What’s the best walker for older adults?
A walker is a great tool for older adults. It helps them get around while simultaneously reducing possible stress on the body. It’s useful for older adults who’ve had hip surgery or knee surgery, who have arthritis or similar troubles, or who gets tired quickly from walking. There are also rollators, which are walkers with three or four wheels.
For adults in assisted living communities, though, it is not as easy to picking the first walker they like. There are a lot of factors that have to be considered. Let’s examine some of them.
- Space: Some assisted living communities are limited in space and have narrow structure. The doorways, for example, may only be a few feet wide, and it could lead to walkers (or wheelchairs) getting stuck. It’s important to measure these doorways and exits and compare them to the measurements of the walker.
- Storage: For older adults who need to carry certain items with them, like medication, pills, wallets, keys, and more, it may be a good idea to look into walkers that have storage on them. Many walkers come with small bins or baskets that allow elders to keep a few things at hand so they don’t have to carry them.
- Seats: Even though walkers are meant to provide assistance walking, there are many models that have seats. These seats help elders catch their breath or rest so they do not get too tired or strained. They can also travel to more places that may have been difficult to attend in the past.
- Size: A walker that is too large will be cumbersome when it’s not being used. This is why many companies have created walkers that fold in on themselves and have detachable wheels and seats. In an assisted living community, there may not be enough closet space to also accommodate a walker, so something that can be reduced and made compact is very beneficial.
- Weight: Older adults may not have the strength they used to have, which can make it hard to push walkers or put them away when not being used. Many companies have branched out into lightweight models that use hollow rods, carbon fiber, or other materials.
You should also consider the grounds of the community. Some assisted living communities have ample grounds and outdoors areas, so the type of walker or rollator is important. It may be worthwhile to look into a rollator with large, heavy-duty wheels that can easily move across uneven grounds or on concrete.
In comparing walkers and rollators, you’ll have to check what best fits your budget and style of life. A walker that does not bear a lot of weight might not be the best choice if you are heavier and need to be dependent on it to move; the weight and gravity will potentially weaken the walker and cause it to break. Always choose a walker or rollator that is sturdy and has a sound structure. If it buckles or seems to be unbalanced, or if it has more weight in one area than another, it likely isn’t a well-made item.
You always need to be careful when using walkers. Older adults who are prone to slipping and falling or who have had surgeries and procedures need to be cautious when moving around. A walker or rollator should be a safe and comfortable item, not something that can potentially fall apart and lead to injuries.
Different walkers will cost more or less depending on the features. Lightweight, foldable walkers with four removable wheels ample storage are going to be more expensive than the simple two-wheeled push walkers. You should take your budget into account when shopping for a walker, and remember that a cheap price usually indicates cheap quality.
What walkers do you recommend?
There are many different walkers and rollators that can suit your needs. A few companies have many varieties to choose from. It’s always good to have many options so you can pick the walker that will be the perfect fit for you.
Drive Medical [https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Mobility/Walkers/c/Walkers] is one company that sells many types of walkers. They come with two or four wheels, seats or no seats, storage or no storage, and more. If an older adult can still move fairly well, he may not need the most ergonomic and assistive walker. However, if he has joint issues and complications, he may need a rollator that takes all the stress off the body.
Hugo Anywhere [https://hugoanywhere.com/] is another company that can provide you with the walker or rollator you need. In fact, Hugo has numerous items related to mobility, including canes, wheelchairs, crutches, and more. You’re certain to find exactly what you’re looking for if you browse Hugo’s product line.
Other brands to consider are Lumex, Able Life Solutions, Invacare, and Medline.
Do I need a walker or a wheelchair?
Walkers and rollators are generally good options for those who can still walk around but just need a bit of assistance. They may have some joint pain or arthritis and a walker will take the stress off their bodies. However, it may be necessary to get a wheelchair if any walking at all causes pain or stiffness, or if you’re too weak to push a walker at all. Many older adults with chronic or severe hip and leg injuries, spinal problems, dementia, or other ailments may fare much better with a wheelchair instead of a walker. The risk of injury is greatly decreased and the level of comfort is higher.
Of course, you should meet with a doctor or physician to determine if you need to use a wheelchair, the kinds of injuries you can avoid, any forms of physical therapy you may require, and more. Additionally, if you do require a wheelchair, it will be crucial to compare types for the same reasons above. It’s possible that you’ll need to look into switching rooms if the doorway is too small, for example, and the wheelchair is too large.
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