Source: Forbes Health
Author: Elaine Shelly
Table of Contents
- What is a walking aid?
- Types of walking aids
- What should one pay attention to when using a walking aid?
- How much do walking aids cost?
"Perhaps you have already fallen once or twice, or a parent has concerns about leaving the house to do things they enjoy because walking has become difficult. Then it may be time to consider a walking aid."
What is a walking aid?
A walking aid is a device that helps people who have difficulties with balance or stability. A walking aid can also assist those who are recovering from an orthopedic surgery and cannot bear full weight on one or both legs. Walking aids provide more support than a single cane, as they often have more contact points with the ground, offer support on both sides of the body, and are operated with both hands.
"Anyone who has difficulty with balance should consult a movement specialist, such as a physical therapist, who is trained to assess gait difficulties and recommend the best assistive device based on the individual's specific walking ability, balance, strength, endurance, and size," says Taylor Galmarini, a physical therapist in Atlanta.
"She sees many seniors struggling with walking aids that they or their family members have purchased without asking a professional for help. It is important to learn the right techniques for safe walking with a walking aid. Buying a poorly fitting or unsuitable walking aid for the user can cause more problems than it solves, as wrists and shoulders can become overly strained," she adds.
Types of walking aids
There are three main types of walking aids: standard walking aids, walking aids with wheels, and walkers.
Standard walking aids
A standard walking aid is the most well-known type of walking aids and is typically used in medical or rehabilitation facilities. It is usually made of silver metal and has gray handles on each side. The standard walking aid has no wheels; instead, it must be lifted and moved forward with each step. Therefore, this type of walking aid generally requires more energy. In a Canadian study comparing standard walking aids with walkers, researchers found that participants using standard walking aids could not walk as far as participants using walkers because they had to exert more energy.
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Mobility aids on wheels
A walking aid with wheels or a rollator is a standard walking aid with wheels. Some rollators have only two wheels at the front, while others have four wheels. Rollators with two wheels usually have two tennis balls or glides attached to the bottom of the back legs to allow the rollator to move smoothly. Most wheels of a rollator only roll forward or backward, with the front wheels only moving in one direction. If the user needs to move sideways or turn around, the rollator must be lifted to allow for these movements.
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Rollators
A rollator is a type of walking aid that can be equipped with three or four wheels. Some rollators have omnidirectional wheels (i.e., they roll in all directions), allowing users to easily turn around or move sideways without having to lift the device. Rollators are also equipped with seats, an important relief for people who tire quickly. Some users prefer rollators to walkers with wheels because rollators, which are available in various colors and designs, carry less stigma.
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Adjustment of walking aids
For potential users of walking aids who have additional health issues, there are adjustment options for walking aids. For example, a stroke survivor may need additional support to stand upright or to control the walking aid due to general weakness or weakened hands and arms. For such cases, there are frames that can be attached to the walking aid to support the elbows and arms and keep the body upright. A physiotherapist can help find the best adjustment for the walking aid if needed.
What to look for in a walking aid
Before you choose a walking aid, you should clarify your needs and goals. Will you be using the walking aid only temporarily? Do you have other medical issues in addition to your walking problems, such as fatigue? Do you have weaknesses in your hands or upper body? All these considerations play a role in deciding whether you need a standard walking aid or one with wheels, and whether a wheeled walking aid or a walker is best suited for you.
Height
Most walking aids are height adjustable. According to Galmarini, the optimal height of a walking aid corresponds to the distance between the user's wrists and the floor when the user stands between the two rear legs of the walking aid. When the handles are level with the user's wrists, the arms can be extended naturally, preventing an unfavorable body posture and strain on the wrists, shoulders, and even the back during the use of the walking aid. In general, a walking aid can be adjusted to fit individuals with a height between 1.80 m and 1.80 m. For individuals who do not fall within this height range, there are petite and tall walking aids. For individuals who require a wider walking aid, there are also bariatric walking aids.
Weight
The weight of walking aids also varies. A walker is usually heavier than a standard walking aid. Weight becomes a factor when the walking aid is used independently for activities such as getting in and out of cars or maneuvering the walking aid over curbs or steps. It is important that the walker can be used safely and does not create tripping hazards.
Brakes
Brakes are usually only found on walkers. The brakes can be an important feature as they allow the user to control their walking speed on inclines and to lock the walker when they need to sit on it. The position and configuration of the brakes are an important factor in selecting the best walker for your needs. For example, some walkers have large, tightly fitting brakes that can be a challenge for small or weak hands. Newer models of walkers have internal brake cables, while some older models have external cables, which pose a potential fall risk for individuals with more severe balance issues.
Regular maintenance and inspection
Accessories such as rubber tips, attached tennis balls, slides, hand grips, brakes, screws, and joints that connect the various parts of a walker can loosen or wear out with daily use over an extended period, thus becoming a risk factor for falls. A regular inspection of these accessories every two to three months is recommended.
How much do walking aids cost?
There is a wide price range for walking aids. The price for a standard walking aid starts at 30 euros, but a walker can cost up to 1,000 euros.
Does the insurance cover the costs for a walking aid?
Private insurances cover the costs for a walking aid either fully or partially, with some exceptions. Some private insurances only cover the costs for a standard walking aid, but not for walkers. Others cover the costs for a walker if a physiotherapist or doctor can demonstrate why the walker is medically necessary. It is best to inquire with your insurance about the applicable coverage before purchasing a walker.
"People who need walkers that are not covered by insurance should not be deterred by the price, says Galmarini. There are grants, scholarships, and donations for used equipment. Furthermore, therapy clinics can assist patients in finding resources for acquiring necessary medical devices."
Most insurance companies only pay for mobility aids every two or three years. If it is likely that you will need a more expensive mobility aid in the near future, it may be best to purchase a walking aid with financial support or out of pocket.
