Pool
• Café
• Movie Theatre
• Beauty Salon and Spa