When purchasing a car, you know to do your homework. The same goes for choosing an assisted living community. But how about buying a walker?
Do you know what to look for in a walker?
Maybe you figured you’ll just go with a recognized name or store. But like any other investment, you’d do yourself a favor to familiarize yourself with the varieties, differences, and quality indicators so you know you’ve made an informed decision that puts your interests in the center of the decision-making process.
Basic knowledge can help you ask the right questions and look out for some important details that you may otherwise overlook.
Walker Types
As you probably already know, there are several types of walkers. However, they can be generally broken down into two categories:
- Standard walkers
- Wheeled walkers
Standard walkers are, well, standard. They have legs without wheels, which makes them very sturdy, and you need to lift them as you walk.
Wheeled walkers come in different variations. You can find them in two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel models. While more wheels mean easier maneuverability, they also mean less stability. So the more help you need in balancing yourself, the more you need a standard walker or one with fewer wheels.
Practical Considerations
Another consideration is practicality. Is the walker portable enough to fit your traveling needs? Does it fold? Will it fit around your living space easily?
This line of thought may not be obvious at first, but you a product that just doesn’t match your needs will go anything but unnoticed.
Hand Grips
According to the Mayo Clinic, “choosing the correct grip will relieve unnecessary stress on your joints and help prevent joint deformities.” They suggest getting a larger grip if you have difficulty using your fingers and foam grips or soft covers if your hands get sweaty. These considerations can make a significant difference in your experience. But, “whichever grip you choose, be sure it’s secure so that it won’t slip while you’re using the walker.”
Have you recently purchased a walker?
What advice did you find helpful?
Please share in the comments below.