As we grow older, we suffer from limited mobility due to health issues or age-related factors. However, walkers are available to help seniors remain active while ensuring their safety when staying mobile. Ranging from helping to maintain issues to increasing mobility to helping in recovery after surgeries, walkers are deemed useful.
However, choosing the right walker for your loved one is important, keeping in mind their needs, measurements, and preferences. Now, with an array of options in walkers that are available, you may not know the important aspects to consider in order to make suitable choices. So, we have drawn this list of important considerations to help you along the way.
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Best 7 Walkers For Senior
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1. Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker
Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker is known for its amazing stability against all odds. You can use this walker to move through narrow space as each of its sides can be maneuvered independently and thus allowing you greater freedom of movement. The main USP of Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker is definitely its push-button mechanism that can be controlled by the palms or by your fingers.
Easy to use and lightweight, Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker can be folded down to save space when not in use. It draws its stability from its cross-frame design which is unique of its kind. You can use this walker on different types of terrains. It’s Aluminum construction makes it superlight and its height can be adjusted easily and effortlessly. Vinyl contoured hand grip offers superior grip and ensures comfort. However, please don’t use this Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker on escalator or stairs.
2. Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker
People with balance issues are going to find Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker handy as it will allow them to move around without tripping and falling over in the process. To fold this walker down, all you have to do is to use its trigger release feature and it will get the job done automatically without making you lift a finger. The contoured handgrips don’t put too much pressure on the hands of the users and they are extremely soft as well. Made from heavy-duty aluminum, Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker is extremely stable and sturdy. Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker can be used on most surfaces.
3. NOVA GetGo Petite Narrow Rollator Walker
NOVA GetGo Petite Narrow Rollator Walker is one of the most popular and highly desirable walkers. This walker will help you lead a normal life without depending on anyone. Armed with this versatile NOVA GetGo Petite Narrow Rollator Walker, you will be able to regain some level of control over your movements (in case, you are suffering from mobility issues) and that too without spending a ton of money on it.
The rubber wheels can be used both indoor and outdoor and they are extremely durable in nature. Offering maximum comfort are the hand brakes that are treated with NOVA’s patented feather touch technology. Using the brake does not involve any complex mechanism rather you can engage the brake by pulling up or pushing down the lever gently. You will get a 5-Year warranty on all brake parts.
4. Days Hemi Walker
Days Hemi Walker allows you to live life to the fullest. Can be operated with one arm, Days Hemi Walker is designed for disabled, handicapped persons and for elderly with serious mobility issues. Approved by a good number of physical therapists, Days Hemi Walker will help you lead an independent life. Easy to fold, Days Hemi Walker is extremely lightweight and to put a cherry on top of that – it is extremely affordable as well. You can use it with either hand. The height of Days Hemi Walker can be adjusted easily and has a maximum weight capacity of around 300 lbs. It comes standard with non-slip rubber tips that will definitely eliminate any possibility of slipping while moving around. To simplify the folding process, extra handgrips are provided.
5. OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker
OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker comes standard with 10-inch front wheels that ensure greater stability irrespective of the terrain. Even on uneven surfaces, this OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker can offer superior stability. The width of this rollator can be adjusted at will and that means, you can use it in narrow spaces. The rear legs can be detached easily and the front wheels can be folded as well and thus allowing you to take this OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker with you in shopping malls or nearby farmers market.
OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker looks almost like a bicycle. The maximum weight capacity of this walker is around 300 lbs and it features a solid aluminum frame. The braking system of this OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker mimics the braking system of that of a bicycle. If you want to prevent this walker from rolling down, you just need to use its ergonomic handles to which is a part of the entire braking system. The height of this walker can be adjusted by harnessing the power of the 1-Click Button.
6. Medline Rollator Walker
Medline Rollator Walker comes equipped with a nice padded seat that you can sit on if you get tired after moving around for an hour or two. Easy to transport, this Medline Rollator Walker can be folded down when you are not using it. You can customize this walker further by making changes in its height by using its handle grips. However, if you feel lost while trying to change the height of its Adjustable Arms, you can always refer to the manual provided. The storage place is placed underneath the padded seat and to access this spacious storage bag, all you have to do is to lift the seat up, and there you go. You can store all your personal belongings like meds, mobiles, etc there.
The assembling process of Medline Rollator Walker is fairly simple. You don’t even have to use any tools to get this assembled. Weighs just around 19 lbs, Medline Rollator Walker is a strong and sturdy walker that will keep you going no matter what. The maximum weight capacity of this Medline Rollator Walker is around 350 lbs.
