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Buying Guide:Walkers

Health Products For You

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Types of Walkers

Grip Selection

Size & Specifications

Factors to Consider

Walker Accessories

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2

3

4

Introduction

Walkers Buying Guide

There are many different types of walkers available in variety of shapes and sizes. Safety, comfort and additional features available should be taken into account before making the right choice.

Independence is important. The more mobile a person is the more independent they feel. Walkers provide that extra freedom and confidence. It helps to stabilize the person by picking up the weight a little and scooting it forward, allowing the user to be sure of the next step. Most walkers are made of aluminium or stainless steel. Walkers are usually height adjustable. They have hand grips, and rubber tips at the end of the legs. Some walkers come with wheels on the front legs making it easier to move the walker forward. A relatively smooth terrain enables smooth operation and safety. Overall, a walker provides stability and maintain that independence, as one of the best mobility aids.

Types of Walkers

CHAPTER ONE

Types of Walkers

Walkers Buying Guide

Standard Walkers

Standard walkers are popularly known as medical walkers. They are well-knownbecause they are easy to handle and comes in variety of shapes, sizes and color. Touse standard walkers, the person must have a little upper body strength as theyneed to be lifted to move. It is not recommended to use standard walkers on longtrips as it can be tiring to lift it for every step. They also impede the pace ofwalking. These walkers have four non-skid, rubber-tipped legs to provide stability.They need to be picked up for them to move. Wheel less walkers offer the moststability of all and are primarily used to avoid falls. Since these walkers can bedifficult to manage on uneven surfaces, they are good choice for those peoplewho stay at home and use walkers occasionally. They are light, easy to carryaround, and fit into small places. The standard walkers are the least expensive,which makes them a good choice for those who are on a budget.

Types of Walkers

Walkers Buying Guide

2 Wheel Walkers

2 Wheel Walkers are also known as rolling walkers. As the name suggests a 2wheel walker is a walker with 2 wheels at the two front legs. The best part ofrolling walker is that it allows the person to move at a faster pace as it is notrequired to lift them with each step, which makes it best for people with balanceissues. Rolling walkers are less stable than standard walkers still they prove to beeffective. This type of walker is lightweight like the wheel-less version. The wheelson these walkers do not swivel, so the walker can not simply roll away. The walkercan only move without effort in forward and backward directions. The user can liftthe back legs a little to move the walker and stop it by putting those legs backdown. People who are planning for extra support but are likely to walk freelyaround, rolling walkers can be a good option for them.

Types of Walkers

Walkers Buying Guide

Folding Walkers

Folding walkers are specially meant to be collapsible. This makes them easy tostore and transport. They are designed for people who need additional support tomaintain balance or stability while walking. They have easy-to-use, push-buttonmechanisms that let walkers fold easily. Each side folds independently to alloweasy movement through narrow spaces, compact storage and lateral access.These walkers also features side cross braces that provide extra stability, height-adjustable legs and replaceable tips. They are usually constructed of strong,lightweight one inch anodized aluminium tubing. They are good to use whiletravelling and available in both standard and 2-wheel versions.

Types of Walkers

Walkers Buying Guide

Seated Walkers

Seated Walkers are developed for people normally using a walker, but are unableto sit down because the seat is not behind the person. Seated Walkers addressesthis problem by providing a high seat behind the person as they walk. The seatsare usually adjustable and is placed high so it is available for the person to just siton, placed right under the buttocks of the person. Some seated walkers also offera high seat placed behind the person who is able to sit down when rest isrequired. They are ideal for people who prefer to walk longer distances, and needfrequent rest.

Grip Selection

CHAPTER TWO

Walker’s Grip Selection

Walkers Buying Guide

Most walkers come with plastic grips, but you might consider foam grips or soft grip covers. They are good choice if your hands tend to get sweaty. For patients with arthritis or other joint pains or nerve problems who have trouble grasping with fingers prefer a larger grip. Choosing the right grip relieves unnecessary stress on patient’s joints and help prevent joint deformities. It must be made sure that the chosen grip is secure to prevent slip while using the walker.

Size & Features

CHAPTER THREE

Size & Features of Walkers

Walkers Buying Guide

Walker Height- The correct walker must fit user’s arms comfortably. It is important because this reduce stress on user’s shoulders and back as they use the walker. To identify the correct height, user should step inside walker and:Check your elbow bend- Keep shoulders relaxed and place hands on the grips. Check if user’s elbows bend at a comfortable angle of approx 15 degrees.Check your wrist height- Stand inside the walker and relax arms at sides. Check if the top of the walker grip is lining up with the crease on the inside of user’s wrist.

Walker Weight- For those who have difficulty with lifting and balance, the overall weight of the walker should be a prime concern. Check the weight of the walker according to the balancing and lifting capabilities of the user. A normal walker can weight upto 9 lbs, with weight capacity of upto 500 lbs.

Walker Width- Not all walkers fit through bathroom doors. Check the width of user’s bathroom doorways. Walkers are sometimes 24 inches wide.

Walker Wheels and glides- For indoor use, small wheels 3 to 5 inches in diameter are good. For outdoor use, larger wheels of 6 to 8 inches should be preferred. Tires that are too hard may slip, so softer tires are safer even though they tend to wear faster. If a walker uses glides, make sure they won't scratch floors. In deciding whether to go with a standard or wheeled walker, consider whether user will be able to handle having wheels. The user should be able to control both the wheels and brakes effectively.

Factors to Consider

CHAPTER FOUR

Factors to Consider

Walker Buying Guide

Do you travel? - Consider Ease and safety of folding while purchasing the walker. It is recommended to have the person who'll be using the walker practice folding and unfolding walker to make sure they're comfortable with the process. Beware of trigger-style releases on a folding frame. Wheeled walkers are recommended for users who travel and prefer to move freely outdoors.

Advice of physical therapist -If you are under a physical therapist care, it is important to get their advice and recommendations on how to use it safely. This is especially valuable if the walker is needed because of an injury.

Warranty and parts availability - Warranties vary among different manufactures. It can range from 1 year upto life time warranty. If a walker is used regularly, wheels need to be replaced after they wear off. Using a walker with worn or damaged parts, can put you at risk of an injury.

Walker Accessories

CHAPTER FIVE

Walker Accessories

Walkers Buying Guide

Walker Bags -

Walker bags are the most wanted accessory for walkers and rollators. They are useful in carrying belongings to the distance user wills to walk. They are light weight and comes in amazing design and variety.

Walker Trays -

Walker trays are designed to transport food and beverage easily. They are easy to manage and light weight to attach.

Walker Accessories

Walkers Buying Guide

Walker Cup and Cane Holder -

Walker Cup And Cane Holder is made with durable, lightweight plastic and also acts as a cup holder. They are usually Latex free.

Walker Baskets-

Walker baskets usually attaches to the walker with velcro. It attaches quickly and easily without tools and fits most walkers.

“Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect

nothing. To depend on nothing.”

Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead“

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