Seniors Can Use Walkers to Maintain Mobility
As people age, the ability to walk may become difficult. This can be due to a variety of different reasons, including injuries, muscle weakness, and ailments. It is important that seniors maintain their mobility. When they do not maintain their mobility, they may become depressed and not live their lives to the fullest. This can lead to hospitalizations as well as further injuries. Thankfully, there is a way for seniors to maintain their mobility. With the use of walkers, seniors will be able to move around with ease. There are a broad variety of walkers out on the market that can help seniors to keep their mobility. To find the right one, seniors or their loved ones will need to do their research to determine which walker should be used.
Signs a Walker Would be of Assistance
There are several signs that may indicate that a walker would be of assistance. These signs include:
- Decreased weight-bearing - If the person is dealing with fractures, wounds, arthritis-related pain, poor circulation, hip surgery or recovery, or amputations, they may benefit from a walker. It is often too hard for someone to remain in a wheelchair or on crutches for long. A walker can give a senior the mobility they crave without causing them pain.
- Fatigue - If a person gets tired easily, a walker may benefit them. Conditions like shortness of breath, decreased physical fitness, frailness, arthritis, and having diseases like MS or Parkinson’s disease may cause seniors not to be able to stand for long periods of time. This can greatly increase the chances of falls and injuries. Using a walker can help to prevent this.
- Poor balance - Poor balance can greatly affect how a person walks. Conditions like low blood pressure, inner ear infections, slow reflexes, and conditions like stroke, neuropathy, and cerebral palsy can all cause poor balance. Poor balance can lead to falls and injuries, so it is great for seniors to have a walker that they can lean against when walking.
Types of Walkers
There are three main types of walkers. These are:
- Folding walker - If a person is minorly injured or has had surgery that they expect to recover from fairly quickly, a folding walker should be used. Folding walkers are inexpensive and lightweight. They do not have wheels on them but can easily be moved. This type of walker is best used for short term care.
- Rollator Walker - This is one of the most popular walkers out on the market today. They typically have wheels, brakes, and even a seat on some models. These models are great for long term use.
- Transport chair/walker - This type of walker is perfect for someone who wishes to walk around, but still needs to sit down at times. These types of walkers will have four wheels, brakes, and a seat. These walkers are best used at home or when someone else can lift them up as they can be heavy. These walkers are typically seen with people who have long term issues with walking.
Tips for Getting the Right Walker
A senior that wishes to get a walker will need to figure out what they will use their walker for. Here are a few things to consider:
- Length of use - How long will the walker be in use? If it is going to be used long term, a Rollator style walker should be used.
- Budget - A senior will need to determine how much they will want to spend on the walker. In some cases, their insurance may pay for the walker. They will need to speak with their doctor to determine if insurance will pay for it, or if they may need to look at a less expensive model.
- Style - A senior will need to determine what style they want with their walker. Do they want one that has wheels and a seat? Or do they want a lightweight model?
- Usage - Seniors will need to determine what they will use their walker for. Will it be used for outdoor walking? Will it be used just in the house? Determining this will help to figure out which walker they should choose.
