Elderly Walkers Lower The Risk Of Falling

By Kay William


As a temporary or as a permanent aid for people having difficulties balancing, elderly walkers can really make their life easier, and lower the risk of falling. There are basically three types of walkers. A standard one without wheels, with four rubber made shoe stop bases, provides the best stability, especially if you need to place your weight there and use it also as a help for standing up.

A two-wheel walker allows you to place your weight on it as well, but you don't need to lift it up while walking. It can be easily pushed around, and those two legs without wheels provide stability and prevent the chance of rolling. A four-wheel type is made for people who don't have so much troubles balancing, but they need some help walking. It will allow them to move faster and provide additional safety.

All walkers should be equipped with anatomically shaped grips, in different sizes. They are usually made out of plastic, but they can also be made of foam or other, more soft materials. Those are suitable for people whose hands are more sensitive, due to different illnesses such as arthritis. Besides, if your hands sometimes get sweaty, soft grips will provide more stability.

Properly adjusted walker height is essential for comfortable use. While standing within it, with your hands placed on the grips, your elbows should be bent at the angle of 15 degrees. This way the stress on your shoulders and your back will be minimized. If it is too low, you will be forced to lean forward, and if it is too high, it won't be comfortable using it, and it won't provide enough stability.

Upright posture is also of great importance. Leaning over the walker will cause you back pains in time. You should move slowly, pushing your walker in front of you, one step at a time, always carefully changing directions. This equipment is designed to ease your movement around your home and neighborhood, and you should never try to use it on the stairs.

There is also a possibility of attaching different accessories on your walker. Side pouch is very convenient for placing your books or papers in it, and light plastic trays and baskets can be attached in front, allowing you to carry your food or other things. The seat can also be there, and you might find it very handy to have it.

Maintenance is very important, and you should check the state of your equipment regularly. Worn out parts and loose wheels can increase your chances of falling, and you should prevent that from happening. Make sure the rubber shoe-stop bases or heels are always in a good condition, as well as the grips.

Elderly walkers will give you a great chance to be independent once again. Whether your problems are associated with your health condition or your age, it will be nice to feel free, and to move around without needing help from others. Simple, light-weight walker can really make your life much better.




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