Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Different Types Of Medical Wheeled Walkers

By Carol Miller


Rolling walkers are another class of mobility aid designed to help the senior keep balance while standing or walking and they are an innovation to the ordinary walkers where instead of the usual legs, there are wheels. Rolling walkers come in 3 different versions: 2, 3, and 4 wheeled walkers.

Strollers can come with baskets, trays, seats, wheels, and brakes. The simplest walker is an aluminum light weight folding walker. It folds for storage or travel. If the client is unable to lift the walker as they walk, wheels can be added. Wheels must always be added to the front with some glide cap or ski on the rear. Most folding strollers can accommodate a tray and/or a basket. Be careful not to overfill them; it could create an unstable walker.

Width - Most four wheel walkers are about the same width. However, there are some that are both wider and narrower. Depending on the seniors home, they may want a walker that is narrower (to easily fit through doorways). However, only purchase a narrow walker if they need it to be narrow. They are not as sturdy as the regular width walkers.

This type of walker requires the individual have good upper body control. The three-wheeled configuration can create an unsafe environment for some individual. Discuss this with your healthcare professional such as a physical or occupational therapist.

Seat - Make sure the user can sit on the seat and still have their feet touch the ground. Lightweight and fold-able - Make sure it is not too heavy so that whoever needs to can pick it up and put it in a car trunk. Most are fold-able, so it is also a good idea to check to see if it fits in a car trunk.

This means that the user will have an increased confidence to do many of their usual activities such as shopping, walks at the park for exercise, watching movies and many of the things that they used to do. The beauty of using strollers that have wheels is the fact that the wheels allow for a wider range of walking especially those from the four wheel walker.

When this type of walker is used on loose carpet, the senior will have something to hold on which prevents him or her from snagging on the carpet. Further, rolling strollers are designed with large wheels so that the senior will be able to easily navigate outdoors while smaller wheels are great for navigating indoors. Thus he or she remains stable as he or she tries himself or herself around the house or outdoors.

When he gets tired from walking, then he can park the brakes and sit on the padded seat to rest. Not to mention, the basket underneath comes in very handy to hold items of importance.... My father used it to hold his wound healing pump while he was recovering from surgery. I would recommend this product to anyone, especially those with major health issues who have lost a sense of independence. "




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