Those: Forbes Health
Author: Elaine Shelly
Table of contents
- What is a walking aid?
- Types of walking aids
- What should you look for in a walking aid?
- How much do walking frames cost?
Maybe you've fallen once or twice, or a parent is worried about leaving the house to do things they enjoy because walking has become difficult. Then it might be time to consider a walking aid.
What is a walking aid?
A walker is an aid that helps people who have difficulty with balance or stability. A walker can also help those recovering from orthopedic surgery who cannot bear full weight on one or both legs. Walking frames provide more support than a single cane because they often have more points of contact with the ground, provide support on both sides of the body, and are propelled using both hands.
Anyone who has difficulty with balance should see an exercise specialist, such as an exercise specialist. "You may want to consult a physical therapist, such as a physical therapist, who is trained to assess gait difficulties and recommend the best assistive device based on the person's particular 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 purchased without seeking help from a professional. It is important to learn the proper techniques for walking safely with a walker. Purchasing an ill-fitting walker or one that is unsuitable for the user can cause more problems than it solves by putting undue strain on the wrists and shoulders, she adds.
Types of walking aids
There are three main types of walking aids: standard walkers, wheeled walkers, and walkers.
Standard walking aids
A standard walker is the most well-known type of walking aid 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 walker has no wheels; instead, it must be lifted and moved forward with each step. Therefore, this type of walking aid usually requires more energy. In a Canadian study comparing standard walkers with walkers, researchers found that participants with standard walkers could not walk as far as participants with walkers because they had to expend more energy.
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Walking aids on wheels
A wheeled walker or rollator is a regular wheeled walker. Some walkers only have two wheels at the front, while others have four wheels. Two-wheel rollators typically have two tennis balls or slide rails attached to the bottom of the rear legs to help the rollator move smoothly. Most wheels on a walker 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 walker must be raised to accommodate these movements.
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Rollators
A rollator is a type of walking aid that can be equipped with three or four wheels. On some rollators, the wheels are omnidirectional (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 walkers over wheeled walkers because there is less stigma attached to walkers, which come in a variety of colors and styles.
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Adaptation of walking aids
For potential walking aid users who have additional health concerns, walking aid customization options are available. For example, a stroke survivor may need additional support to stand upright or control the walker due to general weakness or weakened hands and arms. For such cases, there are frames that can be attached to the walker to support the elbows and arms and keep the body upright. If necessary, a physical therapist can help find the best fit for the walking aid.
What you should look for in a walking aid
Before choosing a walking aid, you should be clear about your needs and goals. Will you only use the walker temporarily? Do you have any other medical problems in addition to your walking problems, such as: B. Tiredness? Do you have weaknesses in your hands or upper body? All of these considerations play a role in deciding whether you need a regular walker or one with wheels, and whether a wheeled walker or walker is best for you.
Height
Most walking aids are height adjustable. According to Galmarini, the optimal height of a walker is the distance between the user's wrists and the floor when the user stands between the two hind legs of the walker. When the handles are flush with the user's wrists, the arms can be extended naturally, avoiding awkward posture and strain on the wrists, shoulders and even back while using the walker. In general, a walker can be adjusted to fit people between 6 feet and 6 feet tall. For people who are not in this size range, there are petite and large walking aids. There are also bariatric walking aids for people who need a wider walking aid.
Weight
The weight of the walking aids also varies. A rollator is usually heavier than a normal walking aid. Weight becomes a factor when the walker is used independently for activities such as getting in and out of cars or maneuvering the walker over curbs or steps. It is important that the rollator can be used safely and does not create a tripping hazard.
brakes
Brakes are usually only found on walkers. The brakes can be an important feature as they ensure that the user can control their walking speed on inclines and lock the walker when they need to sit on it. The position and configuration of the brakes are an important factor in choosing the best rollator for your needs. For example, some walkers have large, tight brakes that can be challenging for small or weak hands. Newer models of walkers have internal brake cables, while some older models have external cables, posing a potential fall risk for those with more severe balance problems.
Regular maintenance and inspection
Accessories such as rubber attachments, attached tennis balls, slides, handles, brakes, screws and joints that connect the various parts of a rollator can become loose or worn out with daily use over an extended period of time, becoming a risk factor for falls. A regular two to three month inspection of these accessories is recommended.
How much do walking frames cost?
There is a wide range of prices for walking aids. The price of a normal walking aid starts at 30 euros, but a rollator can cost up to 1,000 euros.
Does insurance cover the cost of a walking aid?
Private insurance companies cover all or part of the cost of a walking aid, although there are some exceptions. Some private insurance companies only cover the costs for a normal walking aid, but not for walkers. Others will cover the cost of a rollator if a physical therapist or doctor can demonstrate why the rollator is medically necessary. It is best to ask your insurance company about the insurance coverage that applies to you before purchasing a rollator.
People who need walkers that aren't covered by insurance shouldn't be put off by the price, Galmarini says. There are grants, scholarships and donations for used equipment. Additionally, therapy clinics can assist patients in finding resources to obtain necessary medical equipment.
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 walker with financial assistance or out of pocket.
