How to Choose the Best Walker for Your Needs

Many older adults, especially those in senior assisted living facilities, are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be.  This puts them in danger of a fall, which can have many serious repercussions on a seniors’ health.  If you are considering getting a Walker to help you move more safely around, you need to know something about them. 

For starters since there are several kinds of Walkers, you should consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to assist you on finding the most suitable one.  They will make sure it is your size as well as the right type.  To determine size, you should be able to stand between the rails, and the width of the Walker should be level with the insides of your wrists. A professional will also teach you how to use the Walker and provide tips for normal activities such as sitting down while using a walker.  This is done by backing up until you feel the seat of the chair behind you.  Now bend forward at your hip and reach behind with one hand to grab the armrest.  Do the same with your other hand as you carefully lower yourself onto the center of the chair.        

Common types of Walkers include a basic Walker that has four legs with rubber tips on each one.  To use, a person must pick up the Walker as they take a step.   A wheeled Walker can have two fixed wheels on the front that do not swivel side to side or have rubber tips on the front legs and small wheels on the back.  These Walkers allow people to walk more naturally as they do not need to be picked up with each step.  A three-wheel walker has one wheel in front and two in back and offers the advantage of being lighter and easier to move around in smaller spaces. 

Rollators are four-wheeled Walkers and can be equipped with a seat for a basket.  These Walkers are quipped with hand brakes and are ideal for people who do not need to apply a lot of weight to the Walker.  However they are not recommended for people with dementia as they may forget to use the hand brake.  Please visit MorningStar of Billings to learn more about one of the area’s top choices in senior assisted living facilities. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to set up a tour to one of Billings’ foremost senior living facilities.