Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Why Wheeled Walkers Can Help To Make Life Safer For A Senior

By Carol Miller


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.

However, the question is: "Why do seniors need rolling strollers?" As age sets in many seniors will suffer from mobility problems due to arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases that cause painful joints and muscles. Not only are diseases the culprit because certain medications such as: laxatives, antidepressants, and sedatives also affect their sense of balance more than the younger generations.

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.

Thus these seniors become dependent on medicines to alleviate the pain and discomforts of their disease, and also they rely on mobility aids such as medical strollers with wheels to keep them steady on their feet. Strollers particularly those that have wheels have done much in increasing seniors' independence in the sense that they will be free of needing assistance from others when they try to stand or walk.

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.

Another walker style that has recently entered the market is one that has taken some of the features from the different walkers. It's a walker with two front wheels and spring loaded rear gliders. It also has a seat that folds up and out of the way when the patient is walking. This is a big advantage over the typical four or three-wheeled walker.

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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