Advice for Mobility Aids
Today, many elderly people have the problem of walking. Old people's legs and feet can not move easily. So how to improve the mobility of the legs and feet of the elderly and help them to walk freely? The elderly will choose a walking companion - walker, which can help them better maintain balance and make them travel safer and more convenient.
What is a walker?
A walker is a device that assist walking. With the support of device, elderly people with inconvenient legs and feet, and even people who have lost the ability to walk can walk on their own, and can go for a walk like a normal person.
What types of walkers are there and how to choose a right walker?
Generally speaking, walkers can be divided into three types: wheelless walkers, two-wheeled walkers and four-wheeled walkers. So, is every one right for users? How to choose a walker that suits users?
First, if the elderly have difficulty maintaining balance, it is recommended to choose the wheelless or two-wheeled type, because these two types of walkers can provide sufficient stability for elderly people. It would be more secure for them.
Second, if the elderly can maintain balance, but walking requires a walker to support the weight, a two-wheeled walker is the best, because the two walker legs without the support of the wheels can prevent the walker from sliding away, ensuring the safety of the elderly.
Third, if the elderly can maintain balance, the four-wheeled walker can ensure that the elderly can walk faster and more stable. And the four-wheeled walker also has brakes, which is convenient to use when going downhill. Ability to park and brake at any time without worrying about the walker slipping away. When meeting obstacles, wide casters can better overcome obstacles and ensure safety.
How to use a walker?
1. Walker handle
The handles must be comfortable. The principle of anti-skid should be used to ensure that the grip is soft and comfortable to prevent the hands from wearing. If the elderly have difficulty gripping the handles, they can grip the handles with towels and other fabrics to increase the comfort.
2. Walker accessories selection
Some walkers have some accessories, such as trays, shopping baskets, and racks. These accessories can save the burden of large bags and small bags. The purpose of the walker is to help walking. It is OK to carry a small amount of things properly. Do not place too much weight, otherwise, it may affect the stability of the walker and fall easily.
3. Adjust the height of the walker
A highly comfortable walker can reduce the pressure on your shoulders and back caused by the walker during walking. So, how to adjust the height of the walker to make the user feel comfortable? First, the user stands upright inside the walker, the arms naturally hang down on both sides, the handle should be adjusted to the height of the wrist, and the arm can be bent at about 20 °-30 °.
4. Walking with a walker
For patients with a leg injury or physical disability, the walker needs to be pushed forward by one step while keeping the body straight, and then a foot must be put into the walker. Keep the walker still when patients walk, and finally move the other foot into the walker, and the walker still stays still. Keep moving the walker forward and repeat the process. These three steps become smoother when used continuously. Of course, some users can walk with their legs, just need to use a walker to get balance, this type of users can walk in normal gait.
