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Overview of Walker Benefits for Seniors
Approximately 12% of seniors use a walker as a walking aid at home and in the community. While the benefits of using a walker are clear, finding the right one can be tough for the elderly. Choosing the wrong walker can increase the risk of falls and reduce participation in activities you used to enjoy, affecting overall health and quality of life. In these situations, a medical alert device with fall protection is a must. Our Medical Alert by Connect America review can help guide you. Plus, our list of expert recommended walkers for seniors, can help you or your loved one find options to discuss with your doctor or physical therapist.
A walker provides vital support, mobility, and stability seniors need. Whether you’re dealing with age related issues or recovering from an injury or medical condition, this mobility aid can help you regain independence and confidence in your daily activities. Here we’ll get into the benefits of using a walker, our top picks and what to consider when choosing a walker. We’ll also cover important topics like how walkers improve posture, safe use techniques and how walkers can change a senior’s life.
Stability is Key: How Walkers Help with Balance
A walker is a mobility aid designed to provide stability and balance as seniors take each step. A walker is a body-sized frame with handles that provides firm support. The legs of a walker may have wheels or rubber tips that move with the user. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or maintaining overall health, the need to use a walker can be short term or long term.
It’s important to know how to use a walker properly to minimize the risk of injury and maximize stability.
Proper use of a walker can have a big impact on your health by improving balance and safety as you move. There are various types of walkers out there that cater to different needs, so choosing one that fits your needs is crucial. Each type of walker has its own benefits, helps with posture and takes pressure off the legs. For seniors learning how to use a walker properly means reliable support and less chance of accidents. Stability and balanced movement are key, a walker is more than just an aid, it’s a step towards mobility and independence.
Types of Walkers and Their Benefits
For some seniors using a walker comes naturally, for others it’s a struggle to incorporate into their daily lives. But when seniors use a wheeled walker or rollator consistently and correctly, the benefits are big. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 1 in 4 older adults will fall each year, so walkers are crucial for safe mobility. Walkers can reduce fall risk, and give confidence to those who fear falling while at home or out and about.
But fear of falling often leads seniors to become more sedentary, and as a result they lose strength, flexibility and endurance. Walkers, including ones with wheels and a seat can help with independence and an active lifestyle. They provide support for those recovering from surgery, managing arthritis or experiencing balance or leg instability. By using walkers properly, seniors can minimize the risk of falling and be more mobile.
Using a walker can:
- Boost confidence of a senior who feels unsteady while moving around the home
- Improve balance
- Reduce the risk of falling at home or while out and about
- Increase the distance traveled during a walk, whether in the home or outside
- Improve endurance
- Decrease recovery time from a procedure or surgery
- Increase independence with activities of daily living
- Allow an active senior to continue doing the things they love without feeling worried about falling
Knowing the different types of walkers, whether standard, two wheeled, or three or four wheeled walkers is important. Each has its own benefits and is suited for different care needs. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best walker for your condition and how to safely use it.
Which Walker is Right for You?
This three-wheeled walker is fashionable and comes with an accessory storage pouch. Image credit: Just Walkers
Basic Walker
The basic walker is available in drugstores and medical supply shops and prioritizes simplicity over features. It’s lightweight and foldable making it a practical choice for seniors managing their weight and balance needs. Since it has no wheels, this walker requires lifting during movement so it’s suitable for those recovering from hospital stay or have strong balance and strength. It’s great for indoor use and provides steady posture and support.
Two Wheeled Walker
These walkers have wheels on the front two legs and rubber tips on the rear legs. You can push this walker along but it won’t roll away due to the rubber feet on the rear legs. Similar to the basic walker, these are foldable too.
Three Wheeled Walker
For seniors who want style and function the three wheeled walker (also known as a rollator) is fashionable and functional with an accessory storage pouch and hand brake. Triangular in shape, with wheels on each leg, this walker is designed for mobility on various surfaces making it great for seniors in different settings. The extra stability of this mobility aid reduces the risk of falling and gives peace of mind to the user.
Four Wheeled Walker
For more support the four wheeled walker or rollator offers smooth maneuverability and more endurance for indoor and outdoor use. The built-in seat doubles as a storage space and is great for seniors with endurance or breathing issues. The hand brake with the ability to lock the wheels provides a safe spot to rest and stability in different environments.
Keep in mind that using any walker incorrectly is a risk. Consult with a medical professional to choose the right walker for you and use it safely to increase your mobility whether transitioning from a cane or trying new options.
Getting Started with a Walker: Tips and Tricks
Knowing when to use a walker is key for seniors who need support and balance. See a healthcare professional to determine what walker is best for you. Once you have the right walker, focus on the techniques to use it in your home. Adjust the walker’s height for proper fit and make sure it provides you balance. Custom grip pads can add comfort and reduce stress on your arms and legs when used for extended periods.
Stand with your shoulders relaxed, arms slightly bent and feet inside the walker. This will prevent you from hitting the front bar or losing support. When you step forward, use the walker to help you move. Press down on the handles if needed to take some of the weight off of your legs and feet.
If one leg can’t bear weight use the walker like crutches, lean on your arms and hop forward on your good leg. For steps, lead with your stronger leg. Always move the walker first for support to make sure each step is secure.
