The older a person is, the higher the likelihood of his chronic disease and unwanted aging.The damage and weakening of the musculoskeletal system, dystonia, dizziness, pressure drop and just the weakness in the limbs - all these cause discomfort and uncertainty in the forces.Because of this, there is reluctance to once again get up without assistance, as a consequence of reduced physical activity, which leads to a complete loss of the possibility to move independently in the house or on the street.
for assistance in such cases it is advisable to use a special device - a walker for the elderly.They are much more effective crutches or a cane, and suggest the presence of a wide support base that adds confidence, helps to overcome the fear of falling and makes it possible to move people with limited motor functions.
Appointment
Walkers are recommended for older and physically impaired people for whom the movement without additional support is not possible.They reduce the load on the legs and spine, added stability.
Walkers will be useful after suffering a severe stroke when the patient has long been bedridden, he lost muscle tone and is afraid to walk unaided.
fractures in the elderly - a big problem, a long period of rehabilitation, and the need to transfer the patient to an upright position after bed rest is obvious.
With walker recovery process can be greatly accelerated.They are comfortable at home, indispensable in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes.The main thing that a walker performs its function by 100%, to be safe, most convenient, and for individual purchase had the best price.
history
Presumably, first walkers were designed for kids whose parents are trying to rid their hands and spine from overloading.
History of adaptations for adults start counting in the forties of the last century, when the Lithuanian emigrant Andreus Myuiza offered as a support to support the weight of walking out of the frame construction on four legs, which reached up to the waist of the patient.
Later, in the late sixties the Swedish inventor of Bernt Leander suggested further use wheels on the legs, which considerably improved the walkers for the elderly.Reviews grateful customers gave the impetus to the development and introduction of meaningful innovations.
Modern models equipped with wheels with braking mechanism, make it possible to comfortably move around in the house and on the street.On the seat you can relax on a walk, and convenient basket to carry everything you need.
Classification
Walkers are classified according to:
- purpose;
- place of use;
- technical features.
Depending on whether they will be used for the rehabilitation course or selected for everyday use, models can differ significantly.
Walkers designed to move indoors, can be uncomfortable in the street and vice versa.
Specifications different models have significant differences: frame material, weight, configuration handles, wheels and the braking mechanism, seat, additional compartments for things.
Depending on the design features of a walker for the elderly may be holistic and folding, they are divided into types:
- stationary;
- step;
- duplex;
- wheel (rollers);
- with additional supports (elbow or underarm);
- universal.
Stationary model
Stationary models with monolithic frame made of lightweight materials - it is the most simple design.Initially, experts advise to choose exactly such a walker for the elderly.
User reviews suggest that for the first time when it is not clear which is better - a crutch, a cane or a reliable device, it is a simple model with a lightweight aluminum frame suitable for most cases.
They are not expensive, practical and durable.It is a simple structure of four pillars with handrails for easy movement.The movement takes place inside the structure.
Duplex walkers
These models are designed for debilitated patients, even when rising from a chair or bed causes difficulty.Grab bars in such constructions are located on two levels: some are designed to stop at the time of weight lifting and the subsequent lowering of the body, while others - for support while standing and moving around the house.
Experience has shown that the two-level walkers for elderly patients more comfortable conventional design, as it was in the process of standing up a person should make the greatest efforts, and just down the rails provide additional support and create the conditions for such a shock.
walker stepper effect
This option supports device - a simple modification of a stationary structure, wherein swivel front jumper on the right and left half.
This mount allows a person not to move the entire structure at once, but separately each side step to the beat.The model is more suitable for the period of active rehabilitation for the development of motor coordination.
walkers for the elderly due to walking fixing articulations quickly turn into a rigid stationary structure, which is very convenient in various stages of rehabilitation period.
