Choosing the Best Walkers for Seniors: A Caregiver’s Guide

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: What Is a Walker and Why Is It Used?
• 2. Types of Walkers
• 2a. Best 2 Wheel Walkers
• 2b. Best Rollators
• 2c. Bariatric Walkers
• 2d. Best Upright Walkers for Seniors
• 2E. Parkinson’s Walker for Seniors
• 3. Factors in Choosing the Best Walkers for Seniors
• 4. Adjustments and Accessories for Walkers
• 5. Thinking Beyond Walkers for Seniors

Introduction: What Is a Walker and Why Is It Used?

Choosing the best walkers for seniors can be a challenge because a stigma has developed that they are only for “old people” and most seniors have issues (rightly so) with this notion. When I am talking to one of my patients, I explain to them that my belief is that walkers are actually pieces of exercise equipment and the allow my patients to be more active and get stronger with a reduced fear of falling or some other health challenge limiting that activity.

In this article, I’ll discuss what goes into how to pick one that’s right for your situation. The long and short of it is this: The best walker for seniors is the one that provides the most safety while allowing the person to be as mobile as possible. Of course, this is going to depend on the individual’s health and what they actually need from a walker.

In general, walkers can help reduce the load on sore legs, improve balance and prevent falls, or, some walkers can also give you a place to sit when out of breath. They are designed to give a person support while walking where there may be weakness or other limitation like age-related changes, recovery from a surgery, or conditions like COPD, arthritis pain, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, or simply weakness from inactivity. In any of these cases having a walker can offer a reliable “arm” to lean on.

As I mentioned above, using a walker is about empowerment. They enable a person to more safely engage in daily activities with confidence, from the simplicity of moving around the home to enjoying a walk in the park. It’s not just about safety; it really is about living life with dignity and independence. As we explore the various types of walkers and how to choose the right one for your needs, remember that choosing the best walker can be a key to a more active, and having a better quality of, life.

With that said, navigating through the different types of walkers available can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding their unique features helps in making an informed choice. Let’s explore some popular options together.

Types of Walkers

There are multiple types and styles of walkers and choosing the best walkers for seniors really depends on the specific needs and also the preference of the user.

The Standard 2 Wheel Walker

The Best 2 Wheel Walkers for Seniors

The best walkers for seniors is the Medline brand 2 wheel walker if they have arthritic or pain knees, or also, if you want something that is light weight. And if you want something that saves even more space, go with the Able Life Space Saver type. It folds to a more compact size.

These 2 wheel walkers have different sizes for shorter or taller people. In order to know the right height walker to purchase, measure the distance between the wrist and floor of the user when they are standing upright and make sure the handles of the walker adjust to this measurement. I speak more about it below.

The 4 Wheel Walker or Rollator

One of the best walkers for seniors who want to walk outside the home but may be reluctant because they may frequently need a place to sit is the 4 wheel rollator. This is because most come with a built-in seat which is perfect for taking a break whenever needed. In addition, most rollators will come with a little compartment under the seat that’s a good place for carrying items such as a purse, the mail, even a small oxygen tank. So, if the user has to walk down the block, or if they live in an apartment and need to get their mail, this one would be a good choice.

Best Rollators for Seniors

The best four wheel walker for seniors is the Drive rollator. It’s inexpensive and gets the job done. But there are other options also. Drive makes a European styled rollator that collapses to a more streamlined position that stows easier in the back seat or trunk of the car. The best 4 wheel walker for shorter seniors is the Lumex brand or, for Euro styled, it would be the Drive Hemi-Height rollator. Each of these have lower handles and seats to accommodate shorter adults.

Bariatric of Heavy Duty Walkers

Bariatric walkers are the best walkers for seniors who may be a little larger than their neighbors. These walkers are built to hold more weight than the typical walkers. They have wider frames and are reinforced with heavier gauge materials, making sure they hold up with daily use. I wrote a blog post on them here.

These heavy duty walkers come in several models. There are bariatric “pick up” walkers that have 4 legs and no wheels. There are also front wheel bariatric walkers that have double wheels on either of the front legs. And, they also come in rollator style walkers that will accommodate the user in the same way the typical rollator does also.

Make sure when choosing the best walker, you check to make sure the weight limit is what you need. Most typical walkers will accommodate persons that weight up to 250 pounds. The heavy duty walkers will be rated at 500 to 600 pounds.