These tips and techniques will help you retain your balance while you step, and keep you feeling safe, secure, and confident.
Proper Techniques for Using Walkers Safely
Properly adjusting your walker is key to safety and injury prevention. Make sure the walker fits in your arms to reduce stress on your shoulders and back. To check if your walker is at the right height, step inside it and make sure your arms are slightly bent. If you need extra support, place the walker about a step ahead of you and keep your body upright so you don’t hunch over
Keep the walker steady as you step in and then press down on the grips to support your weight as you bring the other leg forward. Continue to move the walker ahead and step into it one leg at a time, focusing on stability and control.
You may need to adjust your walker’s height and position from time to time. If unsure of the fit, see a healthcare professional for advice. Professional guidance will ensure your walker is adjusted correctly for safe use.
Walker Safety Tips for Daily Use
Using a walker can improve mobility for seniors but using it incorrectly can increase the risk of falls. Walker safety and learning the right techniques are key to reducing this risk. Many walkers come with standard plastic grips but you may prefer foam grips or soft covers for extra comfort especially if sweaty hands or joint pain is a concern. If grip strength is an issue, larger grips may be better. Whatever grip you choose, make sure it’s securely attached so it doesn’t slip during daily use.
Once you’re comfortable using your walker make sure you practice using it on different surfaces at home or outside but do this with extra care. Turning and changing direction requires coordination and stairs require the right walker with the right training and assistance, as needed. A healthcare or medical professional can give you good guidance on how to master these skills so walker use is safe.
For daily safety choose shoes that give you stability such as shoes with non-slip soles and good arch support. Avoid high heels that compromise safety.
Additional Safety Tips To Keep In mind
This four-wheeled walker features a seat to rest and can be picked up at your local drugstore. Image credit: CVS
Contrary to what some people may think, seniors can still fall while using walkers. Typically, these falls occur when the older adult is using the walker incorrectly or in an unsafe environment. In order to keep yourself, or your senior loved one as safe as possible, be sure to follow a few safety tips:
- Work with a doctor or physical therapist to correctly size the walker; walkers that are too short or too tall for the user will lead to balance issues
- Learn how to correctly walk with a walker; many seniors tend to lean forward and push the walker in front of them instead of using the correct “step-in” method
- Always lock the brakes on your wheeled walker before using it as leverage for standing or sitting
- Practice safe sit-to-stand transfer techniques
- Clear out any clutter throughout the hallways and rooms of your home to make it more accessible; it’s difficult to safely maneuver walkers through cluttered hallways
- Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping with a walker
Walkers for Posture and Body Dynamics
How a walker can improve body dynamics means paying attention to how it’s adjusted for you. Well aligned walkers improve mobility and stability so you can walk more confidently.
Choosing the right walking aid means understanding your mobility needs, body dynamics, and posture and how they intersect with your health. Ultimately, choosing the right walker will improve both balance and health and add to your daily life.
Consult with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist to determine which type of walker is best for your condition and mobility requirements. They can advise which walking aid will help your posture, body alignment, and stability and allow for safe and independent movement.
Where to Find Walkers and Related Services
While basic walkers can be picked up at your corner CVS, you can also find walkers and accessories online at various retailers like Just Walkers. Starting online allows you to browse a wide range of walkers and mobility aids. You can compare products from different brands to make sure you get the right one for home medical care. Many online platforms have customer reviews so you can see how well a product works. When purchasing a walker from an online retailer, ensure the measurements and specifications match what you need.
But it’s best not to purchase a walker from an online retailer if you are just starting your walker use. Instead, practice your technique and find what works for you before investing in an online purchase. Visiting local medical supply stores lets you try out different walkers and find the one that fits your mobility needs. They have knowledgeable staff who can give you personalized support and answer any questions you have about the walkers or services they offer.
Also, some senior living communities have medical services which may include equipment rental or financial assistance for walkers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local healthcare providers as they may be able to recommend good services or products for you.
Finally, your walker purchase may be covered by Medicare or secondary insurance. If your device is prescribed by your physician, you could be eligible for partial reimbursement.
A walker can be an excellent device to increase confidence and safety at home and beyond. By combining these resources, you can find walkers and have the support you need for mobility at home or on the go. Talk to your physician to find which option could work best for you to get started.
Common Questions About Using a Walker
I’m totally new to walkers. Where should I start?
If you’re new to using a walker or have general questions about how to use one, professional guidance is the way to go. Physical therapists and mobility specialists can help you use a walker effectively by assessing your specific needs, recommending the right walker, and demonstrating exercises to increase mobility. They’ll stress safety and good posture to prevent injury and build confidence while walking.
I have a bad back. Can I still use a walker?
Yes, you can use a walker even if you have a bad back – it’s one of the benefits of using a walker for seniors. A walker can take pressure off your back if set to the right height and used with good posture. But using a walker on stairs is not recommended without medical training as it’s a fall risk. Handrails or stair lifts are safer.
Do I need special shoes to use a walker?
For shoes, special shoes aren’t required but comfortable supportive shoes are necessary to prevent falls. Avoid high heels or flip-flops. Instead, choose shoes with good traction. Also make sure the walker handles are at the right height, which should be approximately at your wrists, when your arms are hanging down naturally. Misaligned handles can cause discomfort and poor posture.
