How To Maintain Mobility Aids Properly

Mobility aids are essential for helping you maintain independence and comfort in your daily life, whether you’re using a walker, wheelchair, cane, or crutches. Proper maintenance of these devices ensures not only their longevity but also your safety and ease of movement. In this article, we’ll guide you through the practical steps of maintaining different types of mobility aids and suggest a few products that can assist in keeping them in great condition. This way, you can continue to confidently use your mobility aids with peace of mind.

1. Regular Inspections Are Key

One of the first steps to properly maintaining your mobility aids is to conduct regular inspections. By doing so, you can catch potential issues before they turn into bigger problems. To ensure your safety, make it a habit to inspect your mobility aid at least once a week.

What to Look For

• Check for Loose Screws or Bolts: Inspect all screws, nuts, and bolts on your wheelchair, walker, or crutches. If anything is loose, it could compromise your safety.
• Evaluate Rubber Tips and Grips: If you use a cane, crutches, or a walker, inspect the rubber tips and grips for wear. These parts provide stability, and worn-out tips can be slippery. If they look worn, consider replacing them. Vive Cane Tips and HealthSmart Walker and Cane Replacement Tips are both highly rated and available on Amazon. These products are durable and provide extra traction for safety.

Use the Right Tools

Keeping a small toolkit specifically for your mobility aids can make regular maintenance easier. Look for sets like the Cartman General Household Tool Set, which includes basic wrenches and screwdrivers that are perfect for tightening loose parts on your mobility aids.

2. Cleaning Your Mobility Aid

Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining your mobility aids. Over time, dust, grime, and debris can accumulate, which may lead to damage or reduced performance. Here’s how to keep your mobility aids clean:

Wheelchairs and Rollators

• Wipe Down Frames and Handles: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the frames, handles, and any plastic components. For stubborn dirt, you can use a mild detergent mixed with water.
• Clean Wheels Thoroughly: Wheels can pick up dust, dirt, and sometimes even mud, especially if you frequently travel outdoors. To keep them in optimal condition, wipe down the wheels and check for any debris that might affect movement. A product like 303 Aerospace Protectant can help protect rubber and plastic surfaces from UV rays and keep wheels looking clean and functioning smoothly.

Canes, Crutches, and Walkers

• Sanitize Handgrips: Handgrips can become dirty and sticky from sweat. Make sure to clean them regularly with disinfectant wipes. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes work well for this purpose and are also convenient for a quick wipe-down.
• Metal Frames: For metal frames, ensure that you use a non-abrasive cloth to prevent scratching. Lightly dampen the cloth with soapy water, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

3. Lubrication for Moving Parts

Mobility aids like wheelchairs and rollators have moving parts that need to be lubricated regularly to maintain smooth operation. Hinges, brakes, and wheel axles need particular attention.

Where to Apply Lubrication

• Wheelchairs: Lubricate the axles, brake mechanisms, and folding joints. Ensure you use a lubricant that doesn’t attract too much dust, like WD-40 Specialist Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant. This product is perfect because it stays in place and won’t create a sticky mess.
• Rollators and Walkers: Pay attention to any folding mechanisms and wheels. Adding a little lubricant will prevent stiffness and ensure smooth movement. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess oil can attract dirt.

4. Wheelchair-Specific Maintenance

Wheelchairs have many components that require special attention, especially if they’re used frequently or outdoors. If you use a manual wheelchair, make it a point to:

Brake Checks

• Adjust Brakes as Needed: Brakes are crucial for safety. They need to be in top condition to prevent unwanted rolling. You may need to adjust the brake tension every few months. A wrench or an adjustable spanner from your toolkit can do the trick. You could also consider the Park Tool AWS-1 Hex Wrench Set, which provides various wrench sizes and is great for making adjustments.

Tire Care

• Inflate Tires Properly: If your wheelchair has pneumatic (air-filled) tires, check their pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires make pushing more challenging, while over-inflated tires can be more prone to bursting. A digital tire gauge like the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge can help you keep your tires at the correct pressure.
• Replacing Tires: Keep an eye on tire treads, especially if you use your wheelchair outdoors. Bald tires should be replaced promptly to ensure adequate traction.