Wheel model
Simple Mobile version requires a walker on the front pillars on both sides of the wheels of small diameter - to make it easier to move them.This design is suitable for patients with weak hands, and after a brief training provides an opportunity to move pretty quickly.
rollators for elderly patients are recommended for walks and for more training legs.Such designs (rollers, rollatory) equipped with four large wheels that allows you to move as quickly as possible, while maintaining stability.Usually equipped with a manual brake on the principle of cycling mechanism.
models with additional support
It also happens that a person has a desire to get up and move, but the usual design with a focus on the level of the pelvis does not provide such an opportunity, because they can not create sufficient support.In such cases it is necessary to add additional elements to support the weight of the body at a higher level.
Walkers, support for the elderly, with emphasis elbow allowed to carry the body weight when walking on the forearm.Greater emphasis provides good stability even heavily impaired people.
emphasis in the armpit enables completely unload the spine and best protect the process of transportation.Such models are recommended for people with poor coordination.
Universal walkers and their modifications
Currently, the market offers both fixed and folding compact models, easy to store and transport.The folding mechanism of the frame may be present and simple stationary structures, and walking options for walkers, and the more "advanced" rollatorov.All of these can easily be transformed into the working position and can be quickly prepared for use.
often for patients with more normal weight aluminum construction is not enough.In such cases it is necessary to select a more robust version of the frame with improved performance characteristics.There are models designed for loads up to 225 kg.
Currently on sale is comfortable walkers for the elderly.Photos of this model presented above.There are designs with a folding or fixed seats, front jumper in this case serves as a backrest.In addition, the table may be present, compartments for storage and transportation of cane.
How to choose a walker for the elderly?
patients to feel the benefits of a walker, they should be selected specifically for him.The right choice will make the physician familiar with the physiological condition and physical health of the patient.Also, help can be a qualified distribution network, where it is planned to purchase a walker.
General recommendations boil down to the fact that in the early stages is best suited simple standard model with four legs.Do not be amiss in the walker the possibility of installing an additional unit of removable supports.
For weak patients to choose the best design of the wheels on the front legs.If they are detachable, it will be even better.
for walks should choose rollatory with large wheels and a seat for the rest.A variant with three wheels less cumbersome and more mobile, it is well suited for home and outdoor.
People with impaired coordination is better to choose a walker-support elbow or armpit.
Specificity selection
design should be as easy, just come on the growth of the patient or to be able to adjust this.Any walkers for the elderly (photo gives an opportunity to understand the principle of determining the height) should be comfortably fixed in a freely lowered hands.
Handles should be comfortable.Most often they are plastic or rubber, but for people with excessive sweating of palms need to take care of the models with handrails made of porous materials.For patients suffering from arthritis, there are variants with thickened handles.
Big Wheel Roller better cope with rough roads.Availability depreciation in road models will soften the impact on his hands.To move in a space will be enough and small wheels.They lock should have a simple mechanism and to ensure a secure fit.
process load on the frame may correspond to the weight of the patient with a slight margin of safety.
Reviews
Nice to read grateful responses of older people who really benefited walkers.Mainly celebrated convenience, ease and practicality of aluminum structures when moving.Demand regulates the walkers for the elderly.Reviews indicate that such models are adjusted to the final height of the patient after the start of use.
There grateful responses of two-level walkers, helps a lot on their own feet.It's nice to know that, thanks to a folding supporting construction, an elderly man was able to leave with the children on vacation to the sea.
Special thanks from elderly housewives of comfortable seats, compartments for grocery bags and rubber pads on the rack, which cherish the floor.
There are warnings regarding the use of wheel models for people after a stroke, with partial loss of motor functions.
substantiated and mourning for "biting" prices and comfortable design, but with the caveat that such a thing money is not sorry.
Benefits
walkers for the elderly have a distinct advantage in comparison with other support systems.These constructions can quickly restore motor function impaired person, help to overcome the fear of walking.
due to the wide support base walkers are considered the most secure device for the care of older people, they give a real sense of confidence.This uniquely practical means of rehabilitation of crutches or a cane, and for some patients it can replace the wheelchair.
using a walker, elderly people can return to an active life, take a walk, doing simple chores, serving himself.
task of family members who care for elderly relatives, to choose the right model to take care of her safety and security, helping to make first steps to her, to support morally and psychologically adjust the patient.
