Go-carts for the elderly: advice on choice and feedback
The older the person, the higher the probabilitythe occurrence of chronic diseases and unwanted age-related changes. Damage and weakening of the musculoskeletal system, vegetovascular dystonia, dizziness, pressure drops and just weakness in the limbs - all this causes discomfort and uncertainty in their abilities. Because of this, there is an unwillingness to once again get up without help, as a result of decreased motor activity, which leads to a complete loss of the ability to move independently in the house or on the street.
To assist in such cases, it is recommended thatUse a special device - walkers for the elderly. They are much more effective than crutches or walking-sticks and suggest a wide base of support, which adds confidence, helps to overcome fear of falling and makes it possible to move to people with limited motor functions.
Appointment
Walkers are recommended for the elderly and physicallyweakened people, for whom movement without additional support is not possible. They reduce the burden on the legs and spine, add stability.
Walkers will be useful after a severe stroke, when the patient has been bedridden for a long time, lost muscle tone and is afraid to walk without help.
Fractures in the elderly are a big problem, the rehabilitation period is long, and the need to transfer the patient to a vertical position after bed rest is obvious.
With the help of a walker, the recovery process canbe greatly accelerated. They are convenient in everyday life, indispensable in rehabilitation centers, medical institutions, homes for the elderly. The main thing is that the walkers perform their function 100%, they are safe, as convenient as possible, and for an individual purchase they have an optimal price.
History
Presumably, the walkers were first invented for toddlers, whose parents tried to save their hands and spine from overloads.
History of development of adaptations for adultsbegan counting in the forties of the last century, when the Lithuanian emigre Andréus Mouisa proposed as a support for maintaining weight while walking the construction of a frame on four legs that reached the waist of the patient.
A little later, in the late sixties, Swedishinventor Bernt Linder proposed to use extra wheels on the legs, which significantly improved the walker for the elderly. The feedback from grateful customers gave impetus to the development and introduction of constructive innovations in production.
Modern models equipped with wheels withthe mechanism of inhibition, make it possible to move comfortably in the house and on the street. On the seat you can relax on a walk, and the basket is convenient for transporting everything you need.
Classification
Walkers are classified by:
- purpose;
- place of use;
- technical features.
Depending on whether they will be used for a rehabilitation course or are selected for everyday use, models may differ significantly.
Walkers designed for indoor movement can be uncomfortable on the street and vice versa.
The technical characteristics of different models have significant differences: the material of the frame, weight, the configuration of the handles, the presence of wheels and the braking mechanism, the seat, and additional compartments for things.
Depending on the design features, walkers for the elderly can be complete and folding, they are divided into types:
- stationary;
- walking;
- two-level;
- wheel (scooters);
- with additional support (elbow or axillary);
- universal.
Stationary models
User reviews indicate thatThe first time, when it is not clear that a crutch, a cane or a more reliable device is better, it is simple models with a light aluminum frame that are suitable for most cases.
They are not expensive, practical and durable. They are a simple structure of four supports with handrails for easy movement. Movement occurs inside the structure.
Two-level walker
Such models are intended for weakenedpatients, when even getting up from a chair or bed is difficult. The handrails in such structures are located on two levels: some are designed to stop at the moment of lifting the body weight and then lowering, others - to support while standing and moving around the house.
Experience has shown that walkers are duplex forOlder patients are more comfortable than a conventional construction, since it is in the process of getting up that a person should make the greatest effort, and just the handrails at the right level give additional support and create conditions for such a push.
Walkers with step effect
Such a variant of the supporting device is a modification of a simple stationary design, characterized by the hinged connection of the front lintel with the right and left half.
This mount allows a personmove not the whole structure at once, but separately each side of it in time with the step. The model is more suitable in the period of active rehabilitation to develop movement coordination.
Walkers for elderly walking due to fixation of hinged joints quickly turn into a rigid stationary structure, which is very convenient at different stages of the rehabilitation period.
Wheel models
A simple version of mobile walker suggeststhe presence on the front supports on both sides of the wheels of small diameter - for easier their movement. This design is convenient for patients with weak hands and after a short workout makes it possible to move quite quickly.