5. Battery Care for Powered Wheelchairs

If you use a powered wheelchair, battery maintenance is a critical part of keeping your device in top shape. Here are some important tips:

Proper Charging

• Charge Regularly: Keep your battery charged, but avoid letting it stay plugged in constantly. It’s ideal to charge it when it’s about halfway drained. Overcharging can reduce battery life.
• Use a Quality Charger: Always use the charger that came with your wheelchair, or a high-quality replacement. Consider a surge protector like the Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector to keep your charger and battery safe from power fluctuations.

Clean Battery Terminals

• Avoid Corrosion: Clean the battery terminals occasionally with a dry cloth. If there’s any corrosion, you can use a little baking soda mixed with water to clean it off. Just make sure the wheelchair is turned off and the battery is disconnected before you do this.

6. Keeping Rollators and Walkers in Great Condition

Rollators and walkers are great for providing stability, but they also require regular maintenance to ensure safety.

Brake Adjustments

• Check Brake Cables: If your rollator has hand brakes, inspect the cables to make sure they’re not frayed or damaged. You can adjust the tension using an Allen key or wrench from your toolkit. Properly adjusted brakes will help ensure safety, especially when navigating inclines.

Wheel Maintenance

• Tighten Wheel Bolts: Check the wheels for any wobbling. Tighten any loose wheel bolts to prevent issues. A toolset like the WORKPRO Home Repair Hand Tool Kit can be very useful for this type of maintenance.
• Clean Wheels: Dirt and debris can make it harder for your rollator or walker to roll smoothly. Cleaning the wheels regularly will help maintain optimal function.

7. Storing Your Mobility Aids Correctly

Proper storage can significantly impact the condition of your mobility aids. Here’s how you can store them to prolong their lifespan:

Avoid Moisture

• Store in a Dry Area: Keep your mobility aids in a dry, clean space. Moisture can lead to rust, especially on metal components, which compromises the safety and durability of the device. If you’re in a particularly humid environment, you might want to use a dehumidifier. The Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier is a small, portable option that’s ideal for keeping your storage area moisture-free.

Folding for Space

• Fold Properly: If you need to fold your wheelchair or walker for storage, make sure to do it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper folding can damage the device or make it difficult to unfold later. Consider a storage bag like the NOVA Walker Rollator Travel Bag, which can help protect your rollator or walker from dust while it’s not in use.

8. Replacement of Worn-Out Parts

No matter how well you maintain your mobility aids, some parts will eventually wear out. Here’s how to keep up with necessary replacements:

Rubber Tips and Wheels

• Rubber Tips: As mentioned earlier, replace worn rubber tips on canes, walkers, or crutches as soon as they show signs of wear. Look for Drive Medical Replacement Rubber Tips, which are compatible with most standard-sized mobility aids and are well-reviewed.
• Wheels: Wheelchair and rollator wheels may need to be replaced over time, especially if they become worn or cracked. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the condition of your wheels and replace them as needed.

Handgrips

• Replace Damaged Grips: Handgrips can also wear down over time, especially if they’re foam or rubber. Replacement handgrips like the Universal Walker Hand Grips are a good choice, as they fit most walkers and rollators.

9. Staying Up to Date with Manufacturer Recommendations

Finally, remember that the manufacturer of your mobility aid will have recommendations for maintenance specific to the model you own. Follow these guidelines as closely as possible to ensure that you’re taking the best care of your equipment.

User Manuals

• Keep Manuals Handy: User manuals can be an invaluable resource for understanding your specific mobility aid. If you no longer have a physical copy, you can often find digital versions online by searching for the model number. Many manufacturers provide detailed maintenance schedules that will help you stay on track.

Scheduled Servicing

• Professional Servicing: Some mobility aids, particularly powered wheelchairs, may require professional servicing at regular intervals. This ensures that everything is functioning correctly and that any hidden issues are resolved before they become serious problems.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your mobility aids properly is key to ensuring that they continue to support you in your daily life. From regular inspections to thorough cleaning, lubrication, and proper storage, these steps will help keep your mobility aids in top condition, allowing you to feel safe and comfortable using them.

Remember to also invest in some essential maintenance products, many of which are available on Amazon and highly rated by users. Keeping a toolkit, replacement parts, and cleaning supplies on hand will make it much easier to maintain your mobility aids and extend their life. With the right care, your mobility aids will continue to provide you with the support and freedom you need for years to come.