Hemi Walker - Different Types of Hemi Walkers
Hemi Walker
is a small, one-handed walker that is intended to be used
by persons whose one-half of their body is weakened. It consists of the
small frame that can be held with one hand, and four separate legs that provide senior users with a better stability when walking than they can get from a
simple cane or even a quad cane (a cane that has four points that touch the
ground). Overall, they look quite similar to a standard walker, but are
smaller and can be used with one hand. It is also known by names
side-stepper or one-handed walker.
The simplicity of the hemi walker frame, and it's much more affordable
pricing, make this device one of the most popular ones for elderly people
who don’t want to be confined to the walking pace of other more elaborate
two-handed walking assistant devices. Hemi walker is most commonly used by
the patients who have one weakened leg, such as seniors who have suffered
partial or full paralysis of one side of their body, or any other medical
condition that prevents them from accessing full motor functions in one
leg.
Hemi Walker frame is usually made from lightweight anodized aluminum
tubing, with rubber tips at the end of each leg, and two hand grips - one
for holding the frame when walking, and one for holding it while sitting.
Legs are spaced out so that they provide much better support for users
whose weight can even reach 500 pounds. Many models can also be folded for
easier storage and transport.
Hemi Walker is one of the best walking assistant tools for elderly people with limited mobility in one-half of their body
Most common model of hemi walker is a “bariatric adult hemi walker”. It weighs only 10
pounds, the legs can be adjusted to be up to 36 inches wide, and can
support the weight of up to 300 pounds.
Use of Hemi Walker
Since it does not feature wheels, the
user needs to have enough upper body strength and endurance
to handle it during walking sessions. Thankfully all models of hemi walkers
are made to be as light and durable as possible.
Hemi Walker can be used with each hand, and all that user needs to:
-
Adjust the height of the hand grip. The grip should be placed on the height
of the hand that is angled 15 percent at the elbow.
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When using hemi walker, an elderly user should not be hunched down. Make
sure that grip height is appropriate for user’s height.
-
The elderly user should first stand near a wall, chair or an assistant, and
slowly try to handle the device and place a bit of their weight on it.
-
Slowly lift and move hemi walker half a step away, and then walk into it
with your healthy leg.
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Practice slow walking, preferably with the help of an assistant, until
senior feels that it can handle the device more easily.
-
When they become more comfortable, an elderly user can switch their walking
style from three step procedure (move the walker, move the opposite leg,
move the other leg) to faster two step procedure (move the walker and
opposite leg at the same time and then move the other leg).
If a simple cane is not providing enough assistance and stability, Hemi Walker with its four-legged support is a perfect step up that will enable safer and easier mobility in both home and outside
Types of Hemi Walker
-
Simple one-handed
lightweight design that has no additional accessories or capabilities
(such as folding)
-
Two-grip version, which allows the user to more easily hold the walker when they are
sitting down and getting up.
-
Foldable hemi walker
-
Side-oriented hemi walker, which features wider base
-
Hemi walker with trays
or bags
Price
Hemi Walkers can be very affordable. Entry models are
priced in $35-45 range, while more advanced models (wider base, folding,
and more) can go up to $80. Top of the line models that can be used by
heavy users can cost up to $110.
Who should use Hemi Walker
Hemi walker is an entry level walking assistant device that can be used by:
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Elderly or disabled who have weakened arm, shoulder, wrist or hand due to
injury, broken bones, stroke or other medical conditions.
-
Elderly or disabled who require a bit of support during walking, but cannot
use a traditional two-handed walker or are not satisfied with the stability
offered by cane or quad cane.
-
Elderly or disabled who have good balance, but want to be safer when
walking.
-
Elderly or disabled who have sufficient upper body strength and endurance
to operate hemi walker during their daily walks
-
Elderly or disabled whose home layout does not allow them to bring their
bigger walker frame into certain rooms (such as bathrooms). In such cases,
having a dedicated hemi walker can be very helpful.
Who Should Not Use Hemi Walker
Hemi walkers are not recommended to be used by:
-
Elderly or disabled who have issues with their upper body strength. They
should instead try using two-handed walker models, folding walker with a
forearm attachment, or if one of their hands is severely weakened, a light
wheelchair.
-
Elderly or disabled who want to place a significant part of their weight on
the walker assistive device. Some models of Hemi walkers can accept a lot
of weight, but overall, physicians don’t recommend doing so.
-
Elderly or disabled who don’t have enough endurance for safe walking
sessions.
-
Elderly or disabled who are feeling severe effects of poor balance.
Recommended Features
If you are looking to purchase hemi walker, here are some of the most
important features that you should seek:
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Adjustable height option, a must-have feature that enables an elderly user
to retain good posture during walks.
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The lightweight frame enables the user to more easily handle even long
walking sessions.
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The sturdy frame that can easily handle the weight of the user.
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Stable frame. Make sure that all four legs of the device are evenly
touching the ground.
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Foldable frame is great for storage and transport.
-
Handle design - the more comfortable the handle, the better user
experience. Softer handles are recommended for elderly users with
arthritis.
Accessories and Options
Hemi walkers usually don’t support optional accessories. The vast majority
of models on the market comes in two forms - with one (for walking) or two
grips (with lower grip used to provide stability to users who are sitting
or trying to stand up).