Walker Facts

Do I Need a Walker?
Additional considerations in choosing
a walking device

Once the best walker is selected to suit your physical status, there are many other factors that still influence the final decision.

Additional considerations in choosing a walking device Answering the following questions may assist in determining the better choice.

To increase independence in daily activities (toileting, bathing, in/out of bed)?
To improve mobility in the home?
To improve community access?
To improve competitive employment?
To improve safety?
To improve limited breathing ability?
To improve exercise tolerance?

Maybe I should choose a simple walker with few accessories and limited moving parts?

Small spaces vs. large spaces: Do I have the space to turn a large walker? What about the space beside your bed, in front of your fridge, in the bathroom? Can my walker fit through doorways?
Stairs (inside, outside): Do I need a lightweight walker to carry up and down stairs? Do I need a second walker? Do I live with someone who can help me carry the walker?
Carpeting: Can I move my walker over the carpet?
Obstacles vs. clear pathways which I may encounter.
Parking (inside, outside, distance): Are there any barriers between where I park or where I get in and out of a car and my home?
Transportation (independent driver, family or friends drive, community transportation for people with disabilities, or taxi/public transportation): Will my walker fit my mode of transportation? Can I lift it into my vehicle if I’m alone?
Do I need a seat built into my walker if distances are longer than I can walk?
Is the walker used predominantly indoors or outdoors? Indoor use allows for the purchase of lighter and smaller frames. Outdoor use requires the purchase of walkers with locked frames, heavy duty components and better quality casters.

If I live alone: Do I need to choose a walker that provides more stability because I’m alone?
Community Supports: Who can help me? How available is my help? – 24 hours a day, a few hours a day, a few hours a week. Consider family, friends, publicly funded help, and privately paid help.
Financial situation: Can I afford the walker that I need? Standard walkers are less expensive and more available second hand. Do I have insurance coverage or government assistance or can I access charitable assistance?

You’ll need to consider much more than physical ability.
What about the environment and social supports?

And if so, how do you find a therapist?
We have a number of associations you may contact.

You have options and we have recommendations.
There is also financial assistance available to you.

From basic activities to common mistakes, here’s a guide to help you use your non-wheeled walker or wheeled walker safely and effectively.

Commonly given answers. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to contribute and help others.

Professionally prepared resources that offer guidance to a successful thought process based on past experiences.