Are you or a loved one having any trouble walking from one point to another? Are you experiencing any issues with balance? Do you have pain in your legs when standing or walking a few steps? Are you having any trouble getting up from a seated position? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be the right time for you invest in a walker. This great mobility solution is a go-to remedy for those who need a little help staying comfortably upright.
Do you need assistance to walk?
Undoubtedly, this is the most obvious reason that a walker may be a necessary addition to your life. If you’re simply having trouble walking, a walker is a great way to ensure you keep your balance. This is especially true if you’re using a cane and finding that it is simply not enough to support your body weight.
“The main reason for someone to use a walker is to help increase their ability to walk independently and safely, increase the amount and distance they can walk, and to decrease pain and discomfort while walking,” agrees Barbara Purdy of Vancouver’s Diamond Geriatrics, “The result of using a walker can be increased independence, self confidence, and life satisfaction.”
Are you unable to walk and carry things at the same time?
Perhaps you find walking fairly easy…when you don’t have anything in your hands. Is the act of carrying things around becoming an issue? For some people, the additional weight of objects in their hands can throw off their balance. Even the simplest tasks like setting the dinner table can present harrowing situations. Some walkers come with baskets, enabling their users to avoid the potential pitfalls of carrying items around.
“A large part of being independent is being able to carry and move objects from one place to another,” says Jim Walker on WalkerForSeniors.com, “Whether it’s your dinner from the kitchen to the dining room, or bringing the shopping home, if you’re unable to do this then you must still rely on others. A walker with a seat and basket or bag provides an excellent place to carry these types of items with ease.”
Do you need to build up muscle strength in your legs?
Have you endured a recent injury? Did you recently undergo surgery? Are you recovering from an illness? When you’ve been off of your feet for some time, in an effort to recover from injury or illness, it can be difficult to walk on your own. With a walker, you give your body the ability to become accustomed to using its legs again. Take the pressure off by taking small steps with a walker. It will help you regain the strength in your legs by building up its muscles again.
“Following a stroke, hospitalization, or other illness, or simply from lack of activity, muscle strength and agility may decline,” informs Purdy, “Walkers help people re-build their muscles and regain optimal mobility.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we offer both medical walkers and rollators (walkers with wheels). For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
