If you or your loved one need some help getting around but can do so without the use of a wheelchair, you may be considering getting a walker. The right type of walker can boost your sense of independence and allow you to get about with minimal assistance or without assistance at all, increasing the level of freedom you enjoy. In this article, we share with you the different types of walkers you can choose from.
Standard Walkers
You may already have seen a standard walker around. This type of walker has four legs and is easy to use, making it a great choice for older adults who are at risk of falling or cannot put too much weight on a single leg. However, it’s not the most suitable choice for those lacking upper body strength, or if you live in an area with uneven terrain.
The movement that a standard walker allows is fairly slow, which will not be an issue if you are looking to go slow for safety reasons anyway. It’s possible to go up and down stairs with a standard walker, but always remember to keep one hand on the stair railing and one hand on your walker, putting your weight on your stronger leg.
Front-Wheeled Walkers
Because standard walkers don’t come with wheels, this means you will need to pick them up each time you move forward. With a front-wheeled walker, you can simply slide it forward. These wheels are non-swivel to prevent falling and make it easy to go over uneven surfaces. It also uses less upper body strength as you don’t have to physically lift the walker, but as a result, may not be as stable as a standard walker.
Rolling Walkers
Rolling walkers come with three or four wheels as well as hand-operated brakes. If you only require light support, this can be a good option. Some of the wheels can be swiveled for better freedom of movement, and certain models come with a seat or storage basket for optimal convenience. Rolling walkers can be used both indoors and outdoors, but keep in mind that they are heavier and harder to fold than standard walkers, which can be an issue if you need to put them in the boot of a vehicle.
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