Losing independence is a tough pill to swallow. No matter your age, the need to receive assistance with such acts as walking, getting dressed and bathing can put quite a strain on one’s emotional state. In most cases, people find it so much more fulfilling to be able to do these things on their own.
A walker is a mobility solution that enables a person, who is generally unsteady on his/her feet, to walk independently. Using this mobility device for help, instead of a caregiver, to walk from one point to another is a great way to have one’s independence restored. Of course, there are many other reasons a walker can come in handy. Here are three signs it’s time to start using a walker:
1. You have balance issues or walk with your feet wide apart.
Being unsteady on your feet can be scary. Naturally, the last thing you want to do is slip and fall when all you’re trying to do is walk a short distance. If you have balance issues, a walker is an excellent remedy. It gives you the support and leverage you need to ensure you stay safely upright. It’s a safer solution than spreading your legs in an effort to balance yourself properly.
“As we get older it becomes harder to balance and stay upright,” writes Jim Walker on WalkerForSeniors.com, “We can develop ‘postural sway’ and start walking with our feet wider apart, which is the bodies attempt to remain stable. But this puts you at an increased risk of falling. A walker provides a solid base of support to help balance and avoid a fall.”
2. You experience pain in your legs while standing.
No one should have to endure pain and suffering while performing the usually-simple act of standing up. For some individuals, the amount of weight placed on their legs, while in standing positions, is too much for them to bear. With a walker, you take a significant amount of pressure off of your legs.
“Some people are not able to tolerate the body’s full weight through their legs due to pain or weakness,” notes Barbara Purdy of Vancouver’s Diamond Geriatrics, “A walker allows the arms to assist by pushing down on the frame, allowing the walker to take on some of this weight. This helps to correct posture and gait.”
3. You are recovering from illness, disease or a stroke.
Are you recovering from an illness? Have you endured an injury? Did you recently undergo surgery? When you’ve been off your feet for a certain time – perhaps to recover from the abovementioned scenarios – it can be difficult to walk around safely. It’s wise to find ways to strengthen your legs before walking unassisted. A walker is a great companion to someone who is looking to rebuild the muscles in their legs.
“If you’ve suffered a debilitating illness and spent some time in hospital it’s likely your muscles have atrophied due to lack of activity,” notes Walker, “A walker can help you re-build your muscles and get up and moving again much sooner.”
We invite you to contact us to learn all about the walkers and rollators offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions! Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
