Best Walkers For Elderly People

Walking is a movement that is natural for human beings. We learn how to walk in early childhood years, and the first steps of a child is something all parents remember forever. Taking these first steps means that child is growing up and learning to be more independent from people around him.

Unfortunately people sometimes face the situations when walking becomes difficult or even impossible. Difficulties in walking can be the result of various circumstances, such as having a serious injury resulting into the inability of the lower body to function effectively.

There are couple of device types that will help these people to regain the mobility. One of the 'low-tech' solutions for elderly people who still have some lower or upper body strength is different types of walkers.

Often the rolling walker is also called a knee scooter.

When you are trying to figure out which is the best walker for your elderly relative, some of the considerations would be knee walkers, rolling walkers with seat, three-wheel rollators, and folding walkers.

Please keep reading to learn about the features and benefits of each product type to help you decide the one that should be chosen for the needs of your senior.

A knee walker is often recommended for people having injuries on their foot or ankle. If you accidentally injured your foot or you have undergone a surgery on that area, the health care provider will usually suggest a knee walker for you to move and do your daily routine. However, before you purchase a knee walker, you have to consider a lot of things, so that you are assured of its safety, mobility and comfort.

Maneuverability

First you have to check whether the knee walker can easily turn to left or right, whichever you wished to do so. Some scooters will require a lot of your strength and it might aggravate your condition especially if it gets worse when effort is exerted. Also, consider the size of the knee walker wheels. Bigger wheels are easier to manipulate compared to smaller ones. Oftentimes, small wheeled knee walker, will stop when cracks or obstacles are encountered. However, it is better to know how stable the unit is. Safety should be your top priority that is why you have to check the quality of the knee walker given to you. Measure the stability by the unit’s width and the offset of its knee platform.

Comfort

The knee walker, which you choose should be adjustable, and its knee pads have to be comfortable. Your cast or dressing needs to be changed from time to time, and if you cannot adjust the scooter, it will be difficult on your part. An uncomfortable knee pad will also create problems on your injured leg, so you have to consider this beforehand. Also, the scooter should be easy to store and fold. If you go to the mall, church or anywhere, it will not be challenging to bring your scooter because you can place it at any side of your vehicle. Finally, know the accessories included in the knee walker. Check to see whether you are provided already with tools necessary for the repair of the scooter. This will be a big saving on your part considering that you have what you need already.

Costs

Furthermore, if the insurance company covers your knee walker, then you have to know how to claim it. There are some companies that offer full payment on the scooter whiles others will just cover a partial of it. Make sure that you get the best scooter that also provides money back guarantee or product exchange if there are some defects found on it.

The knee walker can be a lot of help in your healing process. However, you also have to ensure that it will not create problems to you in the future. Ask recommendations from your health care provider and consider your comfort and safety all the time.

Your protection always comes first, and that is why, purchasing the best knee walker is very important. Always follow a simple research before you purchase the scooter, and remember; you can always get the best knee walker if you take time to consider the above mentioned things.

If you are an individual who is recovering from a foot injury or is undergoing a therapy to learn how to walk again, knee walkers would be a good option if you want to let go of the crutches.

They have padded knee platforms making them comfortable for both outdoor and indoor use.

The unique designs of the knee walkers that are offered in the market make it possible for users to keep their injured leg comfortable and stable, even if they move around any place.

They do not just help in increasing the mobility of the person, but also aids in speeding the process of recovery.

Another good thing that has been commended about knee walkers is that they have an easy folding mechanism feature, making it convenient to have them kept and stored after the time they are used.

Rolling walker with seat is a perfect option for those people who do not have enough lower body strength but their upper body is still at a good condition.

It offers the benefit of gliding or rolling smoothly on a flat surface, making it a very convenient option for those who find walking difficult.

The ergonomic design of the rollator with a seat is also another reason on why it is famous for people who are on the lookout for the best walkers in the market.

The handle brakes and seats are not just easy to use but also very convenient.

The backrest is also another good feature that can be found on rolling walkers. This is a good thing because it offers walkers with the opportunity to keep their back on a good and comfortable position, wherever they are using the walker.

One of the most common reasons on why people decide to choose three wheel rollators is because of the fact that it is easy to maneuver compared to other types of rollators for seniors. It is easy to use them especially in spaces that are constrained, or in corners.

With the adjustable brakes and adjustable heights in this kind of walkers, it is easy to have them customized based on the needs and preferences of the person who will be using it. They are also lightweight and good for use both indoors and outdoors.

If you are also worried about having to keep the walker in the storage room or having to transport them in any location, the three wheel rollator is also a good option basically because they can be folded, kept, or transported in an easy manner because of their compact size.

As the name implies, what can be attributed as the most significant feature of this kind of walker is the fact that they can be easily folded and kept in any location. They do not also consume a lot of space and very convenient to be brought anywhere.

The handles are soft and comfortable so that it will not give any difficulty to its users. Additionally, they also have automatic push buttons to have them easily folded when no longer needed and intended to be kept.

They are also built with sturdy materials to be assured of their durability. The rubber tips are also slip resistant to avoid any accident that its users might encounter. The rubber tips make it possible to keep the walker in a stable condition.

To use a knee walker, proper procedure and placement are important.

1. Position your injured knee all the way forward on the padded seat of the knee walker with the rest of your leg directly behind you. Always keep your knee pointing straight ahead instead of angled outward or inward. Angling your knee could tear and twist ligaments if your knee walker slipped out from under you.
2. Hold onto the handles and push yourself forward with your able foot. Point the wheels in the direction you want to go and pull the handles upward, making short, even strides. Avoid attempting large steps or moving quickly, which can jerk your joints and hinder your balance.
3. Use your able leg as a brake if you need to stop. The handle brakes are only for emergencies if you are unable to stop yourself using just your able foot. Remain on level surfaces whenever possible to prevent losing control on a downward slope.
4. Exit the knee walker by positioning yourself and the device close to a couch or chair before removing your injured leg from the padded seat. Gently hold the side of the furniture as you ease yourself into a seated position. You can also use the knee walker to elevate your injured leg while lying down or sitting.