Walker - Different Types of Walkers for Elderly

Walkers for elderly (also known under the name "walking frames”) are mobility tools for elderly, disabled, or people undergoing medical recovery, which provides additional support for their stability and balance that is needed for walking. They are sturdy and enable elderly and disabled to transfer a part of their weight on the walking device, which stabilizes them.

Walkers for elderly can not only greatly increase the mobility of elderly, but also provide them added safety when they are on the move inside of their homes or outside in their communities.

Walking safe in both home and outside can be much easier with the use of walkers for elderly, which provide enhanced stability, safety, and assistance

The basic design of walkers for elderly consists form the basic frame that elderly approaches and grabs with both hands, and then slowly with the help of the sturdy frame slowly move forward by pushing entire device forward.

Use of Walkers

Traditional models resemble double-sided walking cane, which elderly can slowly lift and move short distance ahead, before walking forward and repeating the entire process. More advanced models of walkers for seniors feature wheels or glides, which can help elderly who do not have the strength to lift entire device to more easily push the entire device frame forward. Walkers are recommended to elderly if they need help when walking, or are experiencing loss of vision, strength, balance, and orientation.

Walkers can offer varying levels of assistance and support for elderly, and because of that, there are many different models offered today on the market. Their price and feature-set are provided by various manufacturers who compete to provide both general-sue devices and special models that can best suit your specific needs.

When you are trying a new walker for the first time, you need to adjust it for maximum comfort. Its height needs to be set at the level of your hands when your shoulders are relaxed, and elbows are bent at an angle of around 15 degrees. The height of the arm grips should be at the level of your crease on the inside of your wrist when your hands are in the vertical resting position. Make sure that you test all available types of grips. Various grip materials (soft foam, leather, plastic and more) could provide you different amounts of grip when your hands are sweaty.

Walkers are great accessories for elderly, with ability to easily make them more mobile while keeping them safe from falling

History of Walkers

The history of walkers for elderly is tied closely together with more older (and simpler) stability device for elderly and disabled - a walking cane. Originally devised and patented by Englishman William Cribbes Robb in 1949 under name “walking aid”, walker medical device saw great popularization during the following decades. These devices arrived on the territory of United States in the early 1950s, with two variants with wheels receiving patent applications in May of 1957. First, non-wheeled version was patented almost a decade later in 1965 by Cincinnati, Ohio resident Elmer F. Ries. What we today regard as “ traditional” walker for elderly was patented by Alfred A. Smith of Van Nuys from California in 1970.

Types of Walkers

Hemi Walker

Hemi walker is one of the simplest forms of walkers for elderly. It serves a similar purpose as a quad cane (a cane with four-legged base), but with a more elaborate frame that provides additional support during walking. They are most commonly used by elderly or patients who suffered partial of full paralysis that is preventing them from having the full motor function on one side of their bodies.

One reason for their great popularity with senior walkers can be found in the fact that they are intended to be used with a single hand, which makes them easier to manage than regular two-handed walkers. However, they are not recommended to be used by elderly or disabled people with poor strength, balance, and stability.

Price - $50-100, depending on manufacturer and quality.

Who Should Use Hemi Walker

Hemi Walker is best suited for elderly or disabled who have only one side of the body fully functional, which would make hard for them to use a traditional two-handed walker. Most likely users of Hemi walker are stroke victims and elderly who had surgery on their shoulder, arm or wrist.

Who Should Not Use Hemi Walker

Hemi Walker should not be used by anyone who has issues with their balance and coordination. If they have only one arm operational and balance issues, it is highly recommended that they use wheelchair or lighter and more easier-to-use quad cane instead

How to Use a Hemi Walker

• Adjust the height of the Hemi walker for your height. The grips need to be on the level of your hands when the arm is angled 15 degrees at your elbows.
• Practice with small steps, preferably while having someone near you until you can better manage your balance and walk without fear of falling
• Take Hemi walker in your unaffected hand, and lead with your affected leg.
• Follow with the small step of your “good’ leg.
• Be patient

Recommended Features

Seek lightweight Hemi walkers that have height adjustment feature that can be folded. Test several models before you pick the one that best suit you.

Accessories and Options

Hemi walkers are one of the simplest models of walkers for seniors. They usually don’t come with any support for accessories.

