How to choose walkers for elderly people: without wheels, with two or with four?

If an elderly person suffers from disorders of the musculoskeletal system – arthritis, osteoporosis, or consequences of a stroke – they require additional support devices. One of them – walkers. This rehabilitation and assistance device ensures elderly people stability and balance during movement. Walkers come in different types – completely without wheels, with two wheels, and there are also four-wheeled variants. Which ones to choose? Read further.

Types of walkers

• Walkers without wheels. This is the classic and most stable model, and also the simplest in construction. Such walkers resemble a rigid frame, which the elderly person moves forward with their hands at each step. Among their advantages we note good stability, versatility – both indoors and outdoors – and no risk of "rolling away". However, they require certain efforts, since the structure must be lifted, and they are not suitable for people with weak hands.
• Walkers with two wheels. They have small wheels installed in the front part, and the rear legs are equipped with rubber tips. They have a number of advantages: movement is easier with them, as only the rear part needs to be lifted, such walkers provide smoother movement, do not require much arm strength, and are quite stable. The downside – not very convenient on uneven surfaces.
• Walkers with four wheels. They are also called rollators or rollers. The most modern and convenient option. Such walkers are equipped with four wheels, manual brakes, and often even a seat and a bag for items. There is no need to lift the structure, only to push it forward. A good option for long walks, excellent mobility. However, they are not suitable for people with severe balance disorders. Overall – ideal walkers for active elderly people.

How to choose walkers?

When buying walkers, it is important to consider:

• Health status. If a person cannot maintain balance at all – it is better to choose classic walkers without wheels. If there is a small level of independence – with two wheels, this is a good combination of mobility and stability. For active pensioners – a rollator with four wheels, it allows spending long hours outdoors without tiring hands and musculoskeletal system.
• Physical capabilities of hands. When muscle strength is weak, it is better to choose models with wheels, so as not to have to constantly lift the structure, which can quickly tire.
• Usage conditions. For apartments with narrow doors and carpets, classic or two-wheeled walkers are more convenient. Is the person often outdoors? Then a four-wheeled device.
• User's height and weight. It is better to choose equipment that can be adjusted in height. Also, when choosing, pay attention to the maximum load capacity, which is indicated in kilograms in specifications.

Where to buy walkers for elderly people

We have checked dozens of websites selling various medical rehabilitation products, and after comparing prices and assortment, we can recommend the following online stores:

1. Ridni Medtechnika – wide selection of walkers of different types: without wheels, with 2 and 4 wheels, rollators. Brands – MEDOK, Ridni Opora, OSD, Foshan and others;
2. Med-magazin.ua – walkers for adults, children, teenagers, with height adjustment and without, brands Nova, MEDOK, Doctor Life;
3. Ortomedica – walkers and accessories for them, manufacturers – OSD, Vhealth, Rebotec, and own brand Ortomedica;
4. ORTOSMART – huge selection of products for rehabilitation, walkers of brands Dayang, Doctor Life, Karadeniz Medical, Norma-Trade and others;
5. Ortop – walkers and accessories for online ordering, brands Doctor Life, Garcia, Karadeniz Medical, Shans, Ortek and others.

All questions regarding availability, delivery, and prices can be clarified directly through the website of the medical equipment you have chosen.