Handicap Walkers

Disability, Handicap Equipment

Handicap walkers, also known as mobility walkers, roller walkers, rollators or just plain “walkers,” are devices that help handicapped or disabled people retain their mobility. Often used by the elderly, walkers allow users to lean their weight onto the device’s handle, making it easier to move even if muscles are weak.

Unlike canes, handicap walkers have four widely-spaced legs. This wide spacing gives them far better stability than even four-legged canes. The walkers are usually made of hollow aluminum tubing, which gives them a light weight, yet allows them to have enough strength to hold up someone who leans on them. For someone with limited mobility and needs little assistance, these lift handicap walkers are the most affordable and efficient handicapped equipment.

Rolling Walkers and Rollators

Despite the seemingly light weight, sometimes it’s impossible for a user of a handicap walker to lift it with each step. For these people, there are walkers with wheels, also known as push handicap walkers. Wheeled models can have wheels on just the front two legs or on all four. The two-wheeled walkers need to be tilted upward for each step, but can offer stable support when the back two legs are put on the ground so they will not roll away. Walkers with four wheels don’t need to be lifted at all; however one must be a bit more careful when leaning on them. These four wheel handicap walkers often come with shopping baskets bolted between their legs making them ideal for grocery shopping or other times when the user needs to carry or delivery items. The push handicap walkers are best used for carpeted areas because they can reduce the chances of getting caught in the carpet fiber. Lift handicap walkers might snag easier and cause injury.

Handicap Walkers With Seat

Some handicap walkers are equipped with padded seats. These seats are perfect for long lines in hospitals, insurance and medical offices. Standing in line puts more stress on the knees and feet because all the bodyweight is positioned directly on top of them. Checking out in supermarket and shopping malls will be much easier when you have a seat to wait out the other customers. You can also have the option of having a basket on the walker to carry your groceries and personal belongings.

Using a handicap walker can greatly improve the quality of life of someone who would otherwise be unable to walk or be at a high risk of falling. Instead of having to either stay home or wait for someone to assist, walker users can go out when they feel the urge. This allows users to maintain their mobility and independence. Another advantage of handicap walkers is their price compared to handicapped scooters and mobility wheelchairs.

The price of handicap walkers ranges from as low as about $50 to as much as $200 for a heavy-duty bariatric rollator. Insurance should cover the cost if the walker has been prescribed by a doctor. People who have a lot of trouble walking should definitely consider the use of a walker. The improvement in mobility, independence, and walking safety is well worth the use of these devices.

Tags: Rollators