Let’s be honest: A walker is not a simple purchase. For so many people, buying a walker is a difficult and highly emotional step on their life journey.
Unfortunately, walkers (and other mobility aids) are a bit stigmatized, and your loved one might feel sad or ashamed about purchasing one. They may be in denial.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Buying a walker can actually be a tremendously positive experience that’s full of joy and hope. You only need to understand the different types of walkers on the market and how to help your loved one find the perfect choice.
5 Tips for Choosing a Walker
Follow these 5 guidelines to find the perfect walker for your loved one:
- Always shop in-store so you can go for test drive and ask questions
- Make sure the walker suits your loved one’s height and weight
- Make sure the walker is suited for your loved one’s lifestyle
- Make sure your loved one likes the feel of the walker
- Make sure your loved one likes the style of the walker
1. Shop In-Store
When you’re shopping for a new walker, the most important guideline is that you shop in-store, for the optional experience.
At NOVA, we’re always saying that a walker is like a car or pair of shoes; you really need to try it out before you purchase so you know that it feels right.
Online shopping does not give your loved one the opportunity to give walkers a test drive and CHOOSE the one they want, and this could cause your loved one to not use the walker at all.
When you shop for a walker in-store, your loved one can discover just how easy they are to use, choose one that feels right for them, which can help your loved one feel better about buying one. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the staff at your local pharmacy or HME store will be able to assist you!
Be sure to ask these questions at the store when choosing your walker:
- Could you show me how to lower the seat and on this rollator so getting on and off the seat feels comfortable?
- Can you help me adjust the height of the walker so I’m walking with good posture?
- Can you show me how this walker folds?
- Can we give this walker a test drive around the store?
- Can you show me how to get my walker in and out of the car?
- Does this walker have a warranty or parts servicing?
- What colors does this walker come in?
- Are there accessories that work well with this walker?
2. Height & Weight
The walker you choose should match your loved one’s height and weight.
If your loved one is very tall, then they might need a taller walker. Or, if your loved one is very heavy then they might need a heavy duty walker. And so on…
Look for an adjustable walker that will conform to the build of your loved one, and not the other way around.
If you’re going to buy a rollator, don’t forget to try out the resting seat to make sure it will support your loved one’s weight, and also to make sure your loved one can both sit down and rise up comfortably.
Related Blog: Find Your Perfect Fit: Types of Canes for Every Need
3. Match Your Loved One’s Lifestyle
Think about your loved one’s lifestyle, and also what their lifestyle might become once they have a walker and can move around a little easier…
Now, look for a walker that’s suitable for that type of lifestyle.
- Indoors vs. Outdoors: Does your loved one enjoy going outdoors? If so, then you should look for a walker that’s built for outdoor use. These walkers have larger, rugged wheels. A rollator with 8” wheels might also be a good option!
- Seat and Storage: Having a seat on your walker means you have the confidence to know that you can sit, rest and rejuvenate anywhere you are and anywhere you go. Having storage with your walker allows you to take what you need… phone, sweater, books, etc. wherever you go.
- Travel: Will your loved one be traveling frequently? If so, good! Walkers are meant for travel and they are foldable, compact and easy to get in and out of the car and also to travel with on planes, trains and boats.
4. How Does the Walker Feel?
Walkers are made in all sorts of different builds, models and styles. The only way to find the perfect fit and feel is to let your loved one try out different models.
Have you ever gone shopping for a car? You can look at the vehicle specs, or browse images of the car online, or look at customer reviews. But you won’t know for sure that the car is right for you until you get behind the wheel and give it a spin.
It’s the same process with walkers!
Sometimes a walker might have all the right specifications, but it just doesn’t feel right to your loved one. To find the perfect walker, your loved one will need to test drive a few different models.
Related Blog: The Benefits of Taking Your Mobility Walker for a Test Drive
5. Style and Accessories
There’s nothing fun about the standard, gray walker. It’s a little drab and definitely contributes to the stigma surrounding walkers.
To help your loved one overcome that stigma, it’s best to shop for walkers that are made with a little more style. A walker should feel less like a mobility aid and more of a fashion statement!
For example, NOVA offers a variety of walkers and rollators that come in different colors and styles so your loved one can pick one that best suits their personality. This makes shopping for and using a walker so much more enjoyable for your loved one!
Related Blog: Empowering Individuality: NOVA’s Inclusive Mobility Solutions
Choose Your Walker at a SuperNOVA Dealer
So now you know how to choose a walker; but where’s the best place to go shopping for walkers?
As we mentioned before, it’s always best to shop for a walker in-store at a local pharmacy or home medical equipment retailer. NOVA has a wide network of partner pharmacies that not only offer beautiful, high-quality walkers, but also have amazing staff that are trained to assist you in finding the perfect fit.
You can use our NOVA dealer locator to find one of our NOVA partners in your area. Soon, we’ll be launching our NOVA Test Drive program where you can visit one of these local pharmacies and give our walkers a test drive! There’s no better way to find a walker that your loved one will enjoy and continue using in their day-to-day life.
Do you own a local pharmacy or HME store? Learn the benefits of joining the NOVA network, our ecosystem of care that connects customers with independent stores just like yours.
