Mobility is something we kind of take for granted at times. Seniors and people who have experienced broken bones or other ailments that have limited their ability to walk or stand for significant periods of time know all too well how this feels. Just because they aren’t able to get around as much or as fast as they used to, doesn’t make them any less capable of being independent and mobile.
While some use wheelchairs and motorized scooters help them get where they want to go, others aren’t ready or comfortable with those options. For them, walkers are a perfectly good aid to help them become more active. They also offer more stability than using a cane or crutches.
There are many different kinds of walkers to meet varying mobility needs. You can find more information about walkers on www.upliftingmobility.com and other helpful sites. Some models have 2 or 4 wheels, and certain models even offer a storage basket and a seat for resting on. Others are used for people who have undergone foot or ankle surgery to rest their legs on comfortably.
Although wheelchairs and motorized scooters get people around faster, they are not always the best solution.
Here are 7 reasons why you shouldn’t ignore walkers for disabled or elderly people:
1. Walkers are a Lot Less Expensive
A good wheelchair or motorized scooter looks nice, but can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the make, model and features offered. While walkers may not have all the fancy bells and whistles, they are very efficient and very affordable. Some manufacturers work with insurance companies to provide their products at little or no out-of-pocket cost to you.
2. Walkers Provide Independence
A senior or someone else who needs a little extra help getting around due to injury or surgery can operate a walker just fine. After a little practice, they’ll be using their walker just like a professional. It’s a great tool to help them run errands and attend social functions with friends and family. Scooters and wheelchairs are nice, but they can’t go everywhere that you want to go to.
3. Walkers are Portable
Most walker models are lightweight and are either collapsible or are otherwise very easy to store when needed. They don’t take up a lot of space and are there when you need them. They don’t need to be disassembled when they need to be put away, and there’s no batteries or electronics to bother with, either.
4. Walkers Help with Balance
Having a sturdy walker that the user can grip firmly with both hands helps them maintain their balance. This is a big advantage over using crutches or a cane. They also help build strength for those who are dealing with an injury or surgery. Scooters and wheelchairs are convenient, but they don’t really do anything in terms of helping to regain strength or build endurance.
5. They Help you Walk More
Using a walker helps you stay active. In some cases, people using walkers often find themselves walking more often and walking farther distances every day than they did before they had one. Once you get used to using one, you’ll soon use your walker almost everywhere you go. They are great for walking trails, sidewalks, hallways and many other flats, even surfaces.
6. They are Easy to Maintain
Most walkers are made of lightweight metal or plastics, and don’t require much care. Just a little regular cleaning and making sure the rubber tips and wheels are free of debris are usually all that you need to do. You’ve probably seen tennis balls affixed to the rubber ends of walkers at nursing homes and senior citizen apartment complexes. This is something you can do for added safety if needed.
7. They Help Build Self-Confidence
After an accident or injury, some people are afraid or nervous to try to walk again. Walkers help their users get back on their feet again. The more they’re used, the more comfortable their users are. When you’re used to not being able to get around on your own, and suddenly you’re able to do so, that’s a huge confidence boost. It’s a positive step towards feeling like your old self again.
These are just a few of the many reasons why walkers are important for the disabled and the elderly. If you or someone in your family is thinking about buying a walker, talk to your doctor or health care professional first. They may recommend specific models that work best for your needs and your budget. Shop around: do research on different product types, read reviews and shop online or visit your local home medical supply store to see the features and options of the different models that are available. Walkers are a great home health aid that are too important to be ignored.
