It can be overwhelming to walk into a medical supply store to purchase a four-wheel walker for your aging parent. They range is price, color, style, and height. What should you be looking for? What makes a good walker anyways? These seven tips will help you make an informed decision on 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.
A very popular walker is the three-wheeled walker. They fold in half which makes it easy to travel with. Generally, they have a bag which, of course, allows you to carry things. Some of the more expensive models have trays as well. Most three wheeled strollers are light in weight and adjustable in height.
Wheel size - The larger the wheel size, the easier it rolls over rough surfaces. If seniors are going to use it outside (and they should), then an 8-inch wheel is a good idea. Small wheels can get caught in sidewalk cracks and dirt/gravel. Brakes - Make sure the senior can use the brakes. Some of them are very stiff and difficult to squeeze. This can be a problem as it is advised that users put the brakes on when sitting down and standing up (ie. They will need to use the brakes frequently during the day).
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.
Quality - Buying a four-wheel walker is like buying a family car. They want something that is safe, reliable and it does not hurt if it is also good looking. Compare a more expensive one to a less expensive one, and you will see (and feel) the difference. Use these tips to narrow the search down to a handful of 4 wheel walkers and then have your aging parent test them out. Take each one out for a walk outside as it will allow you to see if it fits through a standard doorway, negotiate corners and roll over uneven ground.
The average customer review for the MedMobile 4-wheel walker gives it 5 stars for ease of use, easy assembly and expedited shipping. One customer raves, "Excellent Choice.... I purchased this walker for my father and he loves it! It gives him a sense of independence and the ability to walk around without the fear of falling.
Both of these features make it easier for the caregiver or patient to load in the vehicle when traveling. This type of walker has gliders on the rear of the walker to create a drag that may help some user keep better control of their walker. And finally this walker locks it's self when ever the individual sits down. This feature is extremely important for those patients who might have some dementia.
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.
A very popular walker is the three-wheeled walker. They fold in half which makes it easy to travel with. Generally, they have a bag which, of course, allows you to carry things. Some of the more expensive models have trays as well. Most three wheeled strollers are light in weight and adjustable in height.
Wheel size - The larger the wheel size, the easier it rolls over rough surfaces. If seniors are going to use it outside (and they should), then an 8-inch wheel is a good idea. Small wheels can get caught in sidewalk cracks and dirt/gravel. Brakes - Make sure the senior can use the brakes. Some of them are very stiff and difficult to squeeze. This can be a problem as it is advised that users put the brakes on when sitting down and standing up (ie. They will need to use the brakes frequently during the day).
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.
Quality - Buying a four-wheel walker is like buying a family car. They want something that is safe, reliable and it does not hurt if it is also good looking. Compare a more expensive one to a less expensive one, and you will see (and feel) the difference. Use these tips to narrow the search down to a handful of 4 wheel walkers and then have your aging parent test them out. Take each one out for a walk outside as it will allow you to see if it fits through a standard doorway, negotiate corners and roll over uneven ground.
The average customer review for the MedMobile 4-wheel walker gives it 5 stars for ease of use, easy assembly and expedited shipping. One customer raves, "Excellent Choice.... I purchased this walker for my father and he loves it! It gives him a sense of independence and the ability to walk around without the fear of falling.
Both of these features make it easier for the caregiver or patient to load in the vehicle when traveling. This type of walker has gliders on the rear of the walker to create a drag that may help some user keep better control of their walker. And finally this walker locks it's self when ever the individual sits down. This feature is extremely important for those patients who might have some dementia.
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