1. Choose the right walker with a PT
- We are trained to evaluate your walker needs
- We can tell you which type of walker and other mobility aids are your SAFEST options
2. Choose the best handles
- Some handles are foam and soft to hold
- Some are hard and may hurt your hands
3. Make sure you can put on brakes
- Some brakes are stiff and hard to push down
- Have the owner of the walker try them out
4. Choose the right # of wheels
- 2 wheeled walkers are for less steady clients
- 4 wheeled walkers are for steadier clients
- Small wheels are for indoors, large for outside
5. Wheel base – distance of wheels
- Check to see if wheels are far apart enough
6. Choose the right seat & back rest
- You need a wide seat that feels really comfortable when you sit down
- The back rest needs to be firm but not painful. Cloth back rests feel better but offer less support than a metal bar
- Sit on walker for 5 mins to see how it feels
- A low walker seat is hard to get up from
7. Choose the right seat height
- You need to be able to stand up from sitting
- Some walker seat heights are adjustable
8. Weight & width of walker important
- Some walkers are very light and narrow
- Others are heavy and hard to lift into a car
9. How easy does the walker fold up
- Be sure to see if you can fold up the walker
- Practice folding the walker before buying
- See how heavy it is first
10. Ask about the store’s warranty
- Keep your receipt taped to the walker
Need Assistance Choosing the right walker for your Mom or Dad?
Contact us today for a free PT consultation over the phone.
