One of the issues we face as we get older is the decrease in mobility. Whether it just be through age or surgery, sometimes we need a helping hand to do even the easiest of tasks such as getting out of a chair. If you’ve had a recent hip replacement or have lost range in motion, or even are disabled or just find difficulty with mobility, then a leg lifter can be your key to independence. Those facing problems with mobility are no stranger to having others help them to bed or into a chair.
Accepting help, even from equipment, can be difficult for some, but a leg lifter can keep you moving on your own without requiring assistance from anyone else. In the following article, we’ll discuss what a leg lifter is, who should use it, where you can find it, and even dig deeper by examining the cost and the different types. Just because you’re immobile doesn’t mean you have to be dependent on someone. Moving is a matter of pride, and there’s a means to keep you moving forever. A leg lifter is exactly what you need to restore convenient and easy mobility and keep moving on your own.
What Is a Leg Lifter?
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, the equipment is exactly how it sounds. When bending at the knee or lifting your leg is difficult, then a leg lifter can aid you. It’s a device that allows the arm or arms to lift the immobile leg. This aids in the movement to a wheelchair, a bed, a chair, or even a car. Although the designs can change from brand to brand, all leg lifters are essentially the same. There’s a large loop on the bottom to place your foot in. This loop is connected to a rod which is covered with soft, but durable, nylon.
At the other end of this rod is another loop for your hand or hands. A quick tug on the loop and you’re lifting your leg where you need it to go. The aforementioned leg lifter is a manual device, but there are other devices that will do the lifting for you, but we’ll go further into that later. If you’re still unsure of what exactly the medical supply is, take a quick second and watch some medical videos that explain how to use it. You’ll see how easy and convenient it is to use.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Who Needs a Leg Lifter?
If you’ve just had surgery done, particularly hip or knee surgery, then the Leg Lifter could be a useful and easy means of helping you get around the home as you recover. Physical and occupational therapists should take the device into consideration as well as a means of aiding their patients. Seniors who need just that bit more help in getting around the house could experience a fully independent life by using it. Patients who have had recent surgery might be able to reduce costs on nurse visits by using it to get around more easily and do things themselves.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Where to Buy Leg Lifters
It may seem difficult to get your hands on medical supplies, but Leg Lifters are relatively easy to find for sale. A simple search on the Internet will provide you with a plethora of choices. Of course, be wary of some sites, as they might sell devices that aren’t authentic. Use the sites you trust and give a quick read of the product reviews. Your local drug store usually carries them. They can also be found online. Amazon has a list of products available at varying prices. Home Depot even sells the device as well as Walmart, Walgreens, and Target.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]How Much do Leg Lifters Cost?
For seniors or anyone on a tight budget, the affordability of medical supplies is an issue. However, the manual device is not only affordable but depending on where you buy it, it can be pretty cheap. Walgreens sells the device for just over $8. Amazon has products available at anywhere from $11 to $21. You can find it at Walmart for just over $11, and Home Depot sells it at a similar price of just over $11. It is when we enter the tech and electrical world where the device becomes a bit more expensive. If you’re looking to purchase the electric Leg Lifter, prices can run around $800-$2000. So, if you need assistance that involves a powered motor, you’re going to want to set aside some savings for the purchase.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Leg Lift Machines
As mentioned before, there is a motorized version available for seniors and other potential customers. This device essentially attaches to your bed–or in some cases chair–and allows your legs to be pushed up into bed. Once sitting down on the edge of your bed, the machine slowly and easily lifts your legs up, allowing you to scoot back into your bed for the night. There’s a cushion over the top of the machine to allow for soft comfort while using it.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Manual Leg Lifters
For seniors or the disabled looking for the more affordable option, the manual Leg Lifter is the choice to make. As described before, you simply use the loop designated for your arm or arms and lift your leg up, which is resting on the loop on the other end of the device. It’s quick, easy, affordable, and the nylon covering the rod or strap makes it comfortable to use as well. These are readily found at your local drug store at cheap prices and come in varying choices of color as well if you wish to become a little creative.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Different Types of Leg Lifters
Although it is obvious that there are two main types of Leg Lifters, there are even more types broken down from those two umbrella kinds. Particularly for the manual Leg Lifter, there are devices that are made for specialized use. For example, there are triple loop quad devices which allow the forearm to assist in lifting your leg. These are designed for wheelchair use. There are lifters designed for the shower or bath or some exclusively for the bed. The Lifter comes in hard plastic or nylon, too. Whatever your needs may be, there is a Leg Lifter for you.
[/nextpage]