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Walkers come with wheels and without wheels, and you’ll find that most people strongly prefer one or the other. So, if you’re caring for an aging parent, you may wonder which type of walker is best.
Walkers are often better with wheels since they are easier to use and help with balance issues. However, they don’t provide as much stability as non-wheeled walkers. People who need more assistance staying balanced may find that walkers without wheels are better.
The bottom line is that both types have pros and cons, so understanding them is worthwhile before purchasing a walker for your loved one. In this article, we will discuss the peculiarities of the different types of walkers and help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Types of Walkers: An Overview
Walkers are a helpful mobility aid for people who have difficulty getting around independently and need something to lean on to ensure they do not fall. Most walkers include four legs and two hand grips.
Walkers come in many different styles and sizes to accommodate people recovering from surgery or injuries and for people with mobility problems due to age-related decline.
Some of the features that may vary between walkers include:
- Wheels vs. no wheels. Walkers with wheels have two wheels on the front legs of the device. On the other hand, wheelless walkers usually have rubber grips on all four legs.
- Fold-up vs. rigid. Some models even fold up so you can take them wherever you go.
- The number of wheels. Wheeled walkers come in models with two, three, or four wheels. While four-wheel walkers are more commonly called rollators, they are still technically walkers.
- Seat vs. no seat. Some walkers may have a plastic, metal, or cushioned seat in the center. These walkers are very beneficial for people who tire quickly and may need to sit down at a moment’s notice. Rollators with a seat may also function as makeshift wheelchairs in a pinch, which makes them very versatile.
The Pros and Cons Of a Walker Without Wheels
If you are shopping for a walker, it may feel like all the options are too similar. You want something that will help your parent get around but also be easy to store and carry around without causing any strain on their body. The best way to do this is by getting a walker without wheels.
Benefits of Having a Walker Without Wheels
Walkers without wheels have many benefits that make them preferable over other walkers. These benefits include:
- They’re more stable than most other models, making it easier for seniors and those with balance problems in their legs or hips to keep their footing while walking around the house.
- They tend to be lighter than other models because they don’t have any extra components (like wheels), which means less weight for the person using them. Since they are lightweight, they don’t cause any strain on their back while moving around with them.
- Because there aren’t any additional parts involved in making these types of walkers, they tend to cost less money than alternatives.
Disadvantages of Walkers Without Wheels
There are some disadvantages of walkers without wheels. Here are some things you should know before making a purchase:
- They’re more challenging to use in tight spaces because they don’t fold up easily. For example, maneuvering without wheels is much more difficult if your parent needs to go through a door frame or around corners.
- They also make it harder to climb stairs because they don’t have brakes on the front legs like walkers with wheels do. You must stop before each step, so the walker’s weight is evenly distributed between both legs when going upstairs. This weight distribution will help prevent falls and injuries, but it can be a tricky maneuver.
The Pros and Cons Of a Walker With Wheels
If you’ve bought a walker with wheels for your parents, you know that wheels are Godsent. They make it much easier for the user to get around and minimize the effort needed.
With wheels, seniors can go over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty and use their walkers in areas they otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach (such as stairs). Additionally, this feature is invaluable if they frequently plan to go outside or travel with their walker.
Benefits of Walkers With Wheels
The main benefit of using wheel walkers is that they can easily move from one place to another. This extra mobility is beneficial if your parents have stairs or need to move around the house without stress.
The other benefits of using a walker with wheels include:
- Convenience. Walkers with wheels are easy to use and come in different sizes, so you will find one that suits their height perfectly.
- Easy to transport. Most wheel walkers are portable, and you can fold them when not in use. You can take them along when traveling and shopping because they don’t take up much space.
- Safe. In addition, the walkers feature brakes that allow users to stop safely when needed.
- Better balance and coordination. Walkers with wheels offer better balance, more coordination, and the ability to walk longer distances than a standard walker would allow. The wheels make it easier for users to maintain their balance and momentum, allowing them to walk faster and farther without falling.
Disadvantages of Walkers With Wheels
One of the most common complaints about walkers with wheels is that they aren’t as stable as models without wheels.
Some seniors find them more difficult to maneuver because they don’t lock into place like traditional walkers do, so it’s easy for them to tip over when you’re trying to turn corners or step up onto an incline.
However, with only one disadvantage, most people find that walkers with wheels are better.
The Verdict: Is a Walker Better With Wheels?
A wheeled walker with brakes is the better option for senior citizens who struggle with balance. They are very versatile. Some have two legs while others have four; some have handles that extend outwards while others extend inwards; some even come equipped with large baskets at the bottom, which can help store items.
Plus, the wheels mean there is no strain on movement at all.
You should ask your parents about their needs and preferences when deciding what type of walker to use. Their physicians can also recommend one after a routine checkup because they know best.
When thinking about what type of walker to get, another common concern is fitting. Many people wonder whether a walker needs to be fitted. I recommend reading it to find the answer. Do Walkers Need to Be Fitted? What You Need to Know
Final Thoughts
There are many advantages to using walkers with wheels, especially for seniors. Through improved technology and design, walkers with and without wheels have become valuable and beneficial tools for supporting mobility.
However, nowadays, you’ll find that most people with mobility issues prefer wheeled walkers or rollators since they are easier to maneuver.
Still, all walkers allow your loved ones to enjoy increased mobility and maintain independence, so any walker is better than none.
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