Walkers can be a blessing in disguise for people in their old age, struggling from cranky knees and joint pains. Walkers are in a literal sense the support of old age. They help elderly people in reducing their dependency on others to accomplish a task as basic as walking on their own.

Walkers provide a secure means for old people to stay mobile. But it is necessary to choose the right kind of walker. This may require some trial and error. However, with some pre-acquired knowledge of the things you must look for in your walker, you can make a wise decision.

Once you know the exact list of features you want in your walker, you can shop the same at Scootaround which offers a vast variety of walkers, with a lot of different features to choose from.

8 Major Things to Consider before getting a Walker

  • Types of walkers: There are different types of walkers available for use. Most common variants include standard no wheel walker, 2-wheel walker, and 4-wheel walker. Understanding which type of walker would suit your requirements is essential to making the right decision. If you need a walker to help you balance your weight while walking, a standard walker is a good choice. If you need to balance your gait with limited weight, a 2-wheeled walker can be a great fit. And if you are looking for a walker to help you balance while at the same time giving you speed, a 4-wheeled walker will do the task.
  • Recommendation of your trusted people: While investing in an asset like a walker, it is often a good idea to take reviews from others. You can understand from their experience about what are the best things about a particular walker type and what are the challenges that pop up. Similarly, you can also consult a technology specialist who can guide you in the selection and use of walkers. Their expert advice will be of great help. And most importantly, the recommendations of your doctor or physical therapist is a must nudge in the right direction. With too many options available, it is important to know the pros and cons of each to be able to decide the best fit for you.
  • Adjustability features: Walkers come along with many features. So it is prudent to know what features you want. First in line is adjustability. You must look for adjustable handles that can be adjusted in height to fit your physique appropriately and provide the best support. “A 6’2 adult will not be comfortable with the same height of walker as a 5’3 person,” says Megan Wilson, physical therapist and certified assistive technology practitioner at St. Jude Medical Center, Centers for Rehabilitation.
  • Stability and sturdiness: Your walker needs to be sturdy enough to give you the required stability and support. Go for a walker that is well built, has durability with a warranty and is one that you are comfortable with walking. If your requirement is of a lot of support, look for front wheels. If you want more endurance with the provision to sit, a rollator with a seat will be a good choice.
  • Ability to fold and store: Folding can be a great feature that can come in handy for walker users. Walkers can be bulky. And this can make them difficult to carry. A foldable walker makes it easy to transport it especially when you are traveling. It also makes it less bulky to store when not in use. However, the walker must be easy to fold even without assistance and it should not lose its sturdiness when unfolded.
  • Wheel load: Wheels can be a deciding factor while choosing your walker. Once you have decided whether to go for a wheeled version over a standard one, you need to know about the load they can handle. Most wheeled walkers can handle a load of up to 300 pounds. For a heavier weight, you can go for a bariatric model. This will help you use the walker more comfortably without the fear of an accident.
  • Storage capacity: New age walkers also come with storage. You can go for a walker with a storage basket or pouch. This feature can come in handy while carrying essentials like a phone, water bottle, etc. This also leaves your hands empty to have a better hold of the walker while walking.
  • Pricing: Lastly, do not forget to weigh in the price factor. Walkers can be of varied pricing. Based on your choice and brand, you will get different dealers for your walker. And they may have differentiated pricing too. So, do compare the pricing for different dealers and go for the best price you find.

Conclusion

These factors can be of great help when deciding on your walker. A walker is an essential for the user and you may depend a lot on it. So, it is of utmost importance that you are comfortable using it and it is convenient to use too. The walker should have the features for an easy experience but at the same time, it should not be too technical to hinder usage. It should be sturdy but at the same time easy to store and transport. It should be branded and of great quality and also fit in your price budget. A walker is an investment and that is why the choice must be made with a thought!