What to Look for in Walkers in Ledyard CT

by | May 14, 2015 | Health Care

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As they grow older, many people experience limited mobility. Because of this, older adults need mobility assistance. Mobility assistance usually comes in the form of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. The first “step” in mobility assistance is a cane. However, canes offer minimal support. A walker is really a better option for support. There are multiple types, and most of them can be purchased in a pharmacy.

Pharmacies all over the US, from California to Connecticut, sell walkers. There are four main types: the standard, the folding, the rollator, and the rolling walker. The standard or medical walker is said to provide more support than any other mobility device. The user must lift it, so it requires a little bit of upper body strength. They may be a great support, but standard walkers are not be feasible for long walks. A folding walker is virtually the same as a standard one except that it is collapsible for convenient storage and transport. A rollator is a walker with four wheels and brakes.

Rollators are best for people who spend a lot of time walking outdoors. They allow the user to move at a quicker pace, and stop or slow down easily with the brake. It often comes with a bag or basket users can use to carry personal items. Rolling walkers have wheels, as well. However, their wheels can be front-only or for the front and back. Because of the wheels, these walkers are less secure than standard ones. They are also typically best suited for people who need extra support outside of the home, but who can walk mostly on their own.

What type of mobility device a person uses matters a lot. But, the concern doesn’t stop there. There are three important things to consider when buying Walkers in Ledyard CT. These important things include the width, weight, and height of the walker. The width matters because users will have to maneuver through doorways and hallways and into bathroom stalls. Weight matters because the user must be able to easily lift and move with the walking device. A heavier device could lead to injuries and upper body strain.

Most walkers in Ledyard CT pharmacies are height adjustable. The height may have to be adjusted, as different surfaces and shoes can change the height of the walker and user. People should generally look for devices that put them in the middle of the height range.

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