Thankfully the days of fixed height Zimmers have gone and virtually all frames incorporate a height adjustment mechanism. Most frame types are produced in 3 or 4 sizes each with an increasing range of heights achievable. Once you have measured the ideal for height you, you should purchase the frame which has your height most central in the range of possible heights.
What do we mean when we talk about the height of the frame? This is always measured to the height of the handgrips not to the maximum height of the frame.
All measurements will be with respect to hand height. The ideal height for you is measured as the height of your wrist bone from the floor when you are standing upright with your arms at your side. Remember not to straighten your arms but measure it when your elbows are very slightly bent. You should also wear your regular indoor footwear when carrying out the measurement.
Whilst not as important as height, the width of the frame can be an important factor. The most suitable width will be determined both by your size and the environment in which you intend to use the frame. It is important that if you intend to use the frame around your home, that you measure the internal width of all doorways in your house.
You also need to assess the width of the frame relative to the width you are likely to need to walk comfortably. To do this, measure the maximum width across your feet when you are standing with your legs a comfortable distance apart. This should be compared to the stated width of your chosen frame. These are specially adapted trolleys which provide additional confidence when walking and assist with carrying things around the home.
They are designed to be pushed in front of you as you walk and typically have four swivel castors making them extremely easy to manoeuvre. The trolley is usually gripped with angled hand grips on each side or by a bar which runs along the back of the frame. These trolleys tend to have two shelves for carrying food, drinks and other items. The bottom shelf is set forward to give additional space for your legs when walking.
However, it must be noted that these trolleys do not have any brakes on the castors. Therefore, this type of trolley would not be suitable where you need a lot of support or place a lot of weight on to the trolley. Most metal frame trolleys are height adjustable which tends to be via telescopic legs. To assess the right height you should use the same process outlined above. These come in three or four wheeled versions and are typically used outside. However, they can be effective when used indoors, particularly the three wheel versions.
We have prepared a separate Buying Guide on Wheeled Walkers — please click here. We hope that this Walking Aids Buying Guide has been helpful in providing you with information on how to choose the right walking stick for your needs. Some models also have an integrated seat and shopping basket.
Most rollators can be folded. However, there are also smaller walkers with three or four wheels, designed primarily for indoor use. Lever-style brakes are intuitive to use similar to squeezing the brakes on a bicycle , but pain or stiffness in the fingers can make this difficult to do.
But they can be more challenging for people with weak wrists. If you need more help to get around than a walking frame can realistically provide, read our guide to choosing a wheelchair.
If you're interested in buying or renting walking aids or other mobility aids, the best place to start is usually to discuss the options with your GP, or with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. You can also find reviews of walking sticks and frames on the Living Made Easy website. Read more about fall detectors and other personal alarms. How to choose the best walking stick for you.
Plus, the benefits and drawbacks of walking frames — or Zimmer frames — and wheeled walkers for those who need a little more support. W Which? Editorial team. In this article Choosing a walking stick Different types of walking stick What are walking frames and rollators? How to choose a walking frame or Zimmer frame Rollators explained Where to get walking aids Fall detectors and alarms.
Choosing a walking stick Walking sticks are useful if you still have reasonably good mobility, but would like something to give you a little extra confidence and balance. Follow these steps to get the right fit: Wear your normal walking shoes Place the base of the stick on a flat floor, around 15cm from the side of your foot Stand in a natural, upright position Let your arms hang by your side with a normal, slight bend at the elbow The top of the stick should be level with your wrist joint.
Different types of walking stick Folding walking sticks A folding walking stick can be discreetly carried in a bag or shopping trolley, or left in the car. Tripod and tetrapod walking sticks If you need a little more support, you could try a tripod three-footed or tetrapod four-footed walking stick.
Since having a walker set to the correct height of your loved one is important, Zimmer frames usually come in either adjustable or fixed heights. Zimmer frames come in several widths and sizes. Once you can differentiate the types from each other, you are well on your way to choosing the most suitable aid for your loved one.
Folding frames have joints that can be folded into a flat shape when their catch mechanisms are released. The catch mechanisms usually differ from one foldable frame to another. This causes some users to complain of their inability to easily activate the catch. To prevent this, check the mechanism of your chosen frame to ensure your loved one can comfortably operate the catch mechanism before buying.
Folding frames are ideal for people with little or no storage space as they do not take up room in a house or car boot. In other words, instead of lifting the entire walker, the user only needs to move one side of the frame at a time. Due to its similarities to walking naturally, it is a favorite with many users. However, these frames can sometimes be tricky to learn how to use one. So, before settling for this frame, it is recommended that you consult a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about its suitability for your loved one.
These frames are just normal Zimmer frames but with a key difference. Whereas the other frames listed have handgrips, forearm frames, in contrast, have padded forearm support referred to as a gutter or trough.
As a result, users can bear the bulk of their weight on their forearms rather than hands. Forearm frames are ideal for people with arthritic hands or reduced grip ability. Due to the absence of wheels in Zimmer frames, people have to lift and move the frame forward whenever they take a step. This introduces an additional action and therefore effort to move and some users rightly find this mode of walking more tiring.
So, to make walking more fluid and natural, the rollator was born. Since a rollator is just an advanced walking frame with wheels, it can also be called a wheeled walker.
The frame of a rollator usually has handlebars, a seat, and tyres. Some rollators might even come with a shopping basket. Due to their bulkiness and large wheels, rollators are mostly used outdoors. But there are smaller rollators that can be used indoors. Four-wheeled rollators are the most popular variety due to their stability. In contrast to the bulky four-wheeled rollators, the three-wheeled rollator is lighter and easy to maneuver.
It is made in the form of a tricycle with two uni-directional wheels at the rear and a swivel caster in front for easy rolling and turning. Usually, these rollators are fitted with a shopping basket which is placed at the front. Three-wheeled rollators are perfect for those who want faster movement.
However, even though they offer greater mobility, they are less stable when compared to the four-wheeled variety. These rollators have large swivel casters and wheels that make walking more natural. Still, most importantly, we are willing to explain all you need to know before delivering our prompt and efficient courier service.
Once you make your order, you can expect to receive your walker or walking frame within 3 to 5 business days. You can find out more about our shipping here. In addition to walkers, walking frames and rollators, our online shop and our showrooms stock all kinds of products for personal care, bed and chair, bathing, and help around the home.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us. We're ready to help you choose the right walkers and walking frames for you and get them delivered. Contact us via our instant messenger system, by phone or through our contact form. Close search. Filter by. Categories Mobility. Mobility Scooters. Power Chairs. Walkers and Walking Frames. Electric Adjustable Beds.
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