For many people, transitioning from walking to a walker can be tough. As we get older, we can feel as if we are continually surrendering our independence in various ways, and transitioning from walking to a walker can feel like another one of those compromises. However, going from normal walking to a walker can benefit your health, safety, and overall quality of life in various situations.
A variety of causes need the use of mobility aids. If seniors have shortness of breath, rheumatic discomfort, or cannot walk while carrying goods. Seniors may use a walker if they are frightened of falling, being alone, or becoming socially isolated. Like any other equipment we buy in our lives, a walker is chosen based on personal tastes, lifestyles, needs, and finances. Choosing the appropriate one will enable seniors to live their lives to the fullest extent possible.
For some folks, the best option is apparent and straightforward. For others, a mix of circumstances may make the selection process more difficult. A therapist should be able to assist them in determining their needs and selecting the appropriate walker or rolling walker.
The best way to tell if a senior needs a walker
When seniors begin to have difficulty walking, they may fear falling, which prevents them from conducting critical daily activities such as going to the grocery store or doctor. If you see seniors having difficulty walking before their health and well-being are jeopardized further, it’s vital to intervene.
Walkers for seniors can help them walk or balance if they have pain or weakness on one side of their body. A walker may provide greater assistance if they have poor balance or are unstable on their feet. Their fitness level, strength, balance, and level will all play a role in determining which sort of walker is right for you. It’s wise not to pick their device. Rather, consult with doctors before making a decision.
What to look for when purchasing a walker for seniors?
Before choosing a walker, it’s vital to examine your needs and goals. Is it for short time use? In addition to walking problems, are there other medical issues such as weariness? These elements determine whether seniors require a normal walker or one with wheels and whether a wheeled walker or a rollator is the best option for seniors.
- Weight
Walkers come in various weights and sizes. A rollator is generally heavier than a conventional walker. When the walker is utilized independently for activities such as getting in and out of cars or guiding the walker over curbs or on steps, weight becomes a consideration. Seniors must utilize the walker safely and without causing any stumbles.
- Brakes
Rollators are usually the only ones with brakes. The brakes can be a useful feature because they allow users to control their walking speed on downhill slopes, lock their walking speed on downhill slopes, and lock their rollator in position if they need to sit on it. The location and layout of the brakes play a role in determining which walker is ideal for you.
- Height
The majority of walkers may be adjusted in height. For seniors who stand between two back legs of the walker, the optimal height of the adult walker is comparable to the user’s wrist-to-floor measurement. While using the walker, having hand grips flush with the user’s wrists helps the arms to extend naturally, eliminating unnatural strain and posture on the shoulders, wrists, and even back. A walker may usually be adjusted to fit someone between 5 feet and 6 feet and 2 inches. There are tiny and tall-sized walkers available for folks who aren’t that tall. For seniors who require a larger walker, bariatric walkers are available.
Types of walkers
Perhaps seniors who fell a few times have second thoughts about leaving the house to do things they enjoy since walking is harder. If this is the case, it may be time to explore using a walker. Rollators, medical walkers, and walkers with wheels are the three basic types of walkers.
“Rollator” refers to a walker with four to three wheels. The wheels on some rollators are Omnidirectional, which means that they roll in all directions, allowing users to quickly turn around or go to the side without lifting the device. Rollators also come with chairs, which is a big plus for people who get tired easily. Rollators, which come in various colors and patterns, are preferred by some users over wheeled walkers because they are less stigmatized.
The medical walker is a standard walker commonly encountered in medical and rehabilitation settings. On each side, it’s normally formed of silver metal with gray hand grips. Instead of having wheels, a medical walker must be picked up and moved forward with each step. As a result, this form of walker demands more energy. Some say that by comparing medical walkers and rollators, they discovered that those who used medical walkers could not travel as far as those who used rollators because they had to exert more energy.
A conventional walker with wheels, often known as a rolling walker, is a wheeled walker. The front wheels on some wheeled walkers are only two, while the front wheels on others are four. Two tennis balls or walker slides are commonly placed to the bottom of the back legs of two-wheeled rolling walkers to make them travel more smoothly. With one-way front wheels, most wheels on a moving walker can only go forward or backward. The walker must be elevated if seniors need to move laterally or turn around.
Final Thoughts
Remember that switching from walking to walking with the help of a walker does not have to be a drastic change. Seniors can gradually transition to the walkers by walking normally at inappropriate places when they feel safe and comfortable during the day. In the end, AvaCare Medical believes that your safety and comfort are the most crucial factors.
It’s difficult to care for an elderly loved one aging in place and has restricted mobility, especially if you live far away. Contact AvaCare Medical for help when you need it. Our specialists can provide a comprehensive amount of knowledge to keep seniors safe and help choose the right one for them! Contact us here at 1-877-813-7799 or email us at info@avacaremedical.com.