Standard (Folding) Walker

Folding walker is the simplest variation of walkers for elderly. It consists of four legs, two handles, and no wheels. Most models have the ability to fold themselves in half so that they could be more easily stored, but some models are fixed and cannot be easily transported. They are made to be light, durable, and provide additional stability to elderly or disabled who have trouble maintaining their balance when walking.

Even though they are light, for them to be effectively used the elderly has to have enough strength in their upper body to lift entire walker and move it a bit in front of them. If they do not have enough strength even for that, then other models that feature wheels may be best suited for them.

Price - $50-100, depending on manufacturer and quality.

Who should use Standard Walker

Standard walkers are needed for anyone (either elderly, disabled or people who just underwent surgery) who cannot place significant body weight on their one or both legs during walking. Elderly who underwent leg surgery, knee surgery or hip replacement are very commonly using folding walkers to more quickly regain their mobility in their home or community.

Folding walkers can also be used just to enable movement in specific locations. For example, if elderly use other types of walkers during their general movement, but cannot enter with it specific rooms (such as bathrooms) because of their bulky size, they may elect to keep a folding walker at an entrance of those areas. Folding walkers are also very suitable for transport. They can be easily stored in car trunks.

Who Should Not Use Standard Walker

For standard walker to be used, the elderly or disabled have to lift it and shift it away from himself every time they want to move. This may become cumbersome and exhausting for some. If elderly are experiencing only issues with their balance, and when the walker is only used to stabilize them during walking, other more easy to use walkers (with pre-installed wheels at legs) may be better suited for them.

How to Use a Standard Walker

• Adjust the height of the folding walker to suit your height. The grips need to be on the level of your hands when the arm is angled 15 degrees at your elbows.
• Put the walker directly in front of you, grab the handles, start uptight, and place your legs to be in line with rear legs of the walker.
• Lift and wove walker forward enough to enable you to make one step.
• Walk into the walker slowly. If you have a leg that you cannot put much weight on, walk first with your good leg and then with affected leg.
• Practice a lot, and don’t make large steps. A lot of small steps will provide you better stability.
• Make sure your feet are never going much in front of the rear set of legs on the walker.
• Be patient.

Recommended Features

Standard (folding) walkers are one of the simplest types of walker devices. They are built to be sturdy and stable, enabling users to place enough weight on them so that they would feel safe when standing upright and walking.

When picking the best standard walker, make sure all of its legs are even, so that entire frame of the walker is not wobbling, that it is lightweight and easy to pick up and move a bit forward, and that folding mechanism works as intended.

Accessories and Options

Even though the most folding walkers do not support any modification, more expensive models can be augmented with the following accessories:

• Custom handles - Such as foam coating that can make the grips more comfortable for elderly with arthritis
• Front wheels and rear skids of skees - Legs on the walker can be switched to enable better mobility and easier movement across the ground without the need for elderly to lift the walker before making each step.
• Trays or Bags - Various bags can be affixed to the walker frame, enabling elderly to transport a few items with them. This approach guarantees that both hands of the user will remain on the walker grips.
• Oxygen tank holders - These objects are very heavy and cumbersome, but they can be managed much more easily if they are affixed to the walking frame. Walkers with oxygen tanks are very difficult to be moved if the frame is not equipped with at least two wheels at front legs.

Front Wheel Walker

Front wheel walkers have very similar design as standard (folding) walkers, but with the addition of the two wheels on the front pair of legs. Because of the this, the rear set of legs features a pair of skis or skids which enhance the handling of the device during walking. The most models of this type can also be folded using the same mechanism as standard walkers, which makes them easy for transport and storage.

Because they do not require from the user to lift entire frame to achieve walking, they are often used by elderly or disabled who do not want to hassled (or don’t have enough physical strength to lift entire frame).

Price - Similarly as other simpler walkers, front wheel models usually cost between $50-100, depending on manufacturer and quality.

Who Should Use Front Wheel Walker

Front wheel walkers are recommended for elderly who need to place only part of their weight on the walking device. This is done because this type of walker is not best suited for people who want to place much weight on it. They are lightweight and can be accessorized in the same way as standard walkers.

They are much more mobile and hassle-free than regular (folding) walkers who do not have wheels on them . However, similarly as them, front wheel walkers can usually also be folded for easier travel and storage.

