Adult Reinterpretation

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Do I Need a Walker?

It’s come that time in your life that you are unable to walk and carry something at the same time, arthritic or joint pain makes standing without help difficult if not impossible. You are losing your equilibrium causing you to have a fear of falling. Your doctor or a family member is suggesting that getting a medical walker can help you with a variety of mobility issues such as orthopedic injuries, osteoporosis and back problems.

Few of us want a walker but think of it as a way to let you perform your daily activities safely and independently. A correctly selected walker will allow you to live your life to your maximum ability. A basic walker is generally made of lightweight metal to be used as a support while walking or assist standing from a chair or car seat.  The selection can be overwhelming since there is a whole world of walkers out there offering many bells and whistles.  Some have wheels on the front, some have wheels on both the front and back, some have forearm supports, and some have folding seats for a quick rest stop while you are out walking.

Your doctor has advised that it is time for a medical walker and you are on Medicare. Will Medicare pay for this new medical walker? Yes and no, and this is where it can become tricky. Medicare will only pay for a walker if you need one to get around inside your home. If you only need your new walker when you go out and about, such as the park or shopping, Medicare will not cover your medical walker. Medicare will not cover anything other than a very basic walker. Want a snazzy color, made out of aluminum that folds up like an umbrella and weighs next to nothing? Medicare will not pay since it is not part of the approved list.

Be a smart shopper! Many times the 20 percent that you must pay for an approved Medicare medical walker is as expensive as one from your favorite local or online Durable Medical Equipment Company.  Medicare will only allow you to purchase a walker every 5 years. The walker that Medicare covers, while it will cover your basic needs, may not offer the look or features you might want for your busy lifestyle and look. Take the time to check out the styles and types offered and compare, talking to the sales representative making sure you find just the right walker for you. Check the weight of the walker to make sure you have quality and lightness. Your whole body will appreciate it.

Before you start looking at all of the different styles and features, you need to be sure you know what size walker works for you.  The most comfortable way to use a walker is when the walker handles are just below the waistline. Handle height adjustments can usually be made on your appropriate sized walker by moving the legs up or down through a push button release. You should stand tall with your walking shoes on, arms relaxed at your sides and look straight ahead. Have another person measure from your wrist crease to the floor to determine what the correct height of your walker should be to fit your body.

Make sure you know your measurements before you purchase your walker. Here are the ranges of sizes you can purchase:
Adult Walkers fit most 5’2” to 5’11”
Tall Walkers fit most 5’11” to 6’4”
Junior Walkers fit most 4’8” to 5’2”
Petite Walkers fit most 4’8” to 5’
Heavy-Duty Walkers for those who need up to 500 pound weight capacity
Bariatric Walkers for those who need up to 1000 pound weight capacity

I hope this has been helpful in considering your first walker. Remember that walkers are a great way to have an independent lifestyle in a manner that’s safe and secure.