Thursday 28 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.

Despite the number of wheels, in using this type of mobility aid there will be lots of pushing much like what a person would do to a shopping cart due to the wheels. This is as opposed to the standard strollers for seniors where what is needed is that the person will lift the walker to be able to use it.

Width - Most four wheel walkers are about the same width. However, there are some that are both wider and narrower. Depending on the seniors home, they may want a walker that is narrower (to easily fit through doorways). However, only purchase a narrow walker if they need it to be narrow. They are not as sturdy as the regular width walkers.

Wheel size - The larger the wheel size, the easier it rolls over rough surfaces. If seniors are going to use it outside (and they should), then an 8-inch wheel is a good idea. Small wheels can get caught in sidewalk cracks and dirt/gravel. Brakes - Make sure the senior can use the brakes. Some of them are very stiff and difficult to squeeze. This can be a problem as it is advised that users put the brakes on when sitting down and standing up (ie. They will need to use the brakes frequently during the day).

Thus these seniors become dependent on medicines to alleviate the pain and discomforts of their disease, and also they rely on mobility aids such as medical strollers with wheels to keep them steady on their feet. Strollers particularly those that have wheels have done much in increasing seniors' independence in the sense that they will be free of needing assistance from others when they try to stand or walk.

The two most common types of brake systems are the bicycle grip and the spring loaded type that locks anytime weight is applied directly in a downward motion. The bicycle grip brake also is known as a quad grip, is attached to the handle bars and is applied by either squeezing the handle or pushing down on it. To release the brake either release the grip or push up the bottom of the handle.

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.

When a senior is trying to negotiate an incline, there is something to hold on to thus plus with the braking mechanisms of these rolling walkers, he or she will be confident that the device will not roll toward him or away from him. Most 4-wheeled medical walkers also come with a seat, and this will keep the user from getting too tired as he or she will have a place to sit down and rest.




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