How to Choose the Right Walker for Seniors
Getting older is inevitable and as you age you become less mobile. It’s hard to imagine leading a normal life without being able to function normally. This often occurs to our parents and it’s difficult to watch them struggle.
As their child, it’s our goal to make sure they are functioning as normally as possible. That’s why we have to do whatever we can to ensure they are doing alright. One of the best ways to help them stay active is to find a proper walker for them.
It is a great tool for those who are having issues with their balance. How does it work? It supports their weight better than numerous mobility aids. Now, if you are not sure how to pick the right one, check out these tips.
Useful Ways To Find A Great Walker
Mobility
No matter how old they are, elderly people still want to stay active and healthy. Now, in order to choose a proper walker, you first must determine the level of mobility of your parents (or any other older folk you care about).
If that person is relatively fit, then purchase something that is going to serve as additional help, such as a walking stick or a four-wheel rollator. These items are perfect for people who quickly feel tired after a long walk.
On the other hand, for individuals who have experienced some form of injury, you may consider buying a traditional walker or the one with two wheels. The standard one is going to help them pull their entire weight while they are being active, and will even be a great assistance when they are walking upstairs.
Furthermore, people whose mobility is severely low might utilize walkers with a bigger base, the one with four wheels or rollators. With them, they will be able to go anywhere they want without worrying.
Folding Option
Another factor that must be considered when it comes to walkers is the folding option. Gurus from UpliftingMobility.com usually love to accentuate that most walkers are typically very heavy and tend to be difficult to use because they do not come with the folding feature. This is a huge flaw because everything would be so much easier with it.
Therefore, if you’re purchasing the walker for somebody who is quite active and loves to go for a stroll, then you should find a folding model for sure. Bear in mind that a folding mobility kit can be placed in the trunk of the vehicle without any troubles, or even in the backseat of the car.
Don’t Forget To Pay Attention To This!
The Size
Most walkers are designed to accommodate various types of users, starting from, teenagers and adults. Today, on the market, you can come across walkers that were developed especially for pediatric usage.
One of the easiest ways to determine whether a certain walker is right for that particular person is to carefully go through the description. Why is this so important? Well, it’s because, often, all these walkers look similar and at first glance, you may think that they are perfect for everyone.
Weight And Height
A lot of these walkers were created for an average person, and luckily, most of them are quite adjustable, however, lots of them have certain limits. Now, classic walkers typically come with adjustable legs.
On the other hand, rollators frequently consist of an adjustable handle and seat heights. Now, if the person you are purchasing for is pretty tall or short, then you need to be more careful during the purchase.
It would be best if you bought something that was designed precisely for their size. Additionally, if that person is a little bit heavier, then it would be advisable if you opt for a heavy-duty walker, that comes with an enlarged weight-bearing capacitance. If that person is relatively small, then the lightweight walker is probably the best option and the good thing about it is that it is easy to move around.
Pay Attention To These Tips
These are some suggestions that should be implemented once you purchase the walker:
- It shouldn’t be pushed too far ahead
- Watch out for numerous obstacles
- Utilize shoes that give you a solid grip on every surface
- Take slow and small steps
As you can see there are a number of things that you should pay attention to. This is something that isn’t purchased every single day, so make sure you remember all these tips before you make any decisions. Remember that older people need something that is going to make them feel safe and stable.
