Show Buyer's Guide to Walkers >> Buyer's Guide to Walkers Walkers come in many shapes and sizes. Here is a brief overview of the main types:
Walker accessories make your life easier. Most of them are designed to carry items for you while you deal with only the walker or rollator.
Back to Top Comparing Walkers and Rollators When comparing walkers and rollators, it is important to keep in mind that in most cases, either option will work. The differences come down to comfort, convenience, and price. Most people are provided a walker by their insurance company or Medicare/Medicaid, but that does not make it their best option. Walkers provide the most support to a user, but they are often cumbersome. Some active people may skip using their walker indoors or for short trips because it slows them down. This can lead to a higher chance of falling. Rollators are often a better option for active users who value their mobility and independence. Rollators are much easier to use because they have wheels at the bottom of each leg. Rollators come in three and four wheel options. Three wheel rollators are great for those who need to navigate tight spaces. They have a tighter turning radius and can be folded to fit through narrow doorways. Most three wheel rollators come with some sort of pouch, making it easy to carry your things. Four wheel rollators often come with a seat, or can have one attached. Three wheel rollators, however, cannot accommodate a seat. If a resting area is important to you, you should be considering a four wheel rollator. Four wheel rollators are perfect for long trips and outdoor excursions. They are wider than a three wheel rollator or walker and provide a convenient seat. They often have larger wheels, which makes them easier to push over uneven surfaces like sidewalks. They also can accommodate pouches or baskets under the seat. One of our most popular products is a combination rollator/transport chair. This can be used as both a traditional rollator, providing support to the person pushing it, or as a transport chair, offering the user a chance to sit back and relax as a caregiver pushes. This option is especially popular for travel because it offers the most flexibility. If you do not choose a rollator/transport chair, it is important to be aware that the seat of a traditional rollator is ONLY for resting, not for being transported. Back to Top Walkers vs Rollators While walkers and rollators are quite similar, they both have their distinct purpose and style. Walkers:
Rollators:
Commonly, active adults in need of a long term walking aid prefer rollators while those in recovery who need more support prefer a medical walker. Back to Top Walkers: Wheels or No Wheels When purchasing a walker, one of your biggest decisions is whether or not to get wheels. While many traditional walkersdo not have wheels, this is not necessarily the best option. Non-wheeled walkers can be cumbersome and difficult to use. Here are some points to consider when choosing a walker:
Back to Top How to Use a Walker To start, make sure your walker is adjusted to the correct height. When you are standing up straight, your walker hand grip should line up with the crease in your wrist. When you grasp the handles, you should have a slight (about 15 degree) bend in your elbow. To take your first step, place the walker about one step ahead of you. You should be able to keep your back straight throughout the movement. Next, step one leg inside the walker. You should not be touching the front bar. Step forward with your other leg to complete the step. Continue pushing the walker forward and walking up to meet it. Soon, this movement will become easy and natural. Remember, never use a walker on stairs or an escalator. Back to Top How to Measure for a Walker When preparing to buy a walker, you need to make sure it can accommodate your height, especially if you are very tall or short. You may need a special petite walker, or walker leg extensions. Get a friend or family member to help you measure yourself.
Back to Top What to Look for When Buying a Walker There are several factors that go into buying a walker. Besides the obvious style and cost factors, here are a few things to consider:
Back to Top Who Needs a Walker? Often people wonder, as they or their loved one ages, whether it is time to acquire a walker. While a walker is not the first step, here are some clues that you or your loved one may need some mobility assistance. As people age, core strength and balance deteriorate. Arthritis can set in to knees and hips. Also, medications or dietary changes can affect balance. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. The right mobility aid is there to help, and the right item can save lives. Usually the first item people look for is a cane. They are simple to use and readily available. This is a good first step, but canes only offer minimal support. A walker or rollator is far more helpful for those who have trouble rising. A walker can help the rising process and is a better support for preventing falls. Using a walker around the house can help a person stay in their home longer, as it helps to ensure they will be safe. If one needs more support but doesn't want to be slowed down by a walker, a rollator may be the perfect solution. With four wheels on the ground, they roll easily and can move as quickly as needed. Rollators fold up for easy transport and most come with a basket or bag to carry belongings. Back to Top 4 Ways to Make Life Easier When Using a Walker
Back to Top Any Further Questions? If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, feel free to call us toll-free at 1-888-986-0660. Our highly-trained staff is waiting to hear from you every weekday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 EST. You can also email us through the form found here. Back to Top Which type of walker is used for patients who Cannot pick up a walker to move it forward?Standard walkers need to be picked up to move forward. Front-wheeled walkers don't need to be picked up, so they use less energy. Rolling 4-wheeled walkers give support and come with or without seats and brakes.
When assisting a patient to walk with his walker you should?Using a Walker
Apply a transfer belt and help the care recipient to stand. Have the care recipient hold firmly onto the side grips of the walker. Lift and move the walker 8 – 12” forward, using the arms to lift, not the back. Feet should be kept still.
When ambulating a patient you should hold the gait belt with?Once patient is standing and feels stable, move to the unaffected side and grasp the gait belt in the middle of the back. With the other hand, hold the patient's hand closest to you. Standing to the side of the patient provides assistance without blocking the patient. 6.
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