Perhaps you’ve experienced a few falls, or perhaps one of your parents has expressed reluctance to participate in activities they once enjoyed due to the difficulty they now experience in walking. If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to get a walker. Below we’ve discussed the types of walker and things to consider when buying one.

The Various Walker’s Types:

Here are the most common kind of walkers to get you started.

1. Standard Walker – The standard walker in the United States is a basic model without wheels. There are junior walkers and more robust bariatric walkers available, respectively. The lack of wheels makes simple walkers, which are ideal for adults who want more assistance, easier to operate.
2. Wheeled Walkers – Standard walkers with wheels added to the front legs are called wheeled walkers. Wheeled walkers are more convenient for usage indoors. Most of them have stable, fixed wheels that don’t sway from side to side. This model of walker is ideal for those who are able to walk independently but would benefit from some extra support, particularly on uneven grounds.
3. Rollators – Rollators are walkers with wheels on all four legs, while certain models are available with only three. This walker design allows for greater freedom of movement and can improve your mobility. For maximum mobility, bigger wheels are preferable. Rollators are convenient because they frequently feature built-in chairs and baskets.

Things to Consider in A Walker:

·Grips:

The level of comfort you experience when using a walker or rollator greatly depends on the quality of the grips you purchase. While most have plastic grips, those with sweaty hands may find that something softer is more comfortable. Larger grips may be easier to use for those who suffer from arthritis or other gripping disorders. Rollators require grips that provide for a firm grasp while also allowing for simple brake engagement.

·Ability to Transport and Stow:

A foldable walker or rollator is convenient if you have limited storage space at home or frequently transport yourself by automobile. Easy-to-use one-button, two-button, paddle, or trigger folding mechanisms make some walkers suitable for those with weaker hands.

When you open the walker, the locks should engage to keep it open (usually you’ll hear or feel a “click,” but if you don’t, give it a brief test to be sure it’s locked in place). You will need to be able to fold up the walker and raise it in order to store it in the trunk of a car.

Most three-wheeled walkers are more compact when folded and weigh less. A folding walker or rollator can be more convenient to store away in a small home or apartment. When not in use, a portable walker or rollator can be more conveniently stored away.

·Think About Your Wheel Size:

Wheels on mobility walkers come in a wide range of sizes. Larger wheels, particularly when fitted with pneumatic tires, reduce the impact of bumps and make for a more comfortable ride.

Larger caster wheels are more stable, but they’re also heavier and trickier to move in confined spaces than their smaller counterparts. Which specific requirements do they have? When can we expect them to travel frequently? Consider these factors when you make your choice.

·Pick a Walker that Can Handle Different Surfaces:

There is a wide variety of mobility walkers available. While some work best on certain surfaces, others are versatile enough to be utilized in a variety of environments. Your loved one may benefit from a walker with smaller wheels if he or she plans to use it largely inside. Larger wheels may be preferable if they spend a lot of time on uneven surfaces like grass and gravel.