Way Too Much Information About Walkers
One of the biggest things nurses and hospital systems focus on is preventing patient falls, and you should too. Falling can make a good situation bad and a difficult situation even worse. Think that bypass surgery was tough? Wait till you crack your head open on the floor. Obviously we don’t want that. Gross.
Walkers are great because they provide much-needed stability and support while allowing people to maintain their independence. Put another way: Walkers can be a game-changer.
Summary
Falling is bad and walkers can help. There are a lot of different types out there from super lightweight travel walkers to full-on Range Rover-type models with all the upgrades. Just remember that not everyone is automatically on board with #walkerlife so approach this topic with care.
Talk about it with your parent
Types of Walkers
Standard Walkers ("The Analog”)
Two-Wheeled Walkers (“The Reverse Mullet”)
Four-Wheeled Walkers (“Don Draper Is Your Spokesperson”)
Travel Walkers (“Fuck You Life, I Got Plans”)
1 — First things first: How to convince your parent that they need a walker.
If you have a parent who is aware that they need a walker, you’re in good shape. However, if they’re like many many (many) other people in the world this is going to take some convincing.
What often works best is to first recognize that this might be a blow to their ego. On the list of visible signs of aging a walker is right at the top next to gray hair and sagging body parts. For many it can feel like the most embarrassing one.
So approach the conversation from a place of concern and collaboration. No one want’s to be told they can’t do something. Try bringing it up as a way to help them maintain their independence, not restrict it. If they need a little more encouragement remind them of the time Aunt Gladys fell and broke her hip. Do they really want to go out the same way?
That being said: Even if you can convince them to get a walker it doesn’t mean they’ll use it. I once had a patient, a ninety four year old woman, use her walker to get out of her chair and then proceeded to drag it behind her like Linus and his blue blanket while she walked across the room. It was her way of saying, “Fuck you Life. I got plans!"
2 — Types of Walkers
Ok, so now with any luck you and your parent agree that a walker is a good idea. Now you just need to decide which one to get and not all of ‘em are created equal. Each type is designed with specific needs in mind. So let’s dive into the different kinds of walkers, their features, and which ones are best for various situations.
1. Standard Walkers
These are the trusty, four-legged champions without wheels—think of them as the analog version of a walker. They provide sturdy support and are best for those who need extra stability while walking. Your parent will have to lift it a little as they walk. Shuffle-shuffle-clunk-shuffle-shuffle-clunk
Best For:
Short Distances: For a “I just need to make it to the kitchen and back without a tragedy,” kind of vibe. Standard walkers are perfect for those who just need a little extra support but aren’t looking to run a marathon.
Steady Walkers: These are for folks who have enough strength and coordination to be able to lift the walker a little bit as they move forward. It’s the perfect balance of “I got this,” but also “Don’t push me.”
Indoor Use: They are great for navigating indoor spaces where there aren’t a lot of obstacles like that peloton that never gets used.
So if someone you love resembles a newborn deer on ice, a standard walker is your new best friend. With no wheels to go rogue, you won’t have to chase it down the hallway like a runaway shopping cart, providing you with peace of mind and a touch of dignity.
2. Two-Wheeled Walkers
A two-wheeled walker is like a reverse mullet: has two fixed wheels in the front (the party) and non-slip rubber or glide feet on the back (the business). This design allows you to push the walker forward like a boss but still provides stability from the non-moving rear legs.
Best For:
Moderate Mobility Challenges: For those who can stand but lifting the walker every step would feel like a personal attack.
Indoors and Outdoors: At home in the living room or on the sidewalk, though they're best on flat, smooth surfaces.
Shorter Distances: If you need a little more speed and don’t need something more heavy-duty, this is a great choice.
Who doesn’t love a good mullet? Party in the front with the two wheels, and two solid stoppers handling business in the back. This a great choice for people with limited upper body strength but still want to get a move on.
3. Four-Wheeled Walkers (aka “Rollators”)
If walker companies made commercials like car companies, this one would feature the silky-smooth vocal stylings of Don Draper (aka Jon Hamm). Think luxury: four wheels, handlebars, a seat, and often a sneaky little compartment for all their snacks and secrets. These are designed for those who need a walker but also want a smoother, faster, dare we say sexy walking experience. They offer more mobility than standard walkers and often come with brakes for safety.
Best For:
Longer Distances: Not exactly for off-road adventures but great for tooling around the neighborhood or the grocery.
Those Who Need Resting Spots: Because sometimes a walk is less about your pace and more about how many times you can sit down before you question your life choices.
Outdoors Use: Should you take it to Glastonbury on a rainy day? Probably not. But if you like to go for walks outside or need to maneuver across uneven surfaces like grass or gravel, a this is a great choice.
The wheels are magic, the seat allows you to take a break whenever you want, and the storage can stash all their stuff. This is perfect for those with limited endurance or chronic pain.
4. Travel or Compact Walkers
These walkers are lightweight, foldable things designed for easy transport — because who wants to haul around some clunky beast when you’re just trying to get to the next airport bar? They typically come with two or four wheels and are intended for those who need a walker but want it to fit in the overhead compartment of their life.
Best For:
Frequent Travelers: If you’re on the go and need a walker that’s weighs less than your emotional baggage but is just as easy to stow away.
Lightweight Support: Like the friend you only talk to once a year or a pair of boxers, travel walkers are there when you need em and barely noticeable when you don’t.
Here it’s all about maintaining mobility without weighing you down. The compact design makes these walkers perfect for people who travel a lot or who need something lightweight that can be easily stored when not in use.
Wrap Up
When choosing a walker it all comes down to understanding what you’re parent is working with. Whether it’s needing more stability, the ability to go longer distances, or just something to get you through a recovery period, there’s a walker out there that can help make life easier. The key things to consider are: the level of mobility, physical strength, and whether you need additional features like a seat or storage for your beanie baby collection.
As always it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before you invest in anything to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your personal situation.