Best Heavy Duty Walker for Seniors

The best heavy duty walker for seniors would be either the Drive or the Medline type with the dual front wheels. The are rated at 600 and 500 lbs. respectively and they fold flat like typical front wheel walkers making them easy to stow away behind a door in the home or, in the back seat or trunk of a car.

If you’re looking for a bariatric walker that has 4 wheels and a seat, the best heavy duty walker for seniors with a seat is the Medline brand bariatric rollator. It’s inexpensive and rated at 500 lbs. and this walker has larger and wider wheels for easy rolling.

The Upright Walker

There is a new kid on the block when it comes to walkers. This is the upright walker. The aim of this newer style is to promotes a more natural walking posture. It’s designed with 2 forearm supports, rather than handles, that allow the user to rest on their elbows, rather than resting on their hands and wrists.

Many people think that these upright walkers will force someone to stand up straighter and improve their posture. This has not been the experience of many of my patients. This is because most people that stand with a flexed or “hunched over” posture, do so because of structural issues with the bones and muscles, rather than weakness or choice.

That’s not to say that the upright walker isn’t the best walker for seniors in certain cases, however. Seniors that may have back pain or conditions that prevent them from leaning forward comfortably may find that resting on their elbows to stand up straighter allows them to get more exercise and mobilize easier than they otherwise would. Also, for those that may have painful wrists or hands may find the upright walker is just what they needed because the pressure is put on the upper part of the arms rather than the hands.

Best Upright Walker for Seniors

The best upright walker for seniors is the Elenker brand. It’s well made and provides good support. But you’re not limited to a 4 wheel walker. Oasis space makes a front wheel walker upright walker. This may be a good upright walker option for seniors that have painful knees and wrists.

Parkinson’s Walker for Seniors

Most of the walker’s mentioned above are not the best choice for seniors that may have significant challenges with their balance or may have neurological conditions that make waking difficult. Unlike traditional walkers, the U-Step boasts a unique U-shaped base that surrounds and braces you from all sides, minimizing the risk of falls. Its seven-wheeled design glides smoothly over uneven surfaces and maneuvers effortlessly in tight spaces. I made a short video on it here.

The U-Step has additional accessories for those struggling with Parkinson’s freezing when walking. It offers an optional Laser & Sound Cueing Module. This innovative feature projects a red laser line to give the user a “target” to reach when stepping. The Audio cueing function or emits rhythmic sounds to help initiate and normalize walking patterns, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety.

Each of these walkers serves a unique purpose, tailored to different mobility needs. Choosing the best walker for your situation should include the user’s physical needs and limitations, but also provides the most independence in the safest manner.

Factors in Choosing the Best Walkers for Seniors

Choosing the ideal walker isn’t just about picking a specific model. It’s about finding the right fit for the user’s specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s look a little deeper into what makes one walker a better choice over another.

Firstly, consider the health condition that necessitates the walker. For instance, if you’re recovering from surgery like a hip or knee replacement, or even back surgery you’ll need one that provides maximum amount of stability, like a standard 2-wheel walker. Plus, your recovery is probably going to be relatively quick and you will only need this walker for a short amount of time. It’s easy to use and relatively inexpensive and gets the job done.

On the other hand, if you have a chronic condition like COPD or congestive heart failure (CHF), which affects your endurance, a rollator with a seat could be your best bet, offering a place to rest when needed. These walkers roll easily and so the user won’t have to work as hard to use them, which also conserves energy.

Any condition where the user may be stable on their feet, but need to take frequent rest breaks, would benefit from using a rollator.

The environment in which you’ll use the walker is equally important. Many seniors who live in assisted living prefer the rollator to a standard 2 wheeler because it allows them to move around the facility safely and easily, provides them with a place to hold items they would otherwise have to hold in their hands, and it gives them a place to sit when visiting with friends they may meet in the hallways.

If your world revolves around indoor activities, a walker with smaller wheels that maneuvers well in tight spaces is ideal. A walker that folds easily could be a boon in a smaller home, allowing you to stow it away neatly. But, if you’re someone who loves the outdoors, a walker with larger, sturdier wheels, like a 4-wheel rollator, will handle uneven terrains more effectively. One of the best all terrain walkers for seniors is one like the HEAO rollator walker or the Helavo all terrain walker that comes with pneumatic tires.

The HEAO has four 10” wheels. The bigger the wheels, the better the ride on uneven surfaces. These larger wheels allow you to navigate smoothly on rougher (or any) terrain. This particular rollator is designed with 2 shock absorbers on either side to with stability on bumpy surfaces and also gives good cushioning when you sit down.

