Plan B Forum

My dear old mother needs a walker. Neither she or I know anything about quality or features of these things. I see them selling for under $100.00 and it makes me worry about the quality. I'm not worried as much about the cost as I am about the safety and efficiency of those things.

My mohter has emphysema, so she needs something that lessens the amount of energy she expends. It needs to be light weight and have a seat so she will always have a place to rest.

Does anyone here know anything about walkers?

This one looks okay - but how would I know?

She also needs a "transporter" - that is, a wheelchair that would be controlled by me or someone else.

She doesn't want or need one of those electric carts that can do zero to 60 in 8 seconds.

Any advice or insight would be highly appreciated.

In my limited experience (I had to use a walker for a while, but it was a temporary measure) and based on what people I know and love have told me about their experiences with walkers, the most important factor is the fit: If the walker is even a bit too short, that causes hunching and a maldistribution of weight to the shoulders (which can also result in balance problems). If the walker is even a bit too tall, that causes spinal stress and a maldistribution (in the other direction) of weight to the shoulders, which can lead to falling backwards (pretty much the worst direction in which one can fall). Whichever model you settle on, make sure that it fits properly.

Not an area I can help in I'm afraid Joe, I've not worked in physical health in 20 + yrs.

@-W may be able to oblige.

If not, get your mum assessed by an Occupational therapist with the relevant experience. (This would be done as routine for someone elderly here and in the UK, who is treating your mother?)

I've heard to stay away from wheels because if it's not planted right you could crash and burn.

That said it varies according to need.

My Mum's friend has one similar to the walker in your link.

She was able to use it despite horrendous arthritis. Though, as Andrew D points out, you MUST get it to fit her. No point in her trying to fit it!

The only thing I know is the one my mother used was painted red, folded and made out of aluminum.

Get one that's sturdy and fits, they have stores that sell these appliances and will make sure it is the proper fit and quality.

btw: she loved her electric scooter, she had an American flag, horn and used to terrorize all the people on the sidewalk.

God rest her soul.

Crackpot wrote:I've heard to stay away from wheels because if it's not planted right you could crash and burn.

You need to learn how to operate the hand brakes in order to lift and lower yourself into chairs, etc., and to lean on it while standing still. Lifting a wheel-less version over and over again to take each step can be quite tiring in itself after a while, and every moment it is off the ground means you are completely unsupported and risk a fall.

I was speaking on the old style walkers with wheels (not like the one Joe linked) on two of the posts to ease in pushing.

Joe--my father had an artificial leg for years and used a walker for most of them--also a wheel chair and pedestal cane. As he got older he moved from one of the lift and drag walkers to one with two wheels and eventually one like you pictured. I think the most important thing is the brakes--make sure they are easy to set and lock--especially important if the walker has a seat that she will use. Also, as Andrew said, fit is important--buy from a reputable dealer and have it properly adjusted to fit her.

A couple of other things--if she is going to be transported by car with the walker, make sure it easily collapses in your trunk; my father's last walker had to be partially disassembled to fit, and it was an additional 5-10 minutes at the beginning and end of every ride. Also, walkers are useless for stairs--if she can walk up them she'll need a cane--I recommend one with a pedestal on the bottom (and, like the walker, make certain it is properly adjusted). Also, if financially feasible, it might be best to get two walkers, use inside might require a smaller one due to space.

As for wheel chairs, my father had one of the collapsible ones you see in the emergency rooms (two big back wheels and two small swiveling wheels in the front); we found it more maneuverable than the platform with four small wheels. It fit in the trunk easily, and lasted many years. I also recommend getting a cushion which is slanted to the front to help her get in and out (I think it is called a "posey", but that may be a brand name). I also recommend you pay a bit more for quality (or buy a good used one) and get one that is heavy duty--we never had problems.

My dad also had an electric one, but it was too difficult to control to use inside (hit the walls over and over again) and not all that ueful outside; if she wants something like that to get around in, I'd recommend a scooter over a chair if she could handle it.

Thanks to all for your input.

You brought up things that I hadn't considered.

I need to do some more shopping.

One of the most positive things about all the forums I've participated in, going all the way back to the Cafe Darte, has been the fact that you can bring a question or a problem on virtually any topic, and because of the breadth of experience of the participants, the willingness of folks to share their experience, and their ability to convey information articulately, you can pretty much count on getting some intelligent, helpful info.

In regards to finding the correct fit for the walkers I've looked at on-line, it looks like most of them are adjustable.

My mother is not well enough to go shopping at various stores to find one that suits her. I will most likely need to pick one up at a local store or go one on-line and order one to test to see whether it is good enough.

Trial & error.

I appreciate all thoughts & ideas, current & future.

thanks

Lord Jim wrote:, you can pretty much count on getting some intelligent, helpful info.

and a whole bunch of free shite to go with it.

Joe, bit of advice mate. Get your mother fitted for a walker. They may be adjustable, but it would be worth geting a professional, either an occupational therapist or physio, to fit it for her. There may be some problems which are not noticeable to the naked/laymans eye.

It may cost you a few bucks, as you live under the wonky US "healthcare" system, but it may also save a whole bunch of problems, heartache even, further down the road.

This is our local servicem, do you have one similar near you?

Gob wrote:Joe, bit of advice mate. Get your mother fitted for a walker. They may be adjustable, but it would be worth geting a professional, either an occupational therapist or physio, to fit it for her. There may be some problems which are not noticeable to the naked/laymans eye.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Joe Guy wrote: "...
My mother has emphysema, so she needs something that lessens the amount of energy she expends. It needs to be light weight and have a seat so she will always have a place to rest.
... "

I'm sorry Joe G.

That's a tough situation. Has she quit smoking?

yrs,
rubato

rubato wrote: I'm sorry Joe G.

That's a tough situation. Has she quit smoking?

yrs,
rubato

Smoking for my mother is not an option. That is if she wants to stay alive.

Funny (not) thing is that I know a 58 yr old woman who has emphysema and requires oxygen every night and some days, but can't quit smoking.

That's something I can't relate to no matter how hard I try.

Difficulty breathing is a terrible feeling. How could someone inhale smoke who has a problem breathing in air?

Andrew D wrote:

Gob wrote:Joe, bit of advice mate. Get your mother fitted for a walker. They may be adjustable, but it would be worth geting a professional, either an occupational therapist or physio, to fit it for her. There may be some problems which are not noticeable to the naked/laymans eye.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Because of your advice, I will be doing that.

I appreciate your opinions on this subject more than I am currently able to express.

thank you.

Have you considered a humorous walker, Joe?

One made out of rubber and used only on April 1st?

Or how about a whoopee walker?

Every time you take a step with it, it makes a fart sound....

hilarity ensues....