Walkers For Sale in Sterling Heights MI
Improve Your Mobility With a Walker
Many people experience declined mobility due to a variety of factors, including injury, chronic pain, diminished balance, or just plain aging. The good news is that a simple walker can be a useful tool to enable you to walk safely.
Here is some information about these very simple yet extremely effective mobility devices. If you wish to explore your options for walkers or any other mobility aids, please come and see us at Shan Medical Equipment. We have a terrific team of knowledgeable and compassionate people at our two stores in Sterling Heights and Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Here’s an introduction to the different types of walkers so you can make an informed choice. The main types to consider are standard, two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel models.
Walker Options - The Standard Folding Walker
The basic, standard walker has four non-skid, rubber-tipped legs that offer maximum stability. These are nearly always built to fold easily to put in the car or otherwise store. To use this device, you have to lift it and place it ahead of you with each step. The advantage of this is that it’s extremely stable because there are no wheels. However, it’s somewhat labor-intensive. You have the option of swapping out the rubber tips on the legs for sliders, to make it easier to push along the floor.
Many people add wheels to the front two legs of these standard walkers. This makes the device easier to use and move, and it is still quite stable when you need to place your weight on it.
Walker Options - The Rollator
Rollators are built with wheels and have only wheels, no plain legs. That means these devices will roll easily in any direction, so they are always equipped with hand brakes. Rollators are available in three- and four-wheeled models. A three-wheel walker provides the same support and balance as a four-wheel model, but it’s more lightweight and easy to maneuver. Because they are only stable and stationary when the brakes are engaged, these require a more active style of use.
Rollators generally have a seat integrated into the frame, so you can sit down when you need a rest. When choosing your rollator, make sure that the width of the seat and the frame are wide enough for the user. You also need to confirm that the device is able to handle the weight of the user.
These devices can also fold up for transport and storage, but it’s usually slightly more complicated to fold a rollator than a standard walker.
Other Factors to Consider
Those who only plan to use their walker indoors can choose one with smaller wheels, around 3 to 5 inches in diameter. If you plan to use it outdoors frequently, you’ll want larger wheels of 6 to 8 inches.
When considering what type of walker is best for someone, consider the user’s hand strength as well as their overall cognitive ability.
At Shan Medical Equipment, we are happy to walk you through your options so you can get the right mobility device for yourself or a loved one. We look forward to seeing you at our two stores in Sterling Heights and Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Sterling Heights, MI
(586) 268-4100
Contact Shan Medical Equipment
Contact us for all your durable medical equipment needs! We're here to help. Feel free to call us or stop into either of our Michigan locations today!