WALKERS AND ROLLATORS

Walkers and Rollators are helpful in rehabilitating people with injuries and allow those with disabilities to move about without aid. They come in multiple versions with various options but the basic difference is with or without wheels. 

Sam's Health Mart carries a full line of walkers and rollators in various sizes and colors.  Ask us about billing your walker to Medicare Part B or Medicaid. 

Walkers without wheels
This is the most common type of walker. They come with adjustable aluminum supports and can help individuals with injuries or disabilities to get around. These types of walker provide more stable support than a rollator.  Most walkers are adjustable for height.

3 Legged Frames                                                                                                                    Three leg frames allow for greater maneuverability but are less stable than 4 legged frames. They are helpful when moving through a tight space.

4 Legged Frames                                                                       Four leg frames are more stable and can be safer for uneven ground. They are typically larger and heavier than other walkers but should be considered for individuals that use a walker outside the home.

Handgrips                                                                                Most walking aids have either molded plastic or foam rubber handgrips. Some handgrips can be adjusted to the users preference. There are also options in handgrips that are specifically designed to spread weight over a wider area of the palm.

Wheels                                                                                      Walkers with wheels provide great ease of mobility.  Wheels can be large or small.  The larger they are the easier it is to get over rough ground or obstacles but can  pose a problem when space is limited.  Smaller wheels are more suited   for indoor use.  Wheels can be fixed or  have a swivel.  
Brakes                                                                                     There are many different types of braking systems on a rolling walker and some may be more appropriate than others for a particular person.  

Push-down brakes are a type of pressure brake that work on downward pressure applied to the spring-loaded frame. These are the easiest brakes to operate. When you lean on the walker frame, the motion of the rear wheels is interrupted. This halts forward movement while you shift weight from one foot to the other.  Push down brakes may be unsuitable for either petite users who can not push down heavily enough on frame or heavy users who may engage the brakes too constantly.

Loop Cable brakes resemble bike brakes. They require squeeze action and simultaneous use of both hands. However, they provide greater stability than pressure brakes.  Because they offer instant braking action, cable brakes must be used cautiously. Two walkers may be the answer. A rollator for outdoor use and a standard walker for indoor. If you have separate levels to your house or apartment you may also consider getting one for each flour. The key to better mobility and safety is correctly matching the walking aid to the user's needs, abilities, limitations, and environment.

Reverse system brakes are locked at all times unless they are manually released by squeezing the brake handles.  Squeeze the brake handle and the walker becomes free-wheeling. Release the brake handle and the brakes automatically engage. This system is useful for someone who has difficulty walking with a "natural" gait.

Indoor vs Outdoor                                                                         A rolling walker for outdoor use and a standard walker for indoor use may be the best solution.  You may also want to consider having two walkers if you have multiple levels in your house or apartment, one for each floor.

Construction                                                                             Steel is stronger, but aluminum is lighter. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you will likely need a steel walker.  Otherwise, you can go with one of the lighter (and more easily pushed) aluminum rolling walkers.

OPTIONAL PARTS FOR WALKERS

Seats
Seats allow the user to take a break and rest when fatigued. Some walkers include backrests and armrests that assist with sitting down or standing up.

Baskets
Baskets and bags of various sizes and position are available to carry items easily from place to place.  There are baskets for ease of loading and unloading when shopping and also under-seat storage compartments that offer more privacy for things like purses or supplies.

Cane holders
A cane holder enables you to have a cane on hand for when using the walker itself is inconvenient.

Oxygen tank holders
Oxygen tank holders are available for some walkers. This option may be safer than carrying the tank in a basket where it is apt to move around.