How to Choose the Best Walker for Seniors
August 3 2022
Staying active can start to become a challenge for aging seniors that struggle with mobility issues. Thankfully, the right walker can be a great support for older adults that want to stay active and maintain their quality of life. For those interested in finding the perfect walker for their needs, it’s important to learn what to look for when exploring different options.
There are many different kinds of walkers available with features that can help with certain situations or issues. This can range from assisting with movement and balance difficulties to supporting those that are recovering from medical procedures or strokes.
Different Walker Options
There are many different kinds of walkers that can help people with their various mobility issues. It’s important to know about the different types that are available when looking to use one to make life easier.
Standard Walkers: These walkers are great for bearing weight and providing much-needed stability. They have four nonskid & rubber-tipped legs that must be lifted in order to move.
Two-wheeled walkers: These walkers have wheels on the front two legs and are great for people that need help with balance or stability, but not necessarily weight-bearing.
Three-wheeled walkers: Walkers with three wheels are great for maneuverability as they are narrower and provide a tight turning radius. Seniors enjoy these benefits when trying to get through narrow doorways or hallways with ease. Three-wheeled walkers also tend to be lighter than those with four wheels, which makes them easier to carry.
Four-wheeled walkers: Seniors looking for just a little help balancing, a four-wheeled walker may be a good option. Four wheels remove the need to lift the walker when moving and makes them easy to maneuver them around quickly and effortlessly.
Knee-walkers: Knee walkers are great non-weight bearing mobility aids that help people that are recovering from injuries or surgeries. By using these walkers, the body is able to heal properly.
Choosing a Grip for a Walker
Seniors can choose from a variety of grips for their walker depending on what would help them the most. Some people have dexterity issues due to health problems such as arthritis or joint concerns. Thankfully there are various grips that can help ensure good control over a walker so slips and accidents do not occur.
Plastic grips are common on walkers but can be swapped out for foam grips or other more comfortable materials. Some people may also need larger grips depending on their physical capabilities or limitations. Taking the time to choose the proper grip for your walker can help ensure joints are not under too much stress.
Get Advice from the Experts
To make sure you choose the right walker for yourself, try to get some input and advice from your healthcare provider. This could be your clinician, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. These people have years of experience with assistive aids such as walkers.
Walker Adjustments
Once a walker has been purchased, make sure to adjust it so that your arms are comfortable during use. Doing so can ensure unwanted stress does not come into play when using the walker on a regular basis.
Step inside the walker to begin determining if it is the right height for you. When your hands are on the grips, your elbows should bend at a 15 degree angle with ease. When your arms are by your sides, the top of the walker grip should align with the crease on the inside of your wrist.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing the best walker for your needs. It’s important to pick one that provides adjustability, stability, and comfort during use. Taking the time to pick the best grip options can also help with comfort while reducing unwanted stress on the shoulders, back, and joints.
Don’t be afraid to ask some experts and healthcare providers for tips when looking for a walker. Finally, once you have purchased your walker, make sure to set it up and adjust it for your height and body.
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