Because of the presence of the wheels, this type of walker is better suited than Standard walker for carrying an oxygen tank on it.

Who Should Not Use a Front Wheel Walker

Because two of the legs of these walkers are equipped with wheels, they are not as versatile as standard walkers. They are fine for indoor use or on paved concrete, but general outside use (walking on grass for example) is not advisable.

Doctors also don’t recommend the use of front wheel walkers if a person has to place most of its weight on the walker frame. This includes elderly with an injured leg, foot or who are recovering from hip surgery.

How to Use a Front Wheel Walker

• Adjust the height of the folding walker to best suit your height. The grips need to be on the level of your hands when the arms are angled 15 degrees at elbows.
• Approach and use the walker the same way as you would standard walker - place your legs to be in line with rear legs of the walker, grab the handles, and move the walker one (or a half) step in front of you, and then slowly walk toward it.
• The only difference between standard and front wheel walkers are that front wheel walkers do not need to be lifted from the ground to be moved. To move it, slightly raise back portion of the walker, and then slide the entire frame forward. Then put back part of the frame on the ground.
• If one of the legs is injured or can’t receive the full weight of the body, senior should lead with it when taking steps, with quick follow up with the healthy leg.
• Take small steps when holding two wheeled walkers, especially when turning around.
• Practice using the two wheeled walkers, and be patient.

Recommended Features

Front wheel walkers are a minimally augmented version of standard (foldable) walkers, and because of that, both of this walker types have very similar feature set. They both have to be lightweight so that elderly users can easily use and maneuver with them. Front wheel walkers also have to study to hold the weight of larger persons, and they can only operate properly if all their legs are evenly touching the ground and there is no wobble when weight is applied to them.

Wheel size can impact the feel of the walker use. Smaller wheels can be more unstable, but they are usually placed in a fixed position (they are not allowed to rotate in all directions, and can only go forwards and back). Larger wheels roll better over uneven ground, and some of the models with larger wheels support swiveling in a manner that best resembles a shopping cart. Be aware that while swiveling wheels allow for more freedom in walking, they are not as stable as fixed wheels.

Most models of Front wheel walkers can be folded and easily stored in the trunk of the car.

Accessories and Options

Similarly, as standard walkers, models with front wheels can also be augmented with various accessories. Usually, only more expensive models are modular. Some of the most popular accessories for front wheel walkers are:

• Foam handles - various grip materials provide a different level of comfort for elderly users. Seniors who suffer arthritis need to be especially careful of the kind of grip they need to have installed on their walker.
• Trays/Bags - Front wheel walker frames are strong and durable, and since they do not need to be lifted completely from the ground when walking, they can easily be augmented with carrying bags and trays. Having a safe place to store items during walking can enable elderly to keep both of their hands on the walker frame, thus enabling them to better keep their balance.
• Rear legs of the front wheel walker can be augmented to have more or less grip, depending on the user’s wishes. Tips of the rear legs can have skis, skids or even tennis balls.
• Oxygen tank holder - Oxygen tank is a heavy piece of equipment that cannot be easily managed when it is mounted on a standard walker. However, they are much more usable and easier to manage on walkers with wheels.

Rollator Walker

Rollator (or 4 Wheel/4WW) walker is an advanced walking assistant device that consists of the central frame that can accept some of the user’s weight during walking, but is also equipped with four wheels, brakes, seat and optionally a basket or bag below the seat. They are optimized for the use both at indoors and outdoors environment, with larger wheel models being able to handle slightly uneven surfaces.

They are usually made with front wheels being fixed, while only the rear pair swivels. All models come with the hand brakes, and some also feature “parking brake” option that completely prevents all wheels from turning.

Price - Because of their more complicated manufacture, pricing of Rollator walker models ranges between $100 and $600. More expensive models can also be found.

Who Should Use a Rollator?

Rollator walker is made to be used by elderly users who do not need to place their entire weight on the walking assistant device. They are of benefit to seniors who need something to hold on to be more stable and balanced when they walk with their regular walking pace. For many seniors, Rollator walker represents just a security measure that makes them feel better when walking.

This type of walkers is very useful for carrying items from one place to another, and since it also features a seat, elderly can rest a bit in place no matter where they are.

