Walkers are special devices that are designed for people with disabilities or older age. Their use helps to create additional support and assistance in movement. Thanks to the medical walkers, a person continues to feel like a full-fledged part of society.
Very often, a person has to learn how to move again after a stroke, an accident or another spinal injury. In some models, walkers for the elderly help to keep balance. The walkers are a light metal construction, supported by 3 or 4 wheels, legs, or a combination of them. Depending on the type of connection of the sidewalls, the end of the supports, the possible load, they are divided into several groups.
What is a medical walker, why we use it?
Walkers are medical value devices that intended for patients after severe spinal injuries, stroke, and limited functions of the musculoskeletal system. In general, depending on the disease, the patient has individually selected the walker types.
Mostly, models are made of aluminum, just to ensure that people can easily move them without help. However, this metal does not affect the level of resistance devices. Falling or rolling over with this design is almost impossible.
Walkers are much better than crutches or cane sticks that is familiar to us. The patient relies on a little and transfers the center of gravity, thus facilitating the process of movement. The device can be used not only on the street as well as in the home.
Basic rules while considering a medical walker
For many years, the range of medical walkers for people with disorders was limited to crutches and wheelchairs. The modern medical equipment market offers elderly patients and people with disabilities, more specialized walker to help them to move independently. Here are the basic rules:
- It is necessary to choose the right walker height. If the walkers correspond to the height of the user, then these are in a half-bent state when supporting the arm.
- When using stationary walkers, the person at each step rearranges the entire frame and moving forward. When using the walking walker, each side of the walker is alternately interchanged.
- Consider the most economical design such as a universal medical walker. When using them, the side parts can be fixed permanently with a rigid strap.
- When using the combined model, there are wheels on the front legs, the movement occurs as with simple walkers. The difference is that their movement is carried out using wheels.
What not to do when using a Medical walker?
- Do not use the walker when climbing stairs or an escalator.
- It is impossible to lean on one side of the frame with your whole body. Such movement may result in the roll turning over.
- It is undesirable to walk on the wet or slippery floor.
- When using a walker, you should not walk when you feel unwell, for example, when you feel dizzy.
- Do not use spoiled walkers.
How to Use the Medical Walker?
The operation of medical equipment implies some nuances. First, must be selected individually. Secondly, if there are any breakdowns or defects, they should be eliminated immediately. Faulty walkers can damage the patient’s health or cause injury. The first use should occur under the supervision of a specialist.
- Stationary models are first placed in front of the body in a stable position, then a step is taken towards the support;
- When using walking models, the sides of the structure are rearranged synchronously with the legs;
- The principle of using rollators does not differ from the use of stationary models; Walker must be adjusted before use.
6 Criteria that is Important to Consider When Choosing a Walker
- First, is the appointment. If you purchase a walker in order to be used by a disabled person, then a walker with the presence of front wheels and a lightweight frame may be suitable for him. If the user is an elderly person, then a walker on four legs, or maybe even with a support under the elbow.
- Secondly, it is the degree of strength. Here you need to consider the weight of the person who will use the walker. So the frame at the walker should not sag under the weight of a person.
- Thirdly, it is the technical specifications. It is important that the Walker model does not suit the buyer, but the person who will directly use them. After all, the more comfortable the walker is, the easier it is for an elderly or disabled person to adapt to their position.
- Fourth, it is important to consider such criteria as the height of the patient. Walkers for the elderly and for people with disabilities can be adjusted in height. This must be done right at the time of purchase. It is very important to adjust the height of the walker so that the posture of the patient is not bent, as well as his neck, shoulders, back, and hands do not feel pain.
- Fifth, it is the shape of the handle. The material must be properly selected. If a person often uses a walker, it is better to choose them with a soft coating, which has pores, and not plastic. If an elderly person has arthritis, then walkers are suitable for him, who have a wide handle that will relieve him of his painful sensations.
- Sixth, it is a walker with wheels or rollers. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to what the size of the wheels, as well as the presence of pneumatic or locking brakes. With small wheels, walkers are used for home conditions, and with large wheels – for the street. Wheels are changed in the same way as for bicycles.
The medical walkers are the devices that are used to restore and improve impaired motor activity after surgery and injuries, as well as to help people with disabilities and old age with independent movement.
