Walker Chair: Assessing and Empowering Natural Mobility

walker chair - assistive technologyMobility aids such as a walker chair are devices designed to help people with mobility issues enjoy freedom and independence once again.

Mobility is one of the human faculties that affects the locomotion capacity and the ability of every person to perform particular tasks such as toileting.

Walkers can help people who are at risk of falling, like those with disabilities, injuries, or older adults. 

People with reduced mobility need these devices to replace, recover and empower their locomotion capacities and independence.

Today, walker chairs are available in different options and styles. Finding the right fit for you based on your medical condition is crucial. 

Different Styles and Types of Walker Chairs

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the design options that suit your needs. Here are the numerous types of walkers. 

  • Standard Walker / Folding Walker

This walker has four nonskid, rubber-tipped legs to provide stability. Although it is sturdy, a standard walker is both lightweight and portable.

  • Two-Wheel / Front-Wheel Walker

It has two large wheels in the front and rubber tips on the back. This type of walker is also foldable and easy to carry. This walker is helpful if you need some, but not constant, weight-bearing help.

  • Three-Wheel Walker / Three-Wheel Rollator

This type of walker provides balance and support like a four-wheel walker, but it is lighter weight and is more maneuverable. Some models are foldable, and the wheels are durable enough for outdoor use. 

  • Four-Wheel Walker / Four-Wheel Rollator 

One of the most popular walkers. Fit for people who don’t need to lean on the walker for balance and who can hold their own weight. 

  • Knee Walker

This type of walker is similar to a foot-propelled scooter, but it has a platform for resting your knee.

Who Can Benefit from a Walker Chair?

Anyone with mobility issues, either temporary or long-term, can benefit from this mobility aid. 

  • People with Arthritis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • People with injury to the legs, feet, or back
  • Walking impairment due to brain injury or stroke
  • People with visual impairment or suffering from blindness
  • Obese people
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Have fractures or broken limbs
  • Diabetic Ulcers and wounds

Safety Tips for New Walker Users

Here are some safety tips for new walker users.

  • Make sure to test-run the walker before using it to ensure the hand brakes are working well.
  • Remove any debris in the wheels or tips if used outdoors.
  • To avoid any untoward incidents, replace tips, skis, slides, or wheels if they become worn down.
  • Choose a walker with a comfortable grip. A softer or texture grip is a good choice.
  • Keep the walker clean and sanitized to remove germs.
  • The caregiver must walk behind or beside the walker so that he can easily assist the patient if something happens.
  • Add some accessories that can make your walker easier to use and more useful, such as seats, pouch, baskets, or anything else you may need.

In Summary

Walkers can be of great help to seniors or for those with limited mobility to feel more independent and safer. Aside from that, this mobility aid provides several benefits to users, including reduced pain, increased confidence, and self-esteem.

Before purchasing or using a walker, remember to talk with your doctor or physical therapist first if a walker is right for you. And if you need one, ask them how to properly use the device.

Walker Chair: Assessing and Empowering Natural Mobility Read More »

walker chair - assistive technologyMobility aids such as a walker chair are devices designed to help people with mobility issues enjoy freedom and independence once again.

Mobility is one of the human faculties that affects the locomotion capacity and the ability of every person to perform particular tasks such as toileting.

Walkers can help people who are at risk of falling, like those with disabilities, injuries, or older adults. 

People with reduced mobility need these devices to replace, recover and empower their locomotion capacities and independence.

Today, walker chairs are available in different options and styles. Finding the right fit for you based on your medical condition is crucial. 

Different Styles and Types of Walker Chairs

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the design options that suit your needs. Here are the numerous types of walkers. 

  • Standard Walker / Folding Walker

This walker has four nonskid, rubber-tipped legs to provide stability. Although it is sturdy, a standard walker is both lightweight and portable.

  • Two-Wheel / Front-Wheel Walker

It has two large wheels in the front and rubber tips on the back. This type of walker is also foldable and easy to carry. This walker is helpful if you need some, but not constant, weight-bearing help.

  • Three-Wheel Walker / Three-Wheel Rollator

This type of walker provides balance and support like a four-wheel walker, but it is lighter weight and is more maneuverable. Some models are foldable, and the wheels are durable enough for outdoor use. 

  • Four-Wheel Walker / Four-Wheel Rollator 

One of the most popular walkers. Fit for people who don’t need to lean on the walker for balance and who can hold their own weight. 

  • Knee Walker

This type of walker is similar to a foot-propelled scooter, but it has a platform for resting your knee.

Who Can Benefit from a Walker Chair?

Anyone with mobility issues, either temporary or long-term, can benefit from this mobility aid. 

  • People with Arthritis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • People with injury to the legs, feet, or back
  • Walking impairment due to brain injury or stroke
  • People with visual impairment or suffering from blindness
  • Obese people
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Have fractures or broken limbs
  • Diabetic Ulcers and wounds

Safety Tips for New Walker Users

Here are some safety tips for new walker users.

  • Make sure to test-run the walker before using it to ensure the hand brakes are working well.
  • Remove any debris in the wheels or tips if used outdoors.
  • To avoid any untoward incidents, replace tips, skis, slides, or wheels if they become worn down.
  • Choose a walker with a comfortable grip. A softer or texture grip is a good choice.
  • Keep the walker clean and sanitized to remove germs.
  • The caregiver must walk behind or beside the walker so that he can easily assist the patient if something happens.
  • Add some accessories that can make your walker easier to use and more useful, such as seats, pouch, baskets, or anything else you may need.

In Summary

Walkers can be of great help to seniors or for those with limited mobility to feel more independent and safer. Aside from that, this mobility aid provides several benefits to users, including reduced pain, increased confidence, and self-esteem.

Before purchasing or using a walker, remember to talk with your doctor or physical therapist first if a walker is right for you. And if you need one, ask them how to properly use the device.