Walkers

Choosing The Right Type of Walker

Aging in place means a person is making a conscious decision to stay within their home or a place of their choice that can accommodate all of their comforts for a prolonged duration. As they age, these places can also include other services to facilitate healthy living conditions and maintain dignity and quality of life.

Older adults who are at a higher risk of falling or bumping into things due to health conditions that render them weak and frail, must surround themselves with mobility and balance aids that increase safety and independence. Walkers are one of the most sought-after mobility aids that provide both. But finding the right type of walker can be a challenging task. HPFY brings you the best buying guide to choose the right type of walker for you or your loved one.

Buying Guide for the Right Type of Walker

A walker is a simple mobility aid available in wheeled and non-wheeled models. Wheeled walkers are for people with limited arm strength and have two front wheels that offer additional support and added maneuverability. Non-wheeled walkers are best for those who suffer more from balance issues than with standing and walking.

Types of Walkers for You

1. Standard Walkers

A typical walker characterized by platforms at the bottom of each leg instead of wheels. These walkers are ideal for people who cannot bear the weight of one or both of their legs but do not feel the need to use a wheelchair.

Standard Walkers are also helpful in providing assistance in rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or an accident.

2. Upright Walker

Much like a rollator(a walker with wheels and a seat), these walkers are ideal for people who cannot walk for longer distances and need to stop and rest. Upright walkers allow the user to stand up straight, reduce fatigue, and offer stability with optimum comfort.

3. Beach Walker

Not all walkers can be taken to a beach owing to their design and wheel size. However, specifically designed beach walkers are durable yet lightweight, with tires bigger than usual to provide stable support for easy gliding over outdoor terrains such as sand or snow.

4. Rolling Walker

With two wheels and backsliders for patients with gait instability, two-wheeled walkers are ideal for people who wish to have extra stability. Since this type of walker does not need lifting off the ground with every step, rolling walkers enhance the normal walking pattern.

5. Hemi Walker

Smaller than standard walkers, these walkers are designed with four legs and a simple frame that can be held with one hand providing stability for people with weakness in one arm or leg. Since these are extremely ergonomic and economical, Hemi walkers are very popular among people who want to enhance their walking pace.

The Correct Grip to Choose

Walkers for seniors come with a variety of grips, including plastic grip, foam grip, or soft grip covers. Those with trouble grasping with their fingers because of arthritis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, might want to opt for a larger grip.

Correct grip relieves excessive stress off of the joints and helps prevent joint deformities. The grip you choose must be secure to avoid the slip while using the walker.

Accessories for Walkers

Typically, a walker does not come with a seat, but some types of walkers are customizable and offer options such as seats and other accessories for better functionality.

For more recommendations and information about the best walkers for seniors and other mobility aids, read more here -

• Rollator or Walker: Similar but Different
• Accessorize Your Walker or Rollator

How to Choose the Right Walker? 

There are many kinds of walkers available in the market today. The best person to suggest a good walker for you is your doctor. Selecting the best walker may depend upon your health problem and where you plan to use the walker. 

• Before you choose a walker, be sure that the walker has rubber grips for the hands. 
• Make sure it has non-skid rubber tips or wheels to keep you from sliding. 
• Decide if you need a walker for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. 
• Some walkers have a lightweight metal frame that is easy to lift as you walk. 
• Other walker models have a heavy metal frame and are pushed forward with each step. 
• If you require additional support, check whether the walker comes with that harness. 
• Check whether the walker has height adjustability in your preferred range. 
• It is advisable to choose a walker which offers a lot of parts and accessories like built-in seats, metal baskets, etc. 

Walker Safety tips 

• Wear non-skid shoes or slippers with rubber soles and a good grip to prevent slipping. 
• Do not wear shoes with leather heels or soles that may slide and cause you to fall. 
• Attach a bag or basket on the walker to conveniently store small things like medicines, water bottles, etc. 
• It is highly advisable to use the walker on a smooth, clean, dry, and lighted floor. 
• Remove throw rugs to prevent falls. 
• Tape or nail down loose carpet edges to prevent tipping. 
• Keep the traffic areas and the floor free of clutter. 
• Check the rubber tips and wheels regularly on your walker. Replace them if they are worn down or torn. 
• Look straight ahead when you are walking. You may run into or trip over something if you are looking at your feet. 

How to use a walker? 

Your caregiver will teach you how to use the walker safely. If you cannot reach your walker by yourself, ask someone to help you. The following steps will help you use your walker. 

Getting up from a chair: 

• Put the walker in front of your chair and slide forward in the chair. 
• With your hands on the arms of the chair, slowly stand up. 
• Firmly grasp the handles of the walker. 
• Move forward into the walker. 
• Stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk. 
• When you are ready to walk, move the walker forward about one footstep ahead of you. 
• Make sure it is firmly set on the ground before you step forward. 
• Firmly grasp the handles and take one step forward 
• Continue to take small steps. 
• Do not put the walker too far in front of you as you walk

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.