Falling is one of the most common accidents that happen to older adults. A single fall can even be detrimental if the wrong parts are affected. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent such accidents, thanks to a walker.
A walker is not just for the elderly who have a risk or falling or those who are recovering from medical conditions and would need assistance. There is a walker designed for people of all ages and for different needs.
Before you decide to buy a walker with seat, or those with steady legs, there are some important things to consider.
First is the condition of the person who will use it. Because there are different kinds of walkers designed for various types of conditions, it would be best to determine the kinds of limitations in mobility a person suffers from.
Second, the weight as well as the size of the person using the walker should be considered. A child recovering from therapy would definitely need a smaller one as compared to an elderly who is struggling to maintain his balance.
Buying a walker relative to one’s weight is crucial as it helps maintains one’s balance when standing as well as moving around. Thirdly, a person’s arm strength should also be considered. A standard walker without wheel would require more effort to use than one which has.
Aside from choosing the actual walker, it also pays to consult your insurance company about their coverage. Most insurance companies cover walker expenses provided your physician prescribes them.
Wheels or no wheels
Walkers come in wheels and without one. A standard walker without wheels offers the most stability as it can stand in its own four feet (literally). However, it is important to note that this type of walker would need to be lifted as the person moves forward, so ample arm as well as upper body strength is required to do the action over and over again. Then, there is a type of walker with wheels in front.
This makes it easier for a person to move forward as it won’t require any lifting. If you choose a walker with all four wheels present, a brake to control the wheels will be present for easier usage.
The seat
Some walkers come with seats attached to it to conveniently help a person sit down whenever they need to. A lot of seniors enjoy this function.
Grips
Most walkers come in standard plastic grips. However, if you have sweaty palms or simply want to feel more comfortable, going for foamed ones can be done.
Folding and storage
If you would need a walker permanently, going for foldable ones which you can easily transport in your car is recommended. This can help you bring your walker with you anytime anywhere and store it easily if need be.
There might be a lot of things to consider when choosing a walker, but it is important to do so as this can help you find the right more easily.
