Guide to Mobility Products for Veteran Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are at the heart of veterans’ well-being. Your daily efforts offering care, patience, and encouragement help those who served continue living with dignity and independence. Finding the right mobility solutions supports your loved one’s physical needs but also strengthens their confidence and connection to daily life.

This guide will help you understand veterans’ unique mobility needs, explore trusted mobility products, and learn about programs and discounts designed to support both caregivers and the heroes they care for.

Understanding Veterans’ Mobility Needs

Veterans often face distinct mobility challenges, whether from service-related injuries or age-related changes. Many are adjusting from years of peak physical performance to new physical limitations, making acceptance and adaptation emotionally complex.

Common causes of mobility challenges for veterans include:

• Musculoskeletal and joint injuries from physical strain or trauma
• Spinal cord injuries that affect walking and daily independence
• Amputations requiring prosthetics or mobility aids
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causing coordination or balance issues
• Respiratory and nerve conditions that limit endurance and movement

In addition, chronic conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes (and even normal aging) can create mobility difficulties. These challenges can lead to fear of falling, social isolation, or reduced activity, all impacting emotional and physical health.

Mobility aids such as power chairs, scooters, walkers, and sleep chairs can transform that experience by helping veterans stay mobile, safe, and engaged in life.

Tips for Talking to Veterans About Mobility Changes

Conversations about mobility are deeply personal. They can stir frustration, pride, or sadness, especially for those accustomed to independence.

Avoid bringing up mobility challenges when your loved one is stressed, distracted, or upset. Be straightforward but gentle when sharing your concerns. Listen to their thoughts and feelings without interrupting them. Acknowledge and validate complex feelings around mobility challenges.

Focus the conversation on safety and quality of life. Explain why you’re concerned about mobility challenges, from fall risks to concerns about decreased socializing. Explain why you want to provide support to help your loved one stay active and able to enjoy the things they love.

Talk about and explore mobility aid options together. Primary care providers, physical therapists, and other professionals can also be great resources who can help you find personalized mobility solutions.

Helping Veterans Choose the Right Mobility Products

Consider factors like mobility level, living environment, regular activities, and medical recommendations when searching for mobility products. These items enhance quality of life by providing support to keep your loved ones active and engaged. You may find that a combination of mobility aids is helpful for different needs.

One of the first questions to consider is whether a manual or power mobility device is preferred. Manual mobility devices include canes, walkers, rollators, and wheelchairs. They require some physical effort from the person using them or a caregiver. They’re best for individuals with good arm strength or some ability to walk. These mobility aids can be used on their own or in combination with powered devices to provide support in different environments.

Powered mobility aids such as power chairs and mobility scooters provide additional support. Power chairs with a one-handed joystick control can be driven with minimal physical effort, a great choice for those with limited hand, arm, or core strength. They’re best for individuals who need all-day support or already use a mobility device both indoors and outdoors. Power chairs are also great for small spaces, because they’re designed to easily turn in tight spaces and pull right up to tables for seamless transitions. Look for a lightweight folding power chair such as the Journey Zoomer, which folds in seconds for easy transport in standard vehicles.

Mobility scooters are ideal for those who walk short distances but tire easily or have balance concerns. They’re great for outdoor activities, community outings, shopping, or errands. Mobility scooters tend to be faster than power chairs and perform well on gentle terrain. They can be used indoors and outdoors, but they’re less nimble than power chairs due to the need for a wider turning radius. Many individuals use a power mobility scooter for longer outings and rely on a walker, cane, or rollator for navigating indoor spaces.

You and your loved one should consider how the mobility device will be stored and transported. Will it be needed for travelling by plane, car, or on public transit? Is it lightweight enough for you to easily move it? Will you need to install a chair lift, ramp, threshold ramp, or make other changes to use it effectively?

Better Support at Home

Getting a good night’s rest is essential, but it can be challenging for veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and physical difficulties getting in and out of bed can disrupt sleep.

A quality sleep chair can alleviate many of these concerns. The powered lift function makes it easier for your loved one to get in and out of the chair, while overstuffed padding and a variety of recline positions provide comfort and support for better rest. The Perfect Sleep Chair® includes heated massage at the touch of a button, offering fast relief. It’s available in a variety of materials and colors so you can find the right look for any home.

If your loved one prefers a more traditional bed but needs additional support to get in and out of bed, the UPbed® is another great option. It’s sleek and stylish while providing a lift function to support getting in and out of bed. The UPbed Indepence includes a 90-degree rotation so you can get out of bed on either side. It also has motion-activated lights to illuminate those nighttime trips to the bathroom. The Perfect Sleep Chair and UPbeds both provide safe, supported transitions while reducing strain on caregivers.

You can help reduce the risk of falls at home by taking preventive measures such as improving lighting, ensuring there are no unnecessary obstacles on the floor, and adding grab bars and handrails to offer support throughout the home. Bathroom safety aids such as shower chairs and commode seats can help those with mobility challenges prevent falls and maintain dignity.

Save on Mobility Products with Journey Health & Lifestyle

Journey Health & Lifestyle offers a military discount for current and former U.S. military, spouses, and dependents. You can get your savings by verifying with GovX ID during the online checkout process. GovX will provide a single-use discount code that you can apply at checkout.

Journey Health & Lifestyle proudly offers military discounts for current and former service members, spouses, and dependents. Verify through GovX ID at checkout or call to complete verification by phone. Our product specialists can help you find available discounts to reduce costs on top of any VA benefits you receive.

Practical Tips for Veteran Caregivers

When introducing new mobility equipment, help the veteran in your life take time to learn how to use it. This includes braking, turning, reversing, folding, unfolding, and other steps. Encourage them to use the new device regularly.

Mobility products should be well-maintained. Keep mobility devices free of debris, away from extreme temperatures, and out of damp and wet storage environments. Treat batteries with care and ensure they are charged properly with the charger provided by the manufacturer. Perform regular safety checks on mobility products to make sure there are no loose parts or issues that need to be addressed.

Supporting Veterans, Supporting You

Mobility opens doors to social connection, exercise, and joy. By providing the right tools and understanding, you help your veteran regain not just movement, but freedom. At Journey Health & Lifestyle, we honor caregivers and veterans who walk this path together. We’re here to help you both live life fully, confidently, and with independence.