The Helavo rollator is another walker that works well on all terrains thanks to it’s (12 inch) pneumatic tires which absorb bumps and level changes when you’re walking on and over uneven surfaces (keep in mind that you need an air pump to inflate them). The walker has a good, solid feel without being too heavy to lift into the car. It has cup and cane holder accessories included.

So, if you’re a senior who still goes to your grandchildren’s sporting events, or likes to spend a lot of time outside, a walker made for all terrains may actually be what you’re looking for.

In essence, the best walker for you is one that aligns seamlessly with your health needs and meshes well with your daily environment and lifestyle. It’s about enhancing your mobility without compromising on comfort or safety.

Adjustments and Accessories for Walkers

When it comes to walkers, safety and function are primary considerations. So, let’s talk about how you can tailor your walker to fit your needs perfectly.

The height of the walker is extremely important. If it’s too high, the user can’t get the proper leverage or support when walking. If the walker is too low, then the user has to bend forward with bad posture, to reach the handles. handles is a primary concern. They should align with your wrist when you’re standing up straight. this allows the user to stand as erect and provides maximum support at the same time. Some rollators also offer adjustable seat heights. Ideally, the users feet should rest flat on the floor when seated.

Accessorizing your walker can enhance its functionality. For instance, adding a basket or a pouch to the 2 wheel walker allows a user to carry essential items while having 2 hands on the walker for safety. For those using the walker to carry meals to and fro, a tray is also a good accessory to have. There are other items like cup holders, cane holders, lights, and even horns that a person can attach to their walkers and rollators to make them more functional.

Another accessory that I think should be essential for 2 wheel walkers is the addition of glide tips or skis that go on the back legs of your 2 wheel (or bariatric front wheel) walker. They make maneuvering over carpets and uneven surfaces smoother. You’ve probably seen people put tennis balls on the legs of walkers. But this was first started way back in the 70s or 80s because therapists needed something to help the walkers slide easier. Since the skis have been invented, there is no real need to use tennis balls any longer.

Thinking Beyond Walkers for Seniors

Since you’re already looking for the best walkers for seniors and the elderly, that suggests that you’re concerned about a loved one’s safety. With that in mind, there are other forms of what we call “durable medical equipment” (DME) that may improve the quality of life and independence of an older person, while at the same time, relieving some of the stress and concern family members may have about their safety in their home or living situation.

The bathroom is where many older people spend more time than they’d like and the design of many bathrooms present a few challenges. This is in addition to the fact that the combination of soap and water can make for a very slippery floor. In addition to these, consider the benefits of a high rise toilet or raised toilet seat for those with knee or hip issues. It makes sitting down and standing up much easier.

Having grab bars properly installed in and around the shower or tub, as well as near the toilet can make mobility in the bathroom a lot safer. Another valuable addition is a shower chair or transfer bench, which can make bathing safer and more comfortable, especially if standing for long periods is challenging.

Keep in mind that grab bars are not only for the bathroom. I’ve seen grab bars installed at entry ways or in the home where there may be a step or two transition into another area of the home. Having something firm to hold onto when there is a slight level change can prevent a fall.

In the bedroom, installing a bed rail can help a person get out of the bed, and also get into (and stay in) bed and prevent accidentally falling out of bed. I wrote an article about that here. Having an over the table bed can also be beneficial for someone who spends a lot of time in bed. It provides a stable surface for eating, reading, or using a laptop, bringing convenience and a degree of independence to these activities.

Don’t overlook the importance of proper lighting, too. Dark hallways and stairwells should be well lit to prevent slips and trips. Motion sensor lighting is a good option for these areas as well as for the bathroom for those night time trips and your loved one doesn’t have to worry about manually turning off the light as they should go off automatically.

Also, if mobility outside the home is a concern, having a ramp installed, at least at one entrance to the home, will allow anyone who can’t climb steps or who may be in a wheelchair access into and out of the home. And you don’t have to have something permanent installed. A portable ramp for steps can make leaving and entering the house less of a challenge and can be put down and taken up fairly easy.

Some elders refuse to use a ramp for one reason or another. If a ramp isn’t an option, having platform steps made to accommodate a walker is another solution. And, if there are steps, there should be a hand rail too.

Remember, improving the mobility and safety of an elder in their living situation is more about creating a supportive environment that caters to individual needs and keeps them as independent as possible.