Different Types Of Medical Wheeled Walkers

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.

Despite the number of wheels, in using this type of mobility aid there will be lots of pushing much like what a person would do to a shopping cart due to the wheels. This is as opposed to the standard strollers for seniors where what is needed is that the person will lift the walker to be able to use it.

A very popular walker is the three-wheeled walker. They fold in half which makes it easy to travel with. Generally, they have a bag which, of course, allows you to carry things. Some of the more expensive models have trays as well. Most three wheeled strollers are light in weight and adjustable in height.

When the sense of balance is impaired in any way, what happens is that a person becomes more prone to falls. For the younger generation who has stronger bones, simple falls are not something to be afraid of that for the senior age bracket, it's a cause of concern since falls have the potential of aggravating the conditions they already have. There are also times when the cause of falls are not the medicines that seniors are taking or their health but also clutter in the house, and snagging on loose carpeting. One of the consequences of falls is experiencing injuries to ankles, spine, or the hip which may cause an even decreased mobility.

Seat - Make sure the user can sit on the seat and still have their feet touch the ground. Lightweight and fold-able - Make sure it is not too heavy so that whoever needs to can pick it up and put it in a car trunk. Most are fold-able, so it is also a good idea to check to see if it fits in a car trunk.

The two most common types of brake systems are the bicycle grip and the spring loaded type that locks anytime weight is applied directly in a downward motion. The bicycle grip brake also is known as a quad grip, is attached to the handle bars and is applied by either squeezing the handle or pushing down on it. To release the brake either release the grip or push up the bottom of the handle.

When this type of walker is used on loose carpet, the senior will have something to hold on which prevents him or her from snagging on the carpet. Further, rolling strollers are designed with large wheels so that the senior will be able to easily navigate outdoors while smaller wheels are great for navigating indoors. Thus he or she remains stable as he or she tries himself or herself around the house or outdoors.

Both of these features make it easier for the caregiver or patient to load in the vehicle when traveling. This type of walker has gliders on the rear of the walker to create a drag that may help some user keep better control of their walker. And finally this walker locks it's self when ever the individual sits down. This feature is extremely important for those patients who might have some dementia.




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