The Benefits of Walking Frames
Walking frames are suitable for people who have difficulty with their mobility and walking short distances, such as getting from one room to another in their home safely and without falling. This may include people who are sick, injured, disabled or elderly. A walking frame has been designed to provide a stable source of balance and support when a person is experiencing regular leg weakness. Our Independent Living range incorporates the most common styles of walking frames NZ customers need, each made from durable and sturdy materials and ideal for preventing falls and other mobility accidents. You may also want to consider a walker for old people who get fatigued easily when walking or moving about.
What to Look for in a Walker for Old People?
Whether you specifically require walkers for seniors or anyone else that has issues with walking and mobility, there are some things that you should want to consider when trying to decide on a walker. NZ customers might find these tips helpful:
- Look for a walker that is easy to use and comfortable. Some come with useful accessories such as seats and baskets
- A walker should suit your height and weight. To determine the best height, the handgrip needs to be level with the crease of the wrist when the person is standing normally with their hands by their side. There should also be a 15-to-30-degree bend from the elbow to ensure correct comfort
- When choosing walkers for seniors, if they are going to be used by someone who drives or travels frequently, then a foldable model is a better choice.
- Some walking frames come with brakes, some with wheels and others without. Our team can advise which model best suits the mobility capability of the user.
- To ensure a walker for old people or people with a disability lasts as long as possible, it is important to store the frame in a safe, secure place out of the elements.
How to Use Walking Frames
When deciding on a walker for old people or someone living with a disability, it is always a good idea to try out a few different models of walking frames to get a feel for it and to see what fits best. The best practice for using walking frames is to face it forward and parallel to the body. The more impaired leg should be stepped forward first, then the leg that is less impaired can be stepped forward. Once balance on both feet is achieved, the frame can be lifted or rolled forward. Using a walking frame up one step is safe, however, walking frames should not be used on stairs. Users should also be careful when they are sitting down or standing up that they shouldn’t move the walker frame too far forward, and if they can, they should use extra support that is sturdy like a stationary piece of furniture or a person’s arm. For any further information on walkers frames, NZ customers can reach out to Independent Living, we are always here to help. .