Friday 29 September 2017

Tips To Use When Buying 4 Wheeled Walkers

By Carol Miller


Rolling walkers are another class of mobility aid designed to help the senior keep balance while standing or walking and they are an innovation to the ordinary walkers where instead of the usual legs, there are wheels. Rolling walkers come in 3 different versions: 2, 3, and 4 wheeled walkers.

Strollers can come with baskets, trays, seats, wheels, and brakes. The simplest walker is an aluminum light weight folding walker. It folds for storage or travel. If the client is unable to lift the walker as they walk, wheels can be added. Wheels must always be added to the front with some glide cap or ski on the rear. Most folding strollers can accommodate a tray and/or a basket. Be careful not to overfill them; it could create an unstable walker.

However, the question is: "Why do seniors need rolling strollers?" As age sets in many seniors will suffer from mobility problems due to arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases that cause painful joints and muscles. Not only are diseases the culprit because certain medications such as: laxatives, antidepressants, and sedatives also affect their sense of balance more than the younger generations.

When the sense of balance is impaired in any way, what happens is that a person becomes more prone to falls. For the younger generation who has stronger bones, simple falls are not something to be afraid of that for the senior age bracket, it's a cause of concern since falls have the potential of aggravating the conditions they already have. There are also times when the cause of falls are not the medicines that seniors are taking or their health but also clutter in the house, and snagging on loose carpeting. One of the consequences of falls is experiencing injuries to ankles, spine, or the hip which may cause an even decreased mobility.

The most common four wheeled strollers is equipped with a seat. Usually, you will find a bag or basket under the seat. Some styles place an extra basket on the front for additional storage space. Although it does make the walker longer, making it more difficult to maneuver. Also, it will have a brake system. It's important to lock the brakes anytime the client sits or stands. If this isn't done, there is a risk of injury.

Quality - Buying a four-wheel walker is like buying a family car. They want something that is safe, reliable and it does not hurt if it is also good looking. Compare a more expensive one to a less expensive one, and you will see (and feel) the difference. Use these tips to narrow the search down to a handful of 4 wheel walkers and then have your aging parent test them out. Take each one out for a walk outside as it will allow you to see if it fits through a standard doorway, negotiate corners and roll over uneven ground.

When this type of walker is used on loose carpet, the senior will have something to hold on which prevents him or her from snagging on the carpet. Further, rolling strollers are designed with large wheels so that the senior will be able to easily navigate outdoors while smaller wheels are great for navigating indoors. Thus he or she remains stable as he or she tries himself or herself around the house or outdoors.

Both of these features make it easier for the caregiver or patient to load in the vehicle when traveling. This type of walker has gliders on the rear of the walker to create a drag that may help some user keep better control of their walker. And finally this walker locks it's self when ever the individual sits down. This feature is extremely important for those patients who might have some dementia.




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