Who Should Not Use a Rollator?

The rollator is not intended to be used by elderly with weakened foot, leg or hips, who cannot put their entire weight on both of their legs. This includes postoperative periods, as well as times when seniors feel that their legs or feet feel sore. Such people should first use more stable versions of walking assistants (such as standard or front wheel walkers).

Elderly who also have an issue with their balance, endurance and strength should also avoid Rollators. If they cannot reliably keep themselves in standing position, wheelchairs or two wheel walkers are better choices for them.

Seniors who suffer from the advanced stage of Parkinson's Disease are recommended to use U-Step walkers instead of Rollators.

How to use a Rollator

Rollators are a bit more complicated to use than more simpler models, but after brief period seniors will have no issue handling this walking assistant device. Here is the basic tutorial how to learn to best handle Rollator on a daily basis:

• As every other walker assistant, you should first adjust it to your proper height.
• Take special notice of lock brakes. Brakes should be in locked position any time elderly wants to sit down or get up from their rollator or is in the process of approaching it (for example, stand up from the chair and into the grip of rollator. Most models have easy to use switch brake leaves that can lock rollator in a firm position.
• When standing in front of a rollator, use it similar to any other walking assistant device - Stand straight, grip the handles firmly, walk slowly, and take small steps. Remember that rollator is not intended to take full body weight and should be used only to provide the user with better balance.
• The seat on the rollator should be used only when it is placed on the smooth and level ground, and only when brakes are in the locked position.

Recommended Features

Rollators are more expensive and have more basic equipment on them. Because of this, you should take extra time finding a model that best suits your needs. Here are some of the features that you need appraise:

• Weight - Rollators are heavier than regular walkers. Make sure that senior can handle it with ease.
• Wheel size - Smaller wheels are good for firm flat surfaces, but larger wheels are more versatile and can be used both indoors (over carpeting) and outdoors (over even slightly uneven ground).
• Brakes - Make sure that brakes on the rollators are not too stiff and that elderly user can properly squeeze them into a full lock.
• Seating area - Check if the padded seat fits the needs, size, and weight of the elderly user.
• Basket/Bag - Some models come with small item storage area in front or below the rollator seat. Don’t purchase rollator that requires an elderly user to lean over the device to reach the basket that is placed on the very front. That layout may cause elderly to lose their balance.

Accessories and Options

Full set of wheels and brakes is present in every rollator, but some may come without the padded seat.

Rollators are great for carrying oxygen tanks. Make sure that the tank is mounted as low as possible, which will prevent the occurrence of entire rollator walker tipping over.

Some models of rollator feature mounting places for canes.

3 Wheel Walker

3 wheel walker is very similar to Rollator. As the name depicts, it features only 3 wheels two at the back and one in the front), and because of this change, this model does not support padded seat accessory.

3 wheel walkers are best suited for elderly who just need something to hold onto while they walk, something that will give them more stability and balance. Because of its ease of use and support for larger wheels, 3 wheel walkers are usable both indoors and outdoors.

While rollators usually have their front wheels fixed and rear wheels placed on a swivel, 3 wheel walkers have this other way around. A single front wheel can be swiveled, while two back wheels are fixed and can only rotate forwards and backward.

Price - 3 wheel walkers are priced similarly as Rollators. They can be found for between $100 and $500, depending on the manufacturer, build material and accessories.

Who Should Use 3 Wheel Walker

3 wheel walkers are best suited for elderly who can fully support themselves while walking but need a bit of stability during long walks. This walker type is excellent for this purpose.

According to many users, the only one feature that differentiates 3 wheel walker and rollator is the presence of the seat.

Who Should Not Use 3 Wheel Walker

Anyone who has trouble walking and placing weight on their both legs should avoid using 3 wheel walkers since they are not suitable to receive much weight on them. Seniors who have a leg that cannot support their weight should consider using front wheel walker, standard (folding) walker or Hemi walker.

How to Use a 3 Wheel Walker

This type of walkers is used the same way as Rollator, with the only difference that users do not have access to the padded seat feature. Here are few basic rules of using 3 wheel walkers:

• Adjust the height of the grips to best suit your size.
• When stepping into the grips, don’t move beyond the position of the rear wheels.
• Make small steps, especially when you are turning.
• Elderly users should check if they can properly handle hand brake and parking brake.

