Maintaining your mobility is a critical part of supporting your overall health and wellness. But if you need some assistance walking, how do you decide which piece of mobility equipment is right for you, and how do you decide when you need it? If you have limited endurance and strength, it can lead to problems with your balance that could result in falling. Often, your healthcare provider may recommend a mobility aid based on your individual abilities. As you consider which device is right for you, let us take some time to review the various options and features of common mobility aids.
Standard Walker
Walkers are a basic mobility aid. The frame is made from aluminum or steel, it will have four adjustable legs with durable rubber tips and are foldable. There are many sizes of walkers available, from pediatric to tall adult. They are a very stable walking aid when used properly and have been around for many years. The standard walker allows people to bear a significant amount of weight on the device through their arms to support their balance.
Besides stability, another advantage of a standard walker is that it folds quickly and is easy to transport. The disadvantages of the standard walker are:
- needs to be lifted and advanced with every step
- not appropriate for rough or uneven terrain
- challenging for those with diminished cognitive ability
Front Wheeled Walker
The front wheeled walker takes the frame of a standard walker as its starting point, but this is where the similarities end. Although the rear legs look similar, they have glide tips instead of rubber tips. The front legs are swapped out for legs with 5” wheels attached. Again, all four legs are adjustable for the correct height for the patient and are available in several size options including pediatric and bariatric. A front wheeled walker is recommended for patients who have an unstable gait, but do not need to bear a substantial amount of weight on the walker.
A key advantage of rolling walkers over standard walkers are that they provide a more normal walking pattern, as they do not need to be lifted off the ground with each step. Furthermore, the wheel-and-slider combination makes it easy to maneuver on different surfaces. And, just like a standard walker, they can be easily folded for storage or transport.
The disadvantages of a rolling walker are:
- Less stable than a standard walker
- Not appropriate for rough or uneven terrain
- Front wheels are fixed (i.e., do not rotate), which makes for a large turning radius.
Rollator
Also called a four wheeled walker, it will also have brakes, a seat, and in most cases a basket or bag for carrying items.
Rollators are best for people who need a mobility support for balance but not for weight-bearing through their arms. They are easy to propel and can facilitate a more normal gait pattern than a standard or front wheeled walker. Rollators are easier to maneuver around turns and typically do not need to be lifted when turning. The seat is helpful for people with conditions that require an occasional place to rest. The basket allows carrying items hands-free.
While rollators have brakes, they are not designed to stop on-a-dime. Rather, when the brakes are pressed, it slows the rollator so the user can manage their speed to avoid going too fast or losing control.
The seat on a rollator is designed only for short rest breaks. The best way to sit on a rollator is to abut the walker against a sturdy surface like a wall, apply the brakes, and then sit down gently.
Today’s rollators fold much flatter than they used to, making them easy to transport. They also come with options like larger wheels for rough or uneven terrain.
Final Thoughts
Walkers, rollators, and assistive devices can decrease falls when prescribed and used properly. When assessing the need for a walker, it is important to consider the various features available, as specified below.
- Weight: Consider the patient's height, weight, and lifting capability. There will be times that the patient will need to lift or shift the walker away from uneven surfaces, so models that are lightweight are important.
- Foldability: Does the patient travel outside of their home frequently? If so, choose a walker that folds down for easy storage and travel.
- Wheels: The patient should be able to control both the wheels and brakes effectively. Smaller wheels are great for indoor surfaces and light outdoor surfaces. Larger wheels are great for outdoors and some rougher terrain.
- Seat: Most rollators come with seats. If a patient tires easily and needs sitting breaks, rollators with seats and storage baskets are a good choice.
- Combination Rollator-Wheelchair: Rollator/transport chair combination products are useful if patients wish to walk part of the time and be pushed at other times.
Also note that assistive device maintenance is as important as prescribing the correct device. Checking the tips, sliders, and screws on walkers should be part of every visit with the patient.
Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will take the time to make sure your next mobility aid is fitted to you correctly. We also explain how to use and take care of it so it will it serve you for years to come. Plus, if anything should ever need adjusting or its time for maintenance, we are always here to help with that too. At MedCOR Professionals, we keep you moving forward.
Contributed by:
Tony Michaud
Mobility Specialist – MedCOR Professionals, Scarborough, Maine
