Walker Facts

Where do I buy a walker?
Purchasing Options

Can I receive financial assistance to purchase my walker?

You have several options:

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) stores. These are stores that specialize in supplying one-stop shopping for almost all types of home health care equipment including walkers and wheelchairs. The staff can provide knowledgeable assistance in determining which equipment is right for you and may also be able to link you with a therapist if you need one. 
  
  If you are eligible for financial assistance, most government, charitable, and insurance funding agencies will usually require you to purchase your walker from a “preferred list” of DME stores. Most funding programs stipulate that you purchase your walker through a store that offers repair and maintenance service on the equipment. 
  
  DME stores often have a pool of used or rental walkers that may be sold at a reduced price. A few DME stores will sell only recycled or second hand equipment at a reduced cost. Please note that many funding agencies will not assist in the purchase of recycled equipment due to the limited warranties offered.
• Pharmacies. Major pharmacies such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu as well as local independents often carry medical walkers or rollators.
• Department stores. “Big-Box” Warehouse stores, Discount stores such as Wal-Mart, and Costco now carry walkers. This is a good option if you don’t need sales support in selecting the correct walker or if you are paying for the purchase entirely yourself. 
• Personal classified advertisements. You can look in local newspapers or on-line sources such as Craig’s List and Kijiji.
• Bulletin boards. in nursing homes, churches, senior centers and hospitals.
• Garage sales. Signs may be posted in your community or news spread through word of mouth.

There may be agencies in your local community that supply equipment free of charge or for a minimal charge if you need a walker on a temporary basis.  You can investigate the following options:

• Government funded home health care programs sometimes provide equipment depending if you are receiving nursing or therapy at home.
• Associations for specific diseases/conditions (i.e. the MS Society, Red Cross, March of Dimes) often have “lending cupboards”.

Can I receive financial assistance to purchase my walker?