Balance issues can be quite the hinderance to day to day living. They can make even the simplest tasks like moving around the kitchen, getting the mail and watering plants feel difficult. Introducing a rollator walker to the mix can help a person to move around with much more ease and support which can help them maintain their independence and mobility, leading to an overall healthier life.
Can a rollator walker help with balance issues?
All adults with balance issues can see benefits by participating in regular fitness exercises as prescribed by experts. Also, using a rollator walker means you don’t lose the freedom to go wherever you want to go. All-terrain rollators are “the” way to go!
Using a rollator walker as part of a daily routine can help a person to maintain their independence despite having issues with their balance. It can be quite intimidating to maintain movement with the looming threat of stumbling or falling so the ability to hold onto sturdy handles and use handbrakes as needed will help a person to stay upright even when feeling unsteady on their feet.
What causes poor balance
There are many situations and conditions that can lead to a reduction in one’s ability to maintain their balance without assistance. Although these conditions can occur in people of any age, it’s more common to experience them through age or onset of medical conditions like Parkinson’s, MS or Alzheimer’s.
While this isn’t a complete list, here are a few common causes of poor balance:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- High or low blood pressure
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Arthritis
- Certain medications
- Back issues
- Inner ear problems or infection
- Weakened muscles, especially those in the legs or back
- Broken or healing bones, such as after a hip or knee replacement
Signs it’s time for a rollator walker
Making the decision to start using a cane or rollator walker can be a tough one. Many may think that accepting support may be a sign of weakness or that they’re giving up their independence, however that’s not the case at all. Using a mobility aid can actually help them to stay safe and keep active for much longer than if they refuse the support.
Though there are many reasons a person might decide it’s time to start using a mobility aid like a cane or a walker, there are a few specific signs to keep an eye out for.
Your legs don’t support you
Whether you’re dealing with a broken bone, a wound on your feet or legs, arthritis or are recovering from a surgery like a hip or knee replacement, your legs may struggle to support you. A rollator walker can help provide stability and balance support when your legs aren’t fully able to do their job on their own.
Your balance isn’t very good
Standing and walking without assistance can become more difficult as you age. If you’re finding that your balance isn’t what it used to be and that walking from one spot to the next is becoming more of a struggle, a rollator walker can help.
You get tired easily
The built-in seat that comes standard on most rollator walkers will allow users to take breaks whenever they need it, without having to search for a bench or chair.
You’ve fallen before
After a fall it can be intimidating to continue to move around freely. Using a rollator walker for support can improve a user’s confidence and overall ability to get around, without the fear of falling.
You want to maintain independence
When your balance starts becoming an issue, it can be hard to continue with the things you used to be able to do on your own. Whether it’s walking from the couch to the bathroom, going for a walk around your neighbourhood or going to the store for groceries, using a rollator walker can help you maintain your active lifestyle and hold onto your independence.
A rollator walker isn’t a sign of weakness
Although making the shift from walking and moving independently to relying on a mobility aid for support can be an intimidating one, it might actually prove to be the best decision one could make. A tool that can help you maintain your balance while you live your day-to-day life can help you carry on with an active and mobile lifestyle for years to come.
