A high-quality walker can have a transformative impact on the safety, health, and happiness of your senior loved one. However, it’s so important that you help them find a walker that feels comfortable and inspires joy, not dread. When testing a walker, you can help your loved one evaluate the following aspects:
- Correct Size – Height and Weight
- Comfort
- Ease of Movement
- Compactness
- Lifestyle Suitability
Related Blog: What if Your Parent Refuses to Use a Walker?
1. Correct Size – Height and Weight
Height and weight is the first aspect to consider when testing a walker. A walker that’s too tall or too short can make walking uncomfortable and even unsafe. It’s important to find a walker that fits your loved one’s height perfectly. For walkers or rollators with a seat, it’s important to make sure the height of the seat fits the height of the user in a seated position.
NOVA’s Star series rollators are seat and height adjustable to get the perfect fit. All walkers have a weight capacity that is listed for each model. Be sure your loved one’s weight is below the listed weight capacity. For users that require a more heavy duty walker, NOVA provides models with a 450 lb weight capacity.
Not all walkers are built the same. For instance, at NOVA, we craft walkers that are tailored to a variety of different height profiles so people of all different shapes and sizes can find a model with optimal support and comfort. NOVA Rollators have a height range from 4’10” – 6’4”.
2. Comfort
Comfort is essential for your loved one to use a walker consistently. Unfortunately, too many older adults purchase a walker that doesn’t feel comfortable, and they’re usually discarded only a few days or week after purchasing.
To ensure your loved one’s comfort, it’s important to test and experience the walker thoroughly before purchasing. Only the person actually using the walker, knows how the walker FEELS when they are using it. Help your loved one feel and experience the following features of the walker:
- Grips: Have your loved one feel and engage the grips to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t cause hand or wrist strain. NOVA rollator walkers are outfitted with an ergonomic grip design ideal for long-term use.
- Handbrakes: If you’re testing a rollator, it is essential to test the hand brakes. Have your loved one practice squeezing the hand brakes to see whether the hand motion feels comfortable — you don’t want the brakes to be too firm or too loose. [When you’re test driving a rollator at NOVA partner pharmacies, the staff can often adjust the brakes for you.] Make sure they can confidently and effectively engage the hand brakes to control the speed AND lock the hand brakes to engage the parking brakes.
- Seat: Testing a rollator with a foldable seat, have your loved one put the rollator in a parked position and sit down on it for a few minutes to experience how the seat feels. Be sure to keep the brakes in a locked and parked position for the entire duration of being seated. Keeping the hand brakes locked, be sure to also test getting up from the seat and back in the standing walking position.
Download a copy of NOVA’s Rollator Brochure to learn more about the features and models.
Related Blog: What’s the Difference Between a Walker & Rollator?
3. Ease of Movement
Ease of movement is another crucial factor to consider. Once you’ve found a model with the right height/weight and optimal comfort, it’s time to test how the walker feels in motion.
Just like a pair of shoes, ask your loved one to take the walker for a “test drive” around the store, and make sure you guide them. The walker should not require excessive effort to maneuver, but it should also feel sturdy and supportive.
You loved one should be able to maneuver the walker or rollator with their hands on the hand brakes, looking straight ahead and with good posture. If they need more support and are unable to use the handles, look straight ahead or have a significant hunch or slough, you may consider a Rise Up or Stand Up Rollator with forearm platforms to support the upper body and forward facing posture.
Learn more about Rise Up/Stand Up Rollators.
4. Compactness
A walker that’s easy to fold and store can make it easier for your loved one to get out and about. Try folding the walker and — with permission from the pharmacy staff — try fitting the folded walker into the trunk of your vehicle. That’s the easiest way to make sure the walker fits and can travel with you and your loved one.
Related Blog: The Best NOVA Rollators for a Road Trip
5. Lifestyle Suitability
The best walker for your loved one truly depends on their individual lifestyle and needs. For example, if your loved one travels frequently, they might prefer a compact and lightweight model, while someone who spends a lot of time at home may appreciate features like an attachable tray or cup holder.
Remember: style matters too!
The walker will become a part of your loved one’s daily life, so it should reflect their personality and tastes and bring them joy! NOVA offers walkers in a variety of beautiful styles and accessories that are easy to add on; we make sure there’s a walker for everyone.
Related Blog: Why NOVA Makes Canes and Walkers in a Rainbow of Colors
Where Can You Test a Walker?
There’s no doubt about it: the best way to find the perfect walker for your loved one is to visit a local pharmacy or HME store. In fact, we wrote a whole blog about the benefits of giving a walker an in-store test drive! Our partner stores and pharmacies have an excellent staff that will be able to assist you in finding the perfect walker; plus, they’ll have an excellent selection for you to browse.
You can find a partner pharmacy in your area by using our NOVA dealer locator.