7. UPWalker Original Upright Walker
UPWalker Original Upright Walker allows users to move around upright. Regain your sense of dignity and lead an independent life with this UPWalker Original Upright Walker. It features a stylish look that is hard to ignore and is designed for everyday use. You will be able to see significant improvements in your posture and walking with this UPWalker Original Upright Walker. Some clinical studies have also concluded that this UPWalker Original Upright Walker might help to alleviate pains in joints, wrists, legs, and also in hands. People suffering from different health-related issues like pulmonary, neurological disorder, etc might find this walker handy.
UPWalker Original Upright Walker has got a nice Fabric seat which is extremely comfortable. The handlebars have got enough padding to allow you to stand up from a sitting position without losing your balance in the process. UPWalker Original Upright Walker comes standard with 8-inch rubber wheels that work seamlessly on all kinds of surfaces.
Best Walker Buying Guide
While shopping for walkers for an elderly person, you must take into account their needs and follow by picking the ones that would be suited to them. With a wide range of walkers available in different styles and price tags, you might want to do your homework beforehand.
Different Types Of Walkers
Among the most common walkers for the elderly groups are the two-wheeled rolling walkers, standard walkers, and four-wheeled walkers (also referred to as ‘rollators’).
For seniors who have an unstable gait and rely on walkers to bear their weight, the standard walkers are the best – as per the University of Arizona Center on Aging.
On the other hand, for the elderly groups who have a shaky gait and do not need to rely on walkers for bearing their weight, the two-wheeled or rolling walkers are the recommended ones. More so, if you require a walker to help maintain your balance, the four-wheeled walkers are advised.
Consult An Expert Who Understands Your Requirements
Owing to many options, you may want to talk to an occupational therapist or a physical therapist or your doctor before purchasing a walker. They might be able to help you make the right selection. More so, you can work with assistive technology specialists, who are experts and can provide guidance on using the adaptive devices.
Important Features Of Walkers To Ponder Upon
Here are some factors to evaluate when choosing walkers for seniors.
1. Weight Capacity
Most walkers claim to bear weights reaching up to 300 pounds. And, where higher body weights are considered, a bariatric model is a good option.
2. Stability
If the elderly individual requires a lot of support, then a front-wheeled walker is appropriate while a rollator provides a seat to rest upon. So, you must base your choices depending on their needs.
3. Adjustability
Check the height of the handles of the walkers for the right fit and requisite support. As such, a 5-foot person and a 6-foot person would not use similar height walkers.
4. Handle Height
In cases where the walkers’ handles are low, seniors may have to hunch over. And, if the handle is very high, then the senior person may not be able to transfer their weight to the handles.
Luckily, most walkers are adjustable to various heights. To measure a walker or rollator, you should ask your friend to measure the distance from the crease of your wrist to the floor while you stand straight and your arms hanging loose from your sides.
The handles should be in line with the bend of your wrists to know the appropriate height. Essentially, you must look for walkers that can be adjusted at least an inch lower or higher than that. Because, then, you can adapt the walker to match different surface and shoe heights.
4. Width
For walkers that are needed indoors, they must fit through your house’s pathways. Some bathroom doors measure 22 inches or lesser in width, so always check the walker measurements first. While most walker models measure 22 to 27 inches in width at the base, others are narrower.
More so, you must consider the width between the handles. As such, your hips must be accommodated comfortably inside the walker. And, for walkers with a seat, you must check to see whether they have an inch of clearance on all sides when the elderly person is seated.
5. Foldable Features
Most walkers are foldable for transport and storage purposes. However, some models are more easily foldable than other varieties. For example, some walkers come with a basket that you have to detach before folding.
If you do not have much storage space at your home or if you’ve to lift the walker in and out of your car, you might want a model that folds to a compact size.
6. Types Of Brakes
Many handles of rollators contain loop brakes that work upon squeezing the levers. The elderly person who is suffering from hand dexterity or Arthritis might find such brakes difficult to use.
Conversely, some models come with push-down brakes; they are weight activated. Front-wheeled walkers and standard ones are brakeless.
7. Seat Height
Four-wheeled rollators come with in-built seats. So, if you’re looking for such walkers, you must ensure that the height of the seat suits you.
Check the height of a chair that you can get in and out of with ease and compare the height of the different rollators. Some varieties are adjustable to match the height of the seat.
8. Capacity
Walkers have a weight limit and you should look for the ones that are suitable for your size. Most models are able to carry people who weigh within the range of 250 to 300 pounds, while some models can support persons weighing 500 pounds.