Walkers on wheels for elderly patientsRecommended for walking and for extra leg training. Such designs (rollers, rollators) are equipped with four wheels of larger diameter, which allows you to move as quickly as possible, while maintaining stability. Usually equipped with a brake on the principle of a hand bicycle mechanism.
Models with additional support
It also happens that a person has the desire to get upand move, but conventional constructions with an emphasis at the level of the pelvis do not provide such an opportunity, since they cannot create sufficient support. In such cases, additional elements should be added to support body weight at a higher level.
Walkers, supports for elderly patients with emphasis underthe elbow makes it possible to carry body weight when walking on the forearm. A higher emphasis provides good stability even to severely weakened people.
The emphasis in the axillary region makes it possible to completely relieve the spine and to secure the process of movement as much as possible. Such models are recommended for people with impaired coordination.
Universal walkers and their modifications
Currently, the market offers bothstationary and folding compact models, convenient for storage and transportation. The frame folding mechanism can be present in simple stationary structures, in walking walker options, and in more “advanced” rollators. All of them are easily transformed into a working position and can be quickly prepared for use.
Often for patients with high weight normalAluminum construction is not enough. In such cases, you should choose the option of a more durable frame with enhanced technical characteristics. There are models designed for loads up to 225 kg.
Currently there are comfortable for salewalker for the elderly. The photo of this model is presented above. There are designs with a folding or stationary seat, the front bridge in this case serves as a backrest. Additionally, there may be a table, compartments for storing luggage and transporting a cane.
How to choose a walker for the elderly?
To make the patient feel good for the walker,they must be chosen specifically for him. The correct choice will help make the attending physician familiar with the physiological state and physical health of the patient. Also, assistance can be provided by a qualified specialist of the trading network where it is planned to purchase a walker.
General recommendations boil down to the fact thatstages better fit simple standard models with four legs. It will not be out of place to have in the walker the possibility of installing an additional block of removable supports.
For weak patients it is better to choose designs with wheels on the front legs. If they are removable, it will be even better.
For walking, you should choose rollators with large wheels and a seat for rest. The version with three wheels is less bulky and more mobile, it is well suited for home and for the street.
People with impaired coordination is better to choose a walker support under the elbow or axillary region.
Specifics of choice
The design should be as light as possible.fit the patient's height or be able to make this adjustment. Any walker for the elderly (photo makes it possible to understand the principle of determining the height) should be conveniently fixed in the free down arms.
Handles should be comfortable. Most often they are plastic or rubberized, but for people with excessive sweating of their palms, you need to take care of models with handrails made of porous materials in advance. For patients with arthritis, there are options with thickened handles.
Big wheels of rollers will better cope withrough road. The presence of depreciation in road models will soften the impact on the hands. For movement in the conditions of the room will be enough and small wheels. Their blocking should have a simple mechanism and ensure reliable fixation.
The process load on the frame can correspond to the weight of the patient with a small margin of safety.
Reviews
Nice to read grateful feedback from older peoplewho walkers really benefited from. Basically there is a convenience, ease and practicality of aluminum structures when moving. Regulated walkers for the elderly are in demand. Reviews show that such models are finally adjusted to the patient's height after the start of use.
There are grateful reviews for two-level walkers,helping many on their own to rise. It is nice to know that thanks to the supporting folding structure, an elderly person could go with the children to rest to the sea with their children.
Special thanks from elderly housewives for comfortable seating, compartments for grocery bags and rubber pads on racks that protect the floor.
There are also warnings about the use of wheel models for people after a stroke with a partial loss of motor functions.
It is also justified to complain about the "biting" prices for comfortable structures, but with the proviso that money is not a pity for such a thing.
Benefits
Walkers for the elderly have undeniableadvantage in comparison with other supporting systems. These designs allow you to quickly restore the motor function of a weakened person, help overcome the fear of walking.
Due to the wide base of support walkers are consideredthe safest device to help older people, they give a real sense of self-reliance. Such a means of rehabilitation is definitely more practical than crutches or a cane, and for some patients it allows you to replace a wheelchair.
Using walkers, older people can return to active life, taking walks, doing simple chores, serving themselves.
The task of family members caring for the elderlyrelatives, to choose the right model, to take care of its reliability and safety, to help take the first steps with it, to support mentally and psychologically to adjust the patient.