Recommended Features

The larger wheels you get, the 3 wheel walker will be able to more easily handle uneven ground.

This type of walker can have both light and heavy frame.

Choose models that have softer hand brakes that elderly users can properly operate.

Some models of 3 wheel walkers can be folded for easier transport and storage.

Many models of 3 wheel walkers feature basket or bag for carrying light cargo.

Accessories and Options

• Basket/bag for carrying items.
• Cane holder
• Oxygen tank holder

U-step Walker

U step Walker is a specialized version of walking assistant device that is on the surface similar to rollator, but it functions differently. It is made to be much heavier and able to stabilize elderly users who have severe issues maintaining their balance. The movement of the device also functions differently - pressing of the brake pedals do not stop device, it allows it to move. This means that if elderly lets go of the brake levers, the U-step walker will stop.

To provide such stronger base that enables elderly to remain tier balance even when they press significant part of their weight on the frame, U-step walker features a large array of wheels (six or more), which are usually made to be much smaller than those commonly found in rollators.

Price - U-Step Walker are premium walking assistant devices, they cost between $550 and $700.

Who Should Use U-step Walker

U-step walkers are intended to be used by elderly users with neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease) that leave them in a poor state of balance when they are standing upright.

This type of walkers is also good for seniors who have trouble quickly slowing down their rollators or 3-wheeled walkers. With U-step walkers, they simply need to let go of the hand brake levers, and the device will stop moving.

Who Should Not Use U-step Walker

Elderly who only require light assistance with balance will have better time suing rollator or 3-wheel walker.

U-step walkers are useful only on very level surfaces.

How to Use a U-step Walker

U-step Walker is used similarly as rollator, with one key difference. To move, a user needs to press and hold hand levers that will release the always-active brakes.

• Stand in front of the walker and adjust the height of its grips to best suit you.
• Stand upright, with feet between two main wheels of the walker.
• Unlock brakes by pressing hand levers below the grips.
• Slowly walk into the walker while maintaining the balance.
• Take small steps, especially when changing direction.
• Many U-step Walker models feature padded seat accessory. Let go of the hand grips (which will activate brakes) before sitting down.

Recommended Features

Good model o U-step Walker should be:

Heavy, so that it can support more weight from the elderly user.

Balanced correctly, so that it does not sway when placed on the level ground.

Have properly installed wheels that operate correctly indoors.

Accessories and Options

In addition to basic equipment (additional set of wheels, hand brakes), a U-step walker can also feature:

• Laser pointer that shows elderly the direction where the walker is pointed toward
• Oxygen tank holder
• Cane holder
• Basket/bag for carrying items.

Knee Walker

Knee walker is a specialized version of the walking assistant device that is designed to help elderly who have one leg injured, weakened, or recovering from fracture or surgery. It enables the user to keep the leg resting on the knee pad while operating with other leg normally.

Many see this type of walker as a good alternative to crutches. It provides elderly with good balance, faster speed of walking and requires less effort than handling crutches.

Price - Knee Walkers cost between $350 and $500 depending on the build quality, features, and manufacturer.

Who Should Use Knee Walker

Knee Walkers are intended for elderly who can handle crutches (and thus have necessary strength, balance, and endurance), but who want to be more mobile while their leg is healing from fracture or surgery.

Who Should Not Use Knee Walker

Knee walker should not be used by anyone who has poor balance. Such users should opt to use a wheelchair or folding walker instead. Additionally, anyone who has endurance and strength issues should not attempt using knee walker device.

How to Use Knee Walker

Knee walker is used differently than any other walker assistant. It more resembles a kid scooter, but instead of placing a foot on the board near the ground, the weight is transferred to the knee which is placed on the securely padded area.

Knee Walker requires a high level of balance, coordination, endurance and strength for safe use. First-time users of this device should start with the practice of movement across short distances, at level ground, and with slow speeds, preferably accompanied by someone who can catch them if they lose balance.

Recommended Features

This type of walking assistant should be equipped with:

• Height adjustment
• Hand brakes
• Padded leg support
• An easy to use steering wheel

Accessories and Options

Knee walkers usually don’t have any